H2olidays

Itinerary

The advantage of a private whole French barge charter for yourself and friends or family is that you do not have to adhere to a detailed itinerary.

Although we put together an initial itinerary which we call a ‘typical week aboard Bonheur’ , there is in fact no such thing as a ‘typical’ week!

Each charter week can be adjusted to suit not only the interests of the guests chartering Bonheur but also to take advantage of what may be on offer at one of the many places we can stop and visit.

It may be that you prefer to spend more time on Bonheur cruising or that we use our air-conditioned vehicle to discover special places further away. Relaxing days of discovery is what Lazy Days barging is all about.

Burgundy Canal Itinerary for Bonheur 2012
 (Due to closure of Canal du Centre)

Day 1 (arrival)
Guests will be met at the Dijon TGV railway station in the afternoon and taken by car to Bonheur, which is moored on the Canal de Bourgogne in the Port of Dijon just 5 minutes drive from the railway station. Welcome drinks and dinner in the evening gives us the opportunity to chat about the coming weeks’ itinerary, while you gently unwind from your journey.

Day 2
This morning we leave Dijon behind us as we cruise out into the countryside towards the picturesque valley of the Ouche . This is a day of cruising where you can relax on board, watching the world go by, but should you wish there are lots of opportunities to disembark at one of the many locks to either walk or cycle. We moor at the quiet village of Fleury sur Ouche for this evening. Tonight you eat ashore at the atmospheric restaurant Dame d’Aquataine in the old part of Dijon.

Day 3
This morning we take a drive into the historic town of Dijon, the capital of Burgundy. After a pleasant stroll around the medieval quarter, including the Ducal Palace and the famous Dijon mustard shop, you will have the opportunity to experience Dijon market day with the atmosphere of a French market at its best. We return to Bonheur for lunch and then this afternoon we take a leisurely cruise to Gissey sur Ouche . This evening you eat ashore at a local auberge .

Day 4
We have put today aside to explore a little further afield from the canal by car. In the morning we drive to the delightful town of Beaune , the historic wine capital of Burgundy. You will enjoy a visit to the famous Hotel Dieu , Hospice de Beaune . For lunch we have arranged for you to experience the hospitality of Olivier LeFlaive in the beautiful village of Puligny Montrachet where you will have the opportunity to sample 12 different wines with your meal. After lunch there will be free time available should you wish for shopping or strolling in Beaune before we return to Bonheur for the evening. Dinner will be taken aboard.

Day 5
This morning we gently cruise to the village of La Bussiere . After lunch aboard we take a drive to the hilltop village of Chateauneuf-en-Auxois . This medieval village has a magnificent chateau come fortress which was used by one of the Dukes of Burgundy with its high vantage point giving stunning views over the surrounding countryside and the canal far below. This evening we have made a reservation for our guests to eat at the Michelin starred restaurant of the Abbaye de la Bussiere , one of the highlights of the week. This beautiful estate has been transformed from a Cistercian abbey into a wonderful hotel where you will dine in style.

Day 6
This morning we gently cruise to Pont d’Ouche . On this part of the canal we pass through small villages and stunning countryside. This afternoon, after lunch, we take a drive to the medieval chateau of Clos de Vougeot which is surrounded by vineyards. It is the headquarters of the Chevalier de Tastevin whose special label is awarded annually to the finest Cote d’Or vintages. We will drive through the famous wine village of Nuits St George as we return to Bonheur . This evening guests eat aboard.

Day 7
After a leisurely breakfast guests are taken to Dijon TGV railway station for departure.

This itinerary is run in reverse on alternate weeks

Bonheur is cruising the beautiful Burgundy region of France on the scenic Canal du Centre. This itinerary is not possible in 2012 due to closure of the Canal du Centre. 

You will always have the opportunity to explore by foot or bicycle towns and villages close to our route, visits to one of the many chateau in the area and a visit to the historic town of Beaune the wine capital of Burgundy are also popular choices.

A Typical Week Aboard Bonheur

Day 1
Guests are met at Le Creusot TGV railway station in the afternoon and taken by car to Bonheur , which is moored on the tranquil Canal du Centre. Welcome drinks and dinner in the evening gives us the opportunity to chat about the coming weeks itinerary, while you gently unwind from your journey.

Day 2
The day begins with a visit by car to the historic town of Autun . This town founded in about 15AD has remarkable remains of its Roman beginnings including Amphitheatre and original sections of defensive walls and entrance gates, together with later medieval buildings and of course the 12th century cathedral of Saint Lazare .

After lunch aboard Bonheur we commence our cruise where a chain of seven locks announces the beginning of the canals decent from the summit level ( 300m ) to the river Saone . We work our way through the locks and continue through the village of Ecuisses before arriving at St-Julien-sur-Dheune where we moor and have dinner aboard this evening.

Day 3
We depart St-Juliene-sur Dheune for a leisurely cruise to the village of St Leger-sur-Dheune , which will be our mooring for the evening. After lunch aboard, a visit to Chateau Couches with a private guided tour is a short drive away. A magnificent 12th century fortress it has an impressive Keep and Drawbridge, reminders of a rich and feudal military past. After the tour we will also have a tasting of wines grown in the Chateau’s private vineyards.

After returning to the boat for an aperitif ( perhaps a refreshing Kir Royale. A regional speciality made with Crème de Cassis, a garnet-red blackcurrant liqueur from Dijon and Burgundian Champagne ‘Cremant’ ) dinner will be taken ashore at a nearby canal side restaurant.

Day 4
We depart St Leger-sur-Dheune for a cruise to the village of Santenay , which nestles amongst the famous vineyards and preserved landscape of the Southern Cote de Beaune . After lunch we can visit the famous Chateau Rochepot . This fairytale like chateau was restored after being ransacked during the revolution and is now one of the finest examples of chateau for the period. On the drive back to Bonheur we can take a detour to the village of Rully for a private wine tasting. This is another evening when guests have the opportunity to sample local cuisine.

Day 5
We start the day after a relaxing breakfast with a short cruise to the town of Chagny where we will moor for the evening. Today the captain will take you for lunch at the beautiful village of Volnay after which we depart for the historic town of Beaune along the Route de Grande Cru. The walled town of Beaune is the wine capital of Burgundy and our visit will include a visit to the historic hospice, Hotel Dieu , built in the 15th Century.

We return to Bonheur through the vineyards for a restful evening and dinner on board.

Day 6
This morning we take a short car ride to the town of Chalon-sur-Saone ( the birthplace of photography). Chalon has a Cathedral with a lovely square surrounded by medieval buildings. As it is market day today, the square is filled with fruit and vegetable stalls and the other streets littered with all sorts of market traders selling a plethora of goods. A real insight into french life. We return to Bonheur for lunch and a leisurely cruise to the charming village of Fragnes . This evening your farewell meal is taken ashore at the Fleur de Sel a restaurant on the edge of the canal overlooking the port.

Day 7
After a leisurely breakfast guests are taken to Le Creusot TGV Railway Station in good time to catch their train.