France's Hidden Canals - Burgundy

This afternoon, we transfer to Boston International Airport for our Transatlantic flight with your Tours of Distinction Tour Director.

Transfer to the hotel and check-in. Later, we enjoy a guided tour of Paris. With our mini-coach and local guide we discover the mythical sites of the capital. Since its foundation as Lutèce on the Ile de la Cité, two thousand years of history have seen ecclesiastics, sovereigns and heads of state leave their mark on the city, building churches, erecting monuments and palaces, creating prestigious museums and outlining sumptuous perspectives. Its distinguished couturiers, perfumers and jewelers have strongly built up Paris’s reputation for taste and elegance. A city of festivities, theaters and famous cabarets, Paris also glows from the sparkle and shine of its well-known revues. There is free time in the evening to enjoy this exciting city and experience the local Parisienne cuisine.

After breakfast, an optional chocolate tour in Paris is available. Later, transfer to train for train ride into Besancon. Upon arrival, transfer to your barge for embarkation on the Jeanine. After comfortably settling into your cabins, we’ll introduce our crew at a welcome cocktail and later enjoy our first meal onboard.

Departure by coach to Arc-et-Senans for the tour of the Royal Saltworks (La Saline-Royale). With an audio-guide you will discover La Saline-Royale (or Royal Saltworks) which was built between 1775 and 1779 by Claude-Nicolas Ledoux at the wishes of King Louis XV. Today listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this masterpiece consists of a complex of 11 buildings constructed in the shape of a semi-circle, and was where the salt workers lived and worked. There is time for a stroll in the gardens spread out behind the different buildings. Returning to our barge, we spend the afternoon sailing towards Ranchot.

Our morning is spent cruising towards Dole. During the afternoon, Discover Dole, the birthplace of Louis Pasteur, in the company of your guide as you follow the “Trail of the Perched Cat”. This is a reference to the author Marcel Aymé, creator of the famous Contes du Chat Perché, who spent his childhood years in Dole. Perched on a limestone hillside alongside the canal, Dole was the capital of the County of Burgundy before it became part of the French kingdom in 1678. Along your tour, you will discover the many historic monuments which have granted Dole the City of Arts and History Label. You’ll also get to see Louis Pasteur’s birthplace which today houses a museum tracing the history of the scientist’s life, the Cours Saint-Mauris, a garden where the fluid design of the lower section contrasts with the straight paths of its upper section. Enjoy the wonderful views over the Chaux forest from the garden’s terrace. You will also be able to see the former Hôtel-Dieu, which was a hospital for the poor built in the 17th century. You will end your visit of Dole with the famous Collegiate Church of Notre-Dame, built between 1509 and 1580, whose bell tower dominates the historic town center. There are many other monuments that you will be able to admire during the tour as you discover this town which is steeped in history. Afterwards, enjoy some free time on your own before returning on board for dinner.

Morning spent cruising towards Saint-Jean-de-Losne. Saint-Jean-de-Losne is a small town with many monuments bearing testimony to a rich and prestigious past. Today it is the capital of barging in France, lying at the heart of the French waterways and canal system in southern Burgundy. With the help of a guided visit of the town, in the company of a registered guide, you’ll discover the exterior of the Monument Commemorating the Siege of 1636 and the Hôtel-Dieu which was a hospital founded in 1658 enclosed by a wrought iron fence dating from the 17th and 18th centuries. You will also visit the Gare d’Eau (or Water Station), the Church of St John the Baptist, built during the 16th century in a mix of Gothic and Renaissance styles, and the Batellerie Museum (also known as the Sailors’ House), one of the oldest houses in town, dating back to the 15th century which recounts the history of navigation. Your visit of the town ends at the Hotel de Ville, a former town hall built in the early 17th century, where you’ll get the chance to taste some local specialties. Afterwards, enjoy some free time before returning on board. Prior to our evening meal, we will have the opportunity to enjoy a local French Cabaret entertainment.

Morning spent cruising towards Petit-Ouges. As we float by, you will discover the magnificent lush, green landscapes of the Saône Valley. A bike path was created that follows our route on the canal. You are free to take this path whenever you wish, bicycles are available on board. At the end of the afternoon, we’ll arrive in Petit-Ouges where you can take the time to visit this tiny village at your own pace. Discover the surprising mini-museum dedicated to locks and its collection of photos, post cards and objects related to the Burgundy Canal. Have fun taking in the local curiosities. You can also enjoy a four-kilometer hike on the “Path of the Three Wash Houses”, exposing three historic wash houses in very different styles. This little known area of Dijon that traces its roots back to the 7th century will surprise you. We’ll return on board for dinner. In the evening, partake in a wine and cheese pairing on-board to begin our evening festivities followed by dinner.

This morning, sit back and admire the vineyards and scenery that slowly pass us by as we cruise. In the afternoon, set off on the Grands Crus Wine Route, including Gevrey-Chambertin and the Clos de Vougeot, with a visit of the Chateau du Clos de Vougeot. As early as the 12th century, monks from the Citeaux abbey built wine-growing outbuildings in the middle of the vines. The main building strongly influenced by the Renaissance style was added in the 16th century. The Clos Vougeot remains the symbol of more than 1000 years of Burgundy history. The journey continues to a wine estate for a tasting of Burgundy wines. Here you will discover a traditional vineyard, visit the cellars that hold barrels and bottles, then take part in a commented tasting of the famous wines from the region. Tonight’s our gala evening as we enjoy our final night onboard.

Buffet breakfast on board.  After disembarkation, our luggage is transferred to our Dijon hotel and we enjoy a tour of this historical city. The historic center is packed with many ancient houses, including some beautifully decorated townhouses (built by wealthy medieval burghers) and Parliamentary buildings, and occupies several hectares of what is known as a Protected Area (to preserve Dijon’s ancient monuments and buildings for posterity). Evening at leisure to explore this pedestrian friendly city.

Transfer by train to Charles-de-Gaulle Airport for the flight home.