Libellule
Barging in Burgundy

Passengers: 20
Size: 128 feet long
Last Visited: 2005
Rating: First Class, Air Conditioning

Although Libellule is no longer in service, we are thrilled to announce that the 22-passenger lorraine will cruise a similar itinerary between the dates April 11 - July 3, 2009.  Six-night cruises will depart from and return to Dijon.  For more details, please go to our Lorraine writeup in Southern Burgundy.

Sights include elegant cities of Dijon, with its Medieval streets and Beaune, which is known for its perfectly preserved 14th-century Hospice.  Not to mention fun browsing on its pedestrian shopping zone - we always find wonderful souvenirs in Beaune!  Also to enjoy is winetasting, a chateau visit, adorable villages and bicycling on the Canal du Centre.

Libellule has ten cozy cabins, three of which are on the Upper Deck.  Like its sister ships Litote and Lorraine, Libellule offers good value.  Young crew keeps the ambience festive!

Libellule

Burgundy Barge Cruise Itinerary

NEW 2009 Itinerary

Cruising on The River Saône

and the Canal du Centre

St Jean de Losne to St Léger sur Dheune

Saturday: St Jean de Losne

Passengers meet at the Dijon railway station at 16h30 (4.30 pm) (by Transco bus stop N°17).  Coach transfer to Libellule, a short drive to St Jean de Losne.  Welcome champagne and presentation of the crew, then time to settle into your comfortable cabins. Time to stroll around this small pleasant barging center town. Dinner will be served at 7.30pm this evening.

Sunday: St Jean de Losne to Seurre
After breakfast, we ride north to Dijon, the ride takes about 30 minutes and crosses the plain of the river Saône.  We pass by the Abbey of Citeaux, a monastery founded in 1098 which led to the creation of the Cistercian order, the most powerful of all monastic orders during the 12th & 13th C.  We have a guided walking tour of Dijon, seat of government of the present region of Burgundy and former capital of the four great Valois Dukes.  The tour will take us to the Ducal Palace and the heart of the medieval district.  Afterwards there will be free time to stroll and discover some of the many fine mansions and Fine Arts Museum.  We return to Libellule and cast off during lunch.  Afternoon cruise to Seurre, a town of 3000 inhabitants.

Monday: Seurre to Chalon sur Saone
Cruise to Chalon sur Saone, birthplace of photography and the second city of Burgundy after Dijon with 80,000 inhabitants.  This city has been, because of its location, a very important trading center since Roman times.  Our mooring is in the heart of the city center, close to St Vincent Cathedral and the surrounding medieval quarter of half timbered houses and narrow streets reserved for pedestrians.  Afternoon visit to Beaune, center of the Burgundy wine trade.  Our drive follows the Côte de Beaune, the wine slopes of Beaune with villages whose names read like a wine list, Puligny Montrachet, Meursault, Auxey Duresses, Volnay and Pommard.  On arrival in the walled town of Beaune, a guided visit to the Hospices de Beaune, a world famous charity hospital founded by the chancellor to the Duke of Burgundy in 1443.  This is a masterpiece of late medieval architecture and houses numerous priceless pieces of art as well as having the most remarkable colourful glazed tiled roof.  Return to Chalon, and free time in town before dinner.

Tuesday: Chalon sur Saone to Tournus-Gigny
Morning cruise to Tournus, once the seat of a large monastery and important river port, where the boat moors around 10.30. Walk in the town center to visit the St Philibert Abbey..  The 11th C collegiate church  is considered a landmark of Romanesque architecture. Lunch on board in Tournus.  Beginning of afternoon, coach excursion to Brancion, medieval village that offers breathtaking views of the Burgundy countryside. Return to the boat late afternoon, in Gigny, small riverside village on the Saône river.

Wednesday: Gigny to Chagny
We enter the Canal du Centre from the river through a lock with a fifty-foot rise and cruise along an attractive winding stretch, with good opportunities to walk or cycle along the green cycling track recently built along the Canal du Centre between Chalon and St Léger.  Excursion to the nearby village of Rully for a  guided tour of the twelfth century château and winery.

Thursday: Chagny to St. Leger sur Dheune
Cruise through the morning to Santenay and moor in time to explore this famous wine-producing village of the Côte de Beaune before lunch. Wine tasting. Good cycling and walking all day on the restored towpath.  An excursion this afternoon  will take us to the medieval chateau of La Rochepot, a splendid castle-fortress in a beautiful setting.  This evening is our farewell gala dinner.
Friday: Return to Dijon 
After breakfast, transfer to the Dijon railway station.

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.

Libellule

Guest Book

"It was the most wonderful cruise we've had and we've always cruised on big ships. We especially enjoyed the services we got. The crew was absolutely wonderful and the best. They were friendly, helpful and assisted us in every way. The chef was one of the best. We ate gourmet meals every lunch and dinner and we wanted to take him home. I can't say enough for the way they treated us and all of the passengers. We want to go back."
-David and Judy Waltier, 2007

"Having barged previously, our expectations for Libelulle were high. We were not disappointed. From the markets along the quais in Lyon to our gala dinner the final evening, our days were filled with highlights. Our knowledgeable guide took us to towns large and small, to chateaux, and to vineyards. We thus had a variety of experiences. The amazingly hard-working crew provided a welcoming atmosphere. The personable chef excelled in presenting delicious and eye-appealing cuisine and...the wines were excellent!"
-Manse and Ellen Batchelder, 2005

"The hospitality was impeccable: the crew knew our names immediately and went out of their way to accommodate our every need. The other guests were a lot of fun. We had great conversations! This was an ideal vacation."
-Chris and Barbara Garmon, 2005