Monday - Dijon to Fleurey-sur-Ouche During the trip guests can visit the famous wine making village of Nuits St George in the centre of the Côte de Nuits and the neighbouring Clos de Vougeot, the site where the Cistercian monks originally started the wine making of Burgundy. We moor for the night at Fleurey-sur-Ouche, under the trees on the village quay. Tuesday - Fleurey-sur-Ouche to Gissey Continuing along the Ouche valley, today we navigate through a mixture of forests and canal side villages. Guests may visit one of the domains of the Côte d’Or for lunch and a degustation of some of Frances’ best Premier and Grand Cru wines. We moor for the night in the tiny but beautiful village of Gissey, overlooking the ancient bridge over the river. Wednesday - Gissey to Pont d’Ouche This is a particularly attractive section of the canal. Around lunchtime, we are very close to La Bussière, an ancient abbey, founded by the Cistercians, within beautiful landscaped grounds.Guests who enjoy a little exercise can easily cycle to the abbey and rejoin Le Premier along the canal towpath. Alternatively, simply enjoy the cruise and visit the abbey by car later. We arrive in Pont d’Ouche in the late afternoon; here the canal crosses a small aqueduct as the river heads towards Bligny and the canal makes it’s way slowly upwards towards the summit.
Thursday - Pont d’Ouche to Vandenesse After Pont d’Ouche, the canal passes through the stunning scenery of a very narrow gorge, which in previous times was clearly worked as a quarry. This morning, guests may visit the ancient town of Beaune. We meet the boat again at Crugey in time for lunch and continue towards Vandenesse. During the afternoon we catch glimpses of the fortified village of Châteauneuf perched high above, as the canal winds its’ way through the valley towards Vandenesse. The floodlit chateau stands guard over our mooring and is a spectacular setting for dinner on board.
Friday - Vandenesse to Escommes This morning Le Premier climbs the final flight of locks to the summit of the Burgundy Canal through forests and fields. We pass an unusual section of canal populated by mannequins fishing from boats, climbing trees and doing the garden.
The eclusiers, the French lock keepers, are colourful characters, creating beautiful and ornately decorated houses and gardens. Some exhibit art or a small museum or sell their fresh produce such as eggs and honey.
After lunch a visit to the chateau at Commarin and watching the sunset from Chateauneuf are the ideal finale to your cruise of Burgundy. Time to enjoy cocktails and a farewell dinner on boardLe Premier. Saturday - Transfer to Dijon after breakfast The suggested excursions below are intended to give you an idea of the trips available. The timing, variety, number and duration of excursions are up to you. In general all excursions are possible from any point of the cruise. It is also possible to enjoy lunch or dinner ashore should you wish.
Subject to prior or later bookings, the above cruise may be run in reverse.  

Sample excursions

The sample excursions are intended to give you an idea of the trips available. The timing, variety, number and duration of excursions are up to you. In general all excursions are possible from any point of the cruise. It is also possible to enjoy lunch or dinner ashore should you wish.
Burgundy - at the heart of the natural beauty of this fascinating cruising area are the golden slopes of the Côte d’Or. It has always been a wealthy and important region fought over by empires and kingdoms since Roman times. As the Cistercian order was founded here, there are many abbeys and churches and the vast empire of the Ducs de Bourgogne produced the chateaux and palaces.
Vineyards of the côte d’Or – a tour of some of the most famous vineyards in the world and lunch at one of the leading Domains in Puligny Montrachet. What could be nicer than a gentle walk through the terroirs of Chassagne Montrachet, Chevaliers and Les Charmes followed by a drive through the villages of Mersault, Volnay and Pommard.
Route des Grands Crus - a drive from Dijon to Beaune through Chenôve, with the Cuverie des Ducs de Bourgogne, Fixin, Gevrey-Chambertin, Morey St Denis, Nuits St Georges and Pernand-Vergelesses.
Beaune - the wine capital of Burgundy, is a medieval town of stunning Burgundian/Flemish architecture. The Hotel Dieu is a 15th century hospice and wine museum. You can taste more than 25 vintages in the Marché aux Vins in a former 13th century church.
Vosne-Romanée – home of the most distinguished vineyard estate on the Côte d’Or, the Domaine de la Romanée-Conti.
Vougeot – the chateau within the famous vineyard of the Clos de Vougeot is the home of the Confrérie des Chevaliers du Tastevin - Brotherhood of the knights of Wine Tasting. Built by the Cistercian monks from Cîteaux, the wine cellars date back to the 12th century.
Aloxe Corton – the appellation which boasts both white and red Grand Crus. Charlemagne had a vineyard here and the terroir still produces the Corton-Charlemagne.
Châteauneuf - the chateau and old fortified market town with narrow streets and houses built by the rich Burgundian merchants.
Dijon – ancient home of the Ducs of Burgundy, boasts 6 museums, including the Musée des Beaux-Arts and the Musée d’Art Sacré. The picturesque centre of the old town with the colourful Burgundian/Flemish tiled roofs and half timbered houses features the largest indoor market in Burgundy and, not forgetting, a visit to the famous mustard shop.
La Bussière-sur- Ouche – the 700 year old Benedictine Abbey.
Dole – a picturesque medieval town in the Jura region. Birthplace of Louis Pasteur.
Cîteaux – where the Cistercian order, founded in 1098, developed the cultivation of the grape vine on the Côte d’Or.

Activities

The beautiful scenery of Burgundy is the ideal setting for:
Walking and hiking
Enjoy a gentle walk along the tow path and meet Le Premier at the next lock, or venture into one of the villages along the canal. For the adventurous there are plenty of more challenging walks in the countryside.What could be nicer than a gentle walk through some of the most famous vineyards in the world along the slopes of the Côte d'Or.
Cycling
There are adult and childrens bicycles on board Le Premier. The French are keen cyclists and the tow paths are the ideal place for cycling through beautiful scenery away from the roads. Or, work up a thirst and cycle to a bar and enjoy a cool beer.
Hot Air Ballooning
For truly spectacular views, take to the air in a hot air balloon.
Spa Treatments
Therapists will visit the boat to pamper you with a range of the latest spa treatments and beauty therapies.(By arrangement)
Golf
There are a choice of golf courses within a short drive of the canal. Some are located within the grounds of magnificient chateaux.
Horse Riding
Enjoy an early evening buggy ride and stop for a Kir while Jesse has her sugar lunps.