Cruise in France on the Canals and Rivers of Southern Burgundy aboard the Ultra-Deluxe Hotel-Barge FLEUR DE LYS
SEVEN DAYS / SIX NIGHTS
The 6-passenger Fleur de Lys is one of the most impeccably appointed barges in the world, with a gracious elegance and amenities that epitomize the concept of ultimate luxury. Similar in size to a large hotel barge carrying up to 22 passengers, the Fleur de Lys is completely air-conditioned and accommodates six guests in 2500 square feet of living space.
Her three staterooms (240-320 sq ft) each feature a canopied king bed or two twin beds, dressing area and full ensuite bathrooms with twin basins; two have a bathtub/shower and are on the lower deck and one has a shower and is on the main deck, perfect for those with difficulty with stairs. The stately salon with its grand piano and large picture windows is rich in texture and comfort and the separate dining room has been tastefully decorated to host the most elegant five course candlelight dinners. The Fleur de Lys has a heated plunge pool on its main deck.
The Fleur de Lys cruises the classic Burgundy Canal bordering France’s famous Côte d’Or – composed of the Côte de Nuits and the Côte de Beaune – where the legendary wines that are permitted to bear the Grands Crus and Premiers Crus labels can be discovered. You’ll recognize names like Meursault, Montrachet, Gevrey-Chambertin, Clos de Vougeot, Pommard and Santenay and sample wines that are rarely available outside the borders of France. She also cruises the River Saône and the Canal du Centre (built 1783-1791 to link the Loire and Saône rivers) visiting towns and villages enroute such as Beaune, Dijon, St Jean de Losne, and Chalon-sur-Saône.
Features
- Size of barge: 129 ft by 16.6 ft
- Number of Passengers: 6
- Number of Cabins (all with private bath): 3
- Crew: 6
- Air Conditioning and Central Heating: Yes
- Salon: Elegant salon with comfortable sofas and chairs, grand piano, library, writing desk, separate dining room, picture windows, BOSE ipod docking stations
- Bar: Open bar
- Deck: Sundeck with canopy for shade, table and chairs and swimming pool
- Spa Tub: heated plunge pool 12.8 by 14.8 ft
- Cabin Features: Upper deck suite 320 sq ft including dressing room 103 sq ft and bathroom 64 sq ft with large shower; lower deck: suite #2 239 sq ft including dressing room 47 sq ft, bathroom 59 sq ft with bathtub, suite #3 258 sq ft, including dressing room 70 sq ft, bathroom 66 sq ft. with bathtub. All bathrooms with double sinks. Suites have twin beds or king canopy bed.
- Vehicle for Transfers/Excursions: Air-conditioned 8 seater mini bus
- Accessibility: One cabin on upper deck, two on lower deck
- Bicycles: Yes
Fleur de Lys's Deck Plan

Passenger Comments:
Superb, excellent, magnific, do not begin to describe the experience from top to bottom, stern to stern. One does not attempt to improve on perfection, therefore, our only suggestion can be - "don't change anything"
-- Pam & Duke V.
It has been several years since I cruised on the FDL. I have never seen her look so beautiful, maintained with pride and TLC. The crew are top drawer, very professional, lots of humour and not too bad at petanque!
-- Bob & Jodi M.
Excellent vacation, friendly, attentive and knowledgeable crew, really enjoyed! The crew were simply fantastic, nothing too much trouble for them.
-- name withheld.
SAMPLE ITINERARY*
Burgundy: Canal de Bourgogne, Saone River, Canal du Centre
Dijon to St. Leger
Sunday - Paris to Dijon.
Board the barge at Dijon's Port du Canal for your cruise through Burgundy. A champagne reception welcomes you on board and gives you a chance to meet the crew. Later that evening, experience your first dinner on board.
Monday - Cruise to Longecourt. Visit Château de Longecourt.
This morning enjoy your first cruise on the canal. Once moored in Longecourt visit the Chateau de Longecourt which has been owned by the same family since 1631. It has been beautifully decorated through the centuries and is rich in history. Some 'graffiti' can be found in the stables, left behind by the American pilots who stayed there during World War II. If the count is in residence, he will give you a personal tour of his property.
Tuesday - Visit Dijon. Cruise to St. Jean de Losne.
After breakfast, enjoy a walking tour of Dijon including a visit to the market, the Grey Poupon mustard shop and the Ducal Palace. There will be some free time for shopping or perhaps, to sit in one of the numerous pavement cafés and simply just watch the world pass by. Return to the boat for lunch and an afternoon cruise to St. Jean de Losne, the barging capital of France. Take some time this evening or early tomorrow to stroll around the port and see the many working and pleasure barges.
Wednesday - Visit Beaune. Cruise to Chalon-sur-Saône.
Continue to cruise the peaceful valley of the River Saône downstream to Seurre. Today, lunch is taken at the Loiseau des Vignes in Beaune. In the afternoon, discover Beaune, the capital of the wine region of Burgundy. Enjoy a visit to the famous Hôtel-Dieu, Hospice de Beaune and a wine tasting. Later, your guide takes you on a walking tour of the pedestrian area in Chalon-sur-Saône, the last of the Burgundian style river towns.
Thursday - Cruise to Rully. Visit Château de Germolles.
The barge cruises leaves the River Saône by clearing the lock to enter the Canal du Centre. Back in the canal environment you may disembark the barge at a lock, bicycle alongside or walk and keep up with the pace of the barge. After lunch, visit the Château de Germolles, the only remaining residence of the Dukes of Burgundy. Tonight it is back to a countryside mooring in Rully.
Friday - Visit Couches and the Château Marguerite de Bourgogne. Cruise to St. Léger.
A leisurely cruise to St. Léger, another quaint village along the Canal du Centre which is our final destination. Your guide takes you to the stunning 11th century Château Marguerite de Bourgogne in Couches, for a tour of the magnificent buildings, surrounded by their own vines, followed by a wine tasting in their cellar. Meanwhile the chef is busy preparing your Farewell gala dinner on board.
Saturday - Dijon - Paris.
After breakfast disembark the barge for your onward travel arrangements.
Note: The day-to-day itinerary described above is a typical cruise and is subject to change. On any one cruise, the moorings may change and the places visited may vary depending on the season and the passenger preferences.
SAMPLE ITINERARY*
Burgundy: Canal de Bourgogne:
Dijon to Escommes
Sunday - Dijon.
A champagne reception welcomes you on board the barge moored at Dijon's Port du Canal for your cruise through Burgundy, and gives you a chance to meet the crew. A delicious dinner is served later that evening.
Monday - Cruise to Fleurey-sur-Ouche. Visit Clos de Vougeot.
Leaving Dijon, the canal follows the river Ouche where small-unspoiled villages and green, forested hills provide exceptional views from the deck. Spend the morning walking, or perhaps cycling along the tow path. This afternoon's excursion is a dégustation in Vougeot and a visit to "Clos de Vougeot", a medieval château and the headquarters of the Chevaliers du Tastevin, whose special label is awarded annually to the finest Côte d'Or vintages. The barge moors for the night in the small village of Fleury-sur-Ouche.
Tuesday - Cruise to Gissey. Visit Dijon.
After a wonderful French style breakfast, your guide takes you on a walking tour of Dijon including a visit to the Ducal Palace, the market and the Grey Poupon mustard shop. Enjoy some free time for shopping at the many wonderful shops in town, or perhaps just sit in one of the numerous pavement cafés and simply watch the world go by. Return to the boat for lunch and an afternoon's cruise to the charming village of Gissey. This is a truly stunning part of the canal, sit back and watch the ever changing scenery glide by.
Wednesday - Cruise to La Bussière. Visit Château de Savigny-lès-Beaune
Mid-morning, disembark the boat for a visit to l'Abbaye de la Bussière, which was built in the 12th century under the guidance of the Cistercian monks from Citeaux. Enjoy a tour of the grounds and have lunch in the one Michelin star restaurant. In the afternoon, visit the 15th century Château de Savigny-lès-Baunes set in its own vineyard and housing a huge collection of antique motorbikes, cars and planes.
Thursday - Cruise to Pont d'Ouche. Visit Beaune.
Relax with a morning cruise through the rolling hills of the Ouche Valley to Pont d'Ouche. After lunch visit Beaune, capital of the wine region of Burgundy and the famous Hôtel-Dieu, Hospice de Beaune. There is free time for shopping or strolling through the cobbled streets of this lovely town. Sample some of the local wines before returning to the barge.
Friday - Cruise to Escommes. Visit Châteauneuf-en-Auxois.
Our final cruise of the week takes us to the countryside mooring of Escommes, then after lunch visit Châteauneuf-en-Auxois. This medieval village with its commanding views over the plains is a wonderful place for a visit. Both the village and the château have a long and interesting history. This is followed by a tour of the surrounding countryside. Meanwhile the chef is preparing your farewell gala dinner on board.
Saturday - Dijon.
After breakfast disembark the barge for your onward travel arrangements.
Note: This day-to day-itinerary described is a typical cruise. However, on any one cruise, the moorings may change and the places visited may vary depending on the season and guest preferences.
Fleur de Lys
2010 Season Cruise Schedule* |
| Week |
Route |
Season |
| Apr 4 |
Escommes-Dijon |
Regular
|
| Apr 11 |
Dijon-Escommes |
Regular
|
| Apr 18 |
Escommes-Dijon |
Regular
|
| Apr 25 |
Dijon-Escommes |
Regular
|
| May 2 |
Escommes-Dijon |
Regular
|
| May 9 |
Dijon-Escommes |
Regular
|
| May 16 |
Escommes-Dijon |
Regular
|
| May 23 |
Dijon-St Leger |
Regular
|
| May 30 |
St Leger-Dijon |
Regular
|
| Jun 6 |
Dijon-St Leger |
Regular
|
| Jun 13 |
St Leger-Lyon |
Regular
|
| Jun 20 |
Lyon-St Leger |
Regular
|
| Jun 27 |
St Leger-Dijon |
Regular
|
| Jul 4 |
Dijon-Escommes |
Regular
|
| Jul 11 |
Escommes-St. Leger |
Regular
|
|
| Cruise Schedule* ... continued |
| Week |
Route |
Season |
| Jul 18 |
Escommes-St. Leger |
Regular
|
| Jul 25 |
Dijon-Escommes |
Regular
|
| Aug 1 |
Escommes-Dijon |
Regular
|
| Aug 8 |
Dijon-St Leger |
Regular
|
| Aug 15 |
St. Leger-Dijon |
Regular
|
| Aug 22 |
Dijon-St Leger |
Regular
|
| Aug 29 |
St. Leger-Dijon |
Regular
|
| Sep 5 |
Dijon-Escommes |
Regular
|
| Sep 12 |
Escommes-Dijon |
Regular
|
| Sep 19 |
Dijon-Escommes |
Regular
|
| Sep 26 |
Escommes-Dijon |
Regular
|
| Oct 3 |
Dijon-Escommes |
Regular
|
| Oct 10 |
Escommes-Dijon |
Regular
|
| Oct 17 |
Dijon-St Leger |
Regular
|
| Oct 24 |
St Leger-Dijon |
Regular
|
|
Fleur de Lys
2011 Season Cruise Schedule* |
| Week |
Route |
Season |
| Apr 3 |
Dijon-Escommes |
Standard
|
| Apr 10 |
Escommes-Dijon |
Standard
|
| Apr 17 |
Dijon-Escommes |
Standard
|
| Apr 24 |
Escommes-Dijon |
Standard
|
| May 1 |
Dijon-Escommes |
Standard
|
| May 8 |
Escommes-Dijon |
Standard
|
| May 15 |
Dijon-Escommes |
Standard
|
| May 22 |
Escommes-Dijon |
Standard
|
| May 29 |
Dijon-St Leger |
Standard
|
| Jun 5 |
St Leger-Dijon |
Standard
|
| Jun 12 |
Dijon-St Leger |
Standard
|
| Jun 19 |
St Leger-Dijon |
Standard
|
| Jun 26 |
Dijon-Escommes |
Standard
|
| Jul 3 |
Escommes-Dijon |
Standard
|
| Jul 10 |
Dijon-Escommes |
Standard
|
|
| Cruise Schedule* ... continued |
| Week |
Route |
Season |
| Jul 17 |
Escommes-Dijon |
Standard
|
| Jul 24 |
Dijon-Escommes |
Standard
|
| Jul 31 |
Escommes-Dijon |
Standard
|
| Aug 7 |
Dijon-Escommes |
Standard
|
| Aug 14 |
Escommes-Dijon |
Standard
|
| Aug 21 |
Dijon-St Leger |
Standard
|
| Aug 28 |
St Leger-Dijon |
Standard
|
| Sep 4 |
Dijon-St Leger |
Standard
|
| Sep 11 |
St Leger-Dijon |
Standard
|
| Sep 18 |
Dijon-St Leger |
Standard
|
| Sep 25 |
St Leger-Dijon |
Standard
|
| Oct 2 |
Dijon-Escommes |
Standard
|
| Oct 9 |
Escommes-Dijon |
Standard
|
| Oct 16 |
Dijon-Escommes |
Standard
|
| Oct 23 |
Escommes-Dijon |
Standard
|
|
*Note: Cruise directions and sample itineraries may be in reverse and are subject to change and may depend on bookings and local navigation conditions. Alternate excursions of equal appeal are substituted when needed. For charter cruises special itineraries can be arranged.
FLEUR DE LYS
2010 SEASON PRICES in US DOLLARS |
| ACCOMMODATION |
REGULAR Apr 4 thru Oct 30 |
|
Charter for 4 |
$39,400 |
|
Charter for 5 |
$43,000 |
|
Charter for 6 |
$46,600 |
|
Optional Train Ticket (per person round trip) |
$300 |
FLEUR DE LYS
2011 SEASON PRICES in US DOLLARS |
| ACCOMMODATION |
STANDARD Apr 3 thru Oct 29 |
|
Charter for 4 |
$40,100 |
|
Charter for 5 |
$43,750 |
|
Charter for 6 |
$47,400 |
What's Included- 7 days and 6 nights on the barge in a cabin with private bath
- Transfers from Dijon to the barge and return
- All meals beginning with dinner on Sunday through breakfast on Saturday
- All wines with lunches and dinners
- All escorted side-excursions (hot air balloon flights, golf, etc at extra cost)
- Use of bicycles
What's Not Included
- Overseas air transportation to Paris and return
- Train transfers from Paris to Dijon and return (available at extra cost)
- Suggested minimum 5% gratuity for the crew, to be paid to the captain in equivalent Euros
 |
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|
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Last Update: August 6, 2010
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