Detailed Itinerary
Guests are met in Paris in the early afternoon 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.
Overnight: L’Art de Vivre at Auxerre.
After breakfast we golf at Roncemay Golf & Country Club. This international standard course, designed by Jean Garaialde in 1991 has hosted many of France’s famous competitions. It is overlooked by the Chateau in whose grounds the course has been developed. We then return to the barge for a cruise through some delightful locks and past vineyard-clad hillsides to our rural mooring at Vincelles.
NON-GOLFERS: After breakfast, our excursion is to the medieval town of Auxerre. Originally the capital of Lower Burgundy, the town prides itself on its lavish Renaissance houses, fine churches and particularly its magnificent cathedral situated close to the river. After lunch back on board, our cruise takes us through some delightful locks and past vineyard-clad hillsides to our rural mooring at Vincelles. Perhaps this is a good time to enjoy a walk or bicycle ride along the towpath.
Overnight: L’Art de Vivre at Vincelles.
Our morning cruise is southwards through rich pasturelands past grazing Charolais cattle to the sleepy village of Mailly-la-Ville. 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 on board.
Overnight: L’Art de Vivre at Mailly la Ville.
This morning, we visit the charming 14th century medieval
market village of Noyers, one of the most beautiful villages
in France, on an excursion through delightful countryside.
In the afternoon we cruise past the Saussois cliffs where
an international climbing centre creates a spectacular
setting. There will also be the opportunity to enjoy spectacular
walks before dinner ashore at La Beursaudière restaurant
in Nitry.
Overnight: L’Art de Vivre at Le
Saussois.
This morning we transfer to Château de Chailly golf course which was designed by Thierry Sprecher and Géry Watine, professional champion of France in 1989. Around its 16th century chateau, the Chailly golf course offers a magnificent course marrying the classicism of a formal garden with modern golf course construction. We return to the barge for an afternoon cruise through the picturesque Yonne valley to arrive at Lucy-sur-Yonne.
NON-GOLFERS: This morning, we enjoy an excursion to the pilgrimage 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. After lunch back on board, an afternoon cruise through the picturesque Yonne Valley to arrive at Lucy-sur-Yonne, again with excellent towpath cycling and walking opportunities.
Overnight: L’Art de Vivre at Lucy sur Yonne.
A morning cruise through beautiful countryside then takes us to Chevroche. In the afternoon, we visit the Château de Bazoches, whose illustrious visitors included Richard the Lionheart and which was later remodelled by Maréchal Vauban.
Captain’s Farewell Dinner on board.
Overnight: L’Art de Vivre at Chevroche.
Disembark after breakfast and transfer back to Paris by midday.
*On alternate weeks the cruise sails in the reverse direction. This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change.
