La Belle Epoque and L'Art de Vivre Tandem cruise itinerary

for groups of 14-21 people
Burgundy, France

Sunday, Day 1 Paris to Auxerre Guests are met in Paris at 1:30 PM and transferred to the elegant La Belle Époque and L’Art de Vivre. Following a Champagne Welcome on board La Belle Epoque where both barge Captains and crew welcome you, 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 aboard. Monday, 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. Tuesday, 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. During the afternoon we cruise through rich pasturelands and past grazing Charolais cattle to Vermenton. Dinner ashore in a local auberge. Wednesday, Day 4 Vermenton to Mailly le château We take a morning cruise southwards through the Yonne valley past dramatic steep cliffs to the market town of Mailly. In the afternoon we enjoy an excursion to Vézelay, one of Burgundy’s most famous treasures with the Roman Basilica of St Mary Magdalene, craft shops and fine views of the surrounding countryside. Dinner aboard. Thursday, Day 5 Mailly le château to Lucy sur Yonne In the morning we cruise past the Saussois cliffs where an international climbing centre 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. Friday, Day 6 Lucy sur Yonne to Clamecy A morning cruise through beautiful countryside towards Clamecy, 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 Maréchal Vauban, whose illustrious visitors included Richard the Lionheart. Joint Cocktail Party on the deck of La Belle Epoque before Captain’s farewell dinner aboard Saturday, Day 7 Clamecy to Paris Disembark after breakfast, and then return to Paris. On alternative weeks the cruise is in reverse direction.
This itinerary is subject to change