France: Northern Burgundy, Seine & Yonne River Cruise
Between Paris and Joigny
Enjoy a Northern Burgundy river cruise on the Seine and Yonne rivers between Paris and Joigny, France.
Sunday, Day 1 - Paris to mooring at Samois-sur-Seine
You are met at your hotel in Paris and travel by private minibus to Samois-sur- Seine, where you will board Aurora for a welcome reception with Champagne and petits fours, followed by a short walk through the village.
Monday, Day 2 - Cruise to Montereau.
Possible excursions:
- Chateau de Fontainebleau, located 55 km southeast of Paris, is one of the largest French royal châteaux. The medieval castle and subsequent palace served as a residence for the French monarchs from Louis VII to Napoleon III.
- The Garden Museum of Antoine Bourdelle is the setting for a collection of 56 of his bronze sculptures. Antoine Bourdelle was an influential and prolific French sculptor and teacher. He was an important figure in the Art Deco movement and the transition from the Beaux Arts style to modern sculpture.
- Museum of L'Ecole de Barbizon Auberge Ganne. This museum was once an inn that played host to many of the Barbizon School's famous painters. The rooms have been reconstructed, and feature the work of these artists in the form of murals, painted furniture, and paintings. You may also wish to visit the many art galleries of Barbizon.
- Moret-sur-Loing, a charming medieval town favoured by the Impressionists where they once lived and took their inspiration. Visit Sisley’s house, the Moret Barley Sugar Museum where the Moret Nuns Barley Sugar has been well-known and appreciated for more than 300 years, and the Grange Batelière, house of George Clemenceau, named “Père la Victoire”, statesman during World War I.
Tuesday, Day 3 - Cruise to Courlon-sur-Yonne.
- Château de Vaux Le Vicomte, one of the most beautiful palaces of France, was built for Nicolas Fouquet, finance minister of Louis XIV. This château inspired the building of Versailles by the same three artists: Le Vau, architect; Le Brun, painter; Le Notre, gardener. Fouquet’s arrest inspired the famous story “The Man with the Iron Mask”.
- Visit Provins, a magnificent medieval town in the neighbouring Champagne region, with 12th & 13th century fortified walls, typical picturesque wooden houses, and its medieval and Renaissance museum. Shopping is available.
Wednesday, Day 4 - Cruise to the Center of Sens, tonight's mooring
Cathedral St Etienne & Synodal Palace, regarded as the first of the great Gothic cathedrals, with construction beginning in 1130. The architect applied a revolutionary design for the vaulting: the ribbed vault. Magnificent collection of religious art and private collection of the Bishops. Shopping is available.
Thursday, Day 5 - Cruise to Villeneuve sur Yonne
Today we enjoy a picnic and an extensive visit and wine tasting of the most famous Chardonnay in the pretty village of Chablis. Called the "Golden Gate of Burgundy", stroll the narrow stone streets and view houses dating from the 14th to 16th centuries. A must for all wine enthusiasts and connoisseurs.
Friday, Day 6 - Cruise to Joigny
Joigny, a picturesque town with gorgeous townhouses, churches and monuments, is nestled along the first vineyards of Burgundy.
Visit Auxerre, a beautiful medieval city filled with timber houses, church spires, impressive 15th-century clock tower, and a pleasant port on the Yonne river. Shopping available in this bustling city’s cobblestoned pedestrian streets in the old quarter and open market. Ample opportunities for pleasant strolls round the city.
Saturday, Day 7 - Joigny & Return to Paris
Breakfast on board followed by a late morning return to Paris (hotels or airport) by private minibus.
NOTE: This is a sample itinerary. Excursions are tailor-made to suit your interests.
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