Northern Burgundy

Barge cruising in Burgundy! All the delights of floating, wine-tasting, bicycling and sightseeing in a cruising area strategically located but a few hours south of Paris! Home to two major canals, the Nivernais and the Burgundy, as well as the River Yonne, this cruising area is defined by the Chablis vineyards and especially lovely villages and chateaux.

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Let's focus on the Burgundy barge cruise between Auxerre and Clamecy on the Canal du Nivernais: Old walnut trees and weeping willows line the canal banks ...open fields of maize give way to high rocky outcrops...swans and herons to observe....colorful villages with distinctive architecture sweep into view! Barge guests will tour the Grand Cru vineyards high in the hills above the famed wine town of Chablis. Other memorable excursions include the Basilica at Vezelay; Chateau de Bazoches, home to 17th century inventor Marechal Vauban; and maybe a visit to a pre-historic cave!

The nearby and tree-lined Burgundy Canal offers top excursions - such as to the stunningly-restored Renaissance chateau at Tanlay and the Abbeye of Fontenay.

There are many wonderful barge cruises in Northern Burgundy - from deluxe to informal. We love this region and have visited it many times. Welcome aboard for your barge cruise in Burgundy!

ABSOLUUT2 - Burgundy, France
8 Guests, Deluxe
Absoluut2 started its life as a private yacht for the DeKuyper Liqueur family in Belgium. This barge is sold out for the 2008 season.

ELISABETH - Burgundy, France
6 Guests, First Class
When you cruise with owners Peter and Sheena Jenner, you truly have "friends in France!" Elisabeth was extensively upgraded in 2007. Special "Chocolate and Wine" cruises will be offered in 2008 and 2009.

HORIZON II -Burgundy, France
8 Guests, Ultra Deluxe
This handsome and classic vessel cruises on the Burgundy Canal. Experienced crew and personalized service is the hallmark. The Barge Lady and her husband enjoyed a cruise on HORIZON II in July, 2007.

L'ART de VIVRE - Burgundy, France
8 Guests, First Class
L'Art de Vivre cruises in especially untouched Burgundy countryside between Clamecy and Baye on the Upper Canal du Nivernais. It is an interesting choice for an "off the beaten path" Burgundy barge cruise experience!

LA BELLE EPOQUE - Burgundy, France
12 Guests, Deluxe
This classic barge will be renovated for the 2008 season - but will retain the decorative pieces reflecting the "Beautiful Era" for which she was named! La Belle Époque offers Burgundy barge cruising on the
gorgeous Canal du Nivernais.

LONE STAR - Burgundy, France
8 Guests, Ultra Deluxe
A wonderful Burgundy barge cruise debuting in 2008! Created by dedicated owners from Texas, Lone Star combines the best of U.S. style space and amenities with the charm of a European crew.

LUCIOLE - Burgundy, France
14 Guests, First Class
Cruise barge Luciole - the inspired creation of barging "pioneers" John and Penny Lilly. Luciole offers good friends, good fun and most of all good value on Burgundy's Canal du Nivernais.
Single travelers welcome, too!

MARJORIE II- Burgundy, France
12 Guests, Deluxe
This Burgundy barge cruise combines the best of Burgundy with the Upper Loire. Marjorie II is an elegant and modern vessel, operated to perfection by its young Belgian owners.

PROSPERITE - Burgundy, France
8 Guests, Ultra Deluxe
This popular Ultra-deluxe vessel debuts a Burgundy barge cruise on the Burgundy Canal in 2008. Captain Spencer Hayes runs a top operation. Guests love the incredibly spacious cabins and the chef's open kitchen!

SAVOIR FAIRE - Burgundy, France
12 Guests, Deluxe
Savoir Faire combines a Burgundy barge cruise with top ports in the Upper Loire. Sightseeing includes touring TWO chateaux: Chateau Vaux-le-Vicomte and Fountainebleau! Owners Chris and Fran Bennet lead a crew of seven on this elegant and classic vessel.