Southern Burgundy

Barging in Burgundy! The very phrase conjures up a voyage of discovery to the cultural treasures, vineyards and historic towns of this prosperous region! And ... there's bicycling on the towpaths...walking into the village for a cafe in the square...ballooning over divinely beautiful countryside...and wine, wine wine! Our fleet of Burgundy barges

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is diverse: Vessels of every size, ambiance and price range can be found in Southern Burgundy.

Many believe that these canals meander through the most beautiful and typical rural scenery in all of France. Imagine cruising past vibrant fields of poppies and ripening wheat, wooded hillsides, verdant pastures. Past lockhouses, brimming with geraniums and Poplar trees lining the banks. Past villages from the 12th century. This is the canal cruise of your dreams!

The major waterway is the Canal de Bourgogne. Plans started on the canal as early as the 17th century. When completed in 1832, it changed the destiny of Burgundy - raising its status from a rural farming area to that of a great state with navigable waterways connected to all of Europe. This canal is 150 miles long and is bisected by 190 locks. Other waterways in Southern Burgundy include the Canal du Centre and the River Saone.

The many chateaux and walled towns, not to mention the beautiful and wealthy cities of Dijon and Beaune, are a legacy of the Dukes of Burgundy. The Catholic Church was also a driving force of inspiration and energy. You might visit the Basilica at Vezelay or the ruins of the great church at Cluny.

Southern Burgundy is most known for its Cote d'Or vineyards. Wine was introduced by the Romans and mastered by the monks at Nuit Saint George. The vineyards spread for miles, with many producers still using the traditional methods: oak barrels and years of aging in cool, vaulted cellars. As barge guests, you will tour cellars and taste the local product - drink up!
The Barge Lady knows Southern Burgundy better than anyone. Welcome aboard!!!

ADRIENNE - Burgundy, France
12 Guests, Ultra Deluxe
Adrienne cruises on one of barging’s most beloved routes in 2009 - the Cote d’Or Burgundy. Cruising on Adrienne is the complete luxury barge experience - in one of France’s most famed regions!

AMARYLLIS - Burgundy, France
8 Guests, Ultra Deluxe
Cruising in Burgundy on Amaryllis is also cruising in old world luxe. The French - style Amaryllis has the most gorgeous cabins and bathrooms afloat, as well as its own swimming pool!

FANDANGO - Burgundy, France
4 - 6 Guests, Deluxe
New for 2009 - Fandango cruises a "Gourmet Burgundy" route which features three unique onshore dining experiences including a dinner at the Michelin-starred L' Abbaye de Busseire!

FLEUR de LYS - Burgundy, France
6 Guests, Ultra Deluxe
France's ultimate barge! Just six lucky guests will sleep in canopy- bedded suites and enjoy such sumptuous comforts as a grand piano In the salon and swimming pool on deck.

HIRONDELLE - Burgundy, France
8 Guests, Deluxe
Canal cruising on the smaller canals of Burgundy is the lure here. Hirondelle moves to the Upper Loire for part of the 2009 season. Relax on the spacious deck and watch the most amazing scenery float by!

L'IMPRESSIONISTE - Burgundy, France
12 Guests, Deluxe
In 2009 L'Impressionniste moves to the Canal de Bourgogne. It is the only 12-passenger barge cruise on this outstanding route. High points include the Hospice de Beaune, Dijon and wine-tasting at top venues.

LE PREMIER - Burgundy, France
6 Guests, Deluxe
We are sad to announce that LePremier will not be cruising in 2009. Let us suggest something equally as wonderful.

LIBELLULE - Burgundy, France
20 Guests, First Class
Libellule is no longer in service. In the first half of 2009, the 22-passenger Lorraine will move to a similar route on the Canal de Bourgogne. Please see a description of this cruise under Lorraine in Southern Burgundy.

LITOTE - Burgundy, France
20 Guests, First Class
Litote is no longer in service. In the first half of 2009, the 22-passenger Lorraine will move to Litote's route on the Canal de Bourgogne. Please see a description of this cruise under Lorraine in Southern Burgundy.

LORRAINE - Burgundy, France
22 Guests, First Class
Lorraine will be sailing in Burgundy on the deservedly popular Litote route between the dates April 11 to July 3, 2009. This is a value-priced cruise with beautiful floating through heart of Burgundy, as well as walking, bicycling, and top excursions to vineyards, famed towns, chateaux and local markets.

PAPILLION - Burgundy, France
6 Guests, First Class
Papillon will cruise only on the beautiful and intimate Canal de Bourgogne in 2009 - a good fit for this classic, French-inspired vessel.

PROSPERITE - Burgundy, France
8 Guests, Ultra Deluxe
This popular Ultra-deluxe vessel returns to its original Cote d'Or cruise route on the Burgundy Canal in 2009. Captain Spencer Hayes runs a top operation. Guests love the incredibly spacious cabins and the chef's open kitchen!

SAVOIR VIVRE - Burgundy, France
8 Guests, Casual Class
A brand new barge and format in 2009 with Savoir Vivre! Consider it luxury barging distilled. Breakfast and lunch is served on board while all dinners are taken onshore at specially chosen restaurants.

SOJOURN - Burgundy, France
8 Guests, Ultra Deluxe
Sojourn is France's newest Ultra-Deluxe barge! Launched and operated by the same team that introduced Prosperite.

WHO KNOWS - Burgundy, France
4-6 Guests, Casual Class
Barging in Burgundy is casual, friendly and fun on this comfortable barge. Owners Jason and Dawn will personally introduce their favorite sights - not to mention wines - of Burgundy!