Sunday, Day 1 - Auxerre
Guests are met at the designated meeting point and transferred to the barge moored in Auxerre. Following a Champagne Welcome, you are free to explore the medieval town of Auxerre or take a stroll along the banks of the River Yonne before returning for dinner on board.
Monday, Day 2 - Auxerre to Vincelles
Our morning cruise takes us past vineyard-clad hillsides to our rural mooring at Vincelles. The afternoon excursion is to Chablis, home of one of the most famous white wines in the world. A tasting in one of the town’s aged cellars will introduce you to some of the local Petit Chablis and Chablis wines. Dinner on board.
Tuesday, Day 3 - Vincelles to Mailly la Ville
After breakfast, our excursion is to the medieval town of Auxerre. Originally the capital of Lower Burgundy, the town prides itself on its fine churches and particularly its magnificent cathedral. We then return to the barge for a cruise southwards through rich pasturelands past grazing Charolais cattle to the market town of Mailly la Ville. Dinner on board.
Wednesday, Day 4 - Mailly la Ville to Le Saussois
This morning, we visit the charming 14th century medieval village of Noyers, one of the most beautiful villages in France, on an excursion through delightful countryside. In the afternoon we cruise past the Saussois cliffs where an international climbing centre creates a spectacular setting. There will also be the opportunity to enjoy spectacular walks before returning for dinner ashore.
Thursday, Day 5 - Le Saussois to Lucy sur Yonne
In the morning we enjoy an excursion to the town of Vézelay, one of Burgundy’s most famous treasures with the Romanesque Basilica of St Mary Magdalene, craft shops and fine views of the surrounding countryside. Lunch aboard followed by an afternoon cruise through the Yonne valley to arrive at Lucy sur Yonne. Dinner on board.
Friday, Day 6 - Lucy sur Yonne to Chevroches
A morning cruise through beautiful countryside then takes us to Chevroches. in the afternoon, we visit the Chateau of Bazoches, whose illustrious visitors included Richard the Lionheart and which was later remodelled by Maréchal Vauban. Captain’s Farewell Dinner on board.
Saturday, Day 7 Chevroches
Disembark after breakfast and transfer to the designated drop off point.
On alternate weeks the cruise is in the reverse direction.
This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change.
Sunday, Day 1 - Auxerre
Guests are met at the designated meeting point and transferred to the barge moored in Auxerre. Following a Champagne Welcome, you are free to explore the mediaeval town of Auxerre by bicycle or on foot or along the banks of the River Yonne or a game of boules, before returning for dinner on board.
Monday, Day 2 - Auxerre to Vincelles
Our morning cruise takes us past vineyard-clad hillsides to our rural mooring at Vincelles. The afternoon there is a choice of excursions either swimming, “Go Ape” tree climbing or an excursion to Chablis, home of one of the most famous white wines in the world. A tasting in one of the town’s aged cellars will introduce you to some of the local Petit Chablis and Chablis wines. Dinner on board.
Tuesday, Day 3 - Vincelles to Mailly la Ville
After breakfast, we can enjoy an excursion is to the mediaeval town of Auxerre. Originally the capital of Lower Burgundy, the town prides itself on its fine churches and particularly its magnificent cathedral. Alternatively we can visit the adventure park at Loisirs en Morvan in Saint Pere. Here you have a choice of activities. Quad Biking (12+) Potholing (10+) or Pony Riding (3+) (these are optional excursions and payment must be made directly by clients to the operator on the day) We then return to the barge for a cruise southwards through rich pasturelands past grazing Charolais cattle to the town of Mailly la Ville. Dinner on board.
Wednesday, Day 4 - Mailly la Ville to Le Saussois
This morning we visit the caves this morning of Arcy sur Cure. The site of Arcy sur Cure, a major one for the medium and late Palaeolithic age in northern France, is located between Auxerre and Avallon. It includes a set of caves dug out by the Cure River into a coral massif that emerged at the end of the secondary era. We then visit the charming 14th century mediaeval market village of Noyers one of the most beautiful villages in France, on an excursion through delightful countryside. In the afternoon we cruise past the Saussois cliffs where an international climbing centre creates a spectacular setting. There will also be the opportunity to enjoy spectacular walks before dinner ashore
Thursday, Day 5 - Le Saussois to Lucy sur Yonne
In the morning we enjoy an excursion to the town of Vézelay, one of Burgundy’s most famous treasures with the Romanesque Basilica of St Mary Magdalene, craft shops and fine views of the surrounding countryside. Alternatively all ages will enjoy a canoeing trip or rafting on the River Cure near Vezelay. For the very young we can visit Cardoland where the sculptor, Cardo, has created this wonderful prehistoric world of life size dinosaurs. It has a museum, caves, exhibition and prehistoric play area. Lunch on board followed by an afternoon cruise through the Yonne valley to arrive at Lucy sur Yonne. Dinner on board.
Friday, Day 6 - Lucy sur Yonne to Chevroches
A morning cruise through beautiful countryside then takes us to Chevroches. In the afternoon, we visit either Chateau of Bazoches, whose illustrious visitors included Richard the Lionheart and which was later remodelled by Maréchal Vauban, or Chateau Guedelon, a team of fifty people have taken on an extraordinary feat to build a castle using the very same techniques and materials used in the Middle Ages. Work on the site began in 1997 and is scheduled to take 25 years to complete. Guédelon offers a unique opportunity to witness the different stages of a castle's construction with each phase being of interest in its own right. Let yourself be transported from the present day, back to the sights and sounds of a 13th century construction site. Captain’s Farewell Dinner on board.
Saturday, Day 7 Chevroches
Disembark after breakfast and transfer to the designated drop off point.
On alternate weeks the cruise is in the reverse direction.
This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change.
Sunday, Day 1 - Auxerre
Guests are met at the designated meeting point and transferred to the barge moored in Auxerre. Following a Champagne Welcome, you are free to explore the medieval town of Auxerre or take a stroll along the banks of the River Yonne before returning for dinner on board.
Monday, Day 2 - Auxerre to Vincelles
This morning cyclists head off through the cherry orchards up to Vallan, Escamps and Chastenay. Enjoy a cooling break while visiting the subterranean caverns at Taingy, from which the famous Burgundian limestone was extracted to build monuments such as the Pantheon and la Madeleine in Paris, and even the first water tower in Chicago! Buffet Lunch. Return to the barge via Molesmes and Charentenay with optional wine tasting chez Mr.Bon, in the hamlet of Migé. Dinner on board.
Tuesday, Day 3 - Vincelles to Mailly la Ville
Our itinerary today takes cyclists up though the narrow streets of Irancy, the latest wine village to be awarded its own appellation-controlée. Continue on a narrow track straight up through the vineyards and plunge down to St Bris where a short break is spent in the 12th C. cellars of Mr.Bersan. Cross country on the ‘Grande Randonnée track 13’ follows with buffet lunch/barbecue in the grounds of a 17th C watermill. An afternoon cycle circuit takes in Accolay, and Fontenay sous Fouronnes before rejoining the barge at Bazarnes for a short evening cruise to Mailly la Ville. Dinner on board.
Wednesday, Day 4 - Mailly la Ville to Le Saussois
As the barge leaves Mailly la Ville, cyclists disembark at the first lock and follow the GR 13 along the banks of the River Cure through Bessy and Arcy sur Cure. An old Roman road leads back over the hill down to Pregilbert where L’Art de Vivre is mooring up-lunch ashore. Afternoon cycling to Mailly le Chateau and The Rochers du Saussois, with perhaps a stop at the 14thC tower, studio of local artist M.Rose, before rejoining the barge at Le Saussois. Dinner on board.
Thursday, Day 5 - Le Saussois to Lucy sur Yonne
As the L’Art de Vivre slips its mooring, this morning’s ride traverses the Bois d’Arcy and climbs to one of Burgundy’s most picturesque hilltop settings, Vezelay. After discovering the world famous Romanesque Basilica of St. Mary Magdalene, a swoop downhill takes us through St. Père sous Vezelay to meet our chef, setting up a buffet luncheon on the banks of the R.Cure, alongside the mediaeval bridge at Pierre Perthuis. Our afternoon ride is through Fontenay and the forest of Chauffour-Ferrières to the village of Lucy sur Yonne where the barge is moored for the night. Dinner on board.
Friday, Day 6 - Lucy sur Yonne to Chevroches
A morning cruise through beautiful countryside then takes us to Chevroches. Later we cycle to Dornecy through the Fôret de Champôrnot. We enjoy a buffet lunch somewhere in the greenery, and then back to the barge, along the towpath, moored at Chevroche. Captains Farewell Dinner on board.
Saturday, Day 7 Chevroches
Disembark after breakfast and transfer to the designated drop off point.
On alternate weeks the cruise is in the reverse direction.
This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change.
Sunday, Day 1 - Auxerre
Guests are met at the designated meeting point and transferred to the barge moored in Auxerre. Following a Champagne Welcome, you are free to explore the medieval town of Auxerre or take a stroll along the banks of the River Yonne before returning for dinner on board.
Monday, Day 2 - Auxerre to Vincelles
After cruising out of Auxerre we leave the barge to walk through farmland to the village of Vaux. Continuing along the river we arrive at La Coeur Barrée where we meet the barge for lunch. In the afternoon we tour the Chablis vineyards ending at St Bris. Here we see the intricate network of medieval passages beneath the village before tasting the outstanding wines of the region in the 12th century cellars of Monsieur Bersan, the region’s foremost producer. Dinner on board.
Tuesday, Day 3 - Vincelles to Mailly la Ville
From Vincelottes we wander through the Auxerrois vineyards with superb views of the Yonne valley below us. En route to the ancient town of Cravant Donjon we pass through the picturesque village of Irancy, home of many well known wines. Our afternoon excursion is to the glorious gothic cathedral of Auxerre. Afterwards there is time to meander through the mediaeval streets at leisure before returning to our mooring in Accolay. In the evening we dine in a local restaurant that is well known for its Burgundian specialities and the standard of its cuisine.
Wednesday, Day 4 - Mailly la Ville to Le Saussois
From Accolay we walk the wooded valley of the River Cure, passing the ruins of Regny Abbey before a gentle traverse back to the Yonne at the tiny hamlet of Sere where we rejoin the barge. In the afternoon we visit Noyers sur Serein, one of the most beautiful villages in Burgundy.
Thursday, Day 5 - Le Saussois to Lucy sur Yonne
From Mailly we leave the Yonne to walk through open fields to Merry sur Yonne. En route we stand on top of the dramatic Roches du Saussois, cliffs that tower dramatically 200 feet above the river. After lunch we visit the ancient Chateau de Bazoches, home of Sebastien Vauban, the Frenchman who revolutionised siege warfare in the late 17th century. Dinner on board.
Friday, Day 6 - Lucy sur Yonne to Chevroches
This morning we visit Vezelay with its stunning romanesque Basilica, the scene of the “calling” of the Second Crusade in 1146, and its fine speciality shops. In the afternoon we walk along the canal into Chevroches. Aboard for our final evening, the Captain hosts our Farewell Dinner on board.
Saturday, Day 7 Chevroches
Disembark after breakfast and transfer to the designated drop off point.
On alternate weeks the cruise is in the reverse direction.
This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change.
Sunday, Day 1 - Auxerre
Guests are met at the designated meeting point and transferred to the barge moored in Auxerre. Following a Champagne Welcome, you are free to explore the medieval town of Auxerre or take a stroll along the banks of the River Yonne before returning for dinner on board.
Monday, Day 2 - Auxerre to Vincelles
Our morning cruise takes us past vineyard-clad hillside to Vincelles where we moor in rural bliss. During this morning tennis in Auxerre on Roland Garros Red Dirt Court (3 courts available) which of course is only found in France. The afternoon excursion is to St Bris with its extraordinary network of medieval passages beneath the town. A wine tasting introduces you to the outstanding Chardonnay and Pinot Noir in the 12th century cellars of Monsieur Bersan. Dinner on board.
Tuesday, Day 3 - Vincelles to Mailly la Ville
Tennis during the morning in Vincelles (2 tarmac courts) Late morning we cruise through rich pasturelands and past grazing Charolais cattle and past dramatic steep cliffs to the market town of Mailly la Ville During the afternoon we visit the town of Auxerre allows us to discover the medieval town centre. Originally the capital of Lower Burgundy, Auxerre prides itself on a collection of fine churches. Dinner on board.
Wednesday, Day 4 - Mailly la Ville to Le Saussois
We take a morning cruise southwards to Le Saussois. During the morning we play tennis in Vermenton (2 tarmac courts) In the afternoon we enjoy an excursion to Vézelay, one of Burgundy’s most famous treasures with the Romanesque Basilica of St Mary Magdalene, craft shops and fine views of the surrounding countryside. Dinner on board.
Thursday, Day 5 - Le Saussois to Lucy sur Yonne
In the morning we cruise past the Saussois cliffs where an international climbing centre creates a spectacular setting to Lucy sur Yonne. During the morning we play tennis at Chatel Censoir (2 tarmac courts). Lunch out at a local auberge. In the afternoon we visit the Chateau of Bazoches, home of Maréchal Vauban, whose illustrious visitors included Richard the Lionheart. Dinner on board.
Friday, Day 6 - Lucy sur Yonne to Chevroches
A morning cruise through beautiful countryside towards Chevroches. Tennis this morning at Coulange Sur Yonne (2 tarmac courts). In the afternoon, we visit the Chateau of Bazoches, whose illustrious visitors included Richard the Lionheart and which was later remodeled by Maréchal Vauban. Captain’s Farewell Dinner on board.
Saturday, Day 7 Chevroches
Disembark after breakfast and transfer to the designated drop off point.
On alternate weeks the cruise is in the reverse direction.
This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change.
Sunday, Day 1 - Auxerre
Guests are met at the designated meeting point and transferred to the barge moored in Auxerre. Following a Champagne Welcome, you are free to explore the medieval town of Auxerre or take a stroll along the banks of the River Yonne before returning for dinner on board.
Monday, Day 2 - Auxerre to Vincelles
Our morning cruise takes us past vineyard-clad hillside to Vincelles where we moor in rural bliss. After lunch, accompanied by our wine guide, we drive to St Bris with its extraordinary network of medieval passages beneath the town. Following a tour of the Bersan family’s 12th century cellars we taste the unique selection of wines made in this little known Burgundian village. Dinner on board.
Tuesday, Day 3 - Vincelles to Mailly la Ville
Morning cruise past gently rolling hills and vineyards interspersed with cherry orchards. Charolais cattle glance up as we pass them grazing in the lush fields alongside the river. Cruise through lunch. At St Pallaye our wine guide takes us over the nearby hills to the legendary vineyards surrounding the world famous town of Chablis. A tour of the Grand Cru vineyards is followed by an exclusive visit to a state of the art winery, either Domaine Laroche or Domaine William Fevre. The afternoon is completed with an extensive wine tasting including rare Premier and Grand cru wines from the 1980s. Return to barge awaiting us at Mailly la Ville. Dinner on board.
Wednesday, Day 4 - Mailly la Ville to Le Saussois
In the morning we cruise past the prehistoric coral reefs, which now form the spectacular cliffs at Mailly le Chateau and Le Saussois, a favourite rendezvous for rock climbers. In the early afternoon we arrive at our mooring in the pretty village of Chatel Censoir. From here we enjoy an excursion to Vézelay, one of Burgundy’s most famous treasures with the Romanesque Basilica of St Mary Magdalene, craft shops and fine views of the surrounding countryside while sipping a glass of wine from the ancient monastic vineyard. Dinner on board.
Thursday, Day 5 - Le Saussois to Lucy sur Yonne
An early start after breakfast for the drive to Beaune arriving late morning for a tasting in the Grand Cru vineyards at Puligny Montrachet which include Philippe Chavy or Philippe Duvernay (Chassagne). Lunch in the centre of Beaune followed by a visit to the famous Hotel Dieu. Afternoon drive north through the Cote de Nuits vineyards passing Romanée Conti and Clos Vougeot. Arrive back on board for short evening cruise to Lucy and light dinner.
Friday, Day 6 - Lucy sur Yonne to Chevroches
A gentle cruise this morning through the pastoral Morvan countryside to Chevroches. In the afternoon, we visit the Chateau of Bazoches, whose illustrious visitors included Richard the Lionheart and which was later remodeled by Maréchal Vauban. Captain’s Farewell Dinner on board.
Saturday, Day 7 Chevroches
Disembark after breakfast and transfer to the designated drop off point.
On alternate weeks the cruise is in the reverse direction.
This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change.
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Waterways - L'Art De Vivre Hotel Barge 2017 Rates 
