Napoleon: Epicurean Burgundy: A 12-Star Cruise

Your first gourmet highlight begins on the way to joining the barge in St-Jean-de-Losne. Stop for a two-Michelin-starred lunch at La Côte Saint-Jacques, situated just outside of Auxerre. At the helm of this five-star retreat on the River Yonne, Jean-Michel Lorain conjures up dishes that are colourful, playful and surprising in their simplicity, putting quality ingredients in the spotlight. Sumptuous specialities may include Back from the Islands rosette of lobster and fresh palm nut salad, and Egg Parfait with white Alba truffles and puy green lentils. 

After a fabulous experience, continue to St-Jean-de-Losne to board the barge ready for your cruise along the River Saône. You’re welcomed aboard with an effervescent champagne reception and the chance to meet the crew. To start the adventure, a cocktail cruise gives you your first taste of life on the river. After a delicious dinner on board, sit back and let any tension melt away as you unwind into a slower pace of life.

After breakfast, relax on board and savour the beauty of Burgundy as you cruise along the River Saône to Seurre. Alight from the barge for lunch at the three-Michelin-starred Lameloise. Here, welcoming interiors of exposed stone and wooden beams honour Burgundian heritage, while the exquisite cuisine takes the best of local tradition and transforms it into mouthwatering masterpieces. 

After lunch, drive down the celebrated Route des Grands Crus, passing through the famed villages of the Cote d’Or. Stop to visit the historic Clos de Vougeot, where Cistercian monks first began making wine in the 12th century. The ancient château is now the headquarters of the celebrated Burgundian wine society, the Confrérie des Chevaliers du Tastevin, and still houses the ancient cellar and wine presses from medieval times. Afterwards, enjoy a private wine tasting at a reputed local producer. Return to the barge for a convivial evening on board, enlivened by local musicians. Linger over dinner and soak up the magical ambience of the waterway.

This morning, soak up the scenery from the deck as the barge weaves its way downstream to the pretty market town of Chalon-sur-Saône. Disembark with your guide mid-morning for a visit to Beaune, the wine capital of Burgundy. Enjoy a private tour of the fabled Hôtel-Dieu, venturing behind its splendid gothic façade to discover 500 years of Burgundian history and treasures including 17th-century murals, tapestries, paintings and furniture. Lunch is enjoyed at the Michelin-starred Le Jardin des Remperts, an exceptional restaurant set in an elegant 1930's villa.

After lunch, stroll through Beaune’s cobbled streets and browse its enticing shops, and explore Joseph Drouhin's cellar, where the King of France and the Duke of Burgundy used to store some of their wines. Return to the barge for a leisurely evening and dinner on board. Sit under the stars, read in your cabin or chat to your fellow travellers over a liqueur.

*On the journey departing on 18 October 2020 lunch will be taken at Michelin-starred Hostellerie de Levernois.

Relax on board this morning, watching the beautiful scenery glide by as we cruise towards Tournus. Take the opportunity to unwind to the soothing, sedate rhythm of the barge as you sip a coffee or a refreshing drink. After a sumptuous lunch on board, embark on a scenic drive to the Abbaye de Cluny, a masterpiece of Romanesque art, which for centuries was the most powerful Benedictine church in the world. Founded in 910, it played an influential role across Europe, answering only to the Pope. 

This evening, stroll to dinner at Aux Terrasses, just a short walk from the barge. This Michelin-starred restaurant is set in a contemporary boutique hotel in the centre of Tournus. Sample Jean-Michel Carrette’s bold, unexpected dishes that may include charcoal-grilled octopus or hay-smoked pigeon.

*On the journey departing on 18 October 2020 we will visit Michelin-starred Pierre for lunch.

An early-morning cruise brings you to the iconic Roche de Solutré. Climb up the limestone escarpment for breathtaking views of Mâcon, the River Saône and the surrounding vineyards. Return to the boat for lunch and enjoy a relaxing afternoon cruising south towards Montmerle, our mooring for the evening. Absorb the sweeping views of the tranquil river and life along its banks, or take a nap in your cabin – you’re on holiday after all! 

Alight with your guide for a drive to the picturesque village of Vonnas, home to the world-famous Restaurant Georges Blanc. Holding three Michelin stars since 1981, the restaurant has built up a reputation for revisiting classics in impeccable style. Think Bresse chicken reimagined or a reworking of the Vonnas pancakes Blanc’s grandmother used to make. Return to the barge and savour a digestif on deck beneath the stars.

Today you cruise into Lyon, the second city of France, dominated by the splendidly ornate Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière. Your guide will escort you on a walking tour, where you’ll discover the hidden ‘traboules’ or secret passageways of the old town, the Roman remains and painted walls. Take time to peruse Lyon's boutiques and to visit the newly launched Cité Internationale de la Gastronomie. This fun, imaginative, sensorial exhibition, set across four levels of Lyon’s historic Grand Hôtel-Dieu, cements the city’s reputation as a mecca for food lovers. 

Tonight’s treat is at Restaurant Paul Bocuse, holder of two Michelin stars. Black truffle soup – created for French president Valéry Giscard d’Estaing in 1975; sea bass in a puff pastry shell, and turbot with champagne sauce are just some of the delights that will leave you dazzled.

After breakfast the crew bid you a fond farewell as you disembark for your onward travel arrangements.