Papillon
Barging in Burgundy

Passengers: 4-6
Size: 100 feet long
Rating: Deluxe, A/C

2009 Rates

Papillon will spend the entire 2009 season on its premier Canal de Bourgogne route. Six-night cruises are available from April 5 to November 1. Cruises being on Sunday in either Paris or Dijon, end the following Saturday in Paris or Dijon.

Papillon is a petite gem, operated by barging veterans Bill and Jenny Higgs - whose definite ideas about quality inform every aspect of the experience. The vessel is classic in feeling and décor. The three cozy cabins are dressed in lovely wallpapers and fabrics, while the Provencial-tiled baths are spacious and luxurious. A separate dining room reinforces the feeling of civility, while guests can relax in the salon and on the large deck. The Higgs introduced many upgrades in 2008 - including extensive redecoration of the barge, new bikes, and a new Audi/VW minivan. Experienced Chef Sarah (6 seasons on Papillon) and adorable Captain Cederic were permanent crew in 2008.

For your Burgundy barge cruise, pampering begins on the chauffeured transfer from Paris to the barge - which begins at mid-day and includes an excursion to Chateau Vaux-le-Vicomte - all before the late afternoon arrival to Papillon. Once in Burgundy, the sights include the covered market in Dijon; Beaune with its amazingly well-preserved 14th - Century Hospice and adorable shopping streets; and wine tasting in the Cot d'Or vineyards. A top crew of four provides creative cuisine and service.

A special treat is dinner out at the Michelin-starred Abbaye de la Busserie, a renovated abbay which lies but a short walk from the canal.

We hope to revisit Papilllon in 2009.

Papillon

Barging in Burgundy Itinerary

Fleurey-sur-Ouche to Pont Royal

On the Canal de Bourgogne

Sunday: Paris to Fleurey-sur-Ouche
You will be met by a Papillon crew member at your hotel in Paris at 1pm and driven to the Papillon moored near Dijon in the village of Fleurey-sur-Ouche. On the way we can visit the fabulous château of Vaux-le-Vicomte – a mini rival to Versailles. Alternatively you can take the fast TGV train from Paris and a Papillon crew member will meet you at the railway station in Dijon. Upon arrival, you will be welcomed aboard Le Papillon with a Champagne reception and introduced to the crew of four – time to settle in before dinner.

Monday: Fleurey-sur-Ouche to Gissey-sur-Ouche
Onboard Le Papillon After breakfast, we will start cruising along the Canal de Bourgogne. There will be ample opportunities to take a bike or walk along the canal towing path. By mid afternoon we shall be moored in the delightful village of Gissey-sur-Ouche. A short drive in the minibus will take us to the medieval quarter of Dijon for a walking tour followed by a visit to the Musée des Beaux Arts in the ducal palace. Our drive back to Papillon will include the Route des Grands Crus through the vineyards of the Côte de Nuits, passing by Clos Vougeot.

Tuesday: Gissey-sur-Ouche to Veuvey-sur-Ouche
Food lovers can make an early start and accompany our chef to the busy morning food market in Dijon. This is an opportunity to meet our cheese, fish, and produce suppliers face to face. Maybe take a coffee with the chef and discuss some of your favourite dishes. There will be some free time for any shopping – the Rue Verrerie with its famous antique shops is nearby. Lunch back aboard and then cruise to the village of Veuvey-sur-Ouche.

Wednesday: Veuvey-sur-Ouche to Pont d'Ouche
This morning’s cruise will take us to Pont d’Ouche where we cruise over the Ouche river. After lunch we will drive through the nearby hills and descend into the Cote d’Or vineyards and visit Beaune – a thriving little town and proud capital of the wine trade. By far the most famous sight is the hospice with its multicoloured roof tiles which was built in 1443 by Nicolas Rolin, chancellor to the dukes of Burgundy. Next door in the spectacular cellars of the Marché aux Vins we can taste some of Burgundy’s finest wines or alternatively stop at one of the vineyards on our way back to Papillon. Tonight we've scheduled dinner at the Michelin-starred Abbaye de La Busserie!

Thursday: Pont d'Ouche to Pouilly-en-Auxois
A 5 minute drive from Papillon will take us up to the hilltop village of Chateauneuf-en-Auxois. Highly restored and very picturesque, the village also offers a fine aerial view of the canal. Back onboard, we will climb the remaining locks before reaching the summit level of the canal – the highest point on this water route from the Mediterranean to the English Channel. After lunch we can visit the little chateau of Commarin with its fine tapestries. And then on through one of the wonders of the canal sysyem – a two mile tunnel leading to the town of Pouilly-en-Auxois. Nearby the chateau of Chailly has a fine golf course.

Friday: Pouilly-en-Auxois to Pont Royal
Today’s cruise will take us through lovely rolling countryside to Pont Royal. From there, a pleasant circular trip in the minibus could include visits to the hilltop village of Flavigny where ‘Chocolat’ was filmed, the Cistercian abbey of Fontenay (UNESCO world heritage sight) and the virtually undiscovered medieval town of Semur-en-Auxois.

Saturday: Return to Paris
After breakfast, depart at 9:00am for your chauffeured transfer to the Dijon Train Station or Paris, either a hotel in central Paris or Charles de Gaulle Airport.  Estimated arrival time in the Paris area is noon.

The above description of a week on Le Papillon, cruising from Fleurey to Pont Royal contains similar points of interest as a cruise in the opposite direction from Pont Royal to Fleurey, although times for excursions will clearly differ between the two routes. No two cruises on Le Papillon are ever exactly the same however, since we always mould each voyage to fit the interests of our passengers. Whatever your passion is – golf, tennis, biking, walking, side trips in the minibus, just relaxing on deck, or a little of everything – we’ll make sure you do it.

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.

Papillon

Guest Book

"How can we possibly put into words our feelings of the most incredible seven days of our lives?  It has just been magnificent.  The only exciting thing about leaving Papillion tomorrow is that we will be able to tell all of our friends about this journey."

"'What do I miss? The French-pressed coffee, jaw-dropping scenery, delicious wines and cheeses, reading on deck under the umbrella, and the fascinating side trips - and that is just to start! I also miss the creative napkin-folding and the gorgeous flower arrangements. I walked into the dining room and sighed with happiness because everything was so beautiful. (Even the butter was decorated differently each day!)"

"You have given us an experience that eclipses all other family vacations!"

Papillon Floor Plan

100 Feet long
-Two twin cabins (180 and 93 sq ft)
-One double cabin (107 sq ft)
-Salon/bar and separate dining room.
-French country ambiance.
-Re-decorated for the 2008 season