Air Adventure Australia

Global Expedition - Cruising The French Canals In Burgundy

Clamecy

1.30 p.m., you are met in Paris and taken to the elegant Belle Époque. The Captain and crew await you with a Champagne Welcome. Stroll through the mediaeval streets of Clamecy before dinner aboard.

Clamecy to Lucy sur Yonne

This morning we leave Clamecy and cruise to Lucy sur Yonne. Here we visit the 18th century Ferme de Miserey, and sample Foie Gras, accompanied by a noble Chablis while learning about 18th century farming methods . Dinner aboard.

Lucy sur Yonne to Le Saussois

We begin today with an excursion to the Chateau de Bazoches, once the home of Marshal Vauban. After lunch, we cruise to the renowned cliffs of Saussois, a feast for the eyes and soul. This international climbing centre provides the perfect spot for the evening. Dinner aboard

Saussois to Mailly la ville

This morning we drive to explore the hilltop village of Vezelay, with its amazing views and the Basilica of St Madeleine -one of UNESCO's world Heritage sites and treasured for its Romanesque architecture. Lunch is taken on the terrace of the restaurant "La Dent Creuse". On the way back, we stop at Précy le Moult to visit Elise Villiers, viticulteur, and taste some of the region's excellent Chardonnays grown on the slopes beneath the Basilica.. Dinner aboard.

Mailly la ville to Vermenton

This morning we cruise to the old logging hamlet of Vermenton. After lunch we visit St Bris, with its extraordinary network of medieval passages beneath the town. A wine tasting introduces you to the outstanding Chardonnay and Pinot noir wines in the 12 th century cellars of Monsieur Bersan. Dinner aboard.

Vermenton to Vincelle

After breakfast, we wander the Vermenton street market, with a plethora of local produce. We then return to the barge for a cruise to the port of Vincelles, from where we drive to "Les Caves de Bailly", for an aperitif in the local champagne cellars set in the rock . Dinner aboard.

Vincelles to Auxerre

This morning takes in the rustic beauty of vineyard-clad slopes as you cruise to Auxerre. In Auxerre there are many shopping opportunities to be had . At the end of the afternoon, we go to the Chateau of St Fargeau for a picnic supper, in the grounds of the Chateau, before enjoying the spectacular 'Son et Lumiere' show in the park. Dinner a board

Auxerre to Gurgy

This morning we visit the Cathedral St Etienne in Auxerre. After the visit we come back to the barge for a nice afternoon cruise along the River Yonne to the waterside village Gurgy. Dinner aboard.

Gurgy to Bassou

We leave Gurgy this morning and cruise to Bassou. After lunch we drive to Chablis and taste its world renowned wines at Domaine Laroche .The first barrels of Chablis were matured here in the 9th century and our tasting includes a guided tour of the Obediencerie and a thorough explanation of the Laroche methods. Dinner aboard.

Bassou to Joigny

Morning cruise to Joigny. After lunch we drive to Dicy to discover "La Fabuloserie" and its museum of Folk arts. Dinner onboard.

oigny to Villeneuve sur Yonne

This morning, we explore the town of Joigny. It's the market day with a fantastic array of local produce and a chance to wander the mediaeval heart of the town. After lunch, we cruise to the walled town of Villeneuve sur Yonne . Dinner ashore in the restaurant "La Lucarne aux Chouettes", owned by Leslie Caron of "Gigi" fame.

Villeneuve sur Yonne to Sens

This morning we cruise from Villeneuve sur Yonne to Sens. After lunch aboard we visit the 11th century Gothic Cathedral of Sens and the cathedral museum, which houses a fantastic collection of treasures from Thomas a Becketts gown, and Roman artifacts to Napoleons hat. Dinner aboard.

Sens to Misy sur Yonne

We leave Sens and cruise to Misy sur Yonne. After lunch we drive to Fontainebleau and visit the famed Palace, which was the last residence of Napoleon. Return to the barge. An elegant Captain's Farewell Dinner follows on board.

A last leisurely breakfast, then return to Paris by motor coach and arrive in Paris at approximately 1pm.