Finesse luxury barge cruises

Saint Julien-sur-Dheune

Sunday
Visitors are greeted in Burgundy's capital, Dijon, or in Paris, and driven in a private, chauffeur-driven minibus to Saint Julien-sur-Dheune. Before checking into your suite, introduce yourself to the crew and enjoy a Champagne welcome. Before dinner is served, you can take a leisurely stroll along the towpath or unwind on board.

Saint Julien-sur-Dheune to Saint Léger-sur-Dheune

Monday
As the barge navigates the Canal du Centre this morning, you will have the opportunity to witness the skill of the Pilot and his shipmate as they navigate through charming villages, rolling hills, and 11 locks to reach our destination, Saint Léger-sur-Dheune.
Following lunch, we'll tour the Château de Germolles, which dates back to the 14th century and is thought to be the best-preserved home of the Dukes of Burgundy. After admiring the medieval wall paintings and the Ducal chapel, take a stroll through the lovely gardens.
Dinner aboard.

Saint Léger-sur-Dheune to Remigny

Tuesday
Even though Burgundy is frequently connected to the Middle Ages, we will be visiting the beautiful town of Autun today, which the Romans first named Augustodonum. Many original elements are still present, such as the 17,000-seat amphitheatre, Roman gates and arches, and temple ruins. It's well worth the climb to see the cathedral that overlooks the town!
We have lunch back at the barge, after which we can unwind. Meanwhile, Finesse keeps sailing, passing through typical Burgundian villages, such as Santenay, a wine village, on her way to Remigny, where we will moor for the evening.
It's a perfect rural spot for Dinner on board.

Remigny to Rully

Wednesday
We start the day with a drive through the Côte de Beaune vineyards after breakfast. When we first get to Beaune, we go to Maison Campney, the oldest winery in Burgundy. Enjoy a tasting and a private tour of the wine cellar to discover how the best Premier and Grand Cru wines are made. Savour a private lunch prepared from one of the wine vats in an exquisite setting! There will be time to tour the renowned Hospice de Beaune in the afternoon, known for its gorgeous glazed tile roof, hospital ward, nearby chapel, pharmacy, and kitchen displays. Before we head back to the barge for our afternoon cruise past the market town of Chagny, feel free to browse the many boutiques.  Our evening mooring is in the wine village of Rully.
Dinner on board.

Rully to Fragnes

Thursday
As we cruise toward the village of Fragnes this morning, there will be plenty of time to unwind. You could ride your bike beside it.
Following lunch, enjoy a private wine tasting at the charming Domaine Chanzy, one of the most impressive estates in Burgundy. The estate features 80 hectares of vines spread across three slopes.
We'll return to Finesse for our customary aperitif before dinner aboard.

Fragnes to Chalon-sur-Saône

Friday

Today, we'll visit the walled vineyard of Clos de Vougeot this morning. It is home to the prestigious Chevaliers du Tastevin headquarters, named after the fraternity of Knights of the Wine-Tasting Cup. Each year, the finest Côte d'Or vintages are given a special prized label. We'll take pleasure in a tour of the renowned cellars here. We continue our journey through the Côte de Nuits on the Route des Grands Cru, and then head back to Finesse for lunch.
After leaving the winding Canal, we make our final descent through the last lock, which drops an amazing 35 feet. Then, we join the majestic River Saône, ending at the graceful waterfront moorings at Chalon-sur-Saone. This location, with its magnificent cathedral and impressive bridges spanning the river, is ideal for our Captain's Farewell Dinner, when there will be time to reflect on the week spent on board.

Chalon-sur-Saône

Saturday
After a hearty breakfast, guests are transferred by private chauffeured minibus to the choice of their location in Dijon or Paris. "Au revoir!"