Magnolia barge cruise

Magnolia

Luxury barge cruises

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Magnolia hotel barge

Cruise highlights

6 passengers
★★★★ 4 star rating

  • Dijon: Notre Dame, many historical buildings, a colourful market and great shopping
  • Visit the Clos de Vougeot, headquarters of the Chevaliers of the Tastevin, to view the vineyards and enjoy a tasting
  • Discover the mysteries of a much-loved culinary delight on a local Truffle farm
  • Visit the wine capital of Burgundy, Beaune, with its magnificent Hotel Dieu Hospice and lovely town centre
  • Spectacular view from Chateauneuf-en-Auxois: Visit the chateau and local craft shops in one of the prettiest villages of France

Magnolia offers 2 cruise routes & itineraries

Magnolia also offers

Half-board cruises

Magnolia cruise file

Prices

  • Charters from 14,230 €

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
  • Wifi
  • Demonstration galley
  • CD, DVD library, iPod dock
  • Volkswagen minibus
  • Bicycles : 6

Guests have awarded ★★★★★ stars

Guests comments

5* for the barge Magnolia, the Burgundy Canal, Hotels Afloat customer service and website.
We are very likely to book again and to recommend Hotels Afloat to others.

Charlotte B; USA; 2019

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!

Caroline Lehman, July 2017

We really appreciated the small intimate personal environment and the excellent service
Boat rate: 10/10
Burgundy canal: Appreciated the surrounding nature and the visits to special historical sites and villages
We rated Hotels Afloat 10/10 and will book again.

We very much enjoyed the trip with Magali and Nicolas on their barge Magnolia. They were very personable, attentive, and accommodating in their service. We very much enjoyed our trip with them and would love to do it again!!!

Kai and Irmgard Borner, USA. July 2015
Our experience on Magnolia was wonderful. Great crew including fabulous chef.
FUNDE... ★★★★★

About Magnolia barge cruises

Luxury barge Magnolia

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

Your adventure takes you through the stunning Valley d'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 the spaciousness of the barge.
Stairs lead down into the huge, light saloon.
At one end is the dining table, set close to the galley; at the other end, the large corner sofa invites you to relax over a drink from the guest-accessible bar, tea or coffee machines.
A writing desk is available, complete with a Wi-Fi connection.
You could enjoy a DVD, watch TV, listen to some music on the iPod deck or simply watch the world drift by.
A beneficial luggage space has been built into the barge, and this is 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 with king-size beds convertible to twins, according to your preference.
Each bed has a 5-zone mattress and superior linens.
All cabins benefit from opening portholes.

The 17m2 suite has a writing desk/dressing table and ample storage, including a wardrobe, add to the home from home feeling.
There are separate, en-suite toilet and shower rooms with one-way glass for privacy.

The two, 12 m2 cabins have king-size beds with 5 zone memory foam mattresses and superior linens.
Again, there have ample storage and one-way glass in the en-suite bathrooms.

The staircase adjacent to the cabins allows direct access to the spa pool deck, which is the perfect place to relax in the hot tub with a glass of wine after a day exploring this stunning region with your hosts.
If the sun is shining, you could also relax on the 40 m2 aft sun deck, complete with traditional furniture and an automated sunshade measuring 4m x 4m.
This deck has an outdoor kitchen featuring a plancha barbecue.

All meals served are made with fresh, locally sourced produce, the vast majority from Dijon market, to insure delicious, seasonal meals each day.  While at the market on Tuesday, guests will be invited to choose fish or meat, to be cooked once back on board by our chef, 'a la plancha'.
As well as fine wines and an open bar,  bottled water is available throughout the cruise.


During your cruise, you will be invited to join a French family for a traditional meal in their typically French home!
This is a unique opportunity to try out your French in a relaxed atmosphere with Magali or Nicolas nearby to translate if necessary.
This option is bookable in advance and replaces one of the on-board lunches or dinners.

Magali and Nicolas have many years of experience in hotel barging and as natives to Burgundy, make excellent companions for your adventure.

There are five permanent crew onboard to ensure quality and a pleasant ambience throughout the season.
Six bikes on board
Hot tub

Volkswagen minibus

Magnolia deck and cabin plans

Magnolia deck plan

Magnolia photo gallery

Click any photo to zoom

Magnolia cruise routes & itineraries

From Dijon to Escommes map

From Dijon to Escommes

Rates

Dijon

Saturday
We will meet you in Dijon at 3 pm, and then transfer you to the barge moored in Plombieres-les-Dijon.
Enjoy a welcome drink on the deck before settling in.
Dinner aboard.

Plombières - Fleurey sur Ouche
Sunday
This morning we will visit a local truffle farm, l'Or des Valois, to discover this art and have a go!
In the afternoon, we will cruise gently along the Canal to Fleurey sur Ouche.  There is plenty of time to cycle or walk alongside.
Dinner aboard.

Fleurey sur Ouche - To Lock 34
Monday
We will continue our cruise along the canal through the Ouche Valley before lunch on board.
Today's excursion takes us to Vosne Romanée for an excellent wine tasting at the Domaine Rion.
Dinner on board.

Lock 3 - La Bussiere
Tuesday
We will begin our day with a visit to the wonderful town of Dijon, and its colourful market. Our chef will come with us and choose an array of fresh produce ready to cook 'a la plancha' for lunch.
Explore this historic city, the capital of the Dukes of Burgundy, and its myriad of quaint streets in the old quarters.
After lunch, our afternoon cruise brings us to La Bussiere.

La Bussiere - Pont d'Ouche
Wednesday
The cruise today takes up to Pont d'Ouche, a beautiful village.
This afternoon we visit Beaune and its world-famous 15th-century Hospice.
Cameras at the ready!
This is a beautiful town, and the Hospice itself is stunning.
After a busy day, we enjoy a Home Hosted dinner in a Burgundian family house.

Pont d'Ouche - Escommes
Thursday
Our cruise today will enable us to 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.
Back on board, why not take a dip in the hot tub before preparing to dine on board.
This evening we will have ample time to look back on a glorious week.

Escommes to Dijon
Friday
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 24, 800 €
Charter for 5 22, 300 €
Charter for 4 19, 300 €
Charter for 2 15, 600 €

All prices include:
Transfer to and from Dijon train station to the barge, all meals from dinner on day one to breakfast on the last day, open bar, bicycles, guided tours with a minivan.

Not included: Airfare, transfers to the meeting point, crew gratuities


From Plombieres-les-Dijon to Vandenesse-en-Auxois : 2024

Burgundy Canal

Rates

Paris

Saturday
We will meet you  in Paris at about 2 pm and then transfer you to the barge moored in Plombieres-les-Dijon
Enjoy a welcome drink on the deck before settling in.
Dinner aboard.

Plombières - Fleurey sur Ouche
Sunday
This morning we will visit a local truffle farm, l'Or des Valois, to discover this art and have a go!  Enjoy lunch at the truffle farm before we return to Magnolia.
In the afternoon, we will cruise gently along the Canal to Fleurey sur Ouche.  There is plenty of time to cycle or walk alongside.
Dinner aboard.

Fleurey sur Ouche - To Lock 34
Monday
We will continue our cruise along the canal through the Ouche Valley before lunch on board.
Today's excursion takes us to Chambolle Musigny for an excellent tasting of prestigious wines before driving through the famous vineyards of the Côte de Nuits.
Dinner at lock 34, an authentic lock house, reconverted into a welcoming "guingette".  After our wine visits, this is a perfect way to enjoy some original cruising in a warm, convivial ambiance.

Lock 34 - La Bussière
Tuesday
We will begin our day with a visit to the wonderful town of Dijon, and its colourful market. Our chef will come with us and choose an array of fresh produce ready to cook 'a la plancha' for lunch.
Explore this historic city, the capital of the Dukes of Burgundy, and its myriad of quaint streets in the old quarters.
We'll return to Magnolia and spend the afternoon cruising to La Bussière.
Dinner aboard.

La Bussière - Pont d'Ouche
Wednesday
The cruise today takes up to Pont d'Ouche, a beautiful village. After lunch aboard, we set off to explore the wine capital Burgundy, and its world-famous 15th-century Hospice.
Cameras at the ready!
This is a beautiful town, and the Hospice itself is stunning.  There will be some free time for shopping.
After a busy day, we enjoy a Home Hosted dinner in a Burgundian family house.

Pont d'Ouche - Escommes
Thursday
Our cruise today will enable us to visit Chateauneuf-en-Auxois, one of the most beautiful medieval villages in France.
Perched high above the canal, enjoy the superb views of the valley and tour the magnificent chateau dating from the 12th century.
We will enjoy lunch at L'Orée du Bois before returning to the barge.
Back on board, why not take a dip in the hot tub before preparing to dine on board.
This evening we will have ample time to look back on a glorious week.

Escommes to Dijon
Friday
After a hearty breakfast, depart to Paris 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 Plombieres-les-Dijon to Vandenesse-en-Auxois : 2024 rates

Charter for 6 31, 200 €
Charter for 5 27, 000 €
Charter for 4 22, 800 €

Prices include pick up from Paris at 2.00 pm ( CDG airport or hôtel in Paris) and transfer to the barge, return to Paris center or CDG airport; full continental breakfast on board, lunches and dinners on board and ashore, open bar, bicycles, guided tours with a mini-van.

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

Not included: Airfare, crew gratuities.


These are sample itineraries, on alternate weeks the cruise will be in the reverse direction.

Availability for Magnolia

Magnolia operates on a private charter basis only

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