dossier

La Belle Epoque - Burgundy

Day 1: PARIS TO AUXERRE
Guests are met in Paris at 1:30 pm and transferred to the elegant La Belle Epoque. Following a Champagne Welcome, explore the medieval town of Auxerre with its cathedral before returning for dinner aboard.

Day 2: AUXERRE TO VINCELLES
Our morning cruise takes us past vineyard-clad hillside to Vincelles where we moor in rural bliss. The afternoon excursion is to St Bris with its extraordinary network of medieval passages beneath the town. A wine tasting introduces you to the outstanding Chardonnay and Pinot Noir in the 12th century cellars of Monsieur Bersan. Dinner aboard.

Day 3: VINCELLES TO VERMENTON
The morning excursion to the town of Auxerre allows us to discover the medieval town centre. Originally the capital of Lower Burgundy, Auxerre prides itself on a collection of fine churches, half-timbered buildings and great shopping. During the afternoon we cruise through rich pasture lands and past grazing white Charolais cattle to Vermenton. Dinner ashore in a local auberge.

Day 4: VERMENTON TO MAILLY-LE-CHATEAU
We take a morning cruise southwards toward the Yonne Valley past dramatic steep cliffs to the market town of Mailly. In the afternoon we enjoy an excursion to Vezelay, one of Burgundy's most famous treasures with the Roman Basilica of St. Mary craft shops and fine views of the surrounding countryside. Dinner aboard.

Day 5: MAILLY-LE-CHATEAU TO CHATEL CENSOIR
In the morning we cruise past the Saussois cliffs where an international climbing center creates a spectacular setting to Lucy sur Yonne. We take an excursion to the 18th century Ferme de Miserey where traditional farming methods are explained and a foie gras tasting is accompanied by a noble Chablis. Dinner aboard.

Day 6: CHATEL CENSOIR TO CLAMECY
A morning cruise through beautiful countryside towards Clmenecy, where there is time to wander through the narrow streets lined with ancient buildings. In the afternoon we visit the Chateau of Bazoches, home of Marechal Vauban, whose illustrious visitors included Richard the Lionheart. Captain's Farewell Dinner.

Day 7: CLAMECY TO PARIS
After breakfast, we return you to the meeting point, at Hotel Ampere, Paris, at approximately 1pm

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