La Belle Epoque: Sample Cycling Cruise Itinerary
Burgundy, Canal du Nivernais: Auxerre to Clamecy

Sunday - AUXERRE
Guests are met at Hotel Ampere in Paris, and transferred by private motor-coach to La Belle Epoque, moored in the historic Quartier de la Marine in the cathedral town of Auxerre. Champagne welcome-dinner on board.

Monday
The Barge leaves Auxerre on the Canal du Nivernais. At the hamlet of Augy cyclists head off through the cherry orchards up to Vallan, Escamps and Chastenay. Enjoy a cooling break while visiting the subterranean caverns at Taingy, from which the famous Burgundian limestone was extracted to build monuments such as the Pantheon and la Madeleine in Paris, and even the first water tower in Chicago! Buffet Lunch. Return to the barge via Molesmes and Charentenay with optional wine tasting chez Mr. Bon, in the hamlet of Migé. Dinner onboard.

Tuesday
Our itinerary today takes cyclists up though the narrow streets of Irancy, the latest wine village to be awarded its own appellation-controlée. Continue on a narrow track straight up through the vineyards and plunge down to St Bris where a short break is spent in the 12th century cellars of Mr. Bersan. Cross country on the ‘Grande Randonnée track 13’ follows with buffet lunch/barbeque in the grounds of a 17th century watermill. An afternoon cycle circuit takes in Accolay, and Fontenay sous Fouronnes before rejoining the barge at Bazarnes for a short evening cruise to Vermenton. Dinner on board.

Wednesday
As the barge leaves Vermenton, cyclists disembark at the first lock and follow the GR 13 along the banks of the River Cure through Bessy and Arcy sur Cure. An old Roman road leads back over the hill down to Pregilbert where La Belle Epoque is mooring up. Lunch on board. Afternoon cycling to Mailly le Chateau and The Rochers du Saussois, with perhaps a stop at the 14th century tower, studio of local artist M. Rose, before rejoining the barge at Merry sur Yonne. Dinner ashore at Auberge La Beursaudiere, once a Benedictine priory.

Thursday, Day 5
As the Belle Epoque slips its mooring, this mornings ride traverses the Bois d’Arcy and climbs to one of Burgundy’s most picturesque hilltop settings, Vezelay. After discovering the world famous Romanesque Basilica of St. Mary Magdelene, a swoop downhill takes us through St. Père sous Vezelay to meet our chef, setting up a buffet luncheon on the banks of the River Cure, alongside the mediaeval bridge at Pierre Perthuis. Our afternoon ride is through Fontenay and the forest of Chauffour-Ferrières to the village of Lucy sur Yonne where the barge is moored for the night. Dinner onboard.

Friday
A short ride uphill brings us to the 18th century Ferme de Miserey, where traditional farming methods are explained and an introduction to the art of Foie Gras making is accompanied by a tasting. Then cycle to Dornecy through the Fôret de Champôrnot, buffet lunch somewhere in the greenery, and back to the barge, moored at Clamecy, along the towpath. Captains Farewell dinner on board.

Saturday
Return to Paris by motorcoach after breakfast arriving at approximately 1pm.

NOTE - This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change. On alternate weeks, cruise will be in reverse direction.