Barge Cruise: Papillon
Cruise In France On The Canal du Nivernais In Northern Burgundy And The Saone and Seille Rivers In Southern Burgundy and in Champagne On The Deluxe Hotel-Barge Le PAPILLON
BARGE CRUISES: SEVEN DAYS/SIX NIGHTS
Le Papillon converted from a 6-passenger barge to a 4-passenger barge with two spacious cabins in the 2021 season. It began life in 1902 as a commercial barge that travelled the waters of the river Rhine. Discovered in 1980 by two of New York's top interior designers, she was rescued and lovingly converted into a luxury hotel barge cruising on canals and rivers throughout southern Burgundy. Cruising the last 2 years under new ownership, the decision was made to upgrade the old gal. Le Papillon has undergone a complete reconfiguration and remodel of her cabins, converting it from 3 cozy cabins to 2 spacious and luxurious accommodations with gorgeous new materials and furnishings and new modern ensuite bathrooms. In addition, the top deck has a new floor surface and an awning for dining al fresco. The salon is also updated with new wall coverings, furniture and window treatments creating an elegant new decor throughout. We stayed on the barge and met with the new owners in April 2017, and visited again in May 2019. They, and we, are all very excited about the renovations and the high quality and cruise experience which Le Papillon brings for years to come!
Like a fine wine or a good meal, a cruise week aboard Le Papillon is the type of vacation that is to be savored. There's plenty of time to remember what you did yesterday and the day before without having a whirlwind itinerary that is so typical of modern tourism. In 2023, Le Papillon cruises in Northern Burgundy on the Canal de Nivernais, one of the most beautiful canals in France. Excursions there include wine tasting in Chablis, and visits to the medieval town of Auxerre and the town of Vezelay with its Basilica of St Mary Magdalene. Then she cruises in July and August in the beautiful Champagne region, then in Southern Burgundy through September, and ends the season in Provence.
As for the wine, every lunch and dinner starts with an aperitif to sharpen the palate. There is an enormous variety of top quality wines on board, mostly from vineyards unknown outside the local regions. These wines are matched to every meal served to you throughout your stay on board. There is house wine in the bar for everyday drinking in the saloon or on deck. There is also a bottle or two of house champagne or an interesting limited-edition bottle the crew is excited about. When it comes to meal times however, you will never be offered the same wine twice. In Burgundy the list includes: big and buttery chilled Burgundian chardonnays of classic proportions, sumptuous Burgundy Pinot Noirs from some of the very best villages and producers in the area, and some odd, slightly unusual Burgundian wines that the crew has discovered on their travels. Finally you will be offered great wines from Northern Burgundy, the Cote du Rhone, Maconnais and elsewhere. Best of all the crew is always finding new winemakers and new wines to add.
As for menus, the Chef de Cuisine takes great pride in ensuring that your dining experience on board will not only be a feast for the senses but will also support our local farmers and growers. You will be amazed at the quality of the food that comes from such a small galley kitchen. The chef focuses on organic and artisan products, and our menus are created according to what's seasonally available. The chef takes the time and attentiveness to select ingredients at markets, directly from producers, and often from the lock-keepers who supply her with eggs, cheese or a basket of "trompette" mushrooms. As for cheese, on board you'll get at least three cheeses every day and never the same one twice. And depending on the time of year, you may be served a fresh elderberry cordial, wild asparagus, black berry jelly or a warm walnut tart. Feel free to join in on any of their culinary excursions. When it comes to mealtimes, their gourmet cuisine is served in either the formal dining room or under the shade of the new deck. If there is a traditional dish you have always wanted to try or you have any dietary requests, the chef is always happy to try and accommodate your needs.
Rick Steves YouTube video aboard Papillon in Burgundy
Rick Steves visits the luxury hotel barge Papillon
Click the "PLAY" button in the center of the video to start viewing Rick Steves commentary on his barge cruise aboard Papillon
Features
- Size of barge: 100 ft by 16.5 ft
- Number of Passengers: 4
- Number of Cabins (all with private bath): 2
- Crew: 4
- Air Conditioning and Central Heating: Yes
- Salon: Salon with 2 comfortable sofas and chairs. Separate dining room. All with picture windows.
- Bar: Open bar
- Deck: Sundeck with dining table and 4 chairs, 4 lounge chairs and fixed awning
- Spa Tub: No
- Cabin Features: Two twin or European king size bed cabins, approx. 150 sq ft each, including ensuite bathroom with shower.
- Vehicle for Transfers/Excursions: VW/Audi luxury Caravelle minibus, seating for 7 passengers.
- Accessibility: Steps from deck to salon and cabins
- Bicycles: Road bikes, suitable for towpaths, are provided.
- Wi-Fi: Yes - limited in some areas
Papillon's Deck Plan
| LE PAPILLON 2021 SEASON PRICES in US DOLLARS | |
|---|---|
| TYPE | REGULAR Apr 18 thru Oct 16 |
| Charter for 2 |
$18,500 |
| Charter for 4 |
$25,000 |
| LE PAPILLON 2022 SEASON PRICES in US DOLLARS | |
|---|---|
| TYPE | REGULAR Apr 17 thru Oct 15 |
| Charter for 2 |
$18,500 |
| Charter for 3 |
$20,250 |
| Charter for 4 |
$25,000 |
What's Included:
- 7 days, 6 nights on the barge in cabins with private bath
- All meals beginning with Sunday dinner and ending with Saturday breakfast
- Wines with meals and open bar on board (one meal on shore included with wine selected by the captain but other alcoholic beverages on shore are at passenger's expense)
- Transfers from Paris to the barge and return
- All escorted side excursions
- Use of bicycles
What's Not Included
- Overseas air transportation to Paris and return
- Suggested minimum 5% gratuity for the crew, to be given to the captain in equivalent euros
- Optional activities such as massages and golf green fees
- Trip cancellation insurance
|
Le Papillon 2021 Season Cruise Schedule* |
||
|---|---|---|
| Week | Route (Or Reverse) | Season |
| Apr 18 | Auxerre-Chevroches | Regular |
| Apr 25 | Chevroches-Auxerre | Regular |
| May 2 | Auxerre-Chevroches | Regular |
| May 9 | Chevroches-Auxonne | Regular |
| May 16 | Auxerre-Chevroches | Regular |
| May 23 | Chevroches-Auxerre | Regular |
| May 30 | Auxerre-Chevroches | Regular |
| Jun 6 | Chevroches-Auxerre | Regular |
| Jun 13 | Auxerre-Chevroches | Regular |
| Jun 20 | Chevroches-Auxerre | Regular |
| Jun 27 | Auxerre-Chevroches | Regular |
| Jul 4 | Chevroches-Auxerre | Regular |
| Jul 11 | Auxerre-Chevroches | Regular |
| Jul 18 | Chevroches-Auxerre | Regular |
| Jul 25 | Auxerre-Chevroches | Regular |
| Aug 1 | Chevroches-Auxerre | Regular |
| Aug 8 | Auxerre-Chevroches | Regular |
| Aug 15 | Chevroches-Auxerre | Regular |
| Aug 22 | Bassou-Montbard | Regular |
| Aug 29 | Montbard-Escommes | Regular |
| Sep 5 | Pont de Pany-Pont Royal | Regular |
| Sep 12 | Pont Royal-Pont de Pany | Regular |
| Sep 19 | Pont de Pany-Pont Royal | Regular |
| Sep 26 | Pont Royal-Pont de Pany | Regular |
| Oct 3 | Pont de Pany-Pont Royal | Regular |
| Oct 10 | Pont Royal-Pont de Pany | Regular |
|
Le Papillon 2022 Season Cruise Schedule* |
||
|---|---|---|
| Week | Route (Or Reverse) | Season |
| Apr 17 | Auxerre-Chevroches | Regular |
| Apr 24 | Chevroches-Auxerre | Regular |
| May 1 | Auxerre-Chevroches | Regular |
| May 8 | Chevroches-Auxerre | Regular |
| May 15 | Auxerre-Chevroches | Regular |
| May 22 | Chevroches-Auxerre | Regular |
| May 29 | Auxerre-Chevroches | Regular |
| Jun 5 | Chevroches-Auxerre | Regular |
| Jun 12 | Auxerre-Chevroches | Regular |
| Jun 19 | Chevroches-Auxerre | Regular |
| Jun 26 | Auxerre-Chevroches | Regular |
| Jul 3 | Chevroches-Auxerre | Regular |
| Jul 10 | Auxerre-Chevroches | Regular |
| Jul 17 | Chevroches-Auxerre | Regular |
| Jul 24 | Auxerre-Chevroches | Regular |
| Jul 31 | Chevroches-Auxerre | Regular |
| Aug 7 | Auxerre-Chevroches | Regular |
| Aug 14 | Chevroches-Pont de Pany | Regular |
| Aug 21 | Chevroches-Pont de Pany | Regular |
| Aug 28 | Chevroches-Pont de Pany | Regular |
| Sep 4 | Pont de Pany-Pont Royal | Regular |
| Sep 11 | Pont Royal-Pont de Pany | Regular |
| Sep 18 | Pont de Pany-Pont Royal | Regular |
| Sep 25 | Pont Royal-Pont de Pany | Regular |
| Oct 2 | Pont de Pany-Pont Royal | Regular |
| Oct 9 | Pont Royal-Pont de Pany | Regular |
*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.
Northern Burgundy Southern Burgundy Champagne
SAMPLE ITINERARY*
Burgundy: Canal du Nivernais
Auxerre-Chevroches Apr-July 2023
Burgundy: Canal du Nivernais
Auxerre-Chevroches Apr-July 2023
Chablis vineyard
Famous Auxerre clocktower
Le Saussois Cliffs
Village of Vezelay
Bazoches Chateau
Sunday - Auxerre
A barge representative will meet you at your hotel in Paris or at Paris CDG
airport and transfer you by private minibus to Le Papillon, moored in Auxerre.
Upon arrival, you will be welcomed aboard with a Champagne reception and
introduced to the crew. After settling in your cabin, you are free to explore
the medieval town of Auxerre, or take a stroll along the banks of the River
Yonne before returning for dinner on board.
Monday - Auxerre to Vincelles
Our morning cruise takes us through some delightful locks and past vineyard-clad
hillsides to our rural mooring at Vincelles. The afternoon excursion is to
Chablis, home of one of the most famous white wines in the world. A tasting in
one of the town's aged cellars will introduce you to some of the local Petit
Chablis and Chablis wines. Dinner on board..
Tuesday - Vincelles to Mailly-la-Ville
After breakfast, our excursion is to the medieval town of Auxerre. Originally
the capital of Lower Burgundy, the town prides itself on its lavish Renaissance
houses, fine churches and particularly its magnificent cathedral situated close
to the river. We then return to the hotel barge for a cruise southwards through
rich pasturelands and past grazing Charolais cattle to the sleepy village of
Mailly-la-Ville. After your relaxed lunch on board, perhaps this is a good time
to enjoy a walk or bicycle ride along the towpath. Dinner on board.
Wednesday - Mailly-la-Ville to Le Saussois
This morning, we visit the charming 14th century medieval market village of
Noyers-sur-Surein, one of the most beautiful villages in France, on an excursion
through delightful countryside. In the afternoon we cruise past the cliffs at Le
Saussois, a stunning natural setting with an international climbing centre.
There will also be the opportunity to enjoy delightful walks or bicycle rides
along the towpath, before a somewhat spectacular dinner. We will dine ashore at
Le Château de Vault-de-Lugny, a secluded and romantic 5 star Hotel with a
history that dates back almost nine hundred years. On the menu you will find
dishes such as Burgundy Truffle - hand-picked from the plantation housed
somewhere amidst the 40 hectares of land, or Charolais Beef - some of the finest
red meat in the entirety of Europe.
Thursday - Le Saussois to Lucy-sur-Yonne
Our morning cruise is through the picturesque Yonne Valley to our mooring at
Lucy-sur-Yonne. After lunch on board, we enjoy an excursion to the pilgrimage
town of Vézelay, one of Burgundy's most famous treasures with the Romanesque
Basilica of St Mary Magdalene, craft shops and fine views of the surrounding
countryside. Dinner on board.
Friday - Lucy-sur-Yonne to Chevroches
A morning cruise through beautiful countryside takes us to our final mooring at
the pretty canalside village of Chevroches and again this is a perfect time for
a walk or a bicycle ride. In the afternoon, we visit the elegant Château de
Bazoches, built in the 12th century and whose illustrious visitors included
Richard the Lionhearted. The château was later remodeled by Maréchal Vauban
and there are wonderful views from its elevated hillside setting. Captain's
Farewell Dinner on board.
Saturday - Chevroches
After a continental breakfast of fruits, cereals and pastries, our private
minibus transfer will take you to your hotel in Paris or Paris CDG airport,
arriving about 12 noon.
Note: This sample itinerary and runs in reverse directions on alternate weeks
SAMPLE ITINERARY*
Burgundy: Saone and Seille Rivers
St-Jean-de-Losne to Louhans 2023
Burgundy: Saone and Seille Rivers
St-Jean-de-Losne to Louhans 2023
Château Clos de Vougeot
Dijon
The Hôtel-Dieu in Beaune
Welcome to St Jean de Losne! A champagne welcome and introduction to the crew awaits. Take some time to settle in and relax before you enjoy your first of many gourmet meals on board by your personal chef.
Monday - St Jean de Losne to Le Chatelet sur Saône
After breakfast, we cruise through St Jean de Losne and start cruising down the Saone River. Enjoy a morning coffee on the front deck, while we wind our way to the sleepy farming hamlet of Le Chatelet sur Saone. Once moored, we will head for the famed Cote de Nuits wine region, where will visit the 12th C Chateau of Clos de Vougeot for a tour of this historic monastery where the monks cultivated the vines here at the end of the 11th century. The four original giant wine presses are still standing in the vat house on the property. We end our visits today in Nuits St Georges with a visit to the Jafflin family wine cellar in Nuits st Georges itself for a tasting of some of the best wines the region has to offer. Dinner on board is a treat tonight and may possibly include some bottles of those lovely wines you were only able to taste earlier at Jafflin.
Tuesday - Le Chatlet sur Saône to Verdun sur le Doubs
After breakfast, we head off to visit Dijon, Capital of the Dukes of Burgundy. It's market day and one can accompany the cook as she haggles with the traders in the imposing 'Halles Centrales’. Orientation of Dijon's centre and you'll soon be free to explore on your own -- the Rue Verrerie with its famous antique shops is nearby, so too is the Musée des Beaux-Arts and the Rue Verrerie with the famous Maille mustard shop and Ducal Palace. We return to Papillon moored in the town of Seurre, and from there we spend the afternoon cruising to the confluence town of Verdun sur le Doubs. Dinner on board. Tonight is the perfect ending to a day well spent enjoying the history and diversity of Burgundy.
Wednesday - Verdun sur le Doubs to Chalon sur Saône
Today we head off cross country to the famed Cote d'Or wine country and descend into the Côte d'Or vineyards and visit Beaune -- a thriving little town and proud capital of the wine trade. Here we tour the world-famous Hospice with its multi-coloured roof tiles built in 1443 by Nicolas Rolin, chancellor to the dukes of Burgundy. This afternoon's journey takes us to the bustling town of Chalon sur Saone where photography was invented by Nicephore Niepce and wehere we will moor on the island in the Saone, the towns historical centre. Our dinner ashore tonight is at the Restaurant Le Bistro, an intimate culinary gem on the Island of Chalon.
Thursday - Chalon sur Saône to Cuisery
After a morning cruise downstream, our lunchtime mooring is in the shadow of the 11th century abbey of St.Philibert, on the waterfront at Tournus. From here we will travel westwards to the mediaeval hilltop village of Brancion, and then a stroll through its sleepy streets we will continue to the 17th Century Chateau de Cormatin, with its magnificent gilded rooms. Time permitting, we may choose an optional tour and tasting at Clos Antonin Rodet in Mercury or return to the barge to sample some of the delicious white wines from the village of Chardonnay, the origin of one of France's most famous grape varieties. Dinner this evening will surely highlight the incredible flavors of the white Burgundian wines that are so revered in this region.
Friday - Cuisery to Louhans
We turn off the River Saone this morning and start wending our way up to the headwaters of the River Seille, one of the gems of the French Waterways and which only the Papillon can regularly navigate with passengers, owing to its carefully calculated dimensions when built. You'll be able to enjoy a relaxing lunch on deck accompanied by some carefully selected wines as we travel through lush water meadows and past timeless watermills; to the capital of the famed Poulet de Bresse producing region; Louhans with its fabulous colonnaded Grande Rue and mediaeval hospital. Be sure to return to Papillon in time for apéritifs with the crew and one last magnificent meal, where we will enjoy the Captains Farewell Feast featuring the only ‘"appellation controlée" chicken in the world, with its blue legs, scarlet crest and sublime flavour. Bon Appetit!
Saturday - Louhans
All things must come to an end and unfortunately there is no exception with your cruise on board Le Papillon. After a final café and pain au chocolate, our crew bids you a fond farewell as our captain helps transition you to your flight home or on to your next destination. À bientôt! See you soon.
Note: This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change. the cruise is in the opposite direction on alternate weeks.
SAMPLE ITINERARY*
Champagne: Marne River, Canal Lateral a la Marne
Chateau Thierry to Chalons-en-Champagne 2023
Champagne: Marne River, Canal Lateral a la Marne
Chateau Thierry to Chalons-en-Champagne 2023
Cemetery of Belleau Wood
Champagne Vineyards
Epernay Moet et Chandon Cave
Reims Cathedral
Sunday - Château Thierry
Welcome to Château-Thierry! Come aboard your temporary home, Le Papillon, and have a glass of champagne (of course!) while you're introduced to the crew that will be taking care of you this week. Take the rest of the day to relax and settle into your luxurious room before you enjoy your first gourmet dinner onboard, created by your own personal chef. You have an exciting and relaxing week ahead!
Monday - Château Thierry to Dormans
We begin the day with a short cruise to Saint Père and a morning excursion to the American memorial at Belleau Wood. The Battle of Belleau Wood took place in June of 1918, during World War I. It is still considered one of the most significant battles in U.S. Marine Corps history. It also marked the first major engagement of the U.S. in WWI. To this day, the story of Belleau Wood continues to have a significant impact on military culture. Return to Le Papillon for a beautiful lunch and a short cruise before your first champagne tasting at Champagne Météyer Père et Fils. This charming vineyard began from just one hectare of vines in the 1860s and is still in the same family. Today it's managed by Franck Météyer, the great-grandson of winegrower Pierre Clément. The vineyard has a long and proud history of tradition and warm hospitality. The day is completed with a lovely dinner and a nightcap on board while moored at Dormans.
Tuesday - Dormans to Épernay
This morning we cruise to Épernay, the capital city of the Champagne region. Located in the heart of the vineyards, Épernay is frequently a city alive with festivities where champagne is the theme -- of course! Our afternoon excursion includes a private tour of Champagne Boizel, created in 1834. Situated in the center of the Avenue de Champagne, Boizel is considered the "Champs-Elysees" of the Champagne region. You're in for an educational and entertaining experience at this vineyard! There are hundreds of miles of cellars and approximately 200 million bottles of champagne stored underground here. Boizel is the last of the family champagne houses that remain open for visits, so enjoy your insider look! Tonight, you’ll enjoy a fresh, local dinner ashore at the Royal Champagne, a luxury spa hotel, and Michelin Rosette restaurant in Champillon. You'll be awed by the sweeping, overlook views of the valley and Épernay. Napoleon himself was once a visitor at this former post house. You'll notice the salon now pays homage to the women who played pivotal roles in his life.
Wednesday - Epernay to Mareuil-sur-Aÿ
This morning, you'll head to the village of Hautvillers, the "Cradle of Champagne." Today, Hautvillers is considered the birthplace of champagne wine. Hautvillers is also the final resting place of the Benedictine monk, Dom Pérignon, at the Abbey Saint-Pierre. At this abbey in the 17th century he paved the way for the eventual creation of champagne. Return to Le Papillon, where you'll enjoy lunch on board before heading to Pierry, just south of Épernay, where you'll see and taste Xavier Thibaut's bouchons de Champagne chocolates as they're being made. A true dream for all chocolate lovers! You’ll continue on your afternoon of indulgence with a tasting at Champagne Lenique, the supplier of the champagne onboard our barges for over 25 years! In operation since 1768, the Lenique House has stood the test of time and is still managed by members of the Lenique family. Enjoy another delicious dinner on board tonight, moored in Mareuil-sur-Aÿ. It will be the perfect finishing touch on a lovely day immersed in the history of Champagne.
Thursday - Mareuil-sur-Aÿ to Vraux
After a short cruise to Vraux, we head to France's city of kings, the historic Reims, known for its unmissable cathedral and the chalky cellars of Veuve Cliquot. The stunning cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site built in the 13th century, has hosted the coronation of 25 kings of France from the 13th to 19th centuries. The ground under Reims has been mined for its chalk for hundreds of years. Now, those tunnels are home to cellars that house over 23 million bottles of champagne. Before heading back to the barge, check out the busy Place Drouet d'Erlon, a pedestrian square -- it's the perfect place to people watch and take in the historic, classic architecture of the buildings. Enjoy a cake (or two) in the art deco tea room at Pâtisserie Waïda. On sunny days the terrace is a beautiful place to enjoy your beverage and classic French pastry. Back on board for the evening, your chef will greet you with an aperitif to prepare you for a marvelous dinner on board tonight.
Friday - Vraux to Chalons-en-Champagne
This afternoon, after our final stretch of cruising to Chalons, we head to the village of Bouzy. Bouzy is home to the Grand Cru Pinot Noir, and we've come for one last tasting session at Champagne Herbert Beaufort. Since the 17th century, the Beaufort family has been producing champagne in Bouzy. Today they still vinify, in the purest tradition, more than 130,000 bottles of champagne and Bouzy red a year. After enjoying your tasting experience, you'll return to Le Papillon to relax and prepare for your final night on board, which is topped off with the captain's farewell dinner. Enjoy the food and drink of the Champagne region while listening to the fascinating stories shared around the table. Bon Appétit!
Saturday - Chalons-en-Champagne
Even the best things must come to an end! Grab a final café and pain au chocolat before your departure this morning. Our captain will assist you in your seamless and stress-free transition to your flight home or on to your next destination. After a week of cruising and experiencing the Champagne region on Le Papillon, you'll leave feeling refreshed and relaxed with memories to last a lifetime. À bientôt! See you soon!
Note: This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change. It cruises in the opposite direction on alternate weeks.
Dining Aboard The Papillon:
SAMPLE MENU
LUNCH- Roasted guinea fowl with a rocket pesto
- Avocado with a walnut dressing and lambs lettuce
- Fresh cucumber marinated in natural yogurt and mint
- Potato salad with crispy pancetta, fresh mint and olive oil
- Beetroot tossed in Dijon grain mustard, balsamic vinegar and olive oil dressing
- Assorted cheese such as Fromage de Chèvre & Cantal
- PAIRED WINE of Saint-Bris Sauvignon 'Exogyra Virgula' 2007 and Goisot Pernand Vergelesses Ier Cru 2006
DINNER
- Freshly made scallop and tarragon tortellini, yellow and red cherry tomato salsa
- Lamb cutlets marinated in olive oil and thyme, ratatouille with fresh mint potato gratin
- Assorted cheese such as Papillon Roquefort & Comté
- Dessert of roasted nectarines with almonds, honey, mascarpone and peach liqueur
- PAIRED WINE of Meursault Ier Cru 'Les Charmes' 2006 and Remi Jobard
Passenger Comments:
Meals and wines were delicious. Evey meal was wonderful - from continental breakfasts to lunches and dinners. And the table settings were so lovely. It was such a pleasure to walk into the dining room and behold what pleasures awaited us! The excursions were lots of fun, and very interesting. Leigh was an excellent tour guide. The country-side is so beautiful, it was great to be able to drive through rolling hills and little town from the barge to different sites each day.
N&T C, MA USA
The barge trip was wonderful. We class it as luxurious. The cruise, the thought that went into the menu, the food choices and presentation and the way it effected the taste buds was lovely. The service was fantastic - my lips didn't move and it happened.
P&D W., Australia
Outstanding! Unforgetable! Service was outstanding! Friendly, acommodating and complete. Meals were excellent as were the wines. Liked the barge route very much. Beautiful scenery and interesting towns. We'd like to have bottled it! A fantastic three generation trip. The bikes were great and well used.
B.C. NY USA
LINKS to Papillon Information
This page last updated December 25, 2023