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THE
6 PASSENGER IRONDELLE
.... The 8 passenger Hirondelle cruises some of the most tranquil
and beautiful waterways in all of Europe: the Canal de Bourgogne,
the Canal du Centre, the Canal du Rhône au Rhine and the
River Saône. The large windows, well above the water line,
and the sun-deck on the top deck of the boat make it easy for
you to enjoy the passing scenery of Burgundy and Franche-Comté:
renowned for their vineyards, Gothic churches and abbeys, Renaissance
châteaux and picturesque villages.
Burgundy is a region of France in which gastronomic delights and
the art of living have reigned supreme since Roman times. Excursions
are arranged to places with story-book names, whether it be the
quaint town of Dole, the famous museum in Dijon, the castle in
Châteauneuf or to Basancon, birthplace of Victor Hugo.
HIRONDELLE
: BURGUNDY CRUISE ITINERARY
ITINERARY 1
Sunday - Paris to Basancon Depart Paris, Gare de Lyon,
on the TGV train in the afternoon. On arrival at Dijon station
you are met by the Captain who transfers you to where the barge
is moored at Basancon beneath the King’s tower of the Citadel.
A champagne reception welcomes you on board and gives you a chance
to meet the crew. This evening the barge remains in Basancon,
giving you the opportunity to view this bustling city.
Monday – Visit the Citadel. Cruise to Osselle Following
a typical French breakfast your guide escorts you on a tour of
the Citadel, designed in the 17th century by Vauban, military
architect to Louis XIV. Leaving Basancon by boat is quite spectacular;
the barge cruises a short distance up the River Doubs before turning
into the canal tunnel and passing directly underneath the Citadel.
Emerging downstream of the town we begin our descent of the Doubs
Valley until reaching our first day’s destination, a quiet
mooring near the sleepy town of Osselle.
Tuesday – Cruise to Dole. Visit the Arbois Region The
boat continues to cruise downstream, alternating between the river
and sections of the Canal du Rhône au Rhine, which traverses
the rugged Franche-Comté and Jura regions. Today’s
visits are to Arbois, the principal town of the Jura wine producing
region, and a walking tour of Dole, including the magnificent
cathedral and La Maison Pasteur, home of Louis Pasteur.
Wednesday – Cruise to St. Jean de Losne. Visit Beaune
Enjoy the lovely countryside of the Franche Comté cruising
from Dole on the very scenic Canal du Rhône au Rhine to
St. Jean de Losne, the barging capital of France. After lunch,
your guide escorts you on a walking tour of Beaune, the capital
of Burgundy to visit the famous Hotel Dieu, Hospice de Beaune.
Tonight’s mooring is St. Jean de Losne. Take some time to
stroll around the port to see the many working and pleasure barges.
Thursday – Cruise to Longecourt. Visit Clos de Vougeot
Today, the barge crosses the plain from the Saône to Dijon
on the Canal de Bourgogne. This afternoon, visit the Côte
d’Or, planted with vines that produce some of the world’s
most famous wines. Your guide takes you on a tour of “Clos
de Vougeot”, a medieval chateau surrounded by vineyards.
This is the headquarters of the Chevaliers du Tastevin, whose
special label is awarded annually to the finest Côte d’Or
vintages. Your tour is followed by wine tasting
Friday – Visit Dijon. Cruise to Dijon After breakfast,
your guide takes you on a walking tour of Dijon, including a visit
to the Ducal Palace, the market, and the Grey Poupon mustard shop.
Tour the Musée des Beaux Arts and explore Dijon at your
leisure. Return to the boat for lunch and an afternoon cruise.
That evening the chef has prepared a memorable feast for your
farewell gala dinner.
Saturday – Disembark. Dijon to Paris After breakfast
disembark the barge and transfer to Dijon station for your return
to Paris on the TGV. On arrival at Paris Gare de Lyon, you are
met by our representative who will assist you with your baggage.
ITINERARY
2
Sunday - Paris to Dijon Depart Paris, Gare de Lyon, on the
TGV train in the afternoon. On arrival at Dijon station you are
met by the Captain who escorts you on your transfer to Dijon’s
Port du Canal where you board the barge for your cruise through
Burgundy. A champagne reception welcomes you and gives you a chance
to meet the crew. A delicious dinner is be served later that evening.
Monday - Cruise to Fleury-sur-Ouche. Visit Château du
Clos de Vougeot As you leave Dijon the canal turns to the southwest
and follows the river Ouche where small-unspoiled villages and
green forested hills provide you with exceptional views from the
deck. This afternoon’s excursion is a dégustation
in Chambolle Musigny and a visit to Château du Clos de Vougeot,
a medieval château surrounded by vineyards. This is the
headquarters of the Chevaliers du Tastevin, whose special label
is awarded annually to the finest Côte d’Or vintages.
The barge moors for the night in Fleury-sur-Ouche, a small village
from which you may enjoy a stroll around.
Tuesday - Cruise to Gissey. Visit Dijon After breakfast, while
the barge cruises to Gissey, your guide takes you on a walking
tour of Dijon. Visit the Ducal Palace, the market and the Grey
Poupon mustard shop. Return to the boat for lunch and an afternoon’s
cruise to the charming village of Gissey.
Wednesday - Cruise to La Bussiere. Visit Beaune Spend the
morning relaxing on the top deck and watching the scenery glide
by as the barge cruises along. After lunch your guide escorts
you to Beaune, capital of the wine region of Burgundy, to visit
to the famous Hôtel-Dieu, Hospice de Beaune and enjoy a
tasting of some of the magnificent local wines.
Thursday - Cruise to Pont d’Ouche. Visit Château de
Commarin After breakfast, your guide takes you to visit the
Abbey de la Bussiere built in the 12th century under the guidance
of the Cistercian monks from Cluny. Back on board for lunch. In
the afternoon your guide takes you to visit the Château
de Commarin; an interesting castle whose celebrated tapestries
with the coat of arms of the Vienne family, take the place of
a family tree.
Friday - Cruise to Escommes. Visit Châteauneuf-en-Auxois
After a morning cruise we stop at Repe and make a visit to Châteauneuf-en-Auxois.
Both the village and the château have a long and interesting
history. Back on board for lunch and some more cruising before
a visit to the Abbaye de Fontenay one of the oldest Cistercian
monasteries in Europe. Meanwhile the chef is preparing a feast
for your farewell dinner.
Saturday - Dijon - Paris After breakfast disembark the barge
and transfer to Dijon station. Return to Paris (Gare de Lyon)
on the TGV where you are met by our representative to assist you
with your luggage.
Itineraries
are subject to change
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