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THE
12 PASSENGER LA BELLE EPOQUE
.... is a state-of-the-art hotel barge and the worthy flagship
of our European fleet. She has been designed with both elegance
and passenger comfort in mind and offers a sun-deck spa-pool,
plus sauna and fitness studio. The wood panelled saloon and dining
room, together with other luxury facilities, are all fully air-conditioned.
The spacious cabins offer a choice of twin or double beds with
marble en-suite facilities. The highly experienced Captain leads
a crew of five comprising Master Chef, Tour Guide and two Stewardesses
whose combined knowledge and experience will ensure a voyage of
a lifetime
LA
BELLE EPOQUE: BURGUNDY CRUISE ITINERARY
Sunday, Day 1 Montbard to Pouillenay
Guests
are met at the Montbard TGV station at 18.04 or Hotel in Montbard
at 18.30 and transferred to the barge in a private air-conditioned
minibus moored in Pouillenay. A full crew Welcome Aboard with
champagne and canapés. After time to settle into your cabin
you are invited to join us for a first dinner aboard and introduction
to Burgundy’s excellent cuisine.
Day 2 Pouillenay to Venarey les Laumes
Wake
to the aromas of ground coffee and French patisseries, enjoy a
leisurely breakfast and morning cruise through deep Burgundian
countryside. After lunch we drive you to the exquisite World Heritage
Unesco site of Abbey de Fontenay founded by St Bernard in 1118.
Representing a distinctive example of early Cistercian architecture
and virtually intact, Fontenay allows an exceptional glimpse of
early Cistercian life and industry with its peaceful gardens and
ponds and fascinating cloisters, dormitories and scriptorium.
Dinner aboard.
Day 3 Venarey Les Laumes to Buffon
Morning
stroll around the hilltop village of Flavigny sur Ozerain, where
the film Chocolat was filmed. On the way, from the summit of Mt
Auxois, we look at Alesia, the last battle site between the Gaulles
and Romans that took place in 52 BC. We cruise through the market
town of Montbard to the stone steps of the Forges de Buffon, founded
in 1768 by 18th century naturalist Georges-Louis de Buffon. We
wander around the forge and see various examples of early Industrial
Revolution engineering on the banks of the tiny yet powerful Armancon
River, whose power was harnessed to run the forge. Dinner ashore
in Semur-en-Auxois.
Day 4 Buffon to Ancy le Franc
Morning
visit to Noyers to enjoy the vegetables, cheeses, colors and delights
of the local market. Returning to the barge we enjoy a lazy cruise
gently down to Ancy le Franc with plenty of opportunity to wander
or cycle as the vessel descends through the locks. Before dinner,
wander around the village and across to the 16th century Renaissance
Chateau d’Ancy le Franc. Dinner aboard.
Day 5 Ancy le Franc to Tanlay
Morning
cruise through woodlands and rolling fields with great towpath
biking and walking opportunities past the tiny canalside villages
of Lezinnes, Argentenay and Saint Vinnemer. During the afternoon
we visit the vineyards and town of Chablis, dating back to Roman
times. We enjoy a private wine tasting at Saint Bris le Vineaux
in the Bersan cellars before returning for dinner aboard.
Day 6 Tanlay to Tonnerre
Morning
walk across to the 16th century Renaissance-style Chateau de Tanlay,
nestling serenely within this picturesque village, which also
boasts a challenging 9 hole golf course. Our cruise after lunch
takes us to our final destination of Tonnerre. Captain’s
Farewell Dinner aboard.
Day 7 Tonnerre
After
breakfast, disembark the barge and transfer to Montbard railway
station in time for the 11.28am train to Paris Gare de Lyon.
NOTES:
IF YOU ARE TAKING THE TGV OUR REPRESENTATIVE WILL BE AT PARIS
GARE DE LYON TGV STATION ON SUNDAY FROM 16:30 TO ASSIST GUESTS
WITH THE TGV. Recommended Trains to book in advance: Paris Gare
de Lyon-Montbard (TGV) Train #6789 depart Paris Gare de Lyon at
16:58hrs arriving in Montbard at 18:04hrs. End of cruise Montbard-Paris
(TGV) Train #6714 Saturday depart 11:28hrs arrive Paris Gare de
Lyon at 12:37hrs
Belle
Epoque Slide Show
VIDEO
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