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Trip Overview
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Intimate Barge Cruise through Burgundy with a gay flair! An illustrated itinerary of one of our many gay travel adventures. This information supplements our Each day of our gay Burgundy by Barge tour offers a unique insight into the landscape of this region. We'll travel by barge, bus, bike and foot as we explore the small villages and countryside of Burgundy. Please note that the itinerary for our cruise may run in reverse of what is shown below, and that the captain reserves the right to adjust each day's sailing if necessary due to weather, mechanical issues or other operational considerations.
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Tour France the slow and intimate way on our 8-cabin barge that traverses the Yonne River and the Nivernais Canal and their tributaries. Enjoy the varied landscape of vineyards, cliffs, historic villages and ancient canal locks. Our barge is known for its gastronomy and selection of wines from the region offered with dinner each day. There are also ten bikes on the barge that are available for guests who want to either ride alongside the canal on the towpath, or head a bit further to explore some of the nearby villages. Our relaxed schedule also offers many chances for leisurely walks, since the boat moves slowly, especially when passing through the numerous locks. A special feature of this cruise is that there is a private bus that will provide excursions to towns and villages farther away from the river and canal plied by our boat. Each day it's up to you whether to join an excursion, ride off on a bike, walk along the canal, or just relax on the barge.
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1: Ah, Gay Paris!
Our tour starts with a night in the heart of Paris. If you only have time for our barge trip, this will give you a night to relax after your flights and a cushion in the event of flight delays. And for those with a little more time to explore Paris, let us know if you'd like to extend your stay in Paris with additional nights at our hotel. There is such a broad selection of Parisian fine-dining restaurants, cafes, shops and sight-seeing locations that we have not scheduled any group activities in Paris. This way you can plan your time to fit your personal interests.
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2: Paris to Burgundy
Our barge's private bus departs Paris' Hotel Mansart at 2.30 pm for the journey to ancient city of Auxerre in Burgundy. There the 'Luciole' herself is moored on the impressive river frontage of the city, overlooked by the Cathedral, the 13 - 15th Century Abbey and Parish Church. A Champagne reception welcomes you on board as we start our 6-night stay on the Barge Luciole. You'll also have a chance to meet your staff, and enjoy the first of many memorable dinners on our barge.
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3: St. Bris and Irancy
We start our southward cruise (upriver) leads us into beautiful pastoral countryside intermingled with sweeping reaches of the River Yonne. After lunch we arrive at the Crément-making centre of Bailly. An afternoon visit is made to a wine cellar in the vicinity of Chablis. The picturesque villages of St Bris and Irancy, also devoted to wine, stand nearby. 
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4: The village of Accolay
The morning’s cruise along the Nivernais takes us up an arm of the canal to the village of Accolay. In the afternoon we return for a tour to historic Auxerre, providing a good opportunity to visit the shops and take time to enjoy French provincial life.
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5: Noyers-sur-Serein
From Accolay, we make the short journey to delightful Noyers-sur-Serein. With its friendly market stalls, half-timbered houses and turreted ramparts it is easy to see why Noyers is considered "one of the most beautiful villages in France." After lunch the Barge Luciole continues southwards to a night-time mooring beneath the walls of Mailly-le-Château.
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6: Vezelay and 12th Century Basilica
A morning drive takes us to Vézelay, where the spectacular 12th Century Basilica dominates the town. Here St. Bernard encouraged residents to join the Second Crusade. In the afternoon we cruise through a region where dramatic cliffs stand by the waterside, to an evening mooring at Lucy-sur-Yonne.
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7: Medieval town of Clamecy and Chateau of Bazoches
A morning voyage takes us to the delightful Medieval town of Clamecy, a worthy venue for the climax of our cruise. Our final visit is to the imposing Château of Bazoches. Set on a hillside amidst splendid rolling countryside, this was the 17th Century home of the Marquis de Vauban, France’s great military engineer.
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8: Disembarkation and Return to Paris
After breakfast we'll depart in our private bus for Paris, typically arriving around 1 pm. Since it is too late to catch most trans-Atlantic flights, we have included a night at the Hotel Mansart in our tour fee. For guests wishing to travel elsewhere in France starting today, a stop can be made in Auxerre on our journey up to Paris to pick up a rental car or take a train.
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9: Going Home
Today is the end of our tour, but if you wish more time in Paris, we will be happy to request extra nights at our hotel. We wish you a safe journey home, and happy memories of your week in the heart of France!
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