“A Prosperite cruise offers some of the largest rooms and highest level of amenities you will find on any of the barges in France. Enjoy the space and comfort of luxury accommodation.”
Cruise from Dijon to Vandenesse-en-Auxois (v.v.)
Time seems to stand still as the Prosperite barge slowly motors by quaint stone churches and well-kept houses, periodically pausing at moss-covered locks, as it makes its leisurely way from one town to the next. Catch up on your reading on deck, enjoy a delicious, gourmet meal from your private chef’s kitchen and simply relax to the gentle sounds of water lapping against the hull.
Cabin
- Four luxurious staterooms provide 270 square-feet of space
- Stereo systems
- Electronically adjustable over-sized twin or king bed
- Private bath with tub
- Separate shower
- Heated towel racks
- Individually controlled central heating and air-conditioning
Public area
- Italian leather couches with French accent pieces
- Separate dining room.
- Bright and spacious
- Panoramic windows
- Deck
- A spacious sun deck (35 sq. meters)
- Hot tub
- Deck chairs and tables
- Sun canopy for shade
- Open bar
- Bikes
- 9 seated air conditioned Mercedes is available for transfers and during shore excursions.
- Barge length: 38,88m
- Barge width: 5,05m
Route: Dijon to Vandenesse-en-Auxois
Day 1 – Sunday: Paris to Dijon
Private chauffeured transfer – biensûr!
A member of Prosperite crew will meet your party at one pickup location in central Paris at 2:00 pm or, alternatively, one pickup location in Dijon, Beaune or the immediate Cote d’Or area at 4:00 pm, and then chauffeur you via private Mercedes van to the barge, at anchor in Dijon. You’ll be welcomed by the traditional champagne reception, and enjoy the first of many gourmet dinners on board. Tonight we stay in Dijon.
Day 2 – Monday: Dijon to Fleury-sur-Ouche
Where medieval monks made wine
Prosperite departs the port of Dijon – heading onto the Burgundy Canal for a tranquil morning cruise. Prosperite will go through the first of many locks. After lunch, devote the afternoon to an introduction to the Cote d’Or wine region lying south of the canal. First, we’ll drive among the vineyards and villages of the “Route des Grand Crus” on the way to Clos de Vougeot, a 12th century chateau where Cistercian monks learned the art of winemaking. Explore the ancient wine presses and soak in the ambiance of this elegant chateau surrounded by vineyards. Then it is back to Prosperite, now moored in Fleury-sur-Ouche.
Day 3 – Tuesday: Fleury-sur-Ouche to Gissey-sur-Ouche
Join the locals at the Dijon market
This morning we’ll drive back to Dijon, pictured at right, for a morning devoted to this lovely town. First, we’ll walk the historic district, with its colorful tiled rooftop buildings, and then stop at the covered food market, which was designed by Eiffel of Tower fame! A vast selection of produce, fish, cheeses, breads, baked goods and prepared delicacies brings this bustling market to life. There will be time to browse in tiny shops lining the cobblestoned streets, too. Then its back to Prosperite for lunch and an afternoon cruise to Gissey-sur-Ouche. On the way, what about getting out our bicycles for a meander on the towpath and into a village or two, see at right. Dinner on board ends this wonderful day.
Day 4 – Wednesday: Gissey-sur-Ouche to La Bussiere-sur-Ouche
Dinner at a Michelin-starred restaurant
A short morning cruise to La Bussière-sur-Ouche begins this eventful day. After lunch, we visit the adorable village of Chateauneuf-en-Auxois perched high on a hill overlooking the canal. Here is an enchanting old château – very simple but with history and ghosts around every corner. Then walk the cobblestoned streets of the village; perhaps one of the craft ships is open. Then it’s back to Prosperite where there will be time to prepare for dinner at Abbaye de la Bussière, a former Cistercian Abbey now immaculately restored into a hotel and restaurant.
Day 5 – Thursday: La Bussiere-sur-Ouche to Pont d’Ouche
Medieval hospice in Beaune – plus shopping!
This morning, cruise deeper into the Ouche Valley to Pont D’Ouche. This is a great time to walk, bicycle or sit on deck and watch scenes of great beauty float by. After lunch, it’s back into the Mercedes minivan for a cruise high point: an excursion to Beaune. This enchanting town is the wine capital of Cote d’ Or; underneath its streets lie hundreds of miles of wine cellars. Visit the 14th-century hospital Hotel Dieu: it is gorgeously preserved and provides a unique glimpse of life in the Middle Ages. There may be time for an impromptu winetasting, browse the shops, or enjoy a cafe in the square. Then it’s back to Prosperite to re-live the day at dinner on-board.
Day 6 – Friday: Pont d’Ouche to Vandenesse-en-Auxois
You’ve tasted the cheese… now taste the wine for an ultimate French experience!
Our final morning cruise takes Prosperite to Vandenesse-en-Auxois. Take a last, long morning to relax! Then, it’s back to the Côte d’ Or vineyards, passing through colorful villages on the way to a cellar tour/wine-tasting at Domaine Prieur-Brunet in Santenay. Return to your barge – now your home away from home – for cocktails and the festive Captain’s Dinner. End your Prosperite cruise in style!
Day 7 – Saturday: Return to Paris
A sad farewell
You’ll depart between 8:00AM – 9:00 AM and chauffeured as a group either to one location in central Paris or one location at Charles de Gaulle airport. Driving time to Paris is estimated at three hours; driving time to Charles de Gaulle at four hours. We hope to see you soon on Prosperite!
Note: The route is run in reverse on alternate weeks.
Rates 2021
- Private charter – Full board: from USD$6,750 based on 8 passengers
- Single cabin supplement: Call our office for details
Availability is subject to change. Please contact us for current availability.
What is included?
- Six nights accommodation
- All gourmet meals prepared by your private chef
- All wines, bar, and refreshment drinks aboard
- Transfers to and from the barge from the designated meeting point
- Daily excursions with your tour guide in private vehicle
- Use of on-board spa pool, bicycles, library and sound system
