Charming

Elisabeth

France, Northern Burgundy
River Yonne and Canal du Nivernais: May 10-October 24, 2026; Canal de Bourgogne: April 18-July 17, 2027; River Yonne and Canal du Nivernais: August 1-October 16, 2027; Canal de Bourgogne: October 17-30, 2027

Check-in Time / Location 3:00 PM in Paris

Capacity
6 Guests
Crew Members
5
Booking Type
Charter Only

Elisabeth is owned and operated Captain David Wallace, assisted by a handpicked crew.

A former attorney and current barging bon vivant, Captain David hosts the cruise with Continental aplomb. Not only does he sample and select all fifty wines available onboard, he is also in charge of the cocktail service, which include his signature martinis made with locally produced gin!

The cruise route on the Canal du Nivernais features vivid sightseeing, introduced by Elisabeth’s dedicated Tour Guide. Among the highlights are incredible pre-historic cave paintings, winetasting in Chablis vineyards, and the famed Basilica at Vezelay. The barge meanders through idyllic scenery, enticing active passengers to explore the manicured towpath by bicycle or on foot.

Décor has been designed to reflect a timelessly stylish Art Deco theme, evoking travel memories from bygone eras. Guests gather for meals and merriment in the cozy salon; lounge topside on the shaded deck; and join Captain David in his spacious wheelhouse. Three cozy cabins feature deluxe linens and small sumptuous touches, such as full-size toiletries from premium French brands.

Accommodations & Amenities View Deck Plan

Cabins
  • 97 ft long, with 7’9″ ceiling height throughout
  • 3 cabins, all 103 sq ft  with 7’0” ceiling height
  • Choice of one queen or two twin beds
  • Ensuite bathroom with shower
  • Limited storage in cabins
Public Areas
  • Salon and dining room
  • Sun Deck
  • Informal buffets and barbeques served on deck
  • Wheelhouse with covered seating
Amenities
Chauffeured Guided Sightseeing
Chauffeured Guided Sightseeing
Daily Housekeeping
Daily Housekeeping
WiFi (service fluctuates)
WiFi (service fluctuates)
Private Chef
Private Chef
Open Bar
Open Bar
Bicycles and Helmets
Bicycles and Helmets
Air Conditioning/Heating
Air Conditioning/Heating
Hair Dryer and Toiletries
Hair Dryer and Toiletries
Bathrobe
Bathrobe
Safe
Safe
Iron and Ironing Board (on request)
Iron and Ironing Board (on request)
Sound System
Sound System
220 volt outlets
220 volt outlets

Itineraries

River Yonne and Canal du Nivernais: May 10-October 24, 2026; August 1-October 16, 2027;

Bicycling Opportunities:
Excellent 
 (Bicycling is completely optional.)
Sunday
Welcome Aboardsunday image
Welcome Aboard
Travel: Arrival to Gurgy
Meals: Dinner onboard

In mid-afternoon, you will be met by an Elisabeth crew member at the designated meeting point and chauffeured to Elisabeth, moored in the charming town of Gurgy. A traditional champagne welcome, complete with gourmet hors d'oeuvres, awaits you. There is time to unpack and take a stroll before the first of many delicious dinners onboard. Sip an after-dinner liqueur under the stars as your first day on Elisabeth comes to an end.

Monday
Bonjour Burgundy!monday image
Bonjour Burgundy!
Travel: Gurgy to Auxerre
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner onboard

Your first day begins with a delicious breakfast, after which celebrate your arrival with our unique “Bonjour Burgundy.” Immerse yourself in the region’s culture and traditions and meet charming local characters. On your return to Elisabeth, enjoy a leisurely cruise to Auxerre. Now is the time to join Captain David in the wheelhouse or relax on deck as riverside villages and delightful scenery float by. After tonight’s sumptuous dinner, take in the sunset or sample a digestif; everything is looked after by Captain David and his crew.

Tuesday
Explore the Cobblestoned Streets of Auxerretuesday image
Explore the Cobblestoned Streets of Auxerre
Travel: Auxerre to Vincelles
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner onboard

This morning your Tour Guide introduces the city of Auxerre. Located on the banks of the River Yonne, this historic town was first settled by the Romans, and boasts a Cathedral, an Abbey, and a Church. Known for intact Medieval buildings, Auxerre is the ideal place to stroll along cobblestoned streets, browse the boutiques, or enjoy a tea in the town square. Cruise this afternoon; relax on deck or explore the towpath on foot or by bicycle. In the meantime, your Chef is in the kitchen creating another epicurean dinner.

Wednesday
Market Day and Wine Timewednesday image
Market Day and Wine Time
Travel: Moored in Vincelles
Meals: Breakfast & dinner onboard, lunch ashore

Start the day by touring the outdoor market in Noyers-sur-Serein, one of the most beautiful villages in France. Then your Tour Guide presents our exclusive experience in the famed wine town of Chablis. Sip the region’s signature vintages, and then enjoy lunch at an authentic bistro. There is time to explore Chablis in more depth: the ancient back streets, lively cafés, and adorable shops. Return to the Elisabeth for an evening of drinks and dinner.

Thursday
Incredible Pre-Historic Cave Paintingsthursday image
Incredible Pre-Historic Cave Paintings
Travel: Vincelles to Accolay
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner onboard

This morning, discover the Grottes D’Arcy sur Cure, where pre-historic man lived and painted some 38,000 years ago! The paintings in the caves are still original and have remained untouched – truly awe inspiring. In the afternoon, we cruise along the scenic Canal du Nivernais, gently gliding through gorgeous greenery and vast vineyards. Now is the perfect time to stroll or cycle along the towpath; visit Captain David in his wheelhouse, or laze on the lovely deck. Cocktails and canapes precede tonight’s multi-course candlelit dinner.

Friday
Enchanting Explorations in Vezelayfriday image
Enchanting Explorations in Vezelay
Travel: Accolay to Mailly-la-Ville 
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner onboard

Enjoy your final cruise and an early lunch onboard. Then your Tour Guide chauffeurs you to Vezelay, one of the must-see UNESCO listed sites in Burgundy. This hilltop town is crowned by its 12th century basilica, a monastic church considered a masterpiece of Romanesque architecture, and remains an important stop for spiritual seekers. Back onboard, socialize over cocktails as Chef puts finishing touches on your Farewell Feast, which ends your Elisabeth adventure in style.

Saturday
A Sad Farewellsaturday image
A Sad Farewell
Travel: Transfer from Mailly-la-Ville
Meals: Breakfast onboard

After breakfast, you will be chauffeured to the designated drop off point.

Please note: This is a sample itinerary which may be subject to change depending on local
conditions.

Elisabeth Route
Gurgy to Mailly-la-Ville

Canal de Bourgogne: April 18-July 17, 2027; October 17-30, 2027

Bicycling Opportunities:
Excellent 
 (Bicycling is completely optional.)
Sunday
Welcome Aboardsunday image
Welcome Aboard
Travel: Arrival to Ravieres
Meals: Dinner onboard

In mid-afternoon, you will be met by an Elisabeth crew member at the designated meeting point and chauffeured to Elisabeth. A traditional champagne welcome, complete with gourmet hors d'oeuvres, awaits you. Enjoy a short cocktail cruise before the first of many delicious dinners is served onboard. Sip an after-dinner liqueur under the stars as your first day on Elisabeth comes to an end.

Monday
A Special “Elisabeth Welcome”monday image
A Special “Elisabeth Welcome”
Travel: Ravieres to Ancy le Franc
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner onboard

Your first day of tranquil luxury begins with a leisurely breakfast and a short cruise. In the afternoon, we celebrate your arrival with our unique “Elisabeth Welcome”. Spend the afternoon immersing yourself in the region’s culture and traditions and meeting charming local characters. On your return to Elisabeth, explore the towpath with a sunset stroll or leisurely bicycle ride before tonight's gourmet dinner. Enjoy a nightcap from Captain David's cocktail bar on the deck.

Tuesday
Privately Tour a Preserved Chateautuesday image
Privately Tour a Preserved Chateau
Travel: Ancy le Franc to Lezinnes
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner onboard

A morning cruise is the perfect time to relax on deck and admire the gorgeous scenery slipping by. This afternoon, a short walk leads to the Renaissance delights of the 16th Century Chateau d'Ancy le Franc. On a private guided tour through reconstructed rooms and elegantly decorated suites, the era's Italian art and architecture is on full display. Back onboard, relax on deck with aperitifs and appetizers before tonight’s sumptuous dinner is served.

Wednesday
A Spree in Chabliswednesday image
A Spree in Chablis
Travel: Lezinnes
Meals: Breakfast & dinner onboard, lunch ashore

Today, we tour the vineyards and architecture of Chablis. Tour this famous village and taste this celebrated wine on our exclusive excursion. Lunch today is taken ashore at a lively local bistro. After soaking up the atmosphere and experiencing the Burgundian classics, explore Chablis in more depth, discovering the ancient avenues and small cafés at your leisure. Your trusted and knowledgeable Tour Guide is only a phone call away should you need help negotiating rural French life. Tonight, dine by candlelight as Chef Matt presents a delicious dinner onboard.

Thursday
Bottoms Up for Barge Cruisingthursday image
Bottoms Up for Barge Cruising
Travel: Lezinnes to Tanlay
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner onboard

A leisurely morning cruise begins the day. Explore the towpath by bicycle, laze on the deck with a cup of coffee, or join Captain David in his wheelhouse. This afternoon, it's bottoms up for barge cruising, as your Tour Guide chauffeurs you to Champagne. Visit a unique house of Southern Champagne to sip and savor the region's sparkling wines. A toast to the Elisabeth! Back onboard, relax and reflect on your experiences of the day, enjoying craft cocktails and a candlelit dinner.

Friday
A Confectionery Cruise friday image
A Confectionery Cruise
Travel: Tanlay to Tonnerre
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner onboard

Your final cruise is the perfect time to savor a cup of coffee on the deck. This afternoon, your excursion is to the home of “Chocolat”, Flavigny-sur-Ozerain, to visit the local boulangerie and chocolaterie! Make some fabulous confectionery and other Burgundian delights, bringing the results of your day back to the barge for your very own “Great Elisabeth Baking Showdown” (the Chef’s decision is final!!). Return to the Elisabeth for a Farewell Feast, ending your cruise in style.

Saturday
A Sad Farewellsaturday image
A Sad Farewell
Travel: Transfer from Montbard
Meals: Breakfast onboard

After breakfast, you will be chauffeured to the designated drop off point.

Please note: This is a sample itinerary which may be subject to change depending on local conditions.

Elisabeth Route

Gourmet Dining

Lunch
  • Quiche Lorraine
  • Hericots Verts Salad with Housemade Yoghurt and Herb Dressing
  • Seasonal Fruit Platter
  • Cheeses: Saint Vincent and Morbier
  • 1 Lunch Ashore Inclusive of the Cruise Rate
Dinner
  • Comté Soufflé
  • Seared Charolais Beef Filet with Roasted Root Vegetable Medley
  • Cheeses: Tomme aux Fleurs, Charolais, Fermier au Chablis, Bleu de Gex Haut Jura, Epoisses
  • Iced Berries with White Chocolate Sauce
Wine
  • Damien Buffet Champagne Prestige 2016
  • William Fevres Chablis Grand Cru Bougros 2013
  • Bersan Saint Bris 2017
  • Benoit Cantin Rosé
  • Bersan Pinot Noir Cuvée Marianne 2014

Rates & Dates

Accommodation
Value Season
Regular Season
Private Cruise for 6 guests-$34,500
Private Cruise for 5 guests-$32,000
Private Cruise for Up To 4 guests-$29,500

Dates

2026 Regular Season Departures

June 7-13, 14-20, 21-27, 28-4
July 5-11, 12-18, 19-25, 26-1
August 2-8, 9-15, 16-22, 23-29, 30-5
September 6-12, 13-19, 20-26, 27-3
October 4-10, 11- 17

Additional Details

Included in the rate
  • 6 nights/7 days in a cabin with a private bath
  • Round trip chauffeured transfers to and from Paris
  • A dedicated onboard crew consisting of a Captain, Chef, Tour Guide, and Hostess
  • All onboard meals from dinner the first evening to breakfast the final morning
  • All wines with lunches and dinners served onboard
  • Open bar with alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
  • Daily escorted excursions including admittance fees
Not included in the rate
  • International airfare
  • Cancellation insurance – A Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) policy is recommended
  • Suggested crew gratuity of 5-10% of the cruise price

*All rates are quoted in U.S. Dollars unless otherwise noted

Accommodation
Value Season
Regular Season
Private Cruise for 6 guests-$34,500
Private Cruise for 5 guests-$32,000
Private Cruise for Up To 4 guests-$29,500

Dates

2027 Regular Season Departures

April 18-24, 25-1
May 2-8, 9-15, 16-22, 23-29, 30-5
June 6-12, 13-19, 20-26, 27-3
July 4-10, 11-17, 19-24, 25-31
August 1-7, 8-14, 15-21, 22-28, 29-4
September 5-11, 12-18, 19-25, 26-2
October 3-9, 10-16, 17-23, 24-30

Additional Details

Included in the rate
  • 6 nights/7 days in a cabin with a private bath
  • Round trip chauffeured transfers to and from Paris
  • A dedicated onboard crew consisting of a Captain, Chef, Tour Guide, and Hostess
  • All onboard meals from dinner the first evening to breakfast the final morning
  • All wines with lunches and dinners served onboard
  • Open bar with alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
  • Daily escorted excursions including admittance fees
Not included in the rate
  • International airfare
  • Cancellation insurance – A Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) policy is recommended
  • Suggested crew gratuity of 5-10% of the cruise price

*All rates are quoted in U.S. Dollars unless otherwise noted

Are you ready to explore the natural beauty
of Northern Burgundy?

Plan Your Cruise