Premier

Le Papillon

France, Northern Burgundy
Cruise Along the Canal du Nivernais

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

Capacity
4 Guests
Crew Members
4
Booking Type
Charter Only

Parties of four seeking a private cruise experience will feel right at home on Le Papillon!

This intimate Dutch-built vessel has been plying the canals since her introduction as a cargo barge in 1902, and was converted to a passenger barge in the early 1980s. Her most recent owners are devoted to conserving her classic lines while updating décor and amenities to a modern standard. The two cabins and salon feature plush textiles that have been selected with refined elegance in mind. Four lucky guests will feel comfortable and cosseted on Le Papillon, whose ambiance reflects the eternal charm of the passing French countryside.

Supervising the crew, cuisine, and sightseeing are two of barging’s most experienced and creative living legends. Overseeing the barge’s operation is the charismatic Captain Leigh Wootton, who fell in love with the French canals over 40 years ago. Captain Wootton has cruised all over France and knows how to create the a magical onboard experience to showcase the highlights of each Le Papillon route. Planning the daily guided excursions is the province of William Altman, who started in barging and then segued into an on-land guiding career that took him all over France and the rest of Europe.

On Le Papillon, cuisine is creative and sumptuous. Chef creates menus based on locally-sourced ingredients from markets, producers, and even lock-keepers who may supply eggs, cheese, or a basket of ‘trompette’ mushrooms! The splendid wines of Burgundy, the Cote du Rhone, or the Maconnais accompany each meal, often with selections from local vintners. Of course, when you think of wine, what about cheese…? Guests will sample 18 different artisanal cheeses during their week on Le Papillon.

The Nivernais is known as one of the most idyllically beautiful canals in France, with a well-groomed towpath which bicyclists and walkers will love. Excursions include winetasting at Chablis and gorgeous drives through the vineyards; Auxerre, with its magnificent cathedral and delightful streets on which to stroll and shop; and a local outdoor market at Noyers-sur-Surein, one of the prettiest villages in France.

Accommodations & Amenities

Cabins
  • 100 ft long, with 6’3″ – 6’7″ ceiling height throughout
  • 2 cabins, 120sq ft  and 136sq ft, with 6’5″ – 7′ ceiling height
  • Choice of one King or two twin beds
  • Ensuite bathroom with shower
  • Adequate storage in cabins
Public Areas
  • Salon and dining room
  • Deck with canopy
  • 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 and Helmets
Bicycles and Helmets
Air Conditioning/Heating
Air Conditioning/Heating
Hair Dryer and Toiletries
Hair Dryer and Toiletries
Bathrobe
Bathrobe
Sound System
Sound System
220 volt outlets
220 volt outlets

Itineraries

Travel from Auxerre to Chevroches on the Canal du Nivernais

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

In mid-afternoon, you will be met by a Le Papillon crew member at the designated meeting point and chauffeured to Le Papillon, moored along the Quai in the lively town of Auxerre. A traditional champagne welcome and gourmet canapes await you. There is time to unpack and take a stroll along the Quai before the first of many delicious dinners onboard. Sip an after-dinner liqueur under the stars as your first day on Papillon comes to an end.

Monday
A Grape Time was Had by All   monday image
A Grape Time was Had by All
Travel: Auxerre to Bailly
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner onboard

As Le Papillon cruises past vineyard-covered hillsides, feel free to take a gentle bicycle ride or relax on deck. In the afternoon, your Tour Guide chauffeurs you to the iconic vineyards of Chablis. Here, meet the viticulturists who expertly grow the pampered grapes from which this white wine is exclusively produced. Samples of the vineyard's vintages are of course offered! Back onboard, it's cocktails on deck as Chef puts the final touches on tonight’s gourmet dinner.

Tuesday
Experience the Many Sights of Auxerretuesday image
Experience the Many Sights of Auxerre
Travel: Bailly to Mailly-la-Ville
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner onboard

Today your Tour Guide drives you back to the charming town of Auxerre for more exploration. Spend the morning meandering through the cobblestoned streets and mingle with the locals in the shops or enjoy a cafe in the town square. Return to the Le Papillon for a tranquil afternoon cruise and take an optional bicycle ride or enjoy the passing scenery on deck. As evening sets in, join fellow guests in the salon for cocktail hour before Chef presents tonight's dinner.

Wednesday
Discover History and Shop in a Medieval Villagewednesday image
Discover History and Shop in a Medieval Village
Travel: Mailly-la-Ville to Roches-du-Saussois
Meals: Breakfast & lunch onboard, dinner ashore

This morning your Tour Guide presents an outdoor market in Noyers -sur-Serein. Here modern life thrives within 15th century Medieval architecture, and residents are proud that Noyers was designated one of France's prettiest towns. Taste artisanal cheese, discover the old ramparts, and admire the intact half-timbered buildings. Back onboard, the landscape changes dramatically as we cruise towards the cliffs at Le Saussois. Enjoy a special dinner ashore at Le Restaurant L’Eternel, whose menu features just-picked produce and the freshest fish available. Bon appetit!

Thursday
Enchanting Hilltop Views from Vezelay thursday image
Enchanting Hilltop Views from Vezelay
Travel: Roches-du-Saussois to Lucy-sur-Yonne
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner onboard

Cruise through idyllic scenery this morning, with time to relax on deck, walk to the next lock or explore by bicycle. This afternoon your Tour Guide drives you to the hilltop town of Vezelay, one of Burgundy’s most beloved treasures. A vast view of the surrounding countryside awaits! Both the town and its 11th-century Romanesque Basilica of St. Magdalene are designated UNESCO World Heritage sites. There is also time to browse the village's shops and boutiques. Back onboard, share the day’s discoveries over drinks and dinner.

Friday
Elegant 12th Century Chateaufriday image
Elegant 12th Century Chateau
Travel: Lucy-sur-Yonne to Chevroches
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner onboard

Our last day's cruising takes us through more scenic countryside as we clear the locks and arrive in another quaint village, Chevroches. This afternoon, your Tour Guide introduces the 12th-century Château de Bazoches. It is has welcomed, among others, Richard III, the famous Crusader King known as ‘Richard the Lionheart’. Today it welcomes you! There are wonderful views from its elevated hillside setting. Tonight, enjoy cocktails while Chef puts the finishing touches on tonight's Farewell Feast, the perfect finale to your Le Papillon cruise.

Saturday
A Sad Farewellsaturday image
A Sad Farewell
Travel: Transfer from Chevroches
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.

Gourmet Dining

Lunch
    • Crispy Chicken Skin Salad with Confit Chicken
    • Burrata, Heirloom Tomatoes, and Avocado with Housemade Basil Aioli
    • Cheeses: Delice de Pommard and Regal du Bougogne
    • Seasonal Fruit Platter
    • A Selection of Coffees, Teas, and Biscuits

     

Dinner
  • Seared Scallops with Sweet Potato Puree
  • Roasted Lamb with Roast Potatoes with Leek and Onion Tarte
  • Cheeses: Valencay, Comté, Roquefort
  • Caramelized Peaches with Ice Cream
  • A Selection of After Dinner Drinks
  • 1 Dinner Shore Inclusive of the Cruise Rate
Wine
  • Vosne Romanée 1er Cru Les Chaumes, Jafflin
  • Saint Romain Sous le Château
  • Chablis Grand Cru le Clos, Robin
  • Blagny, Sous le dos de l’Ane Matrot
  • Beaune 1er Cru, Château de Meursault
  • Pouillly Fuissé, Les Cras Roger Lassarat

Rates & Dates

Accommodation
Value Season
Regular Season
Private Cruise for 4 guests-$32,000
Private Cruise for 3 guests-$27,200
Private Cruise for 2 guests-$23,000

Dates

2025 Regular Season Departures

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

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 4 guests-$34,000
Private Cruise for 3 guests-$29,200
Private Cruise for 2 guests-$24,000

Dates

2026 Regular Season Departures

April 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, 18-24

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

Le Papillon Route

Are you ready to sample the signature wine
found only in Burgundy?

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