Sunday.

The meeting time in Paris is 2 PM. Transfer in our luxury air conditioned bus to Tanlay, a typical Burgundy village close to Tonnerre. Champagne welcome on board the Joie de Vivre, introduction to the crew and barge dinner on board.

Monday: After breakfast a short walk to the 16th century Renaissance chateau of Tanlay. Guided tour through their pretty chateau, surrounded by a ditch and still inhabited by the family of the owner for a couple of hundred years. Return to the barge for lunch, while the barge starts cruising south through pretty countryside, passing flower-decked locks. Mooring for dinner next to a small town.

Tuesday: Morning excursion to the famous and beautiful wine area of Chablis. Visit to a vineyard with a guided tour through their cellars, tasting a variety of fine Chablis white wines. Time to stroll through the town of Chablis. After returning to the barge for lunch, the cruise continues along the canal, passing by the Chateau of Ancy Le Franc right next to the Burgundy Canal. Mooring for the night in Ravières, a town known for stone making for hundreds of years. Dinner on board.

Wednesday: After breakfast, a short bus ride takes us to the medieval town of Noyers, named as one of the nicest villages of France. After strolling through town you are invited to the best restaurant in the area, still a secret place although strongly recommended by the Michelin Guide. Return to the barge for a short cruise to Cry, a forgotten Burgundy village looking probably the same as it did a hundred years ago.

Thursday:

Morning cruise to Buffon, where, right next to the canal we will visit a preindustrial age forge from 1753. The Great-great-granddaughter of the owner will take us for a tour through the private area of the estate, usually not opened for the public but both architecturally and culturally very interesting. Visit to the forge, giving you a deep understanding of their way of living and working in the 18th century.

After the visit the cruise continues to the town of Montbard, where we moor for the captain's dinner.

Friday: After breakfast, a short bus ride to the great Abbey of Fontenay, founded as an Cistercian Abbey in the 12th century. Totally restored after having been torn down in the 19th century, this impressive place bears witness to the monks' life for many centuries. This is one of the great places of European culture. Cruise towards Venarey les Laumes in the afternoon, where we moor for the night. Dinner on board.

Saturday: After breakfast, your host will take you back to Paris.

Note: The route is run in reverse on alternate weeks.

Cruise itineraries may be subject to change due to lock closures, low or high water levels or emergencies