Lilas: Auxonne to Lyon

You’re welcomed aboard in Auxonne by your private crew and guide. Toast the start of your Burgundy cruise with chilled champagne and settle into your generous cabin. The serene palette and natural materials create a soothing sanctuary for the week to come. Later, enjoy your first gourmet dining experience on board, a perfect blend of seasonal delicacies, irresistible wines and balmy, bucolic views.

Spend your first morning relaxing over breakfast as you cruise through stunning French countryside. A dip in the on-deck pool is the perfect way to prepare for the adventures ahead. Lunch is served as the barge winds its way down the River Saône. Alight afterwards for a drive down the celebrated Route des Grands Crus, passing through the famed villages of the Côte d’Or. Stop to visit the historic Clos de Vougeot, built in the 12th century by the monks of nearby Cîteaux. A symbol of almost 1,000 years of Burgundy history, the imposing château is now the headquarters of the Burgundian wine society, the Confrérie des Chevaliers du Tastevin. Explore the ancient winery with its four huge presses and the cellar, built to accommodate 2,000 casks. Afterwards, enjoy a private wine tasting at a reputed local producer, before returning to the barge for dinner under the stars.

This morning, savour the scenery on deck as your barge glides downstream to the pretty market town of Chalon-sur-Saône. After a delicious lunch on board, arrive in Chalon and disembark to visit Beaune, the wine capital of Burgundy. A treasured highlight here is the Hôtel-Dieu, a magnificent former charitable hospital renowned for its glorious coloured-tiled roof and artistic gems. After your visit, stroll through Beaune’s cobbled streets and discover its enticing shops before heading to the Joseph Drouhin cellar, where the King of France and the Duke of Burgundy used to store their precious wines. Enjoy an exceptional tasting before returning to the boat for a relaxing evening and dinner on board.

Unwind on board this morning, soaking up the picturesque Burgundy landscapes as you cruise along the River Saône to Tournus. After a sumptuous lunch prepared by your chef, alight for a scenic drive to the Abbaye de Cluny, a former medieval Benedictine monastery and masterpiece of Romanesque art. Founded in 910, it was once an astounding 187 metres long, making it the largest religious building in the West. This evening, dinner at a fabulous local restaurant awaits.

Enjoy a relaxing morning as the barge continues cruising south, towards Montmerle. Cool off in the pool or pick a shady spot and recline with a book in peaceful contemplation. Your chef will prepare a delicious lunch for you to enjoy with a view. After arriving at the pretty riverside town of Montmerle, your guide will accompany you to the splendid Château de Fléchères, built in the early 17th century and renowned for its exceptional restored frescos and trompe l’oeil art by Tuscan artist Pietro Ricchi. Enjoy a private tour and time to wander around the grounds. Return to Lilas for refreshing aperitifs and a gourmet dinner on board. 

An early morning cruise gets you to your final destination, Lyon, in ample time to explore. France's third-largest city is known for its outstanding cultural scene, adventurous gastronomy and fantastic shopping. Dominating the skyline is the ornate Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière, which offers sweeping panoramas from its hilltop perch. Enjoy a walking tour with your guide to discover the secret passageways, or ‘traboules’ of the old town, the Roman ruins and famous city murals. Afterwards, enjoy time to stroll, explore or shop at leisure. Back on board your buoyant luxury villa, Chef is preparing an epicurean farewell feast.

Tuck into breakfast on board in Lyon. Here, the crew bid you farewell before it’s time to disembark.