Burgundy to Beaujolais

2008

A delightful cruise along the bucolic river Saone with historical riverside towns, Beaujolias wine country, Lyon, the second city and gourmet capital of France, Romanesque churches and the abbey of Cluny.  This itinerary is also ideal for wine lovers as it cruises through several major producing areas.

Cruise Highlights:

• Festinating visit to Lyon, settled 1000 years ago by the Romans

• Visit to Beaujolais Vineyards

• 12c Abbey of St Phillibert

• Cluny and remains of Benedictine monastery

• Chalon Sur Soane, birthplace of photography

• Hospices of Beaune

• Dijon, Capital of Burgundy, Ducal Palace

 LIBELLULE

A delightful cruise along the bucolic River Saône is the perfect way to experience historic riverside towns and indulge in exceptional Burgundy wines. Lyon is France’s second city and its hands-down gourmet capital.
 SATURDAY 

Passengers who have taken our Optional Paris Transfer meet at the Gare de Lyon train station at 1:30 pm for 1^st Class High Speed TGV Train to Dijon where a the Libellule's own private motor coach will take us to Libellule moored a short drive away in the village of St. Jean de Losne. Sip champagne as we welcome you on board and introduce you to the crew. Settle in on our cruise to nearby Seurre, with time for a lovely pre-dinner stroll around this pleasant town. Join us back on board for the first of many superlative meals.

For those transferring on their own meet us at the Dijon Train Station at 4 p.m.  (1600) just opposite the Quick Restaurant at the station.. 

  SUNDAY

MONDAY

After breakfast, we head for Beaune, center of Burgundy’s wine trade. Our drive follows the Côte de Beaune, whose villages read like a fine wine list: Puligny-Montrachet, Meursault, Auxey Duresses, Volnay, Pommard. In the walled town of Beaune, take a guided visit of the Hôtel-Dieu, a charity hospital founded in 1443. A masterpiece of late medieval architecture, it houses priceless art and is topped by a remarkable glazed-tiled roof. Afterward, explore on your own. After lunch and strolling time in Chalon, we cruise to historic Tournus, home to the Romanesque-style Collegiate Church of St. Philibert. 

TUESDAY

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast, before visiting the famous perched village of Brancion and the castle of Cormatin. Return to Tournus for lunch, then explore the town. Back underway, we cruise through pastures populated with the famed white Charolais cattle that are native to this area. A mid-afternoon mooring in Mâcon leaves time for exploring, biking, or a quiet walk along the river.          

WEDNESDAY

This morning we visit the Beaujolais hills, an area of outstanding natural beauty. Grapes for exclusive wines grow in the northern hills, where limestone deposits give the wines extraordinary quality and body. Enjoy a private tasting before returning to Mâcon for lunch. This afternoon, cruise past several villages before anchoring in picturesque Trevoux, an attractive, partially fortified town and former capital of a local principality. 

THURSDAY

Stroll through charming Trevoux before cruising into the chic northern suburbs of Lyon, the culinary capital of France. Entering the city by river affords views not available to those traveling by road, including elegant river front homes and the city’s oldest quarter. Take a guided walking tour of the Old Town followed by leisure time to explore France’s second city. Tonight, sit down to a gala farewell dinner. 

FRIDAY

After breakfast, transfer to the Lyon Perrache railroad station. Those taking our transfers board the first-class TGV train back to Paris.  Our transfer services end at Paris Gare de Lyon. 

Note: This is a sample itinerary: it is subject to modification in the case of unforeseen circumstances such as canal closures.

The boat cruises in the opposite direction on alternate weeks.  At Canal & Co we are constantly developing our programmes and we may modify our overnight stops and excursions without prior notice in order to assure a consistently high standard of moorings and visits.

The above describes a southbound cruise.  For north bound cruises with transfers the meeting place is the same in Paris.  For those on their own transfer the meeting place is the Hotel Chateau Perrache which is opposite the Lyon Perrache RR Station. at 4:30 p.m.   (1630) 

Rates include all meals from dinner on day 1 to breakfast on day 7.  Wines  included with lunch and dinner. Daily excursions with a guide and entrance fees.

Rate does not include, Bar Drinks, or Crew Gratuities (Suggested $250 per cabin)