Cruising between Montbard and Tonnerre
Day 1
Montbard to Buffon
Join us aboard Elisabeth at 3 pm. We'll be waiting for you with a welcome drink! There is time to settle in before we begin cruising. Enjoy the countryside and the peace after your journey to beautiful Burgundy. Relax on the terrace or join the Captain at the wheel.
Upon arrival at Buffon-les-Forges, take a gentle stroll to the local restaurant for your evening dinner in Le Marronnier.
This typical hotel/restaurant with its shaded flower-decked terrace and beautiful stonework overlooks the Canal. A range of local dishes is available including Coq à la Chablisienne, Wild boar and local fish dishes.
Day 2
Buffon to Ravieres
After breakfast, you may like to explore the 18th century grande Forge de Buffon, built by the French naturalist Georges-Louis Leclerc, Compte de Buffon, considered the father of Natural History in France and an eminent scientist of his time.
Alternatively, take a walk along the Canal or maybe just relax on the terrace.
At 11 am, we begin our cruise for the day, enjoying a delicious lunch board before arriving at Ravieres, a charming village of just 800 inhabitants with its origins going back to the 8th century. Although the ancient fortifications were destroyed in 1591, you can still find traces of ancient houses dating back to the 16th and 17th century here.
This evening you can choose between eating in the local restaurant, L'idylle, or perhaps a picnic tea from the local shops.
The restaurant is on the banks of the Canal and serves mainly traditional dishes, sometimes with a hint of the exotic!
Day 3
Ravieres to Ancy-le-Franc
For early risers, there is the chance to view the Canal in all its stillness at dawn; it's a beautiful time of day.
It's an early start as we begin our cruise at 9 am. Sit back and relax with a cup of coffee or tea as the world drifts by, or hop off at one of the locks for some gentle exercise. Our cruise takes us to Ancy-le -Franc. After lunch on board, you are free to explore the fascinating chateau dating from 1538 and one of the most excellent examples of Renaissance architecture in Burgundy. King Francis I chose the Italian architect Sebastian Serlio to design the castle itself, which is a vibrant mix of Italian and French styles both inside and out. A wealth of art and beautiful furnishings are on display, and you may like to explore the beautiful gardens too. There is quite a surprise there!
Return to Elisabeth to relax or to freshen up for your evening meal ashore. With three restaurants close by, you will be spoilt for choice.
You could try Le Serlio serving a variety of traditional French dishes including Oeufs Pochés à l'epoisse (eggs poached in Epoisse cheese), alongside freshly made pizzas, the Auberge du Port or the Hotel de l'Ecluse. Bon Appetit!
Day 4
Ancy-le-Franc to Lezinnes
After a tasty breakfast, we continue our relaxing journey along the Canal to Lezinnes, arriving in time for lunch on board in our peaceful mooring. This afternoon, relax on the terrace or explore the local area on foot. Alternatively, why not cycle to nearby Noyers-sur-Serein. This ancient village is absolutely fascinating, situated on the old site of a Roman settlement. Take time to explore the 14th-century Gothic-style church, the cobbled streets with their timbered houses, the oldest dating back to 1545, art galleries and potters studio.
Throughout the ages, this has been a prosperous village with vines, walnut and cherry trees, cartwrights, coopers, harness makers and farmers all contributing to its wealth. You will find signs of these trades throughout the streets if you look carefully.
Alternatively, you may like to explore the flora and fauna of the nearby forest.
This evening, you can enjoy dinner at Le Grignotin, a popular local restaurant serving traditional home-made dishes.
Day 5
Lezinnes to Tanlay
After breakfast, there will be time to visit the village and admire the Church of St Etienne. Once home to a Cistercian order of monks, all that remains of the ancient Abbaye of Lezinnes, founded in 1184 and closed in 1790, is a dove tower and an underground cellar.
Our cruise to Tanlay begins at 11 am. After lunch on board, relax at your leisure or explore this interesting village, including the church of Saint Sylvestre.
This evening you can choose to dine ashore in either the Bar du Port or La Base Cour, or to create a picnic from the local shops, to eat as the sun goes down and the stars appear.
Day 6
Tanlay to Tonnerre
Begin the day by stepping back in time in the 16th-century Chateau of Tanlay, a walk around the village or should you prefer, simply relax on the terrace.
Lunch will be served before we set off at 2 pm for our final cruise, arriving at Tonnerre in the late afternoon.
This evening, you can dine in the stunning restaurant named L'Abbaye, housed in the 13th-century vaults of one of the earliest Cistercian abbeys, founded in the 5th century or one of the many other restaurants in this delightful town.
Day 7
Tonnerre
After a hearty breakfast, it's time to say "au revoir et à la prochaine!"
Should you wish to dine further afield, your hosts will be able to organise a taxi for you.
The cruise may run in the opposite direction on alternate weeks and may be changed due to conditions beyond our control such as low water levels, work on the Canal, etc
