Everyday, every corner, every lock we pass through, something new.
: P.A. 2004
The barge La Reine Pedauque cruises on the Burgundy canal, from the historical market town Dijon, along the picturesque Vallée de l'Ouche
to the village of Vandenesse en Auxois.
Day 1: Friday
Arrival at "Chateau la Chassagne", Pont de Pany, near Dijon.
At 5 pm your crew will meet you and drive you directly to the barge La Reine Pedauque in air-conditioned Minibus.
A warm welcome aboard from captain and crew with a Kir-Royal cocktail - the start to a unique and memorable stay in Burgundy. The guide takes you on a visit to view the highlights Dijon, with it's magnificent historical architecture such as Notre Dame and eglise Saint Michel, the cobbled streets, market hall and boutiques of all kinds. In the rue de la Chouette there are antique shops, the Place de la Liberation with the Palace of the once powerful Burgundy Dukes.
On returning to the barge, it is time for drinks and our first candle-light dinner served with elegant red and white regional wines. The evening is brought to a pleasant close in the friendly atmosphere of the bar where all drinks are on the house.
Photos of Dijon at night, a town full of history and charm.
Day 2: Saturday
While we are having breakfast "La Reine Pédauque" leave
Dijon and head for the first of a total of 45 locks. We make our way along
Lake Kir with its leisure facilities via Plombieres to Velars sur Ouche.
You can go ashore at any of the picturesque locks and
explore the canal at walking pace along the towpath to meet the barge at the following lock
The barge has bikes available and you can take advantage of the excellent cycling routes to discover the countryside and villages in the surrounding area.
After a break for lunch, we continue on our leisurely way before reaching Fleurey sur Ouche, where we will moor for the night. Depending on your mood, you may wish to take part in the entertainment program, but whatever you decide, food and drink will be at its French best !
Day 3: Sunday
The third day brings us into the heart of Burgundy, into the glorious
Ouche Valley. Comfortably seated on the sundeck, we will travel back through
time to an unhurried world, past the enchanting village of Pont de Pany
and "Chateau
la Chassagne", and then past Saint Marie sur Ouche.
The canal slowly meanders along the valley, turning left and right following the river, the green pasture fields dotted with white Charolais cattle. It's time to relax on the sundeck and enjoy a glass of wine.
After passing under the Romanesque bridges we finally moor the barge in the charming village of Gissey sur Ouche, stone walled houses, cafe terrace and rolling hills covered in oak and elm trees. Your guide will propose an excursion and wine tasting in a nearby wine museum.
Day 4: Monday
After a copious breakfast, we take leave of passengers who have booked
only three nights and set off on a day's excursion with the captain to
Beaune and discover the wonders of the local vineyards.
If you are on the 7 day cruise program, today you will discover the ancient secrets of the Burgundy wines, with an excursion to some of the most famous vineyards of France.
You will be in the heart of the wine growing region with the Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes of Aloxe Corton, Pommard, Meursault and Volnay.
With the captain, you will discover how the vineyards are skilfully looked after, the grapes, harvesting and making of wine.
A delightful lunch time meal awaits you with traditional cuisine in an excellent restaurant of a very well known wine village.
Enjoy the wine tasting in a vignerons's cellar where much is explained about the wine production of Burgundy, even for the experts, the knowledge and skills of wine tasting are best understood on the home ground.
In the wine capital of Beaune, visit the world famous Hospices de Beaune built in 1443 with it's spectacular coloured tiles and the Collegiate Church of Notre Dame. You' also have time to walk the cobbled streets and boutiques of the town centre.
Back on board we will meet our new guests who have joined us for the remaining cruise.
Day 5: Tuesday
In the morning "La Reine Pédauque" leaves the moorings of Gissey and sets course for the village of Saint Victor, beside the village of Barbiery sur Ouche and then onto La Bussiere.
The abbey is set in a private park, with fresh water springs, a mill and a very old wine press. Construction of the establishment dates back to 975 A.D, through the centuries, the buildings have changed and been restored.
After lunch we continue our cruise past Veuvey on our way to today's destination: Pont d'Ouche. There are some wonderful stretches of canal which are great for walking and cycling.
Day 6: Wednesday
Very hard work for the captain today mastering the numerous locks between
Pont d'Ouche and Vandenesse
en Auxois, near the market town of Pouilly-en-Auxois. For passengers
it is the last chance to sit back and soak up the beauty of the surroundings.
There's enough time for an outing to the medieval hillside village of
Chateauneuf en Auxois offering a spectacular panorama of the Auoxis plateau
and the surrounding area where the canal reaches its summit.
In the evening your farewell gala dinner is a grand affair, where you will be presented with your lock diplomas.
Day 7: Thursday
After a generous breakfast, with sweet memories of their cruise, passengers say good bye to newly made friends and their home for the past 7 days. Depending on the next destination the passengers leave the boat and are driven back to Chateau la Chassagne, to the train station or Dijon airport.
As this is a one-way cruise, the itinerary
is also operated in the opposite direction according to starting date.
We reserve the right to alter the leisure program and it may be changed due to unpredictable circumstances.