Litote
Barging in Burgundy

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

Although Litote is no longer in service, we are thrilled to announce that the 22-passenger lorraine will cruise the same 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.

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 2008 guide Magali was highly praised by our guests: "professional, interesting, enthuiastic - and always learning more."  A French chef offers menus featuring produce and products of the area, while the wines? A great selection from Burgundy, of course!

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

Burgundy Barge Cruise Itinerary

Dijon to Vandenesse-En-Auxois

On the Canal de Bourgogne

Saturday: Dijon to Plombieres
Passengers will be met at the Dijon Rail Station at 4:30pm.  (TGV train tickets to/from Paris are in addition to the cruise fare and must be purchased separately.  We can coordinate this purchase before departure.) You 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. 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 sur Ouche 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: Return to Dijon
After breakfast, we'll transfer you back to the Dijon Rail Station to meet a late morning TGV train back to Paris, estimated train departure time is 11:00am.  (Alternatively, you may take a train to any other destination, pick up a rental car or check into a local hotel - the choice is yours!)  We hope to see you back on another Canal and Company barge!

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

"It was everything we hoped for.  The crew was very courteous and attentive.  The meals were excellent, through and through.  The options to walk, bike or just cruise allowed everyone to enjoy within their own limitations.  We enjoyed being a part of a small passenger group because it allowed everyone to share meals with all other passengers several times.  By the end of the week, we were a friendly group.  Exploring the many French villages on our route by bicycle and on foot was our most enjoyable highlight."
-Jon and Patricia Varvel, 2008

"Magali our guide was exceptional!  We hated to leave - very special people and very special time!"
-Pat and Judy Easterbrook, 2008

"It was a very special European Experience which we will never forget.  The food was gourmet and exceptional and the chef held two cooking demonstrations which were inspirational.  The crew truly spoiled us the whole week - anything we wanted or needed was provided even before we knew we needed it.  I would definitely recommend everyone try a barge vacation.  In fact, we are already talking about our next barge adventure and I can hardly wait!"
-Cindy and Erin McCauley, 2008

"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

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.