Art de Vivre Standard Barge Cruise Itinerary

French Hotel Barge L’Art de Vivre cruises one of France’s longest-established canals, the Canal du Nivernais in Burgundy. This region of Burgundy with its charming villages and centuries-old history is truly fascinating.

Map – Canal du Nivernais, France

Sunday, Day 1 – Auxerre

Guests are met at the designated meeting point in Paris and transferred to the barge moored in Auxerre, Burgundy. Following a champagne welcome, enjoy exploring medieval Auxerre or strolling the Yonne riverbank before dinner on board.

Monday, Day 2 – Auxerre to Vincelles

Our morning cruise starts early and takes us through some delightful locks and past vineyard-clad hillsides to our rural mooring at Vincelles. Lunch on board. This afternoon, we explore the atmospheric Aubigny Quarry, a subterranean wonderland that famously provided stone for building the Paris Opera House. Next, we visit the Bailly-Lapierre cellars, also carved from rock, to taste their sparkling Crémant de Bourgogne. Dinner on board.

Tuesday, Day 3 – Vincelles to Mailly-la-Ville

Following an early breakfast, we discover the medieval town of Auxerre. Later, we tour the original Lower Burgundy capital, admiring its Renaissance homes, fine churches, and stunning riverside cathedral. 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.

Wednesday, Day 4 – Mailly-la-Ville to Le Saussois

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.

Thursday, Day 5 – Le Saussois to Lucy-sur-Yonne

Today’s cruise takes us through the picturesque Yonne Valley to our mooring at Lucy-sur-Yonne. After lunch on board, we take a private tour of the elegant Château de Bazoches, which was 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. Here we are also treated to a private demonstration of the medieval sport of falconry (weather dependent). The close-up encounter with these majestic birds in the castle grounds is an amazing experience. Dinner on board.

Friday, Day 6 – Lucy-sur-Yonne to Chevroches

This morning, we enjoy an excursion to the pilgrimage town of Vézelay, one of Burgundy’s most famous treasures, with its Romanesque Basilica of St Mary Magdalene, craft shops and fine views of the surrounding countryside. Returning to the barge for lunch on board, we spend the afternoon cruising through beautiful countryside to our final mooring at the pretty canal-side village of Chevroches. Captain’s Farewell Dinner on board.

Saturday, Day 7 – Chevroches

After breakfast, guests are transferred to Paris.

NOTE:

• This is a sample for Art de Vivre standard itinerary and is subject to change.
• The itinerary is in reverse direction on alternate weeks.

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