Parties of two, three, or four seeking a refined and intimate cruise experience will feel right at home on the lovely Le Papillon!
Graceful and storied, this intimate Dutch-built vessel has glided along Europe’s canals since 1902, beginning life as a cargo barge before her rebirth as a passenger barge in the early 1980s. Today, her devoted owners preserve her classic silhouette while weaving in contemporary amenities and stylish décor. Two inviting cabins and a chic salon create interior havens of charm and ease, while the spacious deck ensures leisurely hours of sophisticated socializing. With a congenial crew attending to every detail, guests are warmly welcomed into an atmosphere where comfort feels effortless and hospitality truly soars.
On Le Papillon, cuisine is creative and sumptuous. Chef creates menus based on locally-sourced ingredients from markets, producers, and even lock-keepers who may supply eggs, cheese, or a basket of ‘trompette’ mushrooms! The splendid wines of Burgundy, the Cote du Rhone, or the Maconnais accompany each meal, often with selections from local vintners. Of course, when you think of wine, what about cheese…? Guests will sample 18 different artisanal cheeses during their week on Le Papillon.
The Nivernais is known as one of the most idyllically beautiful canals in France, with a well-groomed towpath which bicyclists and walkers will love. Excursions include winetasting at Chablis and gorgeous drives through the vineyards; Auxerre, with its magnificent cathedral and delightful streets on which to stroll and shop; and a local outdoor market at Noyers-sur-Surein, one of the prettiest villages in France. Flutter through France on the luxurious Le Papillon!