Embark on a seven-day private trip of discovery through an area rich in traditions and history dating back generations as you cruise along the Burgundy Canal past wineries and lovely scenery. Relax on the deck of La Belle Epoque, if you prefer, as you take in the sights of Burgundy's charming villages while strolling or riding the towpath. Explore the historic Noyers-Sur-Serein, where you may sample the French market's native foods, colors, and joys. The hilltop village of Flavigny-sur-Ozerain or the medieval town of Semur-en-Auxois can be explored by foot or by car, respectively. Before returning to Paris, take a tour to Chablis and sample some of Domaine Jean-Marc Brocard's high-quality wines.
Highlights
Visit the beautiful Abbaye de Fontenay, a UNESCO World Heritage site with your private group of up to 12 guests
Wander the streets of Noyers-sur-Serein, one of the most beautiful villages in Burgundy
Tour the village of Flavigny sur Ozerain, the location of the film ‘Chocolat’
Enjoy a private wine tasting of Chablis wines in the cellars of a renowned Domaine
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
Guests are picked up in Paris and transferred to La Belle Epoque by a private chauffeured minibus. The crew welcomes guests with champagne and canapés. After you settle into your cabin, have your first dinner on board with Burgundy’s delicious cuisine.
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast, then cruise through woodlands and rolling fields with great towpath biking and walking opportunities past the tiny canalside villages of Nogent, Courcelles, and Les Granges. After an early lunch, visit the moat-encircled Château de Commarin to be treated to a private demonstration of the medieval sport of falconry. The close-up encounter with these majestic birds against the backdrop of the castle grounds is an amazing experience. Afterward, meet Count Bertrand de Vogue, the current resident and 26th generation of the de Vogue family to maintain continuous residence since the 13th century, who then gives a fascinating insight into the Château’s history, followed by a private tour of the building. Dinner on board.
As you pass through the 18th-century Forges de Buffon, you can enjoy yourself while walking or riding bikes along the towpath nearby. After lunch, be escorted to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Abbaye de Fontenay, constructed by St. Bernard in 1118. This was one of the first French monuments that distinguished Abbey's exceptional interest and its natural environment. Speaking to an unmistakable case of early Cistercian design. Fontenay permits an outstanding look at Cistercian life and industry with its peaceful gardens, ponds, fascinating cloisters, dormitories, and scriptorium for all intents and purposes in place. Dinner served on board.
A truly special day lies ahead. Following breakfast aboard, head to Les Riceys, the only wine-growing area of the Champagne region to have 3 Appellation d’Origine Contrôlées. Here visit the Maison Alexandre Bonnet for a private champagne tasting, a family-owned Champagne house renowned for a stunning yearly harvest of Pinot Noir that leads to some utterly exquisite vintages. After you’ve tasted an array of champagnes, take a short drive to Château de Ricey-Bas; with its 12th-century vaulted cellars and thousand-year history, it’s the ideal location to appreciate the rolling vineyards and enjoy a glimpse of family life in a rural château. Be greeted for a Champagne aperitif and a gourmet lunch with the Baroness herself, which you take in either the private salon or the atmospheric vaulted 13th-century kitchen. Spend the remainder of the afternoon strolling the beautiful gardens or exploring the regal château interiors. Upon your return to the barge, begin your cruise to Ancy-le-Franc, plenty of opportunities to walk or cycle along the towpath or sit on the deck with another glass of bubbly! Dinner on board.
Visit Château d’Ancy-le-Franc, a picturesque place for lovers of history, art, and beautiful stonework. Château d’Ancy-le-Franc is a masterpiece from the 16th century that contains the biggest collection of Renaissance murals, situated in stunning gardens and parklands. La Belle Epoque continues cruising along the Burgundy canal and goes down through the picture-perfect locks to moor at Lezinnes. Dinner served on board.
After breakfast, enjoy a leisurely cruise to your final mooring at Tanlay, with the opportunity to cycle or walk into the picturesque village of Saint Vinnemer. Following lunch, visit the town of Chablis, dating back to Roman times, and enjoy a private wine tasting at the prestigious Domaine Laroche. There, also see the 1000-year-old Obediencerie, originally part of the monastery of St Martin, the founders of Chablis, where the domaine’s wines have been aged for centuries. Later return to the barge for the Captain’s Farewell Dinner on board.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$72,500
or $6,042 per person based on 12 max passengers
Select a Date
Staterooms
125 - 130 sq. ft. featuring twin or double beds, private bathroom with shower, wardrobe and a small table.
Select a Date
Junior Suites
150 - 165 sq. ft. featuring win or double beds, private bathroom with shower, wardrobe and a small table.
Notes
- All children under the age of 18 years accepted onboard qualify for a discount of $300 per child per week.
Initial deposit is 25%, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 100 days prior to departure by Credit card, check, and bank transfer. All final payments by credit card subject to a surcharge of 2.5% and maximum of $20,000 charge
The trip was terrific with great planning on your part. Most of the adventures were not mainstream and somewhat off the beaten path which made it especially enjoyable!! We felt taken care of and you all were readily available to respond to questions and issues. I would highly recommend your company and friends have already expressed interest based on our pictures and excitement.
Gale Cantor
TrustScore 4.8 | 188 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 188 reviews on
7 hours ago
Cheska is a great asset for your company she is very knowledgeable and pleasant to work with
Susan Johnson
1 day ago
Adventure Life set us up with great guides and locations, seamless transportation, and good advice. Will work with them again. Thanks
Scott Sepsy
3 days ago
Amazing trip and the best customer service
Liz
4 days ago
Hannah and Nur got the gist of what we wanted our trip to be. They got us in hotels that were located centrally to historic tours. Tours and excursions that were significant, enriching and enjoyable. We had drivers that were on time/reliable. We got from location to location with ease. I would never have been able to plan this myself. I would not have known enough to ask for what we needed. This was above and beyond what I expected. Well done!
Kelly Mattingly
5 days ago
This is at least the fifth trip we have booked with AdventureLife. Jess has always had excellent ideas.