Some things in life are meant to be savored;

they are best enjoyed slowly, completely, fully. The taste of a crusty baguette whisked fresh from the oven. The exquisite bouquet of a glass of vintage burgundy or cognac.  The velvet texture of aged Camembert or Brie as it melts upon the tongue.  Or a week cruising centuries-old canals through the verdant fields and picturesque villages of provincial France.  Many

sophisticated European travelers have long known the pleasures of touring France’s charming waterways by barge.  Now, more and more saavy Americans are discovering this perfect method for seeing the beauty of the French countryside up close.

Time seems to stand still as the barge slowly motors by quaint stone churches and well-kept houses, periodically pausing at moss-covered locks, as it makes its leisurely way from one town to the next.   You can catch up on your reading on deck, enjoy a delicious, well-prepared repast from the fully equipped kitchen or simply relax to the gentle sounds of water lapping against the hull, and enjoy the quiet sensation that comes with unplugging yourself from the 24/7 world.

If you are feeling more adventurous, there are daily excursions to tempt you in our accompanying Mercedes minibus into the surrounding countryside, to explore the local chateaux or sip the wares of one of the many local vineyards.  During the seven days and six nights of each excursion, the 128-foot long Prospérité will serve as your floating home.  Expressly designed and constructed to meet the expectations of upscale travelers, the newly launched, American-owned craft features a level of accommodations unmatched on France’s inland waters.

Cruise Itinerary

Sample Route

Sunday: A representative of Prospèritè will meet you at 1:00 PM in central Paris and escort you to the Gare de Lyon and the First Class TGV train to Dijon.  As you alight in Dijon, the Captain will be waiting on the platform to accompany you to Prospèritè, at anchor in or near Dijon.  Enjoy a champagne reception, an introduction to the Prospèritè and her crew, and the first of many gourmet dinners on board.

Monday: Begin your journey into the heart of "La France profonde" with a morning cruise to the village of Fleury-sur-Ouche.   The rest of the day will be devoted to exploring the Côte d'Or wine area south of the canal. You willl first drive through the gorgeous "Route des Grand Crus" vineyards, followed by a visit to Château du Clos de Vougeot.  The original building was a 12th-century winery built by Cistercian Monks. The old wine presses are on display as well as rooms where the monks lived and stored the wine.  You return to Prospèritè for dinner on board.

Tuesday: After breakfast, you will be taken the short distance back to Dijon for the lively local food market, where you can also shop for antiques on rue Verriere or explore the Medieval town center.  The 14th-century Ducal Palace dominates the architecture of this historic town.  This afternoon cruise further into the beautiful valley of the Ouche with its limestone cliffs and wooded hills.  Dinner tonight is off Prospèritè at the Château de Gilly, a old priory converted into one of Burgundy's finest restaurants.

Wednesday: You float this morning through gorgeous scenery to La Bussière, mooring near the gardens of an old abbey.   This afternoon, return to the Côte d'Or vineyards for a personal introduction to winegrowers and a special private tasting.  Dinner on board completes the day.

Thursday: Walk the towpath, bicycle into passing towns or just laze in the hot tub as Prospèritè continues its journey on the Canal de Bourgogne, completed in 1836.  In the afternoon, you will explore Beaune, the wine capital of Burgundy. Tour the remarkable, perfectly preserved Hospice de Beaune, a 14th-century hospital in use until the early 20th century! Shop in the pedestrian zone for wine, gifts, tapestry pillows and acessories - or just sit in the square and enjoy life!  Then it's back to Prospèritè for dinner on board.

Friday: Cruise past the dramatic village and château of Châteauneuf-en-Auxois perched high on a hill overlooking the canal.  After lunch you return to explore this atmospheric Medieval town.  A festive Captain's dinner ends the cruise in style.

Saturday: You are returned to the Dijon train station where you will meet a TGV train, arriving back at the Gare de Lyon in Paris between 11:15 AM - Noon.

Note: The route is run in reverse on alternate weeks.

Deck Plan

Meeting Point

Transportation arrangements and special requests will be discussed at the time of booking.

Included in Price:

• Transportation from and return to Paris.
• All meals—on board or on excursion.
• A selection of fine wines on board, and open bar.
• Entrance fees to all museums, chateaux, etc.
• 9 passenger Mercedes mini-bus with guide/driver. 

Not Included in Price:

Travel insurance (strongly recommended), items of a personal nature, gratuities for the crew.

Special Arrangements:

• Hot air balloon touring can be easily arranged if you would like to see outstanding views of the countryside from this vantage as well.
  
• Golfing can also be scheduled at many of France’s internationally rated courses. Special itineraries combining luxury cruising and golf can be arranged.

OnBoard@connoisseurstravel.com