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 Saint Julien-sur-Dheune to Tournus on the Canal du Centre and River Saone

Bicycling Opportunities:
Adequate 
 (Bicycling is completely optional.)
Sunday
Welcome Aboardsunday image
Welcome Aboard
Travel: Arrival to Saint Julien-sur-Dheune
Meals: Dinner onboard

In the afternoon, you will be met by your private chauffeured transfer at the designated meeting point. From here, relax as you are driven to Papillon, moored in the typical Burgundy village of Saint Julien-sur-Dheune. A traditional champagne welcome and introduction to the crew awaits you, before Chef serves your first gourmet dinner onboard. Why not end the day with a nightcap, perhaps on deck and under the stars.

Monday
Explore a 14th Century Ducal Residencemonday image
Explore a 14th Century Ducal Residence
Travel: Saint Julien-sur-Dheune to Saint Leger-sur-Dheune
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner onboard

The adventure begins with a morning cruise on the scenic Canal du Centre. Relax with a cup of coffee on the deck, join your Captain in the wheelhouse, or explore the towpath by bicycle. This afternoon, your Tour Guide chauffeurs you to Chateau de Germolles, one of the best preserved residences of the Dukes of Burgundy from the 14th century. The tour, given by one of the current owners, presents history from the origins of the estate to its occupation by the Nazis in WW II. Return to the Papillon for an evening of drinks and dinner onboard.

Tuesday
Winetasting at an Historic Chateautuesday image
Winetasting at an Historic Chateau
Travel: St. Leger-sur-Dheune to Chagny
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner onboard

Cruise this morning deeper into the heart of Burgundy. Lounge on deck as idyllic countryside floats by. Your mooring of Chagny lies surrounded by the great vineyards of Cote de Beaune and Cote Chalonnaise. So, let’s go winetasting! The family-owned Chateau de Chamirey is known for the quality of its Premier Cru wines and magnificent views over surrounding vineyards. Return to Papillon for tonight's onboard dinner party, of course enjoying a selection of vintages from today’s visit.

Wednesday
The Best of Burgundy in Beaunewednesday image
The Best of Burgundy in Beaune
Travel: Chagny to Fragnes-la-Loyere
Meals: Breakfast, & lunch onboard, dinner ashore

Today we cruise down a staircase of locks on the way to the petite ville of Fragnes-la-Loyere. This is a beautiful stretch of the Canal du Centre with views of the river below and the perfect spot to enjoy walking and bicycling. After a light lunch, a drive in your private vehicle culminates in the charming town of Beaune, the region's wine capital. Your Tour Guide will accompany you through the Hospice de Beaune, an immaculately preserved Medieval hospital built in the 15th century. There will be time to shop in the pedestrian zone or enjoy a café in the square. Return to Papillon in time to freshen up for a delicious dinner ashore at a local auberge.

Thursday
Stroll the Streets of Chalon-sur-Saonethursday image
Stroll the Streets of Chalon-sur-Saone
Travel: Fragnes-la-Loyere to Chalon-sur-Saone
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner onboard

This morning, relax on the deck and marvel at the contrast from canal cruising to river cruising as we transition from the Canal du Centre to the River Saone. This afternoon, your Tour Guide presents Chalon-sur-Saone, an interesting and beautiful city with two unique cathedrals. Head to the Place Saint Vincent, an elegant public square surrounded by half-timbered structures dating from the 11th century. Mingle with locals, enjoy a coffee, and watch the world go by! Return to Papillon to review the day’s adventures over cocktails and canapes before Chef presents tonight's epicurean dinner onboard.

Friday
Destination Dijon! friday image
Destination Dijon!
Travel: Chalon-sur-Saone to Tournus
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner onboard

This morning, your Tour Guide introduces Dijon, capital of the Dukes of Burgundy, and a lively destination with much to experience: browse the colorful seasonal produce at Les Halles covered market; explore lovely botanical gardens; and wander through the newly renovated Musee des Beaux-Arts. Return to Papillon for your final journey. As Papillon cruises to Tournus, Chef is busy creating the Farewell Feast. Celebrate your week of dining, touring, tasting, and floating through Burgundy countryside in sumptuous style.

Saturday
A Sad Farewellsaturday image
A Sad Farewell
Travel: Transfer from Tournus
Meals: Breakfast aboard

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

2025 Dates

Gray Bold Dates = Regular Season

Month
Days
July27-2
August3-9, 10-16, 17-23, 24-30, 31-6
September7-13, 14-20, 21-27, 28-4
October5-11, 12-18, 19-25, 26-1

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

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in Southern Burgundy?

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