Spectacular South West and Barging Through Burgundy

Day One – Paris
This evening we meet in Paris for welcome drinks. Our hotel is a centrally located, four star hotel, close to restaurants, historic sights and shops.

 

Day Two – Paris to Bordeaux and Sarlat
We transfer to the station for our train trip to Bordeaux, from where we will transfer to our home for the next six nights, the charming, ancient town of Sarlat-la-Caneda. On the way, we will stop and have a walk around the UNESCO World Heritage site of St Emilion, one of the most beautiful villages of France.

 

Sarlat is an exquisite restored medieval town set amid forested hills. The town is a seductive tangle of golden cobblestone alleys that are off-limits to cars, and peppered with beautiful buildings and tempting shops! Warmly lit at night, the town is perfect for after dinner strolls. Our hotel is a charming 3 star residence five minutes walk from the centre of historic Sarlat, offering tastefully decorated rooms, bar and swimming pool and the freedom to wander the village in the evenings, choosing your restaurant from the wide variety available. (B)

 

Day Three – Castelnaud, Beynac
This morning we explore Sarlat on foot, our walking tour taking in the medieval cathedral, the "Lantern of the Dead", and the historic homes surrounding the picturesque Place des Oies. This afternoon, we will visit the C12 Chateau of Castelnaud, with its fascinating medieval military museum and stunning views over the Dordogne Valley. Afterwards we take the scenic route along the Dordogne River to the feudal village of Beynac, tumbling down a steep hill from its massive castle to the river far below. Discover the fascinating history of both these castles, linked with the Hundred Years' War between England and France. Free evening to enjoy any one of the atmospheric, lovely restaurants in town. (B)

 

Day Four - Rocamadour
Today we take our bus to the spectacular historic village of Rocamadour, an ancient pilgrimage centre. Famous visitors to this "holy city" (part of the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela) included Eleanor of Aquitane and Richard the Lionheart. Enjoy lunch at your leisure at any one of the numerous cafes and restaurants in the village, many with spectacular views over the Alzou Valley. This evening, a gastronomic treat, as we dine at the beautiful "Le Presidial" restaurant in Sarlat. This building was once the Royal Court in the 16th century! (B, D)

 

Day Five – Prehistoric Dordogne
The Dordogne region is famous for its prehistoric caves and cave paintings, and this afternoon we visit Grotte de Font de Gaume, one of the only remaining original caves open to the public. We tour with a renowned archaeologist, who will show us this incredible display of bison and reindeer, dating back 15,000 years. We continue on to explore prehistoric France with a visit to "La Roque St Christophe", the largest cave site in Western Europe, which has been occupied by man in a history encompassing prehistoric times to the Middle Ages. (B)

 

Day Six – La Roque Gageac

This morning we visit the beautiful riverside village of La Roque Gageac, classified as one of the plus beaux villages de France. Our visit here includes an hour cruising on a "Gabare" or traditional Dordogne river boat, so that you can enjoy the wonderful views of the village and castles from the river. A highlight of our day today is a gourmet lunch in an undiscovered village – our restaurant is a well guarded secret by the locals! (B, L)

 

Day Seven – Sarlat, Monpazier

Today is the Saturday Market in Sarlat – this is one of the best markets of the region, offering fabulous fresh local produce, china and linen. This afternoon we Monpazier, one of the famous bastide towns established during the Hundred Years War – a charming village with visit a beautiful covered market square. (B)

 

Day Eight – Dordogne to Burgundy

Today we leave Sarlat and the Dordogne for Burgundy. This is a relatively long bus ride during which we stop for refreshments and lunch. Late afternoon we arrive at our next destination – in Burgundy, your first sight of the "Impressioniste" moored at the side of the canal will fill you with anticipation for the week ahead! The Captain and crew await us with a Champagne & canapé welcome. Enjoy a stroll into Dijon before our first dinner aboard and introduction to Burgundy's excellent cuisine. (B, D)

 

Today you will begin to enjoy the next week of fabulous food and wine – provided by our talented on-board chef, each meal is a new and exciting gourmet treat, accompanied by delicious French cheeses from a variety of regions! Enjoy your first drink of each evening on deck, with the sun setting over the river – a relaxing, delightful end to your day of barging…..

 

Day Nine – Clos de Vougeot, Domaine Jafflin

This morning we experience our first day's cruise along this enchanting canal, which also promises a walk or cycle along an ever-present towpath, as we ascend gradually to the canal villages and pretty lock houses. Leaving Dijon, we pass Lake Kir and cruise by the limestone escarpments which feed the nearby vineyards. After lunch we visit Clos de Vougeot, headquarters of the esteemed Chevaliers du Tastevin, who award every year a special prized label to the finest Cote d'Or vintages. We offer a private tasting of Vosne Romanee, Gevrey Chambertin, Cote de Nuits and Nuits-St-Georges at the family run Domaine Jafflin in the heart of Nuits-St-Georges on the route des Grands Crus. Dinner on board. (B, L, D)

 

Day Ten – Dijon, Gissey sur Ouche
After breakfast, enjoy a walking tour of old Dijon including a visit to the vivid flower and produce market, mustard shops and the flamboyant 14th century Ducal Palace. Return to the boat for lunch and leisurely afternoon cruise to Gissey sur Ouche. (B, L, D)

 

Day Eleven – Chateau de Commarin, La Bussiere
This morning we visit the moat - encircled 13th century Chateau de Commarin, giving an insight into the glamorous lives of the French aristocracy as well as showing off the Chateau, stables and landscaped gardens. After lunch we cruise to La Bussiere, passing grazing white Charolais cattle and picturesque villages. Dinner on board. (B, L, D)

 

Day Twelve – Chateauneuf-en-Auxois
Early morning cruise and exclusive tour of the magnificent 12th century Abbaye de la Bussiere. The ornamental gardens and lake, wine press, crypt and cellars are interwoven with ancient colonnades, stone staircases and huge stained glass windows. After a Kir Royale aperitif in the private music room, we enjoy the gastronomic delights of Master Chef Olivier Elzer in the vaulted Michelin starred restaurant. This afternoon we continue to the mediaeval village, craft shops and castle of Chateauneuf-en-Auxois, once an outpost of the Dukes of Burgundy and offering a fine overview of the canal and surrounding countryside. Dinner on board. (B, L, D)

 

Day Thirteen – Beaune
Our last day's leisurely cruise takes us to the canal summit, 1250 feet above sea level, just before the Pouilly tunnel. In the afternoon we cross the premier cru vineyards into Beaune, capital of Burgundy wine country with a history going back over 2000 years. We absorb the fascinating 15th century Hotel Dieu Hospice and visit Maison Champy, Beaune's oldest winery. Captain's Farewell Dinner on board. (B, L, D)

 

Day Fourteen - Dijon - Paris
After breakfast disembark the barge and transfer by bus to Paris. Arriving a little after lunch, the rest of the day is free to explore. In the evening we will enjoy drinks at the George V Hotel, followed by dinner in a beautiful restaurant overlooking the illuminated Eiffel Tower. (B, D)

Day Fifteen - Paris
After breakfast the tour ends. (B)

Note: On alternative weeks the barge cruise is in the reverse direction and therefore the itinerary is subject to change. Daily itinerary may also be re-arranged at the Captain's/Tour Manager's discretion but content is not compromised.