Quintessential Burgundy
10 days
from Dijon to Paris
Duration10 days
There may be no more beautiful way to explore the countryside villages of timeless Burgundy than from a river barge coasting the Saône River. Drift from one stunning landscape to another, stopping to roam the region’s famous vineyards, ride bikes through its vast forests, and indulge in its unforgettable flavours. Then head to Paris for two nights of discovery for all of your senses. Experience the France of your dreams from the inside out.
This tour is operated by
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Duration: 10 daysService level: Upgraded
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Starts in: DijonPhysical Grading: Average
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Ends in: ParisAges: 12+
Tour Gallery
Itinerary
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
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 Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group
- 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
- All transport to/from included activities and between destinations
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Transport
Private vehicles, Danièle river barge, Bicycle, Train, Walking -
Accommodation
Aboard the Danièle river barge (6 nts), Hotel (3 nts)