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L'Art de Vivre started life as a Scottish munitions carrier and survived long enough to be transformed by a team of skilled craftsmen into a floating celebration of the Burgundian “good life”. Your crew of four comprise of Captain, Tour Guide, Master Chef and Hostess, all with a love for the Nivernais canal and all secure in the knowledge that their vessel represents L'Art de Vivre itself.

The region simply oozes charm and the cruise is a journey back in time along a magical waterway. The Upper Nivernais remains an undiscovered region, well off the beaten track on the edge of the Morvan hills. The sleepy hamlets, white grazing Charolais cattle, woods and forrests are typical of the scenery we cruise through.

Cruise Highlights: 

•    All-inclusive open bar, free wines,gourmet cuisine, entry fees to excursions

•    Explore enchanting Auxerre and its magnificent cathedral

•    Wine tasting of fine Chablis wines in a 12th century cellar

•    Visit Chateau de Bazoches, home of Maréchal Vauban

•    Tour Noyers, one of the most beautiful villages in Burgundy

•    Visit picturesque Vézelay and its hilltop basilica

•    Explore the medieval town of Clamecy

•    Optional Hot Air Ballooning

Itineraries

Itinerary 1 : Auxerre to Clamecy

Sunday, Day 1 : Auxerre

Guests are met at Laroche Migennes train station at 16:45 or Hotel Maxime in Auxerre at 17:15. and transferred to the elegant L’Art de Vivre 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 Les Millesimes, 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

Disembark after breakfast and arrive at Laroche Migennes train station by 10am.

IF YOU ARE TAKING THE TER TRAIN OUR REPRESENTATIVE WILL BE AT PARIS BERCY STATION ON SUNDAY AT 14.45 TO ASSIST YOU WITH THE TGV. Recommended Trains to book in advance: Paris Bercy to Laroche Migennes Train TER #91019 depart Paris Bercy at 15.20hrs arriving in Laroche Migennes at 16:38hrs.  End of cruise Laroche Migennes to Paris Bercy Train TER #91156 Saturday depart 10:24hrs arrive Paris Bercy at 11:44hrs.

Itinerary 2 : Clamecy TO Auxerre

Sunday, Day 1 :Clamecy

Guests are met at Laroche Migennes train station at 16:45 or Hotel Maxime in Auxerre at 17:15. and transferred to the elegant L’Art de Vivre in Clamecy.  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 Les Millesimes.  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

Disembark after breakfast and arrive at Laroche Migennes train station by 10am.

IF YOU ARE TAKING THE TER TRAIN OUR REPRESENTATIVE WILL BE AT PARIS BERCY STATION ON SUNDAY AT 14.45 TO ASSIST YOU WITH THE TGV. Recommended Trains to book in advance: Paris Bercy to Laroche Migennes Train TER #91019 depart Paris Bercy at 15.20hrs arriving in Laroche Migennes at 16:38hrs.  End of cruise Laroche Migennes to Paris Bercy Train TER #91156 Saturday depart 10:24hrs arrive Paris Bercy at 11:44hrs

Rates 2010:

Note: All price are in Euro €

Rates include:

• Accommodation on board the barge

• All meals, table wines and alcoholic beverages

• All sightseeing and admittance fees as stipulated

• Use of vessels' bicycles and other facilities

• Round trip transfers from the meeting point to the barge are also included in the fares

Rates do not include:

• Cancellation and holiday insurance

• On board gratuities and items of personal nature

Features:

• Length/width: 100' x 16'6''

• Cabins : 3 twins, 1 double

• Air conditioning/central heating throughout

• 8 Mountain bikes, Library

• Private Motorcoach for excursions

• Crew: 4 members