Magnolia barge cruise

Magnolia luxury barge cruises

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Hotel Barge Magnolia

Cruise highlights

6 passengers
★★★★ 4 star rating

  • Chateau de Meursault: Enjoy a private wine-tasting in this prestigious domaine
  • 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
  • Visit a 14th-century private chateau of Germolles
  • Discover the ancient art of barrel making

Cruise route & itinerary

Magnolia cruise file

Prices

  • Charters from 30, 400 €

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


We cannot begin to describe how wonderful Magali and Nico and the Magnolia crew are. They are a family. And they make you feel part of their family as well. While we are all skeptics of words like "the best", because words are just words...but our family can say, without any hesitation whatsoever that, "there is NONE better" than the Magnolia and her family/crew. We simply adore them all. And they made us feel adored as well. Just go.
(July 2025) Baxter ★★★★★
Our experience on Magnolia was wonderful. Great crew including fabulous chef.
(September 2021) FUNDE... ★★★★★
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.
(November 2019) Charl...
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 10/10We appreciated the peace and quiet with amazing restaurantsGoogle 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!
(September 2017) Carol...
We really appreciated the small intimate personal environment and the excellent serviceBoat rate: 10/10Burgundy canal: Appreciated the surrounding nature and the visits to special historical sites and villagesWe 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!!!
(May 2017) Kai a...

About Magnolia barge cruises

Luxury barge Magnolia

Lovingly converted by your hosts, Nicolas and Magali, the Magnolia barge provides a unique and peaceful haven to explore the Burgundy countryside.

Your adventure takes you through the stunning Burgundy region 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 on 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, adding 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 is 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 ensure 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 always 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 of Burgundy, make excellent companions for your adventure.

Five permanent crew members are on board to ensure quality and a pleasant ambiance throughout your cruise.
Six bikes on board
Hot tub

Volkswagen minibus for private tours

Magnolia deck and cabin plans

Magnolia deck plan

Magnolia photo gallery

Click any photo to zoom

Magnolia cruise route & itinerary

From Chalon-sur-Saône to Saint Léger-sur-Dheune

Saône Valley

Rates

Paris/Geneva/Lyon to Burgundy

Saturday
We will meet you in Paris, Geneva or Lyon at about 2 pm and then transfer you to the barge moored in Chalon-sur-Saône.
Enjoy a welcome drink on the deck before settling in.
Dinner aboard.

Chalon-sur-Saône to Fragnes (1 lock)

Sunday
This morning, we will visit a local truffle farm, "La Maison de miles Truffes," to discover this art and try it! We will enjoy lunch at the truffle farm before we return to Magnolia.
In the afternoon, we will cruise gently along the Saône and then enter the Canal du Centre through a 30-foot difference-level lock! 
Dinner aboard.

Fragnes to Rully (8 locks)

Monday
We will continue our cruise along the canal, arriving at Rully in time for lunch on board.
Today's excursion takes us to discover the ancient art of the cooper (barrel maker) close to Beaune.
This evening, we enjoy a home-hosted dinner as guests of a local family in Rully with your guide.

Rully to Chagny (3 locks)

Tuesday
We will begin our day with a private wine tasting in the prestigious Château de Meursault, 
After lunch on board, we continue our cruise to Chagny, where we will dine in a local restaurant this evening.

Chagny to Santenay

Wednesday
After breakfast, our morning cruise takes us to Santana, from where we will set off on the bus to Beaune for lunch.  This town is the wine capital Burgundy; we can wander through the beautiful streets and visit 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 dinner on board.

Santenay to Saint Léger-sur-Dheune (4 locks)

Thursday
This morning, we step back in time to visit the 14th-century private château of Germolles.
After lunch on board, why not take a dip in the hot tub as we cruise towards our evening destination, Saint Léger-sur-Dheune?
As our week draws to a close, it's time to enjoy a Farewell Captain's Dinner on board as we reminisce.

Saint Léger-sur-Dheune

Friday
After a hearty breakfast, depart to Paris, Geneva or Lyon 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 Chalon-sur-Saône to Saint Léger-sur-Dheune rates

The rates shown are standard, before any applicable discounts or promotions.

2026 rates
Charter for 6 39, 600 €
Charter for 4 35, 500 €
Charter for 2 30, 400 €

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

Not included: Airfare, crew gratuities.

2026 Departure dates
April 4 - October 17


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

Availability for Magnolia

The dates indicated as "Available" are open for private charter bookings.

Magnolia enquiries and reservations

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