“With interiors enriched by authentic Indian furnishings and ornate fabrics, collected on a trip to India 30 years ago, Belmond Fleur de Lys is a visual treat. ”
A basket of fresh croissants, a glass of Burgundy wine, the sun filtering through a vine-hung pergola… set off on a picturesque cruise around Dijon’s countryside, the Canal de Bourgogne and River Saône, aboard the opulent Belmond Fleur de Lys. Drift past vineyards home to legendary regions such as Côte de Nuits and Côte de Beaune, where Grands Crus wines can be savoured, and also visit delightful towns and villages en route.
The 3 spacious cabins each have four-poster beds, beautiful tiled en-suite bathrooms (with either bath/shower combination or large shower) and dressing areas.
Enjoy the panoramic vistas from the heated swimming-pool on deck or unwind in the air-conditioned lounge and watch the world go by through its large windows, play the Grand Piano or enjoy watching the selection of CDs and DVDs. The sumptuous meals are served in the adjacent dining room, accommodating the most elegant candlelit dinners.
Cabin
- Bed size: Double (6’ x 6’3”) or Twin (3’ x 6’3”)
Public area
- Lounge with large windows
- Grand piano
- Sun deck with a heated swimming pool
- Wi-Fi and computer with internet access
- Bose iPod docking station
- Selection of books and games
- Satellite TV, DVDs and CDs
- Writing desk and chair
- Size: 39m x 5.05m
Cruise route: St-Léger-sur-Dheune to Dijon
Region: Burgundy
Barges: Belmond Amaryllis & Belmond Fleur de Lys
Arrival mooring: St-Léger-sur-Dheune
Nearest train station: Le Creusot TGV. Nearest Airport: Chalon Champforgieul
Departure mooring: Dijon
Nearest train station: Dijon. Nearest Airport: Dijon Longvic
Highlights
Visit to the famous Hotel-Dieu in Central historic Beaune for a fascinating insight into the life and times of Chancellor Nicolas Rolin, and spanning 500 years of Burgundian history. With its gothic facade, varnished roof tiles and flamboyant colour, it makes up part of the patrimony of the Hospices de Beaune, a charitable institute created in 1443 by Nicolas Rolin and his wife Guigone de Salins. A recent exhaustive inventory includes 2 500 pieces of furniture and some 2 500 objects (tapestries, paintings, sculptures etc.) – a fascinating and informative tour.
Visit Chalon Sur Saone: A chance to stroll the old streets of the town center and main shopping area. Chalon is the second largest town in Burgundy after Dijon & first mentioned over 2000 years ago during the Gaulle wars under Julius Caesar. It has since been an important trading post and commercial centre, served of course by the River Saone. The delightful St Vincent square is an ideal spot to take in the local atmosphere, outside one of the numerous cafés.
Dijon market Day: After an historical tour with your guide, what better way to enjoy a town and region than by visiting the local market? A chance to savour the colours, flavours and aromas of local produce and some free shopping time in the capital of Burgundy.
Visit Clos de Vougeot – perfect for history, architecture and wine lovers. Originally a simple wine farm built in the 12th century by the monks from nearby Abbey of Citeaux , a splendid Renaissance style chateau was added to the existing buildings in the 16th century – a tribute to the incredible winegrowing prowess of the Cistercian Monks centuries ago . Many famous guests have been wined and dined at the several banquets held each year.
Day One: St-Léger-sur-Dheune
Board the barge at St-Léger-sur-Dheune for your cruise through Burgundy. A champagne reception welcomes you on board and gives you a chance to meet the crew. Later that evening enjoy your first dining experience on board.
Day Two: Mooring Chagny.
A leisurely cruise on the Canal du Centre gives you a chance to savor the beauty of the French countryside, with plenty of opportunities at the many locks to get off the barge and walk or cycle along the splendid tow path. After lunch we take a short ride to the wine village of Rully where you visit the Chateau of Rully set amidst the stunning views over the vineyards. Here you will enjoy a private visit by the count who will show you around this magnificent 12th century feudal chateau and his collection of furnishing some as far back as the 16th century. Rejoin the barge for dinner.
Day Three: Mooring Fragnes. Visit Chalon Sur Saone
Relax on board while the barge cruises the final section of the Canal du Centre, mooring in the pretty village of Fragnes just before the last and very deep lock into the River Saône just north of Chalon-sur-Saône. Lunch will be eaten out at the Michelin rated restaurant, Le Montrachet, in Puligny Montrachet. This afternoon enjoy a walking tour of Chalon with its quaint antique shops, stunning cathedral square and half-timbered buildings. There is free time to enjoy the fine shops, or perhaps just to sit in one of the numerous pavement cafes and watch the world go by. Dinner is served on board.
Day Four: Mooring St Jean de Losne. Visit Beaune
A somewhat different cruising experience today, through the lovely valley of the River Saône to the town of Seurre. After lunch onboard we visit the charming old town of Beaune to see the famous Hotel-Dieu, a magnificent 15th century charity hospital, followed by a private wine tasting. There is time to stroll through the old town taking in the wonderful architecture and fine shopping. Tonight’s mooring is at St Jean de Losne, the barging capital of France. Take some time to stroll around the ports and see the many working barges and house boats that are moored here.
Day Five: Mooring Longecourt. Visit Clos de Vougeot
This morning the barge leaves the river and enters the Burgundy Canal. Enjoy the chance to walk or cycle along the towpath. After a wonderful lunch on board we visit the historic Clos de Vougeot where the Cistercian monks first began making wine in the 12th century. The ancient chateau is now the headquarters of the celebrated Burgundian wine society the, Confrererie des chevaliers de tastevin, and contains the ancient cellar and wine presses from medieval times. After a local degustation rejoin the barge in the countryside near Longecourt, the overnight mooring.
Day Six: Mooring Dijon
Today your guide takes you on a walking tour of historic Dijon, capital of the great dukes of Burgundy, to visit the market, Ducal Palace, the Grey Poupon mustard shop and enjoy some shopping at the covered food market. Tonight, the barge moors in the port of Dijon. As the chef prepares for your Farewell gala dinner on board, perhaps try a ‘Kir’ aperitif; a cocktail which mixes the locally produced Cassis blackcurrant liqueur with the area’s Aligoté white wine.
Day Seven: Dijon
After breakfast the crew bids you farewell before you disembark the barge for your onward travel arrangements.
Please note route may be subject to change without prior warning as a result of unforeseen circumstances.
Rates 2019
- Private charter – Full board: from EUR €8,000 per person based on 6 passengers
- Single cabin: from €12,800
Availability is subject to change. Please contact us for current availability.
What is included?
- 6 nights/7 days in a cabin with a private bath
- Chauffeured transfers from Paris to the barge & return.
- All meals – from dinner the first night to breakfast the last morning
- All wines with lunch & dinner
- Open bar
- Daily escorted excursions and use of onboard bicycles
Not included:
- Airfare to and from France
- Cancellation insurance and crew gratuity (suggested minimum amount is 5% of the cruise price
