Litote
Barging in Burgundy

Passengers: 20
Size:128 feet long
Rating: First Class, A/C

Please call us at (800) 880-0071 for 2009 prices.

Litote is a classic vessel offering moderately - priced cruises on the deservedly popular and beloved Canal de Bourgogne. From its proximity to the famed Cote d'Or vineyards and enchanting wine villages to biking through divinely beautiful countryside to the thrill of mooring right below the hilltop Chateau de Chateauneuf: This itinerary has it all!
Litote is comfortable and has ten cozy cabins, four on Upper Deck. As on all Canal and Company barges, the crew is skilled but especially congenial. The 2007 guide Magali, was highly praised by our guests: "professional, interesting, enthuiastic - and always learning more." She will be back for the 2008 Season. A French chef offers menus featuring produce and products of the area, while the wines? A great selection from Burgundy, of course!

We welcomed many guests in 2007, among them Ruth and Wayne Collier, who with their entire family, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on board. Thank you Ruth and Wayne, for the fabulous photos - which show how much you all enjoyed the cruise!

In May, 2007, Maryanne Brush and Theresa Bailey cruised. They said:"We were two retired women having the trip of a lifetime (4 and 1/2 months in Europe), and the barge trip was way up there on our list of highlights. We found it to be relaxing, comfortable, beautiful and interesting. The pace (a balance of elegant and casual) was set by the excellent staff. From the moment the staff silently put our bags in the right cabins, till the last night when John (the boat boy) played his bagpipes in the moonlight, we were entranced. We have seldom seen a better example of professional, seamless customer service. The tours to castles, wineries and of the Dijon market were interesting and lead by wonderful guide, Magali. She studied constantly to give us more and better information on the history, architecture and customs of the French. She made us think. The opportunity to walk or bicycle made us feel healthy in spite of the incredible food and wine we were consuming."

Litote

Barge Cruise Itinerary

Dijon to Vandenesse-En- Auxois

On the Canal de Bourgogne

Saturday
Dijon to Plombieres
For passengers taking our optional transfer from Paris, we meet at the Regina Hotel, 192, Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris at 1:00pm and transfer to the Paris Gare de Lyon for the TGV high speed train to Dijon, this journey takes 1hr 40mins in 1st class comfort. Passengers meeting in Dijon will join us outside the Quick Restaurant, next to the railroad station at 4.00pm. We are then transferred to Litote, moored in the port of Dijon, a delightful landscaped park. After a champagne welcome aboard and the introduction of your crew, a cruise on the Burgundy Canal to the village of Plombieres where we spend the night.

Sunday
Plombieres to Fleurey sur Ouche
After breakfast, a drive through the vineyards to the Chateau of Clos de Vougeot, a monastic winery dating from medieval times and the present day headquarters of the Brotherhood of Knights of the Vine. We return to Litote for lunch and cruise through the afternoon to Fleurey sur Ouche. For those who wish, there are several locks giving opportunities to walk or cycle along the well-maintained towpath which follows the canal.

Monday
Fleurey to Gissey
We begin our cruising during breakfast, passing through scenic rural country to the village of Pont de Pany. Here we enter one of the most attractive stretches of waterway in France, the Valley d'Ouche. The canal follows this river as it meanders through the valley with steep wooded forest and rich pastures. We moor in the afternoon in the village of Gissey sur Ouche and then go by motorcoach over the hills to Meursault, famous for its white wine. We will visit a private cellar and taste several of their prestigious wines.

Tuesday
Gissey to La Bussiere
Today is market day in Dijon, so after an early breakfast on board, we make a trip to this important city. We will have a guided visit of the principal monuments and plenty of free time to explore the open market and shops, not forgetting the Grey Poupon store in the main street. We return for lunch and a delightful afternoon cruise to La Bussiere.

Wednesday
La Bussiere to Pont d'Ouche
This morning we continue to cruise and climb through this pastoral valley to the village of Pont d'Ouche. After lunch, we take an excursion to Beaune and a guided visit to the famous Hospice, a charity hospital built in the mid 15th century. There will be free time to explore this delightful town before we return to Litote.

Thursday
Pont d'Ouche to Vandenesse en Auxois
We begin cruising after breakfast and as we approach the summit level, increasingly frequent locks give more opportunities to walk and cycle along the towpath. We arrive in Vandenesse and after lunch, take a short drive to visit the Chateau of Commarin, dating from the 12th century, it is still a private home with many fine furnishings and works of art. Afterwards, we continue to the medieval village and castle of Chateauneuf en Auxois, once an outpost of the Dukes of Burgundy. There are spectacular views of the surrounding countryside and feeder reservoirs for the canal. We return to Litote and prepare for our farewell Gala Dinner.

Friday
Vandenesse en Auxois
After breakfast, we drive to Dijon, passengers with the transfer option will board the TGV high speed train for Paris Gare de Lyon.

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.

Litote

Guest Book

"La Litote staff was wonderful! Food was fabulous! Daily excursions were well planned and very informative. Can't wait to Barge again!"
-Cheryl Stoddard, 2007

"We could not have had a better 50th Anniversary celebration!
There is togetherness, but opportunity to get away for walks, bike trips, on the side trips with free time. They altered the plans - to take us to the Tour de France. We were a group from 6 years old - several teenagers - mixed ages and interests, but everyone had a great time! Our crew was very special as was the preparation for the trip by Ellen and staff before the trip. Anyone would be comfortable traveling this way."
- Ruth and Wayne Collier, 2007
Thank you, Ruth - It was wonderful to work with you and your special family!

"Excellent! We had a great mix of people. The young staff were extremely professional, knowledgeable and helpful."
- Joan Balthazor, 2007

"Our group was extremely compatible. And our super guide Patrice was extremely knowledgeable about the sights we saw and history of the area. The wine and cheeses were exceptional. Thanks, Ellen, for a great trip!"
- Dave and Sandy Huarte, 2006

"Our experience was extremely favorable. The crew efficient and obliging. Our fellow guests were friendly and enjoyable."
- Lawrence and Priscilla Doty, 2005

"A great experience. We ate more than we should have, but enjoyed the great wines and cheeses. The crew would do anything for you!"
- The Dobberts, 2006

Litote Floor Plan

128 Feet long
-Ten Cabins approx 100 square feet  - choice of twin and double-beds
-Upper deck cabins with large windows
-Sheltered center sundeck with canopy
-Salon/dining area with big picture windows.