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.

Bonheur is cruising the beautiful Burgundy region of France on the scenic 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.