St Julien-sur-Dheune to Seurre
Saint Julien-sur-Dheune
Sunday
Guests are met at either the central train station at Le Creusot or a local hotel in the afternoon and driven in the air-conditioned bus to join La Vie en Rose, moored in the peaceful, pretty village of St Julien-sur Dheune on the Canal du Centre.
A Champagne welcome is the perfect moment to relax while the crew welcomes you.
This evening we will chat about the week to come while enjoying dinner on board.
Saint Julien-sur-Dheune to Saint Leger-sur-Dheune
Monday
After a hearty breakfast, the adventure begins with a cruise to the village of Saint Leger-sur-Dheune. Take time to admire the views from the deck, or perhaps walk or cycle along to build up an appetite for lunch on board.
In the afternoon, the first step back in time awaits as we visit the famous Chateau de Couches. This "monument historique" dates from the 12th-century and is known as the Chateau de Marguerite de Bourgogne, who was the Queen of France, married to Louis X.
The architecture of the chateau varies as the building was constructed between the end of the 11th century, with all work finally completed in the 19th century.
Our return journey takes us to the Mountain of 3 crosses where the splendid panorama will take your breath away, and through the villages of Marange.
This evening, you will dine in a local auberge serving regional dishes (not included in the cruise price)
Saint Leger-sur-Dheune to Santenay
Tuesday
Today begins with a leisurely cruise towards the village of Santenay, which will be our evening mooring. This wine-producing village is part of the prestigious world-famous Southern Cote de Beaune. Our excursion today takes us to Chamirey, a hamlet of Mercurey) for a meeting with a local winegrower Agnes, in the Domaine of Meix-Foulot, or with Laurent in the Domaine Michel Juillot, both old friends of the Captain and his wife so we are guaranteed a warm welcome! A picnic awaits us in Mercurey, with a surprise!
After a delicious lunch, we will visit Chamirey with its XII century church, and walk through the vineyards in our discovery of the Cote, before visiting an authentic goat farm to enjoy a cheese tasting.
We return to La Vie en Rose, our minds full of sights from the day, to a restful evening and dinner aboard.
Santenay to Chagny
Wednesday
We will then take the Route de Grands Cru, direction Beaune. Known as the wine capital of Burgundy, the ancient town is a perfect setting for lunch. After lunch, we will explore the fascinating 15th-century Hospice de Beaune. In addition to the beautiful tiled roof, you will see the old hospital wards with 'tiny' beds by our modern standards, the relatively humble chapel, a pharmacy complete with medicines and the kitchens too, all of which are a testament to the hard lives lived within the walls of this charitable hospital. Lunch out (not included in the cruise price)
Beaune has many boutiques, so free time for shopping will be possible before we return to La Vie en Rose.
We will then return driving amid the vineyards to La Vie en Rose. Enjoy a peaceful aperitif on the deck before dinner is served on board.
Chagny to Fragnes
Thursday
After our morning cruise to Fragnes, we take lunch on board before our outing. A private tour of the Chateau de Rully, set in the heart of the vineyards, awaits us, concluding with a wine tasting in the kitchen of the Chateau itself.
After the tasting, we may take a short drive to discover the magnificent views here: Cameras at the ready.
To round off this fabulous day, the Captain recommends you enjoy a gastronomic dinner at Lameloise, the only 3* rated restaurant in Burgundy. (not included in the cruise price)
Fragnes - Seurre
Friday
For our last full day together, we begin with an excursion to nearby Chalon-sur-Saone, an elegant market town dating from Roman times. Birthplace of photography, Chalon is a lively town, and today it's market day, with a variety of stalls selling local produce as well as a vast range of goods. Take time to watch how the french do their shopping, admire the colours, the scents, the sing-song of the French language around you, so see french life at it's best.
We return to La Vie en Rose after lunch ashore (not included in the price), followed by a change as we leave the quiet Canal behind us to join the majestic River Saone for our final cruise to Seurre, a small town.
Our Captain's Farewell dinner begins with cocktails and canapes on the deck overlooking the river, a time to reminisce over the unforgettable week spent afloat aboard La Vie en Rose.
Seurre
Saturday
After an excellent breakfast to see you on your way, transfers to Le Creusot TGV railway station are provided in good time for your return to Paris.
Au revoir et à bientôt!