LA BELLE EPOQUE ITINERARY

POUILLENAY to TONNERRE

Sunday, Day 1 Montbard to Pouillenay

Guests are met at the Montbard TGV station at 18.04 or Hotel in Montbard at 18.30 and transferred to the barge in a private air-conditioned minibus moored in Pouillenay. A full crew Welcome Aboard with champagne and canapés. After time to settle into your cabin you are invited to join us for a first dinner aboard and introduction to Burgundy’s excellent cuisine.

Monday, Day 2 Pouillenay to Venarey les Laumes

Wake to the aromas of ground coffee and French patisseries, enjoy a leisurely breakfast and morning cruise through deep Burgundian countryside. After lunch we drive you to the exquisite World Heritage Unesco site of Abbey de Fontenay founded by St Bernard in 1118. Representing a distinctive example of early Cistercian architecture and virtually intact, Fontenay allows an exceptional glimpse of early Cistercian life and industry with its peaceful gardens and ponds and fascinating cloisters, dormitories and scriptorium. Dinner aboard.

Tuesday, Day 3 Venarey Les Laumes to Buffon

Morning stroll around the hilltop village of Flavigny sur Ozerain, where the film Chocolat was filmed. On the way, from the summit of Mt Auxois, we look at Alesia, the last battle site between the Gaulles and Romans that took place in 52 BC. We cruise through the market town of Montbard to the stone steps of the Forges de Buffon, founded in 1768 by 18th century naturalist Georges-Louis de Buffon. We wander around the forge and see various examples of early Industrial Revolution engineering on the banks of the tiny yet powerful Armancon River, whose power was harnessed to run the forge. Dinner ashore in Semur-en-Auxois.

Wednesday, Day 4 Buffon to Ancy le Franc

Morning visit to Noyers to enjoy the vegetables, cheeses, colors and delights of the local market. Returning to the barge we enjoy a lazy cruise gently down to Ancy le Franc with plenty of opportunity to wander or cycle as the vessel descends through the locks. Before dinner, wander around the village and across to the 16th century Renaissance Chateau d’Ancy le Franc. Dinner aboard.

Thursday, Day 5 Ancy le Franc to Tanlay

Morning cruise through woodlands and rolling fields with great towpath biking and walking opportunities past the tiny canalside villages of Lezinnes, Argentenay and Saint Vinnemer. During the afternoon we visit the vineyards and town of Chablis, dating back to Roman times. We enjoy a private wine tasting at Saint Bris le Vineaux in the Bersan cellars before returning for dinner aboard.

Friday, Day 6 Tanlay to Tonnerre

Morning walk across to the 16th century Renaissance-style Chateau de Tanlay, nestling serenely within this picturesque village, which also boasts a challenging 9 hole golf course. Our cruise after lunch takes us to our final destination of Tonnerre. Captain’s Farewell Dinner aboard.

Saturday, Day 7 Tonnerre

After breakfast, disembark the barge and transfer to Montbard railway station in time for the 11.28am train to Paris Gare de Lyon.

NOTES: IF YOU ARE TAKING THE TGV OUR REPRESENTATIVE WILL BE AT PARIS GARE DE LYON TGV STATION ON SUNDAY FROM 16:30 TO ASSIST GUESTS WITH THE TGV. Recommended Trains to book in advance: Paris Gare de Lyon-Montbard (TGV) Train #6789 depart Paris Gare de Lyon at 16:58hrs arriving in Montbard at 18:04hrs. End of cruise Montbard-Paris (TGV) Train #6714 Saturday depart 11:28hrs arrive Paris Gare de Lyon at 12:37hrs