MEETING POINT
France - Paris - Hotel Ampere – Sunday 1.30pm
End of cruise: Transfer back to Hotel Ampere in Paris by about 1pm

La Belle Epoque Barge Information

THE 12 PASSENGER LA BELLE EPOQUE....
is a state-of-the-art hotel barge and the worthy flagship of our European fleet. She has been designed with both elegance and passenger comfort in mind, and offers a sun-deck spa pool, plus sauna and fitness studio, wood panelled saloon and dining room, together with other luxury facilities, all fully air-conditioned. The spacious cabins offer a choice of twin or double beds, with marble en-suite facilities.
The highly experienced Captain leads a crew of five comprising Master Chef, Tour Guide and two Stewardesses whose combined knowledge and experience will ensure a voyage of a lifetime.

Click here for Auxerre to Clamecy Itinerary

ITINERARY FOR CLAMECY TO AUXERRE

Sunday, Day 1 Clamecy
At 1.30 pm you are met at Ampere Villiers Hotel in Paris and escorted to the elegant La Belle Epoque. The Captain and crew welcome you aboard with a glass of Champagne. Stroll through the logging capital of Clamecy before dinner aboard.

Monday, Day 2 Clamecy to Lucy sur Yonne
This morning we leave Clamecy and cruise to Lucy sur Yonne. In the afternoon we visit the Chateau of Bazoches, whose illustrious visitors included Richard the Lionheart and which was later renovated Maréchal Vauban. Dinner aboard.

Tuesday, Day 3 Lucy sur Yonne to Le Saussois
This morning we visit the town of Vézelay, one of Burgundy’s most famous treasures with the Romanesque Basilica of St Mary Magdalene, craft shops and fine views of the surrounding countryside. We then cruise to the renowned Saussois cliffs, international climbing centre and then on to Le Saussois. There is ample opportunity for walking and cycling today. Dinner aboard.

Wednesday, Day 4 Le Saussois to Mailly la Ville
We start the day with a cruise to the sleepy village of Mailly la Ville. Lunch ashore today at a wonderful auberge in Noyers village. After lunch, we enjoy a tour of the charming mediaeval village of Noyers, one of the most beautiful villages in France, through delightful countryside. Dinner aboard

Thursday, Day 5 Mailly la Ville to Vincelles
This morning’s cruise takes us to the Vincelles. The afternoon excursion is to St Bris with its extraordinary network of subterranean medieval passages. A wine tasting in the 12th century cellars of Monsieur Bersan introduces us to outstanding Chardonnay and Pinot Noir wines. Dinner aboard.

Friday, Day 6 Vincelles to Auxerre
This morning we take in the rustic beauty of vineyard-clad slopes as we cruise to Auxerre. In Auxerre visit the cathedral of St Etienne and wander the streets lined with half-timbered houses. Shopping opportunities abound in Auxerre. A sumptuous Captain's Farewell Dinner completes the day.

Saturday, Day 7 Auxerre to Paris
A last leisurely breakfast, then return to Paris by about 1pm

On alternative weeks the cruise is in the reverse direction. Itinerary is subject to change

ITINERARY FOR AUXERRE TO CLAMECY

Sunday, Day 1 Paris to Auxerre
Guests are met at Hotel Ampere in Paris at 1:30 pm and transferred to the elegant La Belle Époque in Auxerre, Burgundy. Following a Champagne Welcome, you are free to explore the medieval town of Auxerre or take a stroll along the banks of the River Yonne before returning for dinner aboard.

Monday, Day 2 Auxerre to Vincelles
Our morning cruise takes us past vineyard-clad hillsides to our rural mooring at Vincelles. The afternoon excursion is to Chablis, home of one of the most famous white wines in the world. A tasting in one of the town’s aged cellars will introduce you to some of the local Petit Chablis and Chablis wines. Dinner aboard.

Tuesday, Day 3 Vincelles to Mailly la Ville
After breakfast, our excursion is to the medieval town of Auxerre. Originally the capital of Lower Burgundy, the town prides itself on its fine churches and particularly its magnificent cathedral. We then return to the barge for a cruise southwards through rich pasturelands past grazing Charolais cattle to the market town of Mailly la Ville. Dinner aboard.

Wednesday, Day 4 Mailly la Ville to Le Saussois
This morning, we visit the charming 14th century medieval village of Noyers, one of the most beautiful villages in France, on an excursion through delightful countryside. In the afternoon we cruise past the Saussois cliffs where an international climbing centre creates a spectacular setting. There will also be the opportunity to enjoy spectacular walks before returning for dinner aboard.

Thursday, Day 5 Le Saussois to Lucy sur Yonne
In the morning we enjoy an excursion to the town of Vézelay, one of Burgundy’s most famous treasures with the Romanesque Basilica of St Mary Magdalene, craft shops and fine views of the surrounding countryside. Lunch ashore today at a wonderful auberge in Noyers village, followed by an afternoon cruise through the Yonne valley to arrive at Lucy sur Yonne. Dinner aboard.

Friday, Day 6 Lucy sur Yonne to Clamecy
A morning cruise through beautiful countryside then takes us to Clamecy. Take a short walk into Clamecy to visit the town, the Collegiale de St Martin and also the Logging and Barging Museum. The narrow streets lined with ancient buildings also present an opportunity for shopping. In the afternoon, we visit the Chateau of Bazoches, whose illustrious visitors included Richard the Lionheart and which was later remodelled by Maréchal Vauban. Captain’s Farewell Dinner aboard.

Saturday, Day 7 Clamecy to Paris.
Disembark after breakfast and arrive at Hotel Ampere in Paris by about 1pm.

On alternate weeks the cruise is in reverse direction. This itinerary is subject to change