Luxury French Barge Cruise

*View our weekly itinerary below, please be aware that the direction of travel alternates each week

Transport to Auxerre, Board the Luciole

Your journey begins at 2:15 pm at the Hotel Mansart in Paris where you will be welcomed by a representative of the “Luciole”. Aboard a private bus, you will be transported to the riverside city of Auxerre, which is roughly two hours away. Watched over by the Cathedral St. Etienne and the 13th-century Abbey of St Germain, you will get your first glimpse of the “Luciole”. A champagne reception featuring mouth-watering canapes awaits after you have settled into your cabin. 

ACCOMMODATION : Luciole

MEALS INCLUDED : Dinner

Cruise Nivernais Canal, Wine Tour, Moor at Vincelles

This morning, we will cruise through the breathtaking countryside that lines the banks of the River Yonne and pass by the historic town of Bailly. In 1972, local winemakers began producing sparkling Crémant de Bourgogne in the region’s limestone caves and reignited interest in its ancient vineyards. Admire the charming villages of St Bris and Irancy before we moor on the banks of Vincelles. 

In the afternoon, we will visit a wine cellar in the vineyards of Chablis, which is located to the east of Auxerre. Only wines produced within a strictly defined area can be labeled “Chablis”, with some of the most prestigious grown in the vineyards of Grand Cru Hill. 

ACCOMMODATION : Luciole

MEALS INCLUDED : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Cruise to Accolay, Walking Tour

Our morning cruise will take us from Vincelles to the village of Accolay as we head towards the Vermenton Arm of the River Cure. It’s then time to stretch our legs with a walking tour of Auxerre to visit its magnificent cathedral and centuries-old abbey. Marvel at the 15th-century clock tower in the pedestrianized Old Town and photograph the iconic statue of “Cadet Rousselle". Originally a Roman camp, Auxelle became a pilgrimage center in the Middle Ages and was declared a holy city in the 11th century. Today, Auxelle boasts one of the most attractive river fronts in France and is the perfect place for soaking up the atmosphere of French provincial life. 

ACCOMMODATION : Luciole

MEALS INCLUDED : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Noyers-sur-Serein, Walking Tours

This morning, we will travel from Accolay to charming Noyers-sur-Serein, which is clustered with half-timbered houses and turreted ramparts. Watched over by a medieval castle, it is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful towns in France and is renowned for its friendly market stalls. In May and June, the town is particularly attractive when the orchids are in bloom. 

After lunch, we will continue cruising south to moor beneath the centuries-old walls of Mailly-le-Château. If the mood takes you, you can follow the steep path that leads from the Bourg d’en Bas to Mailly-le-Château’s terrace, which offers superb views across the Yonne Valley. 

ACCOMMODATION : Luciole

MEALS INCLUDED : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Vézelay Tour, Cruise from Mailly-le-Château to Chatel Censoir

We’ll begin the day with a visit to the steep-sided hill town of Vézelay, which is dominated by an 11th-century basilica. Once a gathering point for the Crusaders en route to Santiago de Compostela in Spain, it was here that Saint Bernard preached in the presence of Louis VII and Eleanor of Aquitaine. Vézelay is renowned for holding the relics of Saint Mary Magdalene and is clustered with local handicraft stores. After exploring the atmospheric streets, why not take some time out to watch the world go by from one of Vézelay’s charming cafes. 

In the afternoon, we will cruise from Mailly-le-Château to Chatel Censoir along a stretch of the canal that’s framed by dramatic cliffs. Ducks and geese have made their home along the banks while rock climbers challenge themselves on the famous Rocher du Parc.

ACCOMMODATION : Luciole

MEALS INCLUDED : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Clamecy, Tour Château of Bazoches

On our final morning of cruising, we will head to the medieval town of Clamecy, which centers around the 12th-century Church of St. Martin. Overlooking the river is the Church of Our Lady of Bethlehem, which is dedicated to the bishops who (unable to preside in Bethlehem) were resident in Clamecy between 1225 and the late 18th century. 

Also on the itinerary for today is a tour of the Château of Bazoches, an imposing castle that perches on a hillside surrounded by spectacular countryside. It was home to the famous French military engineer, Marquis de Vauban, in the 17th century and he was steadfastly loyal to his roots in the region. Aside from developing a network of fortifications to protect the kingdom of France, he was also a prolific writer. 

ACCOMMODATION : Luciole

MEALS INCLUDED : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Goodbye Breakfast, Retrun to Paris

After breakfast on board the “Luciole”, it’s time to say goodbye to your crew and board the bus for Paris’ Place Vendôme. Our expected arrival time is around 1:00 pm. Taxis will be available here for onward travel to your hotel of choice or Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport. If you want to travel elsewhere in France by train or to pick up a hire car, we can make an additional stop in Auxerre on our way to Paris.

MEALS INCLUDED : Breakfast