Cruise the Beautiful Burgundy Canal

Category: First Class

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.

La Belle Epoque features at a glance

12 – 13 GUESTS

2 MASTER SUITES, 4 JUNIOR SUITES, 1 SINGLE CABIN – ALL WITH EN-SUITE BATHROOMS

5 CREW

38 METRES LONG

12 BICYCLES

AIR CONDITIONING/CENTRAL HEATING

CD PLAYER, GAMES, LIBRARY

JACUZZI ON DECK

2 AIR CONDITIONED MINIBUSES FOR EXCURSIONS

La Belle Epoque is one of our old favourites and is “sister ship” to the Impressioniste, also on the Burgundy Canal. The wood paneled lounge, dining area and bar make a delightful area in which to relax, and the spacious cabins offer marble bathrooms. Moving last year from the Nivernais Canal, her new itinerary encompasses some exceptionally beautiful parts of Burgundy – including the magnificent chateaux of Tanlay and Ancy-le-France, one of the classified “most beautiful villages of France”, Noyers, and the famous wine producing village of Chablis. A highlight of the cruise is the superb Burgundy wine served on board during the week, and from the flower filled, spacious deck area guests can view one of the most outstanding stretches of canal in France. Relax in the Jacuzzi with a glass of champagne as you cruise along – dreamy!

La Belle Epoque itinerary

Sunday – Montbard to Tonnerre
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 Tonnerre. A full crew Welcome Aboard with Champagne and canapés. After time to settle into your cabin you will enjoy your first dinner aboard and introduction to Burgundy’s excellent cuisine.

Monday – Tonnerre to Tanlay
Wake to the aromas of ground coffee and French patisseries, enjoy a leisurely breakfast and morning cruise to Tanlay. After lunch we 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. Dinner aboard.

Tuesday – Tanlay to Ancy le Franc
This morning we visit the vineyards and town of Chablis, dating back to Roman times. We enjoy a private wine tasting at the Domaine Servan renowned for its Premier and Grand Cru wines popularized by Alexis Lichine in the 1950’s. We return to the barge for lunch and enjoy a lazy cruise up to Ancy le Franc with plenty of opportunity to wander or cycle ahead as the vessel ascends through the locks towards the beautiful 16th century Renaissance palace and gardens of Chateau d’Ancy le Franc. Dinner aboard.

Wednesday – Ancy le Franc to Ravieres
Morning visit to medieval Noyers sur Serein to admire the local produce, colours and delights of the wonderful market, or to wander the town ramparts in this, one of the most beautiful villages in France. After lunch ashore in Chablis at a delightful local auberge. we return to the barge and enjoy a gentle afternoon cruise past grazing Charolais cattle. Dinner aboard.

Thursday – Ravieres to Montbard
Morning cruise to Montbard passing the Forges de Buffon where later in the day we see examples of early Industrial Revolution engineering at this forge powered by the small, yet powerful River Armancon. After lunch, from the summit of Mt Auxois, we look at Alesia, the last battle site between the Gaulles and Roman, followed by a stroll around the hilltop village of Flavigny sur Ozerain, where the film ‘Chocolat’ was filmed. Dinner aboard.

Friday – Montbard to Venarey les Laumes.
Morning cruise through woodlands and rolling fields with great towpath biking and walking opportunities past the tiny canalside villages of Nogent, Courcelles and Les Granges. This afternoon we escort you to the exquisite World Heritage Unesco site of Abbayé 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. Captain’s Farewell Dinner aboard.

Saturday – Venarey les Laumes to Montbard
After breakfast, disembark the barge and transfer to Montbard railway station in time for the 11.28am train to Paris Gare de Lyon.

On alternate weeks the itinerary is in the reverse direction.

Train travel to and from the barge (the crew will meet and drop off for the following services): Paris Gare de Lyon-Montbard (TGV) Train departs Paris Gare de Lyon at 16:58hrs, arriving in Montbard at 18:04hrs. End of cruise Montbard-Paris (TGV) Train Saturday departs 11:28hrs arriving in Paris Gare de Lyon at 12:37hrs.

La Belle Epoque photo gallery

La Belle Epoque map

Tonnerre to Venarey-les-Laumes or vice versa

La Belle Epoque 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

La Belle Epoque floorplan

La Belle Epoque 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.