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Magnolia barge cruise

Magnolia

Half-board barge cruises

Half Board cruises on the Burgundy Canal

Cruise highlights

6 passengers
★★★★★ 5 star rating

  • Dijon: The church of Notre Dame, numerous historical buildings of varying styles, a colourful market and great shopping
  • Visit the headquarters of the Chevaliers of the Tastevin, Clos de Vougeot, to view the vineyards and enjoy a tasting
  • Discover the mysteries of the Truffle at a local Truffle farm
  • Beaune: The wine capital of Burgundy, Visit the magnificent Hotel Dieu Hospice and lovely town centre
  • Enjoy spectacular views from Chateauneuf-en-Auxois: Visit the chateau and local craft shops in one of the prettiest villages of France

Magnolia cruise route & itinerary

From Dijon to Escommes
Burgundy Canal

Magnolia cruise file

Prices

  • Charters from 11,200 €

Boat size

  • Length 124′8″ ft (38.00 metres)
  • Width 16′7″ ft (5.05 metres)

Specifications

  • Crew members : 5
  • Up to 6 guests
  • Suites : 1
  • Double cabins : 2

Also

  • Central heating
  • Air-conditioning
  • Spa or pool
  • CD, DVD library, iPod dock
  • Volkswagen minibus
  • Bicycles : 6

Guests have awarded
★★★★★

Comments

What a magic and memorable time we had on Magnolia.  Never imagined the variety of things we would do in a short time! Magali's knowledge of the region was very much appreciated!  And of course, the tennis-organizing that for us.  The entire team provided us with the best holiday ever.  We hope to return...  Suzy

Certainly everything exceeded our expectations, especially the flexibility and grace of the crew.  We feel we saw France, the country and the culture at its best.  Jim

Jim & Suzy Donahue; June 2017

Thank you! We have travelled often to many places - This week was the best vacation/adventure ever!  
You have a beautiful peniche, a great crew, and a perfect, smoothly running operation. Thank you, thank you, thank you for our great experience!

Tony & Connie Price, USA; June 2017

The Magnolia went above and beyond our expectations!
The crew Magali & Nico (and beautiful little Mila) went out of their way to make sure we enjoyed every minute of the holiday.
We rate the barge 10/10
We appreciated the peace and quiet with amazing restaurants
Google lead us to Hotels Afloat, and we rate you a 10 for attention to details and help and would book again.

Nico mentioned they may move the barge one year, if they do we would love to know so we can come again!

 

 

Hi Emma
 
My apologies I did intend to write and thank you once we had returned yet once again life and its tribulations got in the way!
 
We absolutely loved Magnolia and the beautiful Magali & Nico. Milan was a wonderful surprise "extra crew" and it made it very special for our daughter to have little Mila to visit during the day. I have to say we were surprised when we first saw Mila as we hadn't heard so much as a peep from her! The worlds quietest no happy baby!!
 
We didn't have the best weather, I think it rained every day, but this didn't stop us having an amazing time and I think the overcast weather was a blessing as it meant we could happily ride or walk along the canals without getting sunburnt (us Aussies are quite scared of the sun 
Caroline Lehman, July 2017

About Magnolia barge cruises

Half-board barge Magnolia

Lovingly converted by your hosts Nicolas and Magali, the Magnolia provides a peaceful, unique haven.

Your adventure takes you through the stunning Valley Ouche at a relaxed pace.
As you step aboard the fully air-conditioned/centrally heated Magnolia, you will be pleasantly surprised by the exceptional presentation and spaciousness of the barge.
Take the stairs down into the vast, light saloon: At one end is the dining table, set close to the galley.
A writing desk is available, complete with wifi connection.
At the other end of the saloon, the large corner sofa invites you to relax over a drink from the guest-accessible bar, tea and coffee machines.
Enjoy a DVD, watch TV, listen to some music on the iPod deck or simply watch the world drift by.
A handy luggage space has been built into the barge, accessible from the saloon.

Along the beautifully curved corridor which ensures privacy by placing the cabins either side of the barge, you will find three tastefully decorated cabins each with kingsize beds which can be converted to spacious twins, as you prefer.

All beds have 5-zone mattresses and superior linens.
The 17m square suite has a writing desk/dressing table and ample storage, including a wardrobe, add to the home from home feeling.
There are separate toilet and shower rooms, with one-way glass for privacy.

The two 12m square cabins both have ample storage, opening porthole windows, and ensuite bathrooms with one-way glass.
The staircase adjacent to the cabins allows direct access to the spa-pool deck.

If the sun's shining, why not relax on deck?
The 40 square metre sundeck, complete with traditional furniture and an automated sunscreen measuring 4m x 4m, has an outdoor kitchen complete with planche & barbecue.
The second, smaller deck with hot tub, is the perfect place to relax with a glass of wine after a day exploring this stunning region with your hosts.

Breakfasts, four lunches and three dinners will be provided onboard, plus an open bar and bottled water.  All food served on board is exclusively fresh and local, mainly purchased in Dijon market.  On Tuesday, you will be able to buy meat and fish from the market and see it cooked 'a la plancha' once back on board.

Meals, accommodation, round-trip transfers from Dijon, an open bar, use of the barges facilities including bicycles and the hot tub are included in the cruise price.

Magali and Nicolas have many years of experience in hotel barging and as natives to Burgundy, make excellent companions for your adventure.
They will be happy to make recommendations should you wish to dine ashore, based on your tastes and budget, and can make reservations and provide transport too (generally within a 15-minute drive).

The galley and alfresco kitchen are at your disposal too, and a range of condiments including olive oil, salt, pepper, mustard and herbs will be available onboard.

  • Five permanent crew on board
  • Bicycles
  • Hot tub
  • Volkswagon minibus for transfers and all excursions

Magnolia deck and cabin plans

Magnolia deck plan

Magnolia photo gallery

Click any photo to zoom

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View of the boat
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Magnolia cruise route & itinerary

From Dijon to Escommes map

From Dijon to Escommes

Burgundy Canal

Rates

Saturday: Dijon - Plombieres les Dijon
We will meet you at Dijon TGV station at 3 pm, and then transfer you to the barge moored in the nearby port.
Enjoy a welcome drink on the deck and our Cocktail cruise passing through 5 locks, to Plombieres-les-Dijon.
This evening you will dine on board as our guests.

Sunday: Plombieres-les-Dijon to Fleurey-sur-Ouche
After an excellent nights sleep, this morning we will visit a local truffle farm, LOr des Valois, to discover this delicacy, and see the truffle dogs at work! Lunch, based on truffles, will be included. 
We will cruise in the afternoon, and there will be time to cycle or walk along if you wish, as we travel together through 8 locks.
Dinner will be served on board (included)

Monday: Fleurey-sur-Ouche to Lock 34
We will continue our cruise along the canal through the Ouche Valley, passing through another eight locks this morning.
After lunch on board, we will head off to a family-owned Domain Armelle Rion in Vosne Romanee to enjoy some wine-tasting, including the prestigious Grand Cru, Clos de Vougeot.
This evening, you can dine at lock 34, an authentic lock house which has been converted into a welcoming "Guinguette" serving home-made dishes. (at guests' expense)

Tuesday: Lock 34 to La-Bussiere-sur-Ouche
We will begin our day with a visit to the beautiful town of Dijon with a colourful market.
Choose from the rich palate of fresh ingredients with the help of our chef: When you return to Magnolia, he will prepare you a fantastic lunch 'a la plancha' on our outdoor kitchen. (included)
After lunch, we will take a gentle cruise to La Bussiere, where guests can dine in the stunning surroundings of the Abbaye de la Bussiere or Babirey-sur-Ouche (at guests' expense)

Wednesday: La-Bussiere-sur-Ouche to Pont-d'Ouche
The cruise today takes us through 6 locks to Pont d'Ouche, a charming village.
Lunch can be taken at Pont d'Ouche, or the Chateau de St Sabine (at guests' expense) This afternoon we visit Beaune, and it's world-famous Hospice.
Cameras at the ready!
This is a beautiful town, and the Hospice itself is stunning.
There will be ample time to explore the boutiques at your leisure.
After a busy day, it's time to relax at our "Home-Hosted" dinner with a local French family (included)

Thursday: Pont-d'Ouche to Escommes
Our cruise today involves 19 locks!
In the afternoon, we can visit Chateauneuf en Auxois, one of the most beautiful villages in France.
Perched high above the canal, enjoy the superb views of the valley and take a tour of the magnificent chateau.
Guests can lunch here or at Chez Lucotte, a traditional French restaurant at Vandenesse en Auxois (at guests' expense)
Back on board, why not take a dip in the hot tub before preparing to dine on board, as our guests..
This evening we will have ample time to look back on a wonderful week.

Friday: Escommes to Dijon
After a hearty breakfast, depart to Dijon for your onward journey.

This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change.  On alternate weeks, the cruise is in the reverse direction.

From Dijon to Escommes rates

2023 EURO rates
Charter for 6 22, 300 €
Charter for 5 19, 500 €
Charter for 4 16, 600 €
Charter for 2 12, 700 €

All prices include:
Transfer to and from Dijon train station to the barge, full continental breakfast on board, three lunches and four dinners including Home Hosted and L'Or des Valois, open bar, bicycles, guided tours with a minivan.

Not included: Airfare, transfers to the meeting point, crew gratuities, 4 meals ashore at guests expense

Availability for Magnolia

Magnolia operates on a private charter basis only

Start date End date Status
01 July 2023 07 July 2023 Available
22 July 2023 28 July 2023 Available
19 August 2023 25 August 2023 Available
26 August 2023 01 September 2023 Available
28 October 2023 03 November 2023 Available

Magnolia enquiries and reservations

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