Premier

Magnolia 2025

France, Southern Burgundy
Cruise Along the Canal de Bourgogne

Check-in Time / Location 2:00 PM in Paris or Geneva

Capacity
6 Guests
Crew Members
5
Booking Type
Charter Only

Enjoy gourmet meals both onboard and ashore at host-selected local restaurants, a private French home, and inside the famed Dijon food market, all included in the cruise price.

Plying the prestigious Canal de Bourgogne in Southern Burgundy, Magnolia is the creation of attractive and accomplished French barging couple Tour Guide Magali and Captain Nicolas Rancelot. Having met in 2004 while crewing on the same vessel, their complimentary talents in daily operations, cultural connections, and genuine hospitality place Nicolas and Magali in the top echelon of barge hosts.

Designed to provide a convivial cruise, the Magnolia boasts many public spaces for guests to gather in total comfort. Serving as the social center, the beautifully-appointed deck boasts an “a la plancha” open kitchen, perfect for picnics and barbecues. A spacious, light-filled salon beckons with ample seating and a fully-stocked bar, while three cozy cabins feature colorful contemporary décor and modern bathrooms with every amenity.

Guided sightseeing to area attractions, working vineyards, and lively towns spotlight the “joie de vivre” of the Burgundian lifestyle. Walking and bicycling along the canal’s fantastic towpaths appeal to active passengers, while those who wish to simply laze onboard will enjoy leisurely cruising on one of France’s most scenic inland waterways. Also onboard is canine crew member Jypsy; do note her presence is completely optional.

As Magali and Nicolas live right on the cruise route, they are always ready to introduce their passengers to unique dining experiences ashore. Their all-inclusive dining program makes it easy for guests to enjoy each meal without concerns about budget or payment to individual venues. Onboard cuisine highlights seasonally inspired menus paired with Cote d’Or Burgundies from nearby boutique wineries. “Bon appetit” on the barge Magnolia!

Accommodations & Amenities View Deck Plan

Accommodations
  • 131 ft long, with 6’5” to 7’ ceiling height throughout
  • 3 cabins, 1 and 2 with 6’95” ceiling height, 3 with 7’21” ceiling height
  • Cabin 1 and 2, 130 sq ft, choice of one queen or two twin beds
  • Cabin 3, 160 sq ft, choice of one queen or two twin beds
  • Ensuite bathrooms with shower
  • Limited storage space in cabins
Deck
  • Salon and dining room
  • Deck with canopy
  • Outdoor dining space and seating
  • “La Plancha” Barbecue on main deck
  • Outdoor dining space and 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
Bicycles
Air Conditioning/Heating
Air Conditioning/Heating
Hair Dryer and Toiletries
Hair Dryer and Toiletries
Bathrobe
Bathrobe
Safe
Safe
Hot Tub on Deck
Hot Tub on Deck
Iron and Ironing Board (on request)
Iron and Ironing Board (on request)
Sound System
Sound System
220 volt outlets
220 volt outlets

Itineraries

Travel from Escommes to Fleurey sur Ouche on the Canal de Bourgogne

Bicycling Opportunities:
Excellent 
 (Bicycling is completely optional.)
Saturday
Welcome Aboardsaturday image
Welcome Aboard
Travel: Arrival to Escommes
Meals: Dinner onboard

In the afternoon, you will be met by a crew member of the Magnolia at the designated meeting point. From here, relax as you are chauffeured to the barge moored in Escommes. A traditional champagne welcome and introduction to owners Captain Nicolas, Tour Guide Magali, and the crew awaits you. Then enjoy your first gourmet dinner onboard.

Sunday
Explore a Magnificent Medieval Castlesunday image
Explore a Magnificent Medieval Castle
Travel: Escommes to Vandenesse en Auxois
Meals: Breakfast & dinner onboard, lunch ashore

The adventure begins with a leisurely morning cruise. Relax on deck and admire the scenery slipping by. In the afternoon, your Tour Guide will take you to Chateauneuf-en-Auxois, a majestic village perched atop a hill overlooking the Canal. After lunch ashore at a locally owned creperie, a tour of the Chateau reveals architectural details and timeworn relics which speak to the deprivations and decadence so prevalent in France’s history. Return to the Magnolia for an evening of drinks and dinner onboard.

Monday
Family and Friends in Francemonday image
Family and Friends in France
Travel: Vandenesse en Auxois to Pont d’Ouche
Meals: Breakfast & lunch onboard, dinner ashore

Begin the day at the Chateau of Meursault for a private and prestigious winetasting. Swirl, sip, and savor the region's exceptional elixirs. The journey continues with an afternoon cruise. Relax in the hot tub, explore the countryside by bicycle, or stroll along the towpath; the choice is always yours. Dinner tonight is one of the highlights of the culinary program, as guests are treated to a home hosted dinner with Magali’s parents, Alain and Joelle. Return to the Magnolia for nightcap, perhaps on the deck under the stars.

Tuesday
Destination Dijontuesday image
Destination Dijon
Travel: Pont d’Ouche to La Bussière sur Ouche
Meals: Breakfast & dinner onboard, lunch ashore

The lively town of Dijon offers a pleasurable assault of the senses. "Les Halles”, the region's covered food market, presents a panorama of colorful produce and aromatic pastries; mustard jars are cheerfully displayed in boutiques; and public gardens are vibrant with greenery and scenery. Shop, stroll, and sip this morning through this small city brimming with authentic French life. After lunch at a bistro near the market, an afternoon cruise is the perfect time to traverse the towpath with a gentle pedal or leisurely stroll. Chef presents tonight's dinner onboard.

Wednesday
Barrel Making and Beaune -- a WINE-derful Combinationwednesday image
Barrel Making and Beaune -- a WINE-derful Combination
Travel: La Bussière sur Ouche to Ste Marie sur Ouche
Meals: Breakfast & lunch onboard, dinner ashore

Bonjour! After coffee and croissants, your Tour Guide accompanies you on a morning visit to an authentic barrel maker. Discover the art and craft of making the wooden barrels imperative for Burgundy's pampered grapes to transform into delicious vintages. Next, a stop in Beaune reveals the wine capital of the region. Tour the 15th century hospital, apothecary, and kitchen of the magnificently preserved Hospices de Beaune, then explore this lively town with lots of war and wine history. Return to the Magnolia for lazy afternoon cruise, then freshen up for this evening's dinner ashore.

Thursday
The Hidden Treasures of Burgundian Trufflesthursday image
The Hidden Treasures of Burgundian Truffles
Travel: Ste Marie sur Ouche to Fleurey sur Ouche
Meals: Breakfast & dinner onboard, lunch ashore

This morning, your Tour Guide escorts you to l’Or des Valois, a local truffle farm. Meet the hunters -- and their adorable canine companions! -- for whom truffle hunting is their passion. Discover the secrets to finding this “black gold,” and then enjoy a gourmet luncheon featuring delectable recipes made with truffles. Return to Magnolia for a leisurely afternoon cruise. Cocktails and canapes are followed by this evening's sumptuous Farewell Feast.

Friday
A Sad Farewellfriday image
A Sad Farewell
Travel: Transfer from Fleurey sur Ouche
Meals: Breakfast onboard

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

Gourmet Dining

Lunch
  • Couscous Salad with Plancha-Roasted Market Vegetables
  • Quiche Lorraine
  • Cheeses: Valençay and Comte
  • A Selection of Coffees, Teas, and Biscuits
  • 3 Lunches Ashore Inclusive of the Cruise Rate
Dinner
  • Quail Eggs and Asparagus with Sundried Tomato Vinaigrette
  • Filet of Charolais with Gratin Dauphinois
  • Cheeses: Morbier, Délice de Bourgogne, Bleu des Causses
  • White Chocolate Mousse Cake with Strawberry and Basil
  • A Selection of After Dinner Drinks
  • 2 Dinners Ashore Inclusive of the Cruise Rate
Wine
  • Montagny Blanc 1er cru, 2019
  • St Veran Blanc, 2019
  • Gevrey Chambertin Rouge, 2018
  • Savigny les Beaune
  • Haute Côtes de Nuits
  • Saint-Romain

Rates & Dates

Accommodation
Value Season
Regular Season
Private Cruise for 6 guests-$39,000
Private Cruise for 5 guests-$34,500
Private Cruise for up to 4 guests-$28,800

Dates

2025 Regular Season Departures

April 5-11, 12-18, 19-25, 26-2
May 3-9, 10-16, 17-23, 24-30, 31-6
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 and onshore meals from dinner the first evening to breakfast the last morning
  • All wines with lunches and dinners served onboard
  • Open bar with alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
  • Daily escorted excursions including admittance fees
  • Unlimited use of onboard amenities such as bicycles and a hot tub
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

Magnolia 2025 Route

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