Cruise the peaceful Nivernais Canal

Category: Standard

This barge is perfect for: Couples, Families, Groups of friends, Wine appreciation, Excellent Cycling/Walking (extensive sections of uninterrupted towpath all along the cruise route), Historic interest, Markets, Charming villages.

Ask us about specific departure dates for these special interest cruises: Wine Appreciation Cruises, Walking Cruises, Tennis Cruises, Cycling Cruises.

Art de Vivre features at a glance

8 GUESTS

4 DOUBLE/TWIN CABINS WITH EN-SUITE BATHROOMS

4 CREW

30.4 METRES LONG

8 BICYCLES

JACUZZI

AIR CONDITIONING/CENTRAL HEATING

1 AIR CONDITIONED MINIBUS FOR EXCURSIONS

CD PLAYER, GAMES, LIBRARY

The beautiful Nivernais Canal offers a cruising experience full of “off-the-beaten-track” experiences and a dreamy, relaxed environment that is a far cry from some of the busier canals. Peacefully grazing Charolais cattle, quiet charming little villages, and an excellent towpath allows guests to walk or ride as much as they like every day. The Art de Vivre is an extremely attractive 8 passenger French canal barge that was refurbished in 2009 and feels very fresh and spacious. The lovely sundeck is a fabulous place to relax and watch the world float by with quality teak outdoor furniture, comfortable cushions and colourful flowers crowned by the heated Jacuzzi. This charming region is full of renowned wine villages such as Chablis and Irancy, the wines of which are served daily on the barge along with sumptuous French cuisine, and other highlights of the cruise itinerary include the renowned Chateau of Bazoches, the gorgeous medieval town of Auxerre and the stunning Basilica of St Mary Magdelene in Vezelay. This is one of the most captivating canal cruises in France and the exceptional crew looks forward to sharing their passion for the region with their guests.

Art de Vivre itinerary

Sunday – Auxerre
Guests are met at Laroche Migennes train station at 16:45 and transferred to the elegant L’Art de Vivre in Auxerre, Burgundy. Following a Champagne Welcome, you are free to explore the medieval town of Auxerre or take a stroll along the banks of the River Yonne before returning for dinner aboard.

Monday – Auxerre to Vincelles
Our morning cruise takes us through some delightful locks and past vineyard-clad hillsides to our rural mooring at Vincelles. The afternoon excursion is to Chablis, home of one of the most famous white wines in the world. A tasting in one of the town’s aged cellars will introduce you to some of the local Petit Chablis and Chablis wines. Dinner aboard.

Tuesday – Vincelles to Mailly la Ville
After breakfast, our excursion is to the medieval town of Auxerre. Originally the capital of Lower Burgundy, the town prides itself on its fine churches and particularly its magnificent cathedral. We then return to the barge for a cruise southwards through rich pasturelands past grazing Charolais cattle to the market town of Mailly la Ville. Dinner aboard.

Wednesday – Mailly la Ville to Le Saussois
This morning, we visit the charming 14th century medieval village of Noyers sur Surein, one of the most beautiful villages in France, on an excursion through delightful countryside. In the afternoon we cruise past the Saussois cliffs, a stunning natural setting, with an international climbing centre. There will also be the opportunity to enjoy spectacular walks before returning for dinner aboard.

Thursday – Le Saussois to Lucy sur Yonne
In the morning we enjoy an excursion to the town of Vézelay, one of Burgundy’s most famous treasures with the Romanesque Basilica of St Mary Magdalene, craft shops and fine views of the surrounding countryside. Lunch ashore today at a wonderful auberge Les Millesimes, followed by an afternoon cruise through the Yonne valley to arrive at Lucy sur Yonne. Dinner aboard.

Friday – Lucy sur Yonne to Clamecy
A morning cruise through beautiful countryside takes us to Clamecy. Take a short walk to visit the town, the Collegiale de St Martin and also the Logging and Barging Museum. The narrow streets lined with ancient buildings also present an opportunity for shopping. In the afternoon, we visit Le Château de Bazoches-du-Morvan, whose illustrious visitors included Richard the Lionheart and which was later remodelled by Maréchal Vauban. Captain’s Farewell Dinner aboard.

Saturday – Clamecy
Disembark after breakfast and arrive at Laroche Migennes train station by 10am.

On alternative weeks the itinerary will operate in the reverse direction.

Trains to the departure point (the crew will meet and drop off for the following services): Paris Bercy to Laroche Migennes Train departs Paris Bercy at 15.20hrs arriving in Laroche Migennes at 16:38hrs. End of cruise Laroche Migennes to Paris Bercy Train Saturday departs 10:24hrs arriving Paris Bercy at 11:44hrs.

Art de Vivre photo gallery

Art de Vivre map

Auxerre to Clamecy or vice-versa

Cartography ©Euromapping/European Waterways Ltd

Art de Vivre prices

Note all our prices are in euros. We convert to Australian dollars at current exchange rates on the day of payment of deposit/full payment.

Price is all-inclusive – accommodation for 6 nights, food, high-quality local wines, mixed drinks and other beverages, excursions and entries are included.

Value Season: April 1,8,15, 22, 29,  July 15, 22,29, August 5,12, 19, October 7, 14, 21, 28.

Regular Season: May 6, 13, 20, 27, June 3, 10, 17, 24, July 1,8, August 26, September 2, 9, 16, 23, 30

Art de Vivre floorplan

Art de Vivre bookings/enquiries

If you would like to contact us please use one of the methods below.

Email: info@toujoursfrance.com.au
Phone: (03) 9889 1885
Outside Australia: +61 3 9889 1885

Address:
Toujours France
1 Radnor Street
Camberwell VIC 3124
Australia

Ph: +61 03 9889 1885
Mobile: 0413 055 360

Or fill out our online form.