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Travel from Venarey-les-Laumes to Tanlay on the Canal de Bourgogne
In the afternoon, you will be met by a La Belle Epoque crew member at the designated meeting point. From here, relax as you are chauffeured to La Belle Epoque, moored in the town of Venaray les Laumes. A traditional champagne welcome and introduction to the crew awaits you, before your first gourmet dinner onboard.
A morning cruise through vast woodlands and rolling fields comes with ample opportunities for walking and cycling on the manicured towpath. In the afternoon, visit the moat-encircled Chateau de Commarin for a (weather dependent) private demonstration of the medieval sport of falconry. Afterwards, tour the property with Count Bertrand de Vogue, the current resident and 26th generation of the de Vogue family to maintain continuous residence since the 13th century. Cocktail hour onboard precedes a delicious dinner.
A morning cruise encourages a leisurely stroll or gentle pedal along the towpath. This afternoon, your Tour Guide escorts you to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Abbaye de Fontenay, which was founded by St. Bernard in 1118. As a distinctive example of early Cistercian architecture, Fontenay allows an exceptional glimpse of a devoutly religious life, with its peaceful gardens, placid ponds, and stately structures. After a thorough visit, return to the barge for an evening cruise. Chef presents tonight's gourmet dinner onboard.
Bottoms up! This morning, your Tour Guide accompanies you to Les Riceys, the only wine growing area of the Champagne region to have 3 Appellation d’Origine Contrôlées. Visit the Maison Taisne Riocour for a tasting, then head to the Chateau de Ricey-Bas for lunch hosted by the Baroness in the private salon. Return to the barge for a late afternoon cruise. Aperitifs and appetizers precede tonight's dinner onboard.
This morning's excursion to the Renaissance chateau of Ancy le Franc is a cruise highlight. Renowned for its 16th-century wall paintings and frescoes, which arguably rival those of Fontainebleau, Ancy-le-Franc has been sensitively renovated and restored. Explore the chateau's grounds, gardens, and parklands. Return to the barge for La Belle Epoque's lazy afternoon cruise. Socialize on deck and watch the beautiful Burgundian scenery slip by while Chef crafts another gourmet dinner.
This morning, your Tour Guide introduces the wine town of Chablis, which dates back to Roman times. In its surrounding vineyards, meet the viticulturists who grow the pampered grapes from which these white wines are exclusively produced; then visit a family-owned winemaker for a private tasting. Return to the barge for an afternoon cruise to Tanlay. There is time to bicycle or walk to the charming village of Saint Vinnemar. Back on board, Chef is preparing the Captain’s Dinner, which ends your cruise in style.
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.
Due to their nature, some activities carry a supplement fee. All activities are subject to availability and have minimum age requirements. Please contact your Cruise Coordinator to create your bespoke family cruise.
In the afternoon, you will be met by a La Belle Epoque crew member at the designated meeting point. From here, relax as you are chauffeured to La Belle Epoque, moored in the town of Venaray les Laumes. A traditional champagne welcome and introduction to the crew awaits you, before your first gourmet dinner onboard.
A morning cruise through vast woodlands and rolling fields comes with ample opportunities for walking and cycling on the manicured towpath. In the afternoon, visit the moat-encircled Chateau de Commarin for an extraordinary private demonstration of the medieval sport of falconry. Afterwards, tour the property with Count Bertrand de Vogue, the current resident and 26th generation of the de Vogue family to maintain continuous residence since the 13th century. Cocktail hour onboard precedes a delicious dinner.
A morning cruise encourages a leisurely stroll or gentle pedal along the towpath. This afternoon, your Tour Guide escorts you to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Abbaye de Fontenay, which was founded by St. Bernard in 1118. As a distinctive example of early Cistercian architecture, Fontenay allows an exceptional glimpse of a devoutly religious life, with its peaceful gardens, placid ponds, and stately structures. After a thorough visit, return to the barge for an evening cruise. Chef presents tonight's gourmet dinner onboard.
This morning, your Tour Guide accompanies you to Les Riceys, the only wine growing area of the Champagne region to have 3 Appellation d’Origine Contrôlées. Visit the Maison Alexandre Bonnet for a private champagne tasting, cheers! Then, it's but a short drive to Chateau de Ricey-Bas. Here we will be greeted to a champagne aperitif and a gourmet lunch with the chateau’s Baroness (!), after which there is time to stroll the gardens or explore the interiors. Return to the barge for a late afternoon cruise. Chef presents dinner onboard.
This morning's excursion to the Renaissance chateau of Ancy le Franc is a cruise highlight. Renowned for its 16th-century wall paintings and frescoes, which arguably rival those of Fontainebleau, Ancy le Franc has been sensitively renovated and restored. Explore the chateau's grounds, gardens, and parklands. Return to the barge for La Belle Epoque's lazy afternoon cruise. Socialize on deck and watch the beautiful Burgundian scenery slip by while Chef crafts another gourmet dinner.
A morning cruise provides the opportunity to bicycle or walk to the charming village of Saint Vinnemer. Your Tour Guide introduces you to the iconic vineyards of Chablis this afternoon. Meet the viticulturists who expertly grow the pampered grapes from which this white wine is exclusively produced. Visit a winemaker such as the family-run Domaine Régnard, where samples of the vineyard's vintages are of course offered. Return to the barge for cocktails, canapes, and the Captain’s Farewell Dinner.
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.
“The crew on La Belle Epoque was excellent! All of them were very attentive, knowledgeable about the region, and fun to be with. The cuisine was exceptional, some of the best meals on cruises we have ever had. The wines were so wonderful I even asked for list of what was served! The excursions to Alesia and Chablis were real highlights. Cabins were very comfortable, and we were very happy with the bathrooms. A very relaxing and fun trip.”
– Mark C, La Belle Epoque
Are you ready to explore the natural beauty
of Northern Burgundy?
