Lilas

In the afternoon, you will be met by a crew member of Lilas at the designated meeting point. From here, relax as you are chauffeured to the barge, moored in the port of Auxonne. A traditional champagne welcome and introduction to the crew awaits you, before your first gourmet dinner aboard.

Absorb the beauty of the passing French countryside on a leisurely morning cruise down the River Saone. Upon mooring, your Tour Guide accompanies you to Clos de Vougeot, where Cistercian monks made wine in the 12th century. After a private winetasting at a prestigious local producer, return to the barge where cocktails and canapes await, followed by a gourmet dinner.

This morning, savor the pastoral scenery as your barge gently floats along the river. Then it’s off to Beaune, the wine capital of Burgundy, where your group will explore the famed underground cellars of Joseph Drouhin via a private tour and tasting. Afterward, tour the 15th-century Hotel Dieu, an immaculately restored Medieval hospital that represents the history of Burgundy and the story of its wine. Explore the charming cobblestoned town center and its shops before returning to Lilas, where Chef is creating another delightful dinner.

Begin the day with a peaceful cruise and enjoy the picturesque Burgundy landscapes. This afternoon, you Tour Guide chauffeurs you to the Benedictine Abbaye de Cluny to discover the ruins of its Romanesque-style church which was for centuries the largest in the world. Before the French Revolution, this powerful abbey headed a network of over 10,000 monks all over Europe. Return to Lilas in time to prepare for dinner ashore at a nearby Michelin-starred restaurant.

Enjoy a morning cruise while admiring the rustic vistas passing by. Upon mooring, your Tour Guide introduces the 17th-century Chateau de Flecheres. Here you will discover preserved murals from an Italian painter of the period as well as décor with great carved fireplaces, a grand open staircase, Louis XV paneled apartment with rich furnishings, and early kitchens in working order. There will be time to explore the grounds before returning to Lilas for an evening of drinks and dinner. End the day by sipping after-dinner liqueurs under the stars.

A morning cruise takes Lilas to moor in the heart of Lyon, France’s second city celebrated for its culture and gastronomy. Your Tour Guide presents the ornate Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fouviere, perched high over the city; then a walking tour of Vieux Lyon's “traboules," secret passageways used by silk manufacturers to transport their products. There will be time to explore Vieux Lyon, with its charming shops and colorful painted buildings. Tonight, Chef presents a Farewell Feast, ending your cruise on Lilas in style.

Checking out no later than 9:00am, you will be chauffeured to the Lyon TGV Station and provided with First Class tickets to a mid-morning train back to the Paris Gare de Lyon Train Station. As you alight, a representative of Lilas will be on the platform and will help you to the taxi line or to your pre-arranged private transfer. The services of Lilas end at the Gare de Lyon.