Bike, Balloon &
Barge
Burgundy aboard the Hotel Barge Elisabeth
Special note: These trips may only be reserved
on a full charter basis (you must reserve the entire barge).
Burgundy is the heart of France. This prosperous region is known
for its world-renowned wines, excellent earthy cuisine and magnificent
architecture. Our barge will cruise the Canal du Nivernais,
as it winds south from Auxerre to Decize through hills and rolling
farmland. It was originally designed to link Paris to the Loire
River and is one of the most beautiful canals in France. The banks
are planted with fruit trees and poplars and the countryside is
filled with vineyards, chateaux and medieval villages
 Aboard
the barge, we will be hosted by the owners, Peter and Sheena, their
crew members and our own private chef. The Elisabeth has
three spacious cabins that accommodate six passengers.
Plan to arrive in Paris no later than Saturday morning.
Saturday, Auxerre
Meet in central Paris for our private transfer to our hotel-barge
on the Yonne river. The spires of St. Etienne’s Cathedral
dominate Auxerre. Both Napoleon and Joan of Arc walked the town’s
cobbled streets. Take a warm-up ride prior to our Champagne reception
and festive candlelight dinner.
Sunday, Vincelles
This morning we bicycle through picturesque villages with 14th and
15th century houses. After a walking tour of Auxerre, we’ll
begin a leisurely afternoon cruise to Vincelles. The famous Burgundy
wines were once loaded onto barges and shipped from this little
village to Paris.
 Monday,
Vermenton
Our bike route winds through peaceful agricultural fields and vineyards.
Chablis will be our stop for a picnic lunch and a guided tour of
this pretty town, known the world over for its dry white wines.
Private wine tasting at one or two of the well-known cellars.
Tuesday, Mailly-le-Chateau
A full day of morning cycling and afternoon sightseeing. We’ll
explore the Grotte d’Arcy, a huge underground cavern.
In Mailly-le-Chateau we visit a 13th century church that has a belfry
topped with gargoyles in early Gothic style. Splendid views of the
river valley from the local castle.
Wednesday, Lucy sur Yonne
A wonderful ride through fields, woods and remote medieval villages.
After lunch we have an excursion to the historic village of Vézelay,
a center of pilgrimage throughout the Middle Ages and today a Unesco
World Heritage treasure. Free time to stroll through the narrow
streets and visit the numerous art galleries or cafes.
Thursday, Clamecy
Today we bike and cruise through the beautiful countryside. In the
afternoon we visit the 12th century Chateau de Bazoches, with its
four large towers. Clamecy is a small town with narrow winding streets
that are a delight to explore. This evening we’ll relax on
deck with a glass of wine before our farewell gala dinner.
Friday
After breakfast we bid farewell to the waterways and transfer back
to Paris
Tour Price: from $21,800 for six passenger charter
Tour Date: April 3 to November 5, 2010
What is included in the
tour price? 
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