Fleur de Lys
Barging in Burgundy

Passengers: 6
Size: 129 feet long
Last Visited: 2003
Rating: Ultra-Deluxe, A/C

2009 Rates

Whole Boat Charter
$39,400 - 4 passengers
$43,000 - 5 passengers
$46,600 - 6 passengers

Guests chartering Fleur de Lys in 2009 will receive free, First Class round trip TGV train tickets between Paris and the barge.  This round trip is worth $280 per person.  (The charter must be booked and deposited by March 31, 2009 in order to qualify.)


Fleur de Lys is now wholly owned by Orient Express, operator of luxury travel experiences worldwide.

At the very last minute, Ellen Sack - The Barge Lady, and her party were invited to cruise on Fleur de Lys, France's original Ultra Deluxe vessel. This unexpected opportunity quickly became the "trip of a lifetime" as we were lavished with creative and congenial hospitality by a crew of six (including our own Independence Day celebration); the most divine food we have ever enjoyed on the French canal; and spacious comfort in our canopy-bedded suites - the only accommodations in barging which qualify as true multi-room suites.

Decor is sophisticated - a sort of British Raj dream of color, pattern and entirely original accessorizing - a one-of-a-kind feast for the eyes that will never be duplicated. We swam in the pool, biked and depended on our guide to introduce us to the best sights, including private chateau visits and truly special wine tastings.

We have welcomed many parties onto Fleur de Lys, and based on our guest feedback and our own experience, still consider this as France's "ultimate barge." However, even the ultimate can be improved! The bathrooms were renovated and upgraded for the 2007 season. Fleur-de Lys status as a true luxury "boutique" barge has been enhanced by Orient Express.

Fleur de Lys

Burgundy Barge Cruise Itinerary

Dijon to St. Leger-Sur-Dheune

On the Canal du Centre

Sunday: Dijon
Depart Paris by TGV train to Dijon. On arrival your Afloat in France guide escorts you on the transfer to Dijon's Port du Canal, where you board the Fleur de Lys for a champagne reception. Dinner on board.

Monday: Dijon to Longecourt
Cruise the Canal de Bourgogne from Dijon to Longecourt. After lunch, visit Clos de Vougeot, a Medieval chateau surrounded by vineyards and the headquarters of the Chevaliers du Tastevin, whose special label is awarded annually the finest cote d'Or vintages.

Tuesday: Longecourt to St-Jean-de-Losne
After breakfast, take a walking tour past the elegant houses of Dijon. Visit the Ducal Palace, the market and the Grey Poupon mustard shop. After lunch on board, cruise the Canal de Bourgogne and enter the River Saone before mooring in St-Jean-de-Losne, the barging capital of France.

Wednesday: St-Jean-de-Losne to Chalon-sur-Saone
Continue to cruise the peaceful valley of the River Saone downstream to Suerre. Visit Beaune, the capital of the wine region of Burgundy, and the famous Hotel-Dieu, Hospice de Beaune. Reboard for a leisurely cruise to Chalon-sur-Saone, one of the major cities of the Saone Valley.

Thursday: Chalon-sur-Saone to Rully
Cruise upstream and leave the River Saone by clearing the lock to enter the Canal du Centre. Relax on board, cycle or walk alongside at the leisurely pace of the barge. After lunch visit the Chateau de Rully before returning to your countryside mooring in Rully.

Friday: Rully to St. Leger-Sur-Dheune
A leisurely cruise gives you the chance to savour the beauty of the French countryside before arriving at the quaint village of St. Leger. Visit the 11th Century Chateaux Marguerite de Bourgogne in Couches while, on board, the chef prepares a memorable feast for your farewell dinner.

Saturday: Return to Dijon
After breakfast, disembark and transfer to Dijon for the return TGV to Paris.

Please note: this is a sample itinerary which may be subject to change depending on local conditions. The route will run in reverse on alternate weeks. Contact The Barge Lady for reservations and more information about Barging in Burgundy on the canals and waterways of France Or call us toll free at (800) 880-0071.

Fleur de Lys

Guest Book

"Delightful, casual, relaxed - paced travel through the scenic agricultural landscape and canals of France. Walking, biking, visiting castles and villages, enjoying fabulous food, cheese and wine all while being tended to by a terrific and friendly crew. What more could you ask for?"
-Charles and Fran Jacoby, 2007

"The Fleur de Lys was luxurious without being stuffy. The food was beyond compare, the scenery magnificent and the wine extraordinary. However, the best part of the Fleur de Lys was the wonderful staff! We have never felt so taken care of. Bob and I will be taking the Fleur de Lys again and we can't wait!"
-Jodi and Bob Capps 2007

"Too much wine, too much cheese, too much history, too much beauty, too much luxury... all in all, too wonderful!"
-Harry and Susan Seigle 2003

Fleur de Lys Floor Plan

129 Feet long
-One Upper Deck Suite at 300 square feet
-Two Lower Deck Suites at approximately 255 square feet
-Twin or King canopy bed, dressing room and bath with shower
-Gorgeous Salon with grand piano
-Heated swimming pool on deck