French Hotel Barge – Burgundy from the Saône-et-Loire to the Côte d’Or on board the Jeanine

Prices starting from £2,350 per person

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On this cruise you will be taken on a magnificent journey through the Saône-et-Loire and La Côte d’Or regions of France. You will cruise gently past the banks of the Saône River, the “sacred water” with its preserved nature, and discover all the attractions of the Canal du Centre, “the canal of the two seas”, linking the Saône River to the Loire River. Then, you will pass through hills and lush, green pastures, invigorating forests and countryside, discovering the Burgundy Canal and its wonderful, rural landscapes. At the crossroads of the most renowned wine appellations, you will cruise alongside the great vineyards of the Côte Chalonnaise and the Côte de Beaune. This itinerary was created to discover all the famous destinations and each unique and authentic town, so prepare to be captivated by its many facets.

6 night / 7 day all-inclusive holiday by First Class rail from £2,350 per person based 2 people travelling together.

Jeanine

Day 1 – London to Dijon

Your holiday begins as you stroll under the magnificent glass roof of London St Pancras and board the morning Eurostar service to Paris. Sit back and relax in your Standard Premier seat and watch the world slip by as you enjoy your complimentary light meal and drinks. On arrival in Paris a private transfer will take you across the city to the Gare de Lyon for your First Class TGV to Dijon.   Here a private motor coach will take you to Saint-Léger-sur-Dheune to board Jeanine, your hotel barge.  Enjoy a welcome cocktail, meet the attentive crew and settle in to your comfortable surroundings.  There may be time for a pre-dinner stroll, before your first dinner on board.

Day 2 – Saint-Léger-sur-Dheune to Santenay and Chagny

After breakfast you depart by coach toward Nolay, where we will find our trailhead to hike to the Cirque du Bout du Monde, a natural site. You will see for yourself the imposing chalk cliffs carved out by the Cozanne River which created a blind valley, where a waterfall over 80 feet high adds a touch of wonder. You continue by coach towards Mont de Sène, an ancient Celtic religious site which overlooks the Santenay vineyards from a height of over 1,700 feet high.  This afternoon, after re-joining the ship in Santenay, walk to the centre of Santenay, a charming little wine-producing village with a priceless historical heritage for a wine tasting session at one of the 38 wine producers in the village. Later this afternoon enjoy a leisurely cruise on the Canal du Centre to Chagny, your overnight mooring.

Day 3 – Chagny to Chalon-sur Saône

This morning you enjoy a leisurely breakfast before cruising towards Chalon-sur-Saône, birthplace of photography.  You have the opportunity to cycle along the banks of the River Doubs.  Jeanine moors up right in the heart of the city, close to St. Vincent Cathedral and the surrounding medieval quarter of half timbered-houses and narrow streets reserved for pedestrians. From here you are ideally placed for your guided walking tour of the town which includes a wine tasting of some of the Côte Chalonnaise wines.

Day 4 – Chagny to Chalon-sur Saône to Saint-Jean-de Losne

After breakfast relax and enjoy a leisurely morning cruising towards Saint-Jean-de-Losne.  You may wish to use one of the on board bicycles to ride along the canal’s banks.  This afternoon a guided walking tour of Saint-Jean-de-Losne will end with a tasting of local Burgundian specialities.

Day 5 – Saint-Jean-de Losne to Petit-Ouges

Today you have the opportunity to unwind and watch the world go by as you enjoy the passing scenery from the comfort of your barge.  The whole day is spent cruising towards Petit-Ouges.  Bicycles are available on board at any time if would like to cycle along the canal’s banks.  Jeanine arrives in Petit-Ouges late afternoon and you will have some time to stretch your legs before dinner.

Day 6 – Petit Ouges to Dijon

The morning is spent cruising towards Dijon.  This afternoon set off along the Burgundy Grands Crus Wine Route.  The route passes by the finest and most prestigious vineyards of Burgundy, including Gevrey-Chambertin and the Clos de Vougeot, where you visit the renowned Château.  Your journey continues to the Chateau de Marsannay.  Here you will see the ancient fermentation building, visit the cellars that hold barrels and bottles, then take part in a tasting of the wines from the region.  You re-join the ship in Dijon.  This evening take your seat for a gala farewell dinner on-board.

Day 7 – By train to London

After breakfast say farewell to charming Jeanine as you transfer to Dijon Ville station and join the TGV travelling First Class to Paris. Here a private taxi transfer takes you to the Gare du Nord to board the Eurostar service. The pace has quickened, yet the memories remain to savour over your complimentary light meal and drinks, and beyond, as you return to London St. Pancras.

Jeanine

The welcoming hotel-barge Jeanine has just 12 cabins, accommodating a maximum of 24 passengers in complete comfort.  This elegant, contemporary vessel is equipped with a separate lounge and dining areas with a cosy bar in between.  The sun deck is spacious with loungers and parasols and a Jacuzzi is located at the prow of the barge.  There is even a BBQ for outside lunch on one day of your cruise.  On the lower deck are 12 comfortable cabins, each with private shower, WC and washbasin, as well as a TV, radio, hairdryer and safe.  The ship is fully air-conditioned and centrally heated throughout. Complimentary WiFi and bicycles are available for the use of the guests. Classically trained chefs prepare the on-board cuisine using the finest local produce to serve you regional specialities to rival the best local restaurants.  A buffet breakfast and a 3 course lunch and dinner are served every day.  Each meal will give you a delightful experience of French haute-cuisine. The ship is proud to offer unlimited complimentary on-board beverages including mineral water, house wine, beer, juices, soft drinks and tea and coffee (excluding Champagne).