Renaissance Architecture, Heritage and Tastes of Burgundy by Canal Boat

We depart Paris this afternoon at 1.30 pm. From here, we travel to Dijon, the historical capital city of the Burgundy region of France. Take in the sight of the historic Ducal Palace, before transferring to Saint-Léger-Sur-Dheune to board our canal boat, MS Daniele. Get to know our crew and fellow travellers during a Welcome Dinner aboard the boat this evening.

This morning, as our boat cruises toward Santenay, set out on a hike to the Cirque du Bout du Monde and see its impressive waterfall. There are also several species of flora in the area, including orchids. Arrive in Santenay, a wine village with a rich heritage. Leaving our boat behind, we set off on foot to explore the village and also to enjoy a tasting at one of its many wine producers. Continue cruising to Chagny, where we dock for the night.

Tour the city of Beaune, whose cobblestoned streets lead us to The Hospices de Beaune. This 15th-century hospital boasts flamboyant Gothic-style architecture, while the colourful pattern adorning its roof is characteristic of the Burgundian style. A guided tour of Burgundy’s last independent and family-owned mustard mill, Maison Fallot, follows. This afternoon, tour Chalon-sur-Saône, birthplace of Joseph Nicéphore Niepce, considered the inventor of photography.

This morning, depart for Clos de Vougeot, a medieval château surrounded by vineyards. The grand architecture here, along with its connection to Cistercian monks, makes for a compelling setting for wine lovers and history buffs alike. Continuing with the day’s epicurean theme, we pay a visit to a local truffle producer and learn about Burgundy’s celebrated black diamond truffle. While here, we enjoy a special lunch and a truffle hunting demonstration. Arriving in Saint-Jean-de-Losne this afternoon, we leave our boat behind for a tour. Discover local monuments revealing the city’s past, including one dedicated to the Siege of 1636, part of the Thirty Years’ War. The Hôtel-Dieu, meanwhile, was a charitable hospital founded in 1658. We see its intricate wrought iron railings, which date from the 17th and 18th centuries. Our day ends with a tasting of local specialties from the Burgundy region.

Our morning is spent cruising and admiring the beautiful scenery of the Burgundy region. You also have the option to walk or ride alongside our boat, taking advantage of the canal’s bicycle path. Arrive in the small town of Petit Ouges. You can visit this small village at your own pace. Discover the small museum of the Petit-Ouges lock which brings together photos, postcards and objects relating to the Burgundy Canal. 

Continue further along the canal this morning, as the idyllic countryside passes us by. Once more, you are able to select one of the onboard bikes to cycle along the canal, taking the Green Way bike path.  This afternoon, we join the Grands Crus Wine Route, passing through several villages, as well as some of Burgundy’s most prestigious vineyards. Our cruise makes the most of the northern summer, during which we will see roses and irises in bloom. We meet back up with our canal boat in Dijon, where we gather for our gala dinner.

Disembark MS Daniele this morning and set out for Château de Bussy-Rabutin. The property’s captivating mix of history, art and Renaissance architecture provides a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle once enjoyed by the French nobility. The château's expansive gardens are a horticultural masterpiece. Having been carefully preserved, they are a prime example of French formal garden design. This afternoon, arrive in Paris, where our tour concludes with a drop-off at the post-tour hotel at approximately 5.00 pm.