Clamecy to Auxerre
Join us for a half-board cruise where you get to choose, where to eat, when to take excursions, how to spend your time!
The Randle is an excellent choice for a honeymoon couple, a Romantic Getaway, or for a small group wanting to escape the crowds.
The following is a sample itinerary and can be adjusted to suit your needs.
Sunday: Paris to Clamecy
You are met at Paris, at the airport, station or hotel of your choice, and transferred by private car to Clamecy for a champagne reception aboard The Randle.
Take a short walk into Clamecy to visit the town, the magnificent 16th-century church of St Martin. Clamecy was the seat of the Bishop of Bethlehem for 600 years, and a logging centre for 400 years.
Take a stroll through the narrow streets lined with ancient buildings, museum and boutiques.
Evening dining:
2 pieces Cuisine: Set in the 15-century town bank, this small and charming restaurant has a range of excellent seasonal dishes.
Hostellerie de la Poste: A more formal setting in the old staging hotel in the town centre, with an extensive wine list.
Monday: Clamecy to Lucy-sur-Yonne
In the morning, we leave Clamecy for a cruise through beautiful countryside passing limestone cliffs of Basville and a 15th century fortified farm, which takes us to the tranquil village of Lucy-sur-Yonne, with an 11th-century church, river and old millpond nearby.
In the afternoon, we visit Vezelay, a UNESCO world heritage site. This fortified town includes the grand basilica dedicated to St Mary Magdalen and said to contain her relic.
Stroll through the pretty streets to see craft shops, restaurants, art galleries, and fine views of the surrounding countryside.
Excellent dining is possible at Vezelay:
The Cheval Blanc: A charming restaurant presenting elegant dishes
The Terrace: Facing the basilica, a range of classic French dishes are served in this bistro
Alternatively, dine at Les Deux Pont restaurant, just 10 minutes from Vezelay, in this farmhouse-style restaurant, complete with log fires on cooler evenings and a menu of dishes prepared using locally sourced produce.
Tuesday: Lucy-sur-Yonne to Mailly-le-Chateau
Today we cruise through the Yonne valley to moor under the white coral cliffs of Le Saussois for lunch: the cliffs are popular with climbers some of whom may be seen practising their skills, and also with magnificent falcons.
Take the path to the top for a fantastic view of the surrounding countryside.
After lunch we arrive at Mailly-le-Chateau: take a walking tour of the village set on a high ravine, with its fortified 13th-century church and 14th-century chateau overlooking the beautiful Yonne river valley, rooftops of Mailly-le-Bas and the Nivernais canal.
This afternoon enjoy a visit to the Grottes d'Arcy-sur-Cure, amazing illustrated caves with stalagmites, lakes and Paleolithic cave paintings depicting bears, rhino and mammoth, dating from around 28,000 BC.
Our evening dining:
The 13th-century moated Chateau Vault de Lugny, offering haute cuisine in a truly magnificent setting or La Castel in the town square, at Mailly le Chateau, for a taste of Burgundian fare in charming grandeur.
Wednesday: Mailly-le-Chateau to Accolay
This morning we will visit the exceptionally pretty village of Noyers-sur-Serein, a fortified village with 15th-century timber-framed houses, on market day. There are numerous artists here, a potter, jeweller and a leather-worker! This is the perfect place to buy a souvenir or a unique gift for a loved one.
After lunch, we cruise on to Accolay, a canal-side village, once known for its unique pottery.
Evening dining:
The Hostellerie de la Fontaine is a surprisingly good find in such a small village, with an elegant under-croft restaurant and an alfresco terrace for warmer evenings.
Thursday: Accolay to Vincelles
Our morning cruise along the Yonne valley with vineyards coming into view, we arrive at our riverside mooring at Vincelles, overlooking a beautiful watermill.
This afternoon we embark on a guided tour to the pretty wine villages of Irancy, Chitry and Chablis. The views are quite stunning!
Try Burgundy Pinot Noir reds, and the famous Chablis Chardonnay and enjoy a tour of the Grand-Cru vineyards.
Evening dining: The Auberge de les Tilleuls is just opposite our moorings... Gastronomic dishes made with fresh local ingredients.
Friday: Vincelles to Auxerre
Twice visited by Jean d'Arc with a cathedral citadel established in the 5th century, Auxerre is dominated by the St Etienne Cathedral and St Germain Abbey.
Embracing its medieval roots with attractive cobbled streets and half-timbered houses, there is more to see and do here than can be fitted into one day!
There are many restaurants in Auxerre for this evening.
We highly recommend
La P'tite Beusaude, serving traditional Burgundian cuisine in an intimate setting
L'Aspérule (Michelin Starred): This small restaurant is a delight for the eye as well as the taste buds
Saturday
After breakfast aboard The Randle, we will escort you back to Paris and say our 'au revoir'.
Alternative itineraries are available on request