DAY 1 FRIDAY
Check
in at Vandenesse
At the meeting point of "Chateau la Chassagne", Pont
de Pany near Dijon, an air-conditioned bus will transfer you to
the barge. You are welcomed on board with a "Kir Royal"
by the Captain and crew. An unforgettable cruise is about to begin
in Burgundy. Your first exceptional candle light dinner will mark
your introduction to regional specialties and wines with great
names. The bar and sun deck provide a warm atmosphere to share
drinks with fellow passengers. Naturally, all drinks served on
board are "all inclusive" and available around the clock.
DAY 2 SATURDAY
Cruise
from Vandenesse to Pont d'Ouche
The Captain has a hard day's work ahead, with many locks between
Vandenesse and the destination of Pont d'Ouche, the navigation
is very interesting. A wonderful occasion for you to enjoy the
countryside as the barge glides along the canal. While you have
a hearty breakfast, La Reine Pedauque leaves the port of Vandenesse
and begins to pass through the first locks (there is a total of
45 locks during the weeks cruise). Arriving in the village of
Crugey at midday, the chef will enchant you with a typical Burgundy
menu. After the lunch time break the barge continues the voyage
to the tempo of the canal locks to Pont d'Ouche. When your hotel
barge is moored, the Captain will invite you to visit Chateauneuf
en Auxois which you passed by today. Walk into this medieval village
with its cafes, antique and curiosity shops along the picturesque
streets. There is also a fantastic view over the Auxois plains,
with lakes and the distant Morvan hills.
DAY 3 SUNDAY
Cruise
from Pont d'Ouche to Gissey sur Ouche
Today the barge cruise will take you into the magnificent Valley
of the Ouche, a journey back in time passing through a unique
landscape as the canal twists through the narrow valley. You will
have many occasions to be sportive with walking and cycling along
the tow-path. La Reine Pedauque will pass through the villages
of La Buissière sur Ouche, Saint Victor to Gissey sur Ouche.
There the barge is moored in a hidden romantic spot, beside the
river Ouche and a Gallo Roman bridge, one of the most photographed
and painted views. After diner there will be a great farewell
party on board for the passengers who only booked the Mini-Cruise.
Passengers and crew will have a lot of fun.
DAY 4 MONDAY
Grande
excursion to Beaune for the 7 day cruise passengers
Check out / check in 4-days / 3-nights Mini cruise passengers
Today the Captain will take you on a private excursion to the
capital of Burgundy wines, the town of Beaune. You'll be in some
of the finest vine yards of France, such as Aloxe Corton, wine
tasting some of the greatest Crus, with expert advice from wine
Connoisseurs. Lunch is offered in an traditional restaurant, with
the vines in the background and dishes to delight your palette.
In the afternoon, there is plenty of time to visit the famous
Hospices de Beaune built in 1443 and stroll along cobbled streets
with boutiques of all kinds. The return to the barge takes you
through the "Hautes Côtes" vine yards and past
the source of the river Ouche. The chef has prepared a special
diner for you and to welcome the new passengers who have booked
the Mini Cruise on the second part of your journey.
DAY 5 TUESDAY
Cruise
from Gissey sur Ouche to Fleurey
As the valley slowly unfolds, the barge passes through the charming
villages of Saint Marie sur Ouche and Pont de Pany, with Chateau
la Chassagne on the hill side. The barge heads on to the village
of Fleurey sur Ouche. There are many opportunities to use the
mountain bikes and explore the surroundings or a short walk to
a nearby café. Once moored in Fleurey sur Ouche there are
possibilities to discover more about the region, from Gallo-Roman
ruins to feudal castles with dramatic histories or more wine tasting
at Chateau la Chassagne. Today the passengers tell the guide where
they would like to go. On returning to the barge, your diner will
delight you with carefully prepared dishes and selected wines.
Like every other day, typically French so "Bon Appetite".
DAY 6 : WEDNESDAY
Cruise
from Fleurey to Dijon
On today's journey the barge will follow the route via Plombières
les Dijon. La Reine Pedauque passes beside the "Lac Kir",
built for Canon Kir, once mayor of Dijon, after whom the famous
aperitif was named. The barge finally arrives in the splendid
port of Dijon, near the heart of the city. The ancient palace
to the powerful Dukes of Burgundy, Notre Dame, Rue de la Chouette
are just some of the splendours of Dijon, the city of a hundred
bells. As Dijon is the world's capital of mustard, an assortment
of local mustards is offered to you as souvenir. For tonight's
cocktails on board you can learn the art of "Sabrage",
where you can slash open a Champagne bottle with a sword, like
the Dukes of Burgundy did hundreds of years ago. Then everybody
will be in the right mood for the grand farewell Captain's diner
and the remittance of your "Lock Diploma".
DAY 7 THURSDAY
Check out
at Dijon
After a copious breakfast, passengers will generally disembark
at about 10:30 am. Depending on your personal plans we will take
you back to Chateau la Chassagne, the railway station or even
the airport at Dijon.
As
this is a one-way cruise, the itinerary is also operated in the
opposite direction a according to starting date. We reserve the
right to alter the cruise program.
*****
If
you seeking an extraordinary vacation, relaxation and luxury,
then La Reine Pedauque is the perfect choice with the "Relaxing
Dream Cruise".
