France is unquestionably the homeland of luxury barge cruising. The beautiful European country has a plethora of waterways that pass through the breathtaking countryside and many of the country’s historic towns & cities. Burgundy, located in the east-central region of France may not be the most popular destination in the country, however, that does not make it any less spectacular. We can assure you that Burgundy will not disappoint.


The Burgundy Region is known to be home to some of the finest wines in the world. And with a total of 33 Grand Cru vineyards in Burgundy. The glorious waterways such as the Canal du Centre and the Canal de Bourgogne run through the 60,000 acres of vineyards to create some of the most picturesque scenery in Europe. En route, you will also wind through medieval towns, elegant chateaus, UNESCO sites, magnificent cathedrals, The old capital of the Dukes of Burgundy Dijon and so many more fantastic sightseeing opportunities.


We offer barge cruises across the whole of burgundy, with each divide offering its own uniqueness and charm. Our burgundy cruises are the perfect place to take in glorious scenery and offer you the opportunity to explore the cuisines and wine that the region has to offer.


Burgundy Barge Cruise Highlights


Our Burgundy barge cruises pass through many of the vast waterways of the beautiful east-central region of France. The region is full of historic towns and cities that you will have the chance to explore and experience. The area truly does have some of the most beautiful scenery that France has to offer.


Taking a barge cruise down the waterways of burgundy is truly an unforgettable experience. The area boasts some of the most impressive vineyards in the world and the magical waterways flow straight through them, offering a hugely unique glimpse at the vast vineyards.


Our barge cruises travel to every corner of the region stopping at the many mediaeval towns, elegant chateaux, stunning cathedrals, picturesque villages and local markets to give you the full burgundy experience. We do not doubt that you will fall into the love story that is Burgundy.

Guests are met at our meeting point in Paris** and transferred by private chauffeured minibus to the pretty L’Art de Vivre. Following a champagne welcome, you are free to explore the medieval town of Auxerre or take a stroll along the banks of the River Yonne before returning for dinner on board.

Our morning cruise starts early and takes us through some delightful locks and past vineyard-clad hillsides to our rural mooring at Vincelles. Following lunch on board, we head to the quarry of Aubigny, a subterranean wonderland of stonework which is famous for the limestone used on buildings such as the Paris Opera House, here we explore this uniquely atmospheric underground space. Afterwards, we visit the cellars of Bailly-Lapierre, also carved out of the rock, to taste some their sparkling Crémant de Bourgogne. Dinner on board.

Following an early breakfast, we discover the medieval town of Auxerre. Later, we tour the centre of what was originally the capital of Lower Burgundy, with its lavish Renaissance houses, fine churches and particularly its magnificent cathedral situated close to the river. We then return to the hotel barge for a cruise southward through rich pasturelands and past grazing Charolais cattle, to the sleepy village of Mailly-la-Ville. After your relaxed lunch on board, perhaps this is a good time to enjoy a walk or bicycle ride along the towpath. Dinner on board.

This morning, after a leisurely breakfast, we head to the celebrated wine village of Chablis. After viewing the vineyards, we make a private visit to the prestigious Domaine Laroche for a wine-tasting, followed by a tour of the 1000 years old Obédiencerie; originally part of the monastery of St. Martin, this is where the monks developed the craft of winemaking in the Middle Ages and to this day it remains the location for aging the wines. Lunch will be served by a private chef in the Domaine’s dining hall. Later in the afternoon we return to the barge to cruise past the cliffs at Le Saussois, a stunning natural setting with an international climbing centre. There will also be the opportunity to enjoy delightful walks or bicycle rides along the towpath. Dinner onboard.

Our morning cruise is through the picturesque Yonne Valley to our mooring at Lucy-sur-Yonne. After lunch on board, we enjoy an excursion to the pilgrimage town of Vézelay, one of Burgundy’s most famous treasures with the Romanesque Basilica of St Mary Magdalene, craft shops and fine views of the surrounding countryside. Dinner on board.

A morning cruise through beautiful countryside takes us to our final mooring at the pretty canalside village of Chevroches, where we’ll visit the elegant Château de Bazoches, built in the 12th century and whose illustrious visitors included Richard the Lionheart. The château was later remodelled by Maréchal Vauban and there are wonderful views from its elevated hillside setting. After lunch, enjoy an afternoon at leisure – perfect for a bicycle ride, or a walk along the towpaths before the Captain’s Farewell Dinner on board.

After breakfast, guests are transferred to Paris

This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change. On alternate weeks, the cruise will be in the reverse direction.

Cabin

€6,190 EUR pp
Cabin
The comfortable, compact cabins all have modern en-suite facilities and the delightful saloon combines contemporary leather with more traditional furnishings.

Cabin

€6,190 EUR pp
Cabin
The comfortable, compact cabins all have modern en-suite facilities and the delightful saloon combines contemporary leather with more traditional furnishings.

Cabin

€6,190 EUR pp
Cabin
The comfortable, compact cabins all have modern en-suite facilities and the delightful saloon combines contemporary leather with more traditional furnishings.

Cabin

€6,190 EUR pp
Cabin
The comfortable, compact cabins all have modern en-suite facilities and the delightful saloon combines contemporary leather with more traditional furnishings.

Cabin

€5,350 EUR pp
Cabin
The comfortable, compact cabins all have modern en-suite facilities and the delightful saloon combines contemporary leather with more traditional furnishings.

Cabin

€5,350 EUR pp
Cabin
The comfortable, compact cabins all have modern en-suite facilities and the delightful saloon combines contemporary leather with more traditional furnishings.

Cabin

€5,350 EUR pp
Cabin
The comfortable, compact cabins all have modern en-suite facilities and the delightful saloon combines contemporary leather with more traditional furnishings.

Cabin

€5,350 EUR pp
Cabin
The comfortable, compact cabins all have modern en-suite facilities and the delightful saloon combines contemporary leather with more traditional furnishings.

Cabin

€5,350 EUR pp
Cabin
The comfortable, compact cabins all have modern en-suite facilities and the delightful saloon combines contemporary leather with more traditional furnishings.

Cabin

€5,350 EUR pp
Cabin
The comfortable, compact cabins all have modern en-suite facilities and the delightful saloon combines contemporary leather with more traditional furnishings.

Cabin

€6,190 EUR pp
Cabin
The comfortable, compact cabins all have modern en-suite facilities and the delightful saloon combines contemporary leather with more traditional furnishings.

Cabin

€6,190 EUR pp
Cabin
The comfortable, compact cabins all have modern en-suite facilities and the delightful saloon combines contemporary leather with more traditional furnishings.

Cabin

€6,190 EUR pp
Cabin
The comfortable, compact cabins all have modern en-suite facilities and the delightful saloon combines contemporary leather with more traditional furnishings.

Cabin

€6,190 EUR pp
Cabin
The comfortable, compact cabins all have modern en-suite facilities and the delightful saloon combines contemporary leather with more traditional furnishings.

Cabin

€6,190 EUR pp
Cabin
The comfortable, compact cabins all have modern en-suite facilities and the delightful saloon combines contemporary leather with more traditional furnishings.

Cabin

€6,190 EUR pp
Cabin
The comfortable, compact cabins all have modern en-suite facilities and the delightful saloon combines contemporary leather with more traditional furnishings.

Cabin

€6,190 EUR pp
Cabin
The comfortable, compact cabins all have modern en-suite facilities and the delightful saloon combines contemporary leather with more traditional furnishings.

Cabin

€6,190 EUR pp
Cabin
The comfortable, compact cabins all have modern en-suite facilities and the delightful saloon combines contemporary leather with more traditional furnishings.

Cabin

€6,190 EUR pp
Cabin
The comfortable, compact cabins all have modern en-suite facilities and the delightful saloon combines contemporary leather with more traditional furnishings.

Cabin

€5,350 EUR pp
Cabin
The comfortable, compact cabins all have modern en-suite facilities and the delightful saloon combines contemporary leather with more traditional furnishings.

Cabin. From

€6,150 EUR pp
Cabin. From
The comfortable cabin accommodation comprises two junior suites and four staterooms and a choice of twin or double beds, all with marble en-suite facilities.

Cabin. From

€6,150 EUR pp
Cabin. From
The comfortable cabin accommodation comprises two junior suites and four staterooms and a choice of twin or double beds, all with marble en-suite facilities.

Cabin. From

€6,150 EUR pp
Cabin. From
The comfortable cabin accommodation comprises two junior suites and four staterooms and a choice of twin or double beds, all with marble en-suite facilities.

Cabin. From

€6,150 EUR pp
Cabin. From
The comfortable cabin accommodation comprises two junior suites and four staterooms and a choice of twin or double beds, all with marble en-suite facilities.

Cabin. From

€7,190 EUR pp
Cabin. From
The comfortable cabin accommodation comprises two junior suites and four staterooms and a choice of twin or double beds, all with marble en-suite facilities.

Cabin. From

€7,190 EUR pp
Cabin. From
The comfortable cabin accommodation comprises two junior suites and four staterooms and a choice of twin or double beds, all with marble en-suite facilities.

Cabin. From

€7,190 EUR pp
Cabin. From
The comfortable cabin accommodation comprises two junior suites and four staterooms and a choice of twin or double beds, all with marble en-suite facilities.

Cabin. From

€7,190 EUR pp
Cabin. From
The comfortable cabin accommodation comprises two junior suites and four staterooms and a choice of twin or double beds, all with marble en-suite facilities.

Cabin. From

€7,190 EUR pp
Cabin. From
The comfortable cabin accommodation comprises two junior suites and four staterooms and a choice of twin or double beds, all with marble en-suite facilities.

Cabin. From

€7,190 EUR pp
Cabin. From
The comfortable cabin accommodation comprises two junior suites and four staterooms and a choice of twin or double beds, all with marble en-suite facilities.

Cabin. From

€7,190 EUR pp
Cabin. From
The comfortable cabin accommodation comprises two junior suites and four staterooms and a choice of twin or double beds, all with marble en-suite facilities.

Cabin. From

€7,190 EUR pp
Cabin. From
The comfortable cabin accommodation comprises two junior suites and four staterooms and a choice of twin or double beds, all with marble en-suite facilities.

Cabin. From

€7,190 EUR pp
Cabin. From
The comfortable cabin accommodation comprises two junior suites and four staterooms and a choice of twin or double beds, all with marble en-suite facilities.

Cabin. From

€7,190 EUR pp
Cabin. From
The comfortable cabin accommodation comprises two junior suites and four staterooms and a choice of twin or double beds, all with marble en-suite facilities.

Cabin. From

€7,190 EUR pp
Cabin. From
The comfortable cabin accommodation comprises two junior suites and four staterooms and a choice of twin or double beds, all with marble en-suite facilities.

Cabin. From

€6,150 EUR pp
Cabin. From
The comfortable cabin accommodation comprises two junior suites and four staterooms and a choice of twin or double beds, all with marble en-suite facilities.

Cabin. From

€6,150 EUR pp
Cabin. From
The comfortable cabin accommodation comprises two junior suites and four staterooms and a choice of twin or double beds, all with marble en-suite facilities.

Cabin. From

€6,150 EUR pp
Cabin. From
The comfortable cabin accommodation comprises two junior suites and four staterooms and a choice of twin or double beds, all with marble en-suite facilities.

Cabin. From

€6,150 EUR pp
Cabin. From
The comfortable cabin accommodation comprises two junior suites and four staterooms and a choice of twin or double beds, all with marble en-suite facilities.

Cabin. From

€6,150 EUR pp
Cabin. From
The comfortable cabin accommodation comprises two junior suites and four staterooms and a choice of twin or double beds, all with marble en-suite facilities.

Cabin. From

€6,150 EUR pp
Cabin. From
The comfortable cabin accommodation comprises two junior suites and four staterooms and a choice of twin or double beds, all with marble en-suite facilities.

Cabin. From

€7,190 EUR pp
Cabin. From
The comfortable cabin accommodation comprises two junior suites and four staterooms and a choice of twin or double beds, all with marble en-suite facilities.

Cabin. From

€7,190 EUR pp
Cabin. From
The comfortable cabin accommodation comprises two junior suites and four staterooms and a choice of twin or double beds, all with marble en-suite facilities.

Cabin. From

€7,190 EUR pp
Cabin. From
The comfortable cabin accommodation comprises two junior suites and four staterooms and a choice of twin or double beds, all with marble en-suite facilities.

Cabin. From

€7,190 EUR pp
Cabin. From
The comfortable cabin accommodation comprises two junior suites and four staterooms and a choice of twin or double beds, all with marble en-suite facilities.

Cabin. From

€7,190 EUR pp
Cabin. From
The comfortable cabin accommodation comprises two junior suites and four staterooms and a choice of twin or double beds, all with marble en-suite facilities.

Cabin. From

€7,190 EUR pp
Cabin. From
The comfortable cabin accommodation comprises two junior suites and four staterooms and a choice of twin or double beds, all with marble en-suite facilities.

Cabin. From

€7,190 EUR pp
Cabin. From
The comfortable cabin accommodation comprises two junior suites and four staterooms and a choice of twin or double beds, all with marble en-suite facilities.

Cabin. From

€7,190 EUR pp
Cabin. From
The comfortable cabin accommodation comprises two junior suites and four staterooms and a choice of twin or double beds, all with marble en-suite facilities.

Cabin. From

€7,190 EUR pp
Cabin. From
The comfortable cabin accommodation comprises two junior suites and four staterooms and a choice of twin or double beds, all with marble en-suite facilities.

Cabin. From

€6,150 EUR pp
Cabin. From
The comfortable cabin accommodation comprises two junior suites and four staterooms and a choice of twin or double beds, all with marble en-suite facilities.

Vessel Type: Hotel Barge

Length: 100 feet

Passenger Capacity: 8

L’Art de Vivre is the oldest vessel in the collection, originally built as a World War One supply barge before beginning her far gentler life on the Canal du Nivernais. She retains a traditional character with original wood and brass details, compact cabins with modern en suites, and a saloon that blends period features with contemporary touches. The atmosphere is warm and intimate rather than polished or formal, aligning with the barge’s heritage and the slow rhythm of the canal. A sun deck and spa pool provide simple outdoor comfort as the landscape drifts past.

Her route through Burgundy offers a quiet, pastoral experience shaped by medieval towns, rolling hills and long-established vineyards. Excursions include private tastings in Chablis, visits to hilltop Vézelay and Château de Bazoches, and time to explore the towpath on foot or by bicycle. The cruise moves at a measured pace, emphasising scenery, history and regional food and wine, making L’Art de Vivre a purposeful choice for travellers seeking a traditional barge with a strong sense of place.

Cabin layout for L'Art de Vivre

Vessel Type: Hotel Barge

Length: 126 feet

Passenger Capacity: 12

La Belle Epoque traces the Burgundy Canal at a slow, steady pace through rolling hills and mediaeval villages. Originally a working vessel transporting timber from Burgundy to Paris, she now carries a small number of guests in a completely reimagined interior. The saloon and dining room are lined with wood panelling and furnished with hand-built seating, while the sun deck offers open space, loungers and a spa pool. Guided excursions range from abbeys and châteaux to vineyard tastings, each tying the cruise back to the region’s long history.

Accommodation consists of two junior suites and four staterooms, each with marble en suite bathrooms and either twin or double bedding. The route keeps a towpath beside the vessel for most of the journey, making walking or cycling easy at any point. La Belle Epoque suits travellers wanting a quiet, detailed exploration of Burgundy’s landscapes, wine traditions and heritage sites.

Cabin layout for La Belle Epoque

Inclusions


• All meals catered for by our on board Master Chef
• Good regional wines served throughout the cruise
• An open bar with a large selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks
• Chauffeured and guided sightseeing
• Use of all barge facilities such as bicycles
• Some barges also have an on-deck jacuzzy
• Local transfers to your barge are included and we will advise you of your meeting point at time of booking
• On our Family Charter Cruises equipment for babies and children will be included on most vessels; cribs, travel cot, high chair, car seats, toys, children bicycles and baby bicycle seats.

Exclusions


• Service charge is not included in the cruise fare
• Tipping is entirely discretionary but is greatly appreciated by the crew if you would like to acknowledge recognition for the standard of service provided. As a guideline, the recommended industry standard is between 5 and 10% of the cruise fare if you are fully satisfied with the service you have received.
7 Days from
€765 EUR per day

Highlights

• You will travel through the stunning waterways of this stunning region passing through stunning vineyards, towns and cities.

• You will visit a plethora of phenomenal locations that are both beautiful and steeped in history.

• During the week you will get the opportunity to try some of the finest cuisines and wines that the world has to offer.

or call us on

NZ Freephone
0800 945 3327

AUS Freephone
1800 107 715

to help you make your reservation

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