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!!!

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!

BONHEUR - Burgundy, France
4 Guests, Casual Class
Bonheur is a new Casual Class barge with intelligent owners and an especially welcoming vessel. Bonheur means 'happiness" in French, which is just how you will feel about the Bonheur!

CAPRICE - Burgundy, France
21 Guests, First Class
Caprice is a new First Class barge in Burgundy for 2010, offering value-priced cruising on Southern Burgundy's top route.

FANDANGO - Burgundy, France
4 - 6 Guests, Deluxe
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.

L'IMPRESSIONISTE - Burgundy, France
12 Guests, Deluxe
In 2009 L'Impressionniste moved to the Canal de Bourgogne. The itinerary emphasizes wine and cuisine. 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.

NENUPHAR- Burgundy, France
12 Guests, Ultra Delux
It is French elegance all the way on the Ultra-Deluxe vessel.

PAPILLION - Burgundy, France
6 Guests, First Class
Papillon will cruise only on the beautiful and intimate Canal de Bourgogne in 2010 - a good fit for this classic, French-inspired vessel.

PROSPERITE - Burgundy, France
8 Guests, Ultra Deluxe
This popular Ultra-deluxe vessel returned 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 debuted 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.

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!