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France — Northern Burgundy
Pinot, Chablis & Champagne Rosé: A Wine Barge Journey through Northern Burgundy
Six nights drifting the Canal de Bourgogne — Chablis cellars, Renaissance châteaux, a rare Champagne rosé tasting, and the approach to the Côte d'Or
Duration
7 Days / 6 Nights
Travel Style
Canal Barge
Starting In
Lézinnes
Ending In
Venarey-les-Laumes
Departures
Available on selected departure dates
Reference
FRDIJWWWT
France — Northern Burgundy
Pinot, Chablis & Champagne Rosé: A Wine Barge Journey through Northern Burgundy
Six nights drifting the Canal de Bourgogne — Chablis cellars, Renaissance châteaux, a rare Champagne rosé tasting, and the approach to the Côte d'Or
Duration
7 Days / 6 Nights
Travel Style
Canal Barge
Starting In
Lézinnes
Ending In
Venarey-les-Laumes
Departures
Available on selected departure dates
Pinot, Chablis & Champagne Rosé: A Wine Barge Journey through Northern Burgundy — 7 Days / 6 Nights
Overview
The Canal de Bourgogne is one of France's most beautiful waterways — 242 kilometres of tree-lined canal threading through rolling hills, vineyards, and ancient stone villages between the River Yonne and Dijon. A hotel barge cruise along its northern reaches is the most civilised possible way to discover this magnificent wine region: unhurried, immersive, and punctuated by some of the finest wine and food experiences in France.
Over seven days, the barge drifts southeast from Lézinnes through a succession of wine and cultural highlights. A private tasting at a prestigious Chablis domaine in its 1,000-year-old cellars sets the tone on Day 1. Renaissance masterpiece Château d'Ancy-le-Franc fills Day 2. Day 3 brings an extraordinary detour into the Champagne appellation of Les Riceys — the only village in France to hold three separate AOCs — for a tasting of the ultra-rare Rosé des Riceys and a private lunch with the Baroness at Château de Ricey-Bas. Abbaye de Fontenay, a perfectly preserved 12th-century Cistercian monastery and UNESCO World Heritage Site, awaits on Day 4; and the final days bring the barge ever closer to the legendary slopes of the Côte d'Or.
On board, a private chef prepares meals showcasing the finest Burgundian produce — Époisses, Chaource, boeuf bourguignon, jambon persillé — with wines carefully chosen to match each course. Twelve bicycles are stowed on deck for guests who prefer to explore by towpath. This is slow travel as it should be: entirely at your own pace, in complete comfort, through the heart of one of the world's greatest wine regions.
Trip Highlights
- —Private tasting at a prestigious Chablis domaine — including a visit to the 1,000-year-old Obédiencerie cellars
- —Château d'Ancy-le-Franc — France's finest Renaissance château, housing the country's largest collection of 16th-century murals
- —Les Riceys (Champagne AOC) — tasting of Rosé des Riceys, one of France's rarest wines, at Maison Taisne Riocour
- —Private gourmet lunch with the Baroness at Château de Ricey-Bas — 12th-century vaulted cellars and extraordinary hospitality
- —Abbaye de Fontenay — UNESCO World Heritage 12th-century Cistercian monastery in near-perfect original condition
- —Alise-Sainte-Reine — site of Vercingétorix's last stand against Julius Caesar, with remarkable Gallo-Roman museum
- —Leisurely lock-by-lock cruising through plane tree avenues and vineyard-clad hillsides
- —On-board private chef — six dinners featuring Burgundian classics and matched wines
- —Twelve bicycles on deck for towpath cycling between locks
- —Expert wine guide on board throughout — tastings, commentary, and curated wine pairings at dinner
Day by Day
Lézinnes — Embarkation & Chablis
Arrive at Lézinnes to board the barge and meet the crew. After a welcome Champagne reception, the afternoon is spent on an excursion to Chablis — one of France's most distinctive wine appellations — for a private tasting and a visit to the historic Obédiencerie cellars. Return to the barge for the first dinner on board.
Embarkation at Lézinnes
Arrive independently at Lézinnes. Private transfer assistance from Paris by chauffeured minibus is available. Board the barge, settle into your cabin, and meet the crew and your on-board wine guide.
Welcome Champagne reception
A Champagne aperitif and canapés on deck to begin the week. Your wine guide introduces himself and outlines the wine programme for the days ahead.
Chablis — private domaine tasting
A private tasting at a prestigious Chablis domaine, exploring the full range from Petit Chablis through to Grand Cru. Chablis Chardonnay — with its unmistakable flinty, mineral character — is unlike any other white wine in France.
The Obédiencerie — 1,000-year-old wine cellars
A visit to the Obédiencerie, originally part of the monastery of Saint Martin and the founding institution of Chablis viticulture. For centuries, wines have been aged in these remarkable cellars, which date from the 10th century.
First dinner on board (included)
Return to the barge for the first of six dinners prepared by the private chef — a celebration of classic Burgundian cuisine and wine.
Lézinnes → Ancy-le-Franc — A Renaissance Masterpiece
A leisurely morning cruise along the Canal de Bourgogne with plenty of opportunity to cycle or walk sections of the shaded towpath. The afternoon is spent at Château d'Ancy-le-Franc — one of the finest Renaissance buildings in France and one of the least-known great châteaux in Europe.
Morning cruising — Canal de Bourgogne
A beautifully peaceful morning on the water as the barge glides through sun-dappled plane tree avenues. Bicycles are available for those who prefer to explore the towpath and meet the barge at the next lock.
Château d'Ancy-le-Franc — guided visit
A guided visit to this extraordinary 16th-century Italian Renaissance masterpiece, designed by Sebastiano Serlio for the Clermont-Tonnerre family. The château houses France's largest collection of Renaissance murals — room after room of extraordinary frescoes in extraordinary condition — set in magnificent gardens and parkland.
Afternoon at leisure in the village
Time to explore the village of Ancy-le-Franc at your own pace before returning to the barge for the evening.
Dinner on board (included)
Three-course dinner on board with wines selected by the wine guide to complement the evening's menu.
Ancy-le-Franc → Ravières — Les Riceys & the Rarest Rosé in France
An extraordinary day away from the canal — a drive into Les Riceys in the Aube, the only appellation in France to hold three separate AOCs, for a tasting of the ultra-rare Rosé des Riceys and a private gourmet lunch at a historic château. Return to the barge moored at Ravières for the evening.
Morning cruise to Ravières
A short morning cruise through some of the canal's most beautiful stretches before mooring at Ravières.
Les Riceys — Maison Taisne Riocour tasting
A visit to Maison Taisne Riocour in Les Riceys — one of the leading producers of Rosé des Riceys AOC. This rare, still Pinot Noir rosé (not sparkling) is made only in exceptional vintages and is one of the most unusual and distinctive wines in all of France. The visit includes a tour of the vineyards and a tasting of their wines.
Private lunch at Château de Ricey-Bas with the Baroness
An unforgettable experience — a private gourmet lunch hosted by the Baroness herself at Château de Ricey-Bas, whose 12th-century vaulted cellars and formal gardens make for one of the most atmospheric settings imaginable. Champagne aperitif included; the lunch is served in the private salon or in the medieval vaulted kitchen.
Afternoon at Château de Ricey-Bas
Time to stroll the magnificent gardens and explore the interiors of this beautifully maintained private château before the return drive to the barge.
Dinner on board (included)
Return to the barge at Ravières for dinner prepared by the private chef.
Ravières → Montbard — Abbaye de Fontenay
A peaceful morning cruise through vineyard country, then an afternoon at Abbaye de Fontenay — a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best-preserved Cistercian monasteries in the world, founded by Saint Bernard of Clairvaux in 1118. An evening moored in Montbard, one of northern Burgundy's most characterful canal towns.
Morning cruising — approaching Montbard
A beautiful section of the canal with views of forested hillsides and vine-covered slopes. Cycling the towpath is particularly rewarding on this stretch.
Abbaye de Fontenay — guided tour
A guided tour of this extraordinarily intact 12th-century Cistercian monastery. Founded in 1118 by Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, Fontenay retains its original church, cloister, dormitory, forge, and gardens almost entirely unchanged. The sense of stepping back eight centuries is remarkable.
Fontenay's forge and medieval water system
The abbey's 12th-century iron forge — believed to be one of the oldest in Europe — and the ingenious water management system that powered it are highlights of the tour.
Evening in Montbard
Time to explore Montbard at your own pace — a characterful canal town with a medieval château (once home to the naturalist Buffon) and excellent local restaurants. Or simply relax on deck with a glass of Burgundy.
Dinner on board (included)
Three-course dinner on board with Burgundy wine pairings.
Montbard → Venarey-les-Laumes — Alise-Sainte-Reine & the Côte d'Or Frontier
The canal winds deeper into the Burgundy interior on this day — through some of its most beautiful and least-visited countryside. An afternoon visit to Alise-Sainte-Reine, the hilltop site of Vercingétorix's final battle against Julius Caesar in 52 BC, with remarkable Gallo-Roman ruins and a dramatic statue overlooking the vineyards.
Morning cruising — Montbard to Venarey-les-Laumes
A peaceful morning on the water through increasingly intimate and beautiful countryside. The canal here passes through a patchwork of woodland, fields, and pasture that feels entirely undiscovered.
Alise-Sainte-Reine — Alésia archaeological site
A visit to the hilltop site of Alésia — where Vercingétorix, chieftain of the Gallic Arverni tribe, made his last stand against Julius Caesar in 52 BC. The MuséoParc Alésia presents the archaeological discoveries from this pivotal moment in European history, alongside the dramatic 19th-century bronze statue of Vercingétorix by Aimé Millet.
Approaching the Côte d'Or — wine tasting
As the barge nears Venarey-les-Laumes, an afternoon wine tasting with your guide introduces the wines of the northern Côte d'Or — exploring appellations such as Marsannay and Fixin, where the great vineyards of the Côte de Nuits begin.
Dinner on board (included)
A special dinner on board featuring dishes inspired by the wines of the Côte d'Or, curated by the chef and wine guide together.
Venarey-les-Laumes — Wine, Countryside & Farewell
A final full day moored near Venarey-les-Laumes — time to cycle the towpath, explore the local countryside, or simply relax on deck with a good book and a glass of Burgundy. The afternoon brings a final wine experience, and the evening a special farewell dinner.
Morning at leisure — cycling the towpath
A free morning to enjoy the canal however you wish — a long cycle, a gentle walk, a lingering breakfast on deck, or a visit to the village market.
Final wine tasting with the guide
A final tutored tasting session with the on-board wine guide — a chance to revisit favourite discoveries from the week, compare notes, and take away a curated list of recommended producers and labels.
Afternoon at leisure
Time to enjoy the final afternoon on the canal at your own pace — a last cycle, a swim (pool on deck), or simply relaxing in the Burgundy sunshine.
Farewell dinner on board (included)
The week's finest dinner — a special tasting menu prepared by the chef, featuring premium Burgundy wines selected by the guide for a perfect final evening.
Disembarkation — Au Revoir, Burgundy
After a final breakfast on board, the journey concludes at Venarey-les-Laumes. The TGV station at Montbard (20 minutes by taxi) provides fast connections to Paris (1h30) and Lyon (1h10), or onwards to Dijon for further Burgundy exploration.
Farewell breakfast on board
A final leisurely breakfast with the crew before disembarkation.
Disembarkation at Venarey-les-Laumes
Check out of your cabin and say farewell to the crew. Transfer assistance is available.
Onward travel
Montbard TGV station (20 minutes by taxi) has direct services to Paris Gare de Lyon (1h30), Lyon Part-Dieu (1h10), and Dijon (20 minutes). Private transfers available on request.
What's Included
Included
- ✓6 nights aboard in a private en-suite air-conditioned cabin
- ✓All meals on board: daily breakfast, 6 dinners with matched wines, lunches on cruising days
- ✓Welcome Champagne reception and canapés
- ✓Private chef throughout
- ✓Professional English-speaking wine guide on board throughout
- ✓All wine tastings and excursions as specified in the itinerary
- ✓Private tasting at Chablis domaine + Obédiencerie cellar visit
- ✓Château d'Ancy-le-Franc guided visit
- ✓Les Riceys tasting at Maison Taisne Riocour
- ✓Private gourmet lunch with the Baroness at Château de Ricey-Bas
- ✓Abbaye de Fontenay guided tour
- ✓Alésia MuséoParc visit
- ✓12 bicycles on deck for towpath use
- ✓Mooring fees and all canal charges
- ✓Private chauffeured minibus for all excursions
Not Included
- ✕International flights to and from France
- ✕Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- ✕Transfer to the barge at Lézinnes (private minibus from Paris available on request)
- ✕Personal expenses and extras
Ready to start planning?
This itinerary can be tailored to suit different travel dates, group sizes, and preferences. Book a free chat to start the conversation.
Trip at a Glance
Accommodation
Hotel barge, Canal de Bourgogne
6 nights
Canal de Bourgogne, Northern Burgundy, France
A beautifully converted 126-foot hotel barge with six elegantly appointed en-suite cabins (two junior suites and four staterooms), a mahogany-panelled saloon-lounge with fully stocked bar, sun deck with spa pool, and a fully equipped galley. Air-conditioned throughout. Each cabin is individually named after a Burgundy wine appellation. Maximum 12 passengers.
Good to Know
iThis is a small-group tour — the barge accommodates a maximum of 12 guests in six cabins, with a crew of six ensuring attentive, personalised service.
iThe on-board wine guide is a certified wine professional who accompanies guests on all wine excursions and leads tutored tastings throughout the week.
iDepartures are on selected Sunday dates throughout the season (April to October).
iA minimum of two guests is required per cabin; single occupancy is available at a supplement.
iThe canal towpath offers excellent cycling — 12 bicycles are provided on board and guests are encouraged to cycle ahead between locks.
iThe excursion to Les Riceys (Day 3) involves a return drive of approximately 1.5 hours. The Rosé des Riceys tasting and lunch at Château de Ricey-Bas are by private invitation only.
iPricing is tailored to your group size, travel dates, and availability. Book an appointment for a personalised quote.