Explore Normandy & Burgundy
17 days from Dijon to Paris
Duration17 days

From our once-in-a-lifetime Burgundy river barge voyage to a deep dive into the rich history of Paris and the WWII legacy of northern France, embark on more than two weeks of unforgettable adventures in culture and gastronomy. Float by canal to medieval towns and pastoral vineyards, and enjoy plenty of free time to roam gorgeous centuries-old cities, gardens, and grounds. To resist France’s allure is futile — this experience is nothing short of revolutionary.

This tour is operated by

  • Duration: 17 days
    Service level: Upgraded
  • Starts in: Dijon
    Physical Grading: Light
  • Ends in: Paris
    Ages: 12+
Explore Normandy & Burgundy - Tour Map

Itinerary

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Day 1: Dijon

Start place: Dijon

Arrive at any time. Please note that most flights arrive in Paris, approx 340kms away. There are frequent trains that run between Paris and Dijon – make sure to arrive in Dijon in time for the 6pm welcome meeting this evening.

End place: Dijon

Day 2: Dijon

Start place: Dijon

Enjoy an orientation walk in the morning to explore Dijon. Visit the Ducal Palace, the local market, and the old town. In the afternoon, enjoy free time before transferring to the river barge and embarking the Danièle.

End place: Dijon

Meals: D
Day 3: Dijon/Longecourt-en-Plaine

Start place: Dijon

Depart Dijon for a full day cycling tour through the Côte de Nuits region along the Route des Grands Crus, lined with lovely vineyards and some of the most picturesque villages in the region. Enjoy a wine tasting in the quaint village of Vougeot before meeting our barge in Longecourt-en-Plaine. Today's cycling route is moderately challenging, with a few inclined paths. E-bikes are available to rent upon request (limited availability - see the "About Transportation" section of the Tour Details page for more information).

End place: Longecourt-en-Plaine

Meals: B, D
Day 4: Longecourt-en-Plaine/Saint-Jean-de-Losne

Start place: Longecourt-en-Plaine

You can rejoin the barge at any of the three locks along the way. Opt to use one of the bikes to ride ahead of the walkers.
Start the day with a walk around the beautiful lush gardens of Château de Longecourt, a typical Burgundy castle. Continue the morning walking along the canal and visiting its many locks. Enjoy the Burgundy canal as we walk a 5km (3 mi) stretch of the canal between Longecourt and La Biètre lock. Climb aboard the barge and continue sailing to St-Jean-de-Losne. Free time in the afternoon to visit St-Jean-de-Losne.

End place: Saint-Jean-de-Losne

Meals: B, L
Day 5: Saint-Jean-de-Losne/Chalon-sur-Saône

Start place: Saint-Jean-de-Losne

Cruise along the Saône River before arriving to Chalon-sur-Saône. Take in a presentation by a local wine expert and enjoy a horizontal tasting on board. Spend a relaxing afternoon walking through the footpaths around Chalon-sur-Saône. Choose to do some shopping in town or relax on board with a glass of local wine.

End place: Chalon-sur-Saone

Meals: B, L
Day 6: Chalon-sur-Saône/Chagny

Start place: Chalon-sur-Saone

Cycle along the Côte de Beaune, stopping at villages and vineyards along the way. Explore the vineyards of Chateau de Chassigny-Montrachet while stopping to sample some wines. This mostly flat ride is an ideal way to experience quintessential Burgundy. Today's cycling route is moderately challenging, with a few inclined paths. E-bikes are available to rent upon request (limited availability - see the "About Transportation" section of the Tour Details page for more information).

End place: Chagny

Meals: B
Day 7: Chagny/Saint-Léger-sur-Dheune

Start place: Chagny

Arrive to Santenay. Enjoy a tour of the stunning Château de Santenay and indulge in a wine tasting from local wineries. Continue cruising to Saint-Léger-sur-Dheune. Enjoy lunch on board while watching the countryside go by. Upon arrival, explore the quaint village or visit the medieval castle of Château de Couches.

End place: Saint-Berain-sur-Dheune

Meals: B, L, D
Day 8: Saint-Léger-sur-Dheune/Paris

Start place: Saint-Berain-sur-Dheune

Transfer to Beaune, the historic wine capital of Burgundy. Enjoy a tour with a docent, exploring the Hospices of Beaune, a charitable hospital that has been funded by the annual wine auction for over 155 years. Delve into history and discuss the relationship of the hospice with the powerful wine merchants of Burgundy. Enjoy some free time to explore before catching the train to Paris.

End place: Paris

Meals: B
Day 9: Paris

Start place: Paris

Explore the historic covered Marché d'Aligre with a local chef and food expert. Rarely visited by tourists, this market is where locals come to shop for food. Meet vendors, enjoy tastings, and learn about the history of the market and the specialties offered here. The afternoon is free to explore the city on your own.

End place: Paris

Meals: B
Day 10: Paris

Start place: Paris

Enjoy a free day to explore Paris. Opt to visit museums, shop, or take a river cruise.

End place: Paris

Meals: B
Day 11: Paris/Bayeux

Start place: Paris

Depart Paris for Upper Normandy and the quaint village of Giverny. Impressionist painter Claude Monet lived and worked here from 1883 until his death in 1926. Monet felt that his flower and water gardens here were his greatest works of art and to this day, they are meticulously maintained. These served as inspiration for his celebrated water-lily series and have been named by National Geographic as one of the "10 most magnificent gardens in the world."

Honfleur sits on the estuary where the River Seine meets the English Channel and is considered one of the prettiest port towns in France. Its quaint harbour and historic buildings have always been a draw for artists, including Monet.
Depart for Giverny to visit Claude Monet's garden, inspiration for the artist's water lily series and named as one of National Geographic's "top 10 most magnificent gardens in the world." Continue on to the pretty port town of Honfleur for a walk with our CEO and some free time. Arrive this evening in Bayeux and enjoy a dinner at a local crêperie.
Meals: B, D
Day 12: Bayeux
Take in scenes of the D-Day landing which had a pivotal role in the history of the world. Visit the moving memorials and beaches and learn about the impact this event had on the direction of the Second World War. The Battle of Normandy Historical Area is considered an open-air museum and includes all the sites, museums and memorials associated with D-Day and the invasion. Old army bunkers and war relics still exist along the five beaches: Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno and Sword, while museums and memorials throughout the region stand as forceful reminders of this decisive period of WWII. Nearly 30 cemeteries (including American, British, Canadian, French, German and Polish) hold the remains of almost 100,000 young soldiers who never returned from their service in Normandy. Today these memorials offer quiet space for personal reflection for every visitor, young or old, regardless of nationality.
This morning, we immerse ourselves in WWII history with a local, accredited expert. Begin with a lecture on the Allied invasion and visit a museum to view and handle WWII relics including vintage weapons, uniforms, and maps. Then board a WWII transport vehicle to visit Secqueville-en-Bessin War Cemetery to learn about the significance of poppies — the ultimate emblem of military sacrifice. This afternoon, continue exploring with our CEO, visiting Omaha Beach, Pointe du Hoc, and the American cemetery and memorial.
Meals: B
Day 13: Bayeux
Today, enjoy an excursion to Mont-Saint-Michel, an island commune off the coast of Normandy. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the medieval fortress is considered one of the most stunning and imposing sites in Europe with origins dating back to the 6th century. Take an orientation walk with our CEO then enjoy free time to explore. Opt to visit the abbey, monastery, or museums, or wander the winding lanes and cobblestone streets.
Meals: B
Day 14: Bayeux
Enjoy a free day to explore Bayeux and its medieval centre. Wander its quaint streets to visit shops and cafés then opt to visit the cathedral and the famed Bayeux Tapestry.
Meals: B
Day 15: Bayeux/Paris
Rouen was an important city in the Roman era and Middle Ages, showcased by its historical (and beautiful) centre of Gothic churches and medieval half-timbered houses. it is most notable as the place where Joan of Arc was tried for heresy.
Depart for the river port city of Rouen where we take an orientation walk with our CEO and enjoy some free time. Continue back to Paris for some free time to explore the City of Lights.

End place: Paris

Meals: B
Day 16: Paris

Start place: Paris

This afternoon, you are free to explore on your own to discover the “je ne sais quoi” of this stunning city. Opt to visit the Eiffel Tower, explore the city's outstanding museums and churches, float down the River Seine on a cruise, or simply people-watch.
Enjoy a morning walk with our CEO in the medieval centre of Paris; the Île de la Cité. Opt to visit inside Notre Dame, and the Sainte-Chapelle. Afterward, take advantage of free time to explore the city.

End place: Paris

Meals: B
Day 17: Paris

Start place: Paris

Depart at any time.

End place: Paris

Meals: B

Inclusions

Included

  • Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Burgundy Wine Talk and Horizontal Tasting, Chalon-sur-Saône Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Visit Hospices of Beaune, Beaune Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Local Market Visit with a Chef, Paris Your Journeys Highlight Moment: D-Day Historical Experience, Bayeux Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group Your Discover Moment: Paris
  • Six nights aboard the Danièle canal river barge
  • Orientation walk of Dijon and Ducal Palace
  • Visits to Saint-Jean-de-Losne, and Longecourt-en-Plaine
  • Cycle through Côte de Beaune and Côte de Nuits with wine tastings
  • Use of bicycles during shore excursions
  • Tour of Monet Gardens
  • Excursion to Mont-Saint-Michel
  • Paris orientation walk
  • All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
  • Transport

    Private vehicles, Danièle river barge, Bicycle, Train, Walking, Antique WWII vehicle, Walking
  • Accommodation

    Aboard the Danièle river barge (6 nts), Hotel (10 nts)

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