Newly refurbished La Belle Epoque is offering a special Walking Cruise for October 9, 2011 at value season pricing. This is a wonderful way to explore the well renowned Burgundy region of France and experience barging, but still get some exercise.
Junior Suite per person $4,550.00
Suite per person $4,750.00
Single Cabin $4,890.00
Charter Max. 10 pax. $48,900.00
Charter Max. 11 pax. $50,200.00
Charter Max. 12 pax. $51,500.00
Price includes: Local transfer to and from the barge, a luxury 6 night cruise, all meals on board catered for by the on board Master Chef, an open bar 24/7 with a large range of alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks, all wines served throughout the cruise, excursions and admittance fees as per the itinerary, the services of 5 crew and use of barge facilities, which includes bicycles and spa pool.
LA BELLE EPOQUE - BURGUNDY WALKING CRUISE
Tanlay to Venarey Les Laumes
Sunday - Montbard to Tanlay
We rendezvous at Montbard and transfer to the barge, moored in Tanlay, in a private air-conditioned minibus. A full crew Welcome Aboard with champagne and canapés during which we hear about the week’s itinerary, its walks and its activities. After time to settle into your cabin we gather for our Welcome Dinner on board which is a wonderful introduction to Burgundy’s excellent cuisine.
Monday - Tanlay to Lezine
After a delicious breakfast which includes fresh croissants from a local Boulangerie we walk to the 16th Century Renaissance style Chateau de Tanlay for a guided tour of this beautiful house. Returning to the barge we are transferred a short distance by van for our first countryside walk. This takes us through farmland and then the glorious Tonnerois vineyards, in October ablaze with hues of gold, yellow and orange. After lunch we drive into the centre of Tonnerre for a short tour of this historic and fascinating town. We see the amazing Fosse Dionne and the 13th Century Hotel Dieu. Back on board, our cruise takes us to Lezine.
Tuesday - Lezinne to Ancy le Franc
We start the day with a canal-side walk passing ancient villages before we depart for the world famous town and vineyards of Chablis. After a gourmet lunch in Chablis we see some of the sites before we enjoy a private wine tasting at the Domaine Servan, renowned for its Premier and Grand Cru wines popularized by Alex Lichine in the 1950s. There is time to wander round the town before we return to the barge at Ancy le Franc.
Wednesday, Day 4 - Ancy le Franc to Ravières
A morning visit to Noyers sur Serein, listed as one of the most beautiful villages in France to enjoy the vegetables, cheeses, colours and delights of the local market. We are then guided around the medieval streets and ramparts before returning to the barge for lunch. In the afternoon we either enjoy a lazy cruise gently down to Ravières or walk there by a circuitous route through the Burgundian countryside. We start this in the ancient village of Chassignelles where we visit its historic 12th Century church to see some of the best preserved wall paintings in Burgundy.
Thursday, Day 5 - Ravières to Montbard
Starting at the tiny village of Cry, this morning’s walk takes us through a cacophony of woodland, rolling fields, forest and a ruined castle. In the afternoon we drive to the exquisite World Heritage Unesco site of Abbey de Fontenay founded by St Bernard in 1118. Not only is it a wonderful example of early Cistercian architecture but it is virtually intact. With its peaceful gardens and ponds and fascinating cloisters, dormitories and scriptorium, Fontenay gives an exceptional glimpse of early Cistercian life and industry. Before dinner there is time to stroll round the ancient centre of Montbard.
Friday, Day 6 - Montbard to Venarey les Laumes
After climbing out of the valley our final walk takes us past fields of Charollais cattle and through the hamlet of Benoisey before reaching Grignan where we descend to meet the barge. En route we have the best views of the week with stunning vistas across the valley of the Brenne and the Canal du Bourgogne. In the afternoon we first visit the fascinating walled hilltop village of Flavigny sur Ozerain, where the film Chocolat was made. We then visit Alesia, the site of the final battle between the Gauls and Romans that took place in 52 BC, and finally the fortified town of Semur en Auxois before returning to the barge moored at Venarey les Laumes for the Captain’s Farewell Dinner.
Saturday, Day 7 - Venarey les Laumes to Paris
After breakfast, disembark and transfer to Montbard TGV station or centre by 11am.