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Check-in Time / Location 2:00 PM in Paris, Geneva or Lyon
Cruise Canal de Bourgogne April 4 - May 22, 2026
Cruise Canal de Bourgogne April 3 – October 22, 2027
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
After breakfast, you will be chauffeured to the designated drop-off point.
Please note, this is a sample itinerary and is subject to change depending on local conditions. On alternate weeks, the cruise is in the reverse direction.
Cruise Canal du Centre & Rive Saone May 23 - October 23, 2026
In the afternoon you will be met by a private chauffeured transfer at your designated meeting point in Paris, Geneva or Lyon. From here, relax as you are chauffeured to the barge moored in Chalon-sur-Saone. A traditional champagne welcome and introduction to owners Nicolas and Magali and crew awaits you. Then enjoy your first of many gourmet dinners onboard, perhaps followed by a digestif while stargazing on deck.
This morning, your Tour Guide escorts you to “La Maison des Mille Truffles,” 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 an afternoon cruise on the Saone and then enter the Canal du Centre through a 30 foot lock! Relive this exciting day over dinner onboard.
The journey continues with a morning cruise. Relax in the hot tub, join Chef for a casual cooking demonstration, or explore the countryside by bicycle. Then it’s off to one of barging’s most popular excursions: meet the craftsmen who create the wooden barrels in which wine is aged. Known as “coopers,” there are 100 such locations in France, where it can take as long as three years to create the finest barrels. Return to Magnolia in time to freshen up for a home hosted dinner ashore with a local family in Rully.
This morning your Tour Guide introduces Chateau de Meursault, known for its magnificent estate, gardens, and grounds. Tour the cellar, appreciating the hundreds of barrels holding vintages from many eras; then enjoy a tasting from their selection of Grand and Premier Crus. Return to Magnolia for a scenic afternoon cruise. Now is the time to disembark at the locks and explore on foot or by bicycle. Arrive in Chagny, a charming town, and enjoy your mooring on the tree-shaded canal. Dinner on shore tonight at a local auberge ends this delightful day in rural France.
Bon matin! A leisurely morning cruise begins the day. Relax on deck as sublime scenery floats by. Then, your Tour Guide introduces Beaune, one of the region’s premier towns (and a Barge Lady favorite). Known as the “wine capital” of Burgundy, Beaune is criss-crossed with miles of underground cellars, while above ground the specialty shops and wine boutiques beckon. After lunch at a local auberge, experience the pristinely preserved Medieval Hospice, then window shop in the pedestrian zone. Return to the barge where cocktails and canapes precede tonight's delicious dinner onboard.
This morning, your Tour Guide will chauffeur you to Chateau de Germolles , the best preserved residence of the Dukes of Burgundy from the late Middle Ages. Now privately owned, one of the family might welcome you and present the origins of the estate in the 15th century; occupation by the Nazis in WW II; and the status of the current and ongoing restorations. Return to Magnolia for your final cruise through flowering fields and past quaint villages. Meanwhile, your Chef is in the kitchen preparing an epicurean Farewell Feast, which ends your cruise in style. A toast to the Magnolia and your adventure in Burgundy!
After breakfast, you will be chauffeured to the designated drop off point.
Please note, this is a sample itinerary and is subject to change depending on local conditions. On alternate weeks, the cruise is in the reverse direction.
“One of the best ever experiences we have ever had. Captain Nicolas is a great guy. Helping us on and off, giving us bikes, telling us about his barge, taking us on an early morning trip to get baked goods, everything made our trip pleasurable. Tour Guide Magali is a sweetheart. Her excursions were well-planned and very informative without being too long or giving us too much information. The dinner at her parents’ home was very special and we are glad they added that feature. Chef Joseph was, in our opinion, a world class chef. We had some meals which were the best we have ever had. Our cabin was great. The bed was comfortable and the bathroom was very nice. Don’t ever let go of this barge. Between you and them you give your clients a wonderful experience.
– Steve W, Magnolia
Are you ready to experience “The Good Life”
in Southern Burgundy?
