Barge Cruise: Fleur de Lys
Cruise In France On The Canal de Bourgogne, Saone River, Canal du Centre In Southern Burgundy Aboard The Ultra Deluxe Hotel-Barge FLEUR DE LYS
BARGE CRUISES: 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 accommodates just six guests in 2500 square feet of living space. We have visited the Fleur de Lys many times and think the interior decor is quite stunning, particularly its collection of authentic Indian furnishings, ornate fabrics and art work.
Each of her three large cabins feature a canopied king or two twin size beds, dressing area and full ensuite bathrooms with twin basins. Two of the cabins have a bathtub/shower configuration and and are located on the lower deck and one has a shower and is on the main deck. The cabin on the main deck is perfect for those passengers who have 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. For your pleasure, the Fleur de Lys has a heated plunge pool on its main deck.
The Fleur de Lys cruises the classic Canal du Centre, Saone River, and Canal du Bourgogne 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 are grown and available for you to enjoy. 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.
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
- Bar: Open bar
- Deck: Sundeck with canopy for shade, table and chairs and pool
- Spa Tub: heated plunge pool
- Cabin Features: Upper deck cabin 315 sq ft including dressing room and bathroom with shower and double sinks, with king canopy bed or twins. Two lower deck cabins 235-247 sq ft, including dressing room and bathroom with bathtub and double sinks, one with king canopy bed or twins, one with queen canopy bed or twins.
- Vehicle for Transfers/Excursions: Air-conditioned 8 seater mini bus
- Accessibility: No steps from deck to salon or upper deck cabin, staircase from salon to 2 lower deck cabins
- Bicycles: Yes
- Wi-Fi: Yes - limited in some areas
Fleur de Lys's Deck Plan
| FLEUR DE LYS 2021 SEASON PRICES in EUROS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| TYPE | LOW Apr 4 thru May 1 |
VALUE Jul 4 thru Sep 4 |
HIGH May 2 thru Jul 3 Sep 5 thru Oct 23 |
| Charter for 4 |
€32,750 |
€38,520 |
€48,500 |
| Charter for 5 |
€34,750 |
€40,528 |
€50,500 |
| Charter for 6 |
€36,750 |
€42,528 |
€52,500 |
| FLEUR DE LYS 2022 SEASON PRICES in EUROS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| TYPE | LOW Apr 3 thru Apr 30 |
VALUE Jul 3 thru Sep 3 |
HIGH May 1 thru Jul 2 Sep 4 thru Oct 22 |
| Charter for 4 |
€32,750 |
€38,520 |
€48,500 |
| Charter for 5 |
€34,750 |
€40,528 |
€50,500 |
| Charter for 6 |
€36,750 |
€42,528 |
€52,500 |
NOTE: Rates subject to change at any time. Please contact us for current prices.
What's Included
- 7 days and 6 nights on the barge in a cabin with private bath
- Transfers from Paris to the barge and return
- All meals beginning with dinner on Sunday through breakfast on Saturday, including one dinner at a local restaurant
- All wines with lunches and dinners
- All escorted side-excursion
- Use of bicycles
What's Not Included
- Overseas air transportation to Paris and return
- Trip cancellation insurance
- Suggested minimum 5% gratuity for the crew, to be given to the captain in equivalent Euros
|
Fleur de Lys 2021 Season Cruise Schedule* |
||
|---|---|---|
| Week | Route (Or Reverse) | Season |
| Apr 4 | Dijon-Vandenesse en Auxois | Low |
| Apr 11 | Vandenesse en Auxois-Dijon | Low |
| Apr 18 | Dijon-Vandenesse en Auxois | Low |
| Apr 25 | Vandenesse en Auxois-Dijon | Low |
| May 2 | Dijon-Vandenesse en Auxois | High |
| May 9 | Vandenesse en Auxois-Dijon | High |
| May 16 | Dijon-Vandenesse en Auxois | High |
| May 23 | Vandenesse en Auxois-Dijon | High |
| May 30 | Dijon-Vandenesse en Auxois | High |
| Jun 6 | Vandenesse en Auxois-Dijon | High |
| Jun 13 | Dijon-Vandenesse en Auxois | High |
| Jun 20 | Vandenesse en Auxois-Dijon | High |
| Jun 27 | Dijon-Vandenesse en Auxois | High |
| Jul 4 | Vandenesse en Auxois-Dijon | Value |
| Jul 11 | Dijon-Vandenesse en Auxois | Value |
| Jul 18 | Vandenesse en Auxois-Dijon | Value |
| Jul 25 | Dijon-Vandenesse en Auxois | Value |
| Aug 1 | Vandenesse en Auxois-Dijon | Value |
| Aug 8 | Dijon-Vandenesse en Auxois | Value |
| Aug 15 | Vandenesse en Auxois-Dijon | Value |
| Aug 22 | Dijon-Vandenesse en Auxois | Value |
| Aug 29 | Vandenesse en Auxois-Dijon | Value |
| Sep 5 | Dijon-Vandenesse en Auxois | High |
| Sep 12 | Vandenesse en Auxois-Dijon | High |
| Sep 19 | Dijon-Vandenesse en Auxois | High |
| Sep 26 | Vandenesse en Auxois-Dijon | High |
| Oct 3 | Dijon-Vandenesse en Auxois | High |
| Oct 10 | Vandenesse en Auxois-Dijon | High |
| Oct 17 | Dijon-Vandenesse en Auxois | High |
|
Fleur de Lys 2022 Season Cruise Schedule* |
||
|---|---|---|
| Week | Route (Or Reverse) | Season |
| Apr 3 | Dijon-Vandenesse en Auxois | Low |
| Apr 10 | Vandenesse en Auxois-Dijon | Low |
| Apr 17 | Dijon-Vandenesse en Auxois | Low |
| Apr 24 | Vandenesse en Auxois-Dijon | Low |
| May 1 | Dijon-Vandenesse en Auxois | High |
| May 8 | Vandenesse en Auxois-Dijon | High |
| May 15 | Dijon-Vandenesse en Auxois | High |
| May 22 | Vandenesse en Auxois-Dijon | High |
| May 29 | Dijon-Vandenesse en Auxois | High |
| Jun 5 | Vandenesse en Auxois-Dijon | High |
| Jun 12 | Dijon-Vandenesse en Auxois | High |
| Jun 19 | Vandenesse en Auxois-Dijon | High |
| Jun 26 | Dijon-Vandenesse en Auxois | High |
| Jul 3 | Vandenesse en Auxois-Dijon | Value |
| Jul 10 | Dijon-Vandenesse en Auxois | Value |
| Jul 17 | Vandenesse en Auxois-Dijon | Value |
| Jul 24 | Dijon-Vandenesse en Auxois | Value |
| Jul 31 | Vandenesse en Auxois-Dijon | Value |
| Aug 7 | Dijon-Vandenesse en Auxois | Value |
| Aug 14 | Vandenesse en Auxois-Dijon | Value |
| Aug 21 | Dijon-Vandenesse en Auxois | Value |
| Aug 28 | Vandenesse en Auxois-Dijon | Value |
| Sep 4 | Dijon-Vandenesse en Auxois | High |
| Sep 11 | Vandenesse en Auxois-Dijon | High |
| Sep 18 | Dijon-Vandenesse en Auxois | High |
| Sep 25 | Vandenesse en Auxois-Dijon | High |
| Oct 2 | Dijon-Vandenesse en Auxois | High |
| Oct 9 | Vandenesse en Auxois-Dijon | High |
| Oct 16 | Dijon-Vandenesse en Auxois | High |
*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.
SAMPLE ITINERARY*
Burgundy: Canal de Bourgogne, Saone River, Canal du Centre
Dijon to St Leger 2023
Burgundy: Canal de Bourgogne, Saone River, Canal du Centre
Dijon to St Leger 2023
Dijon
Hotel Dieu Hospice
Board the barge at Dijon's Port du Canal for your cruise through Burgundy. You're welcomed aboard with a sparkling champagne reception and the chance to meet the crew. Later, enjoy your first gourmet dining experience on board.
Monday - Cruise to Longecourt. Visit Clos du Vougeot; Gevrey Chambertin wine tasting
This morning, relax into life on the water as we cruise gently out of Dijon and continue along the Burgundy Canal to the small town of Longecourt. After lunch, alight with your guide for a drive down the famous Route des Grands Crus, passing through the villages of the Côte D’Or. Stop to visit the historic Clos de Vougeot, where Cistercian monks first began making wine in the 12th century. The ancient château is now the headquarters of the celebrated Burgundian wine society, the Confrérie des Chevaliers du Tastevin, and still houses the ancient cellar and wine presses from medieval times. After your visit, enjoy a private wine tasting at a renowned Gevrey Chambertin producer before returning to the barge for dinner.
Tuesday - Cruise to St-Jean-de-Losne. Morning visit to Dijon
After breakfast you're driven to Dijon for a walking tour of the capital of the great dukes of Burgundy. Visit the Ducal Palace and enjoy a tasting at the Edmond Fallot mustard shop. Take some time to shop or simply relax in one of the charming pavement cafés and watch the world go by. Return to the boat for lunch and an afternoon cruise to St-Jean-de-Losne, the barging capital of France. After dinner or early tomorrow morning, take the opportunity to stroll around the port and admire the many working and pleasure barges. Dinner is served on board.
Wednesday - Cruise to Fragnes. Visit Beaune
Today the barge cruises down the broad, majestic River Saône. Enjoy lunch on board before entering the Canal du Centre through the impressive, 10-metre-deep Crissey lock. Experience the first stretch of this beautiful, winding canal as we meander to our mooring in pretty Fragnes. After lunch, embark on a short drive to Beaune, the wine capital of Burgundy. Enjoy a private visit to the cellars of Joseph Drouhin, which run beneath the town and once belonged to the church and the dukes of Burgundy. Visit the 15th-century Hôtel-Dieu and venture behind its splendid gothic façade, varnished roof tiles and flamboyant colours to discover 500 years of Burgundian history. There will also be time to stroll around the town’s cobbled streets and browse the inviting shops before returning to the barge for dinner.
Thursday - Cruise to Chagny. Visit Château de Pommard
Enjoy a leisurely morning cruise along the Canal du Centre. Take advantage of the unhurried pace to alight at a lock and cycle or walk alongside the barge. Today, you enjoy lunch at the fabulous Michelin-starred restaurant, Le Montrachet, in Puligny-Montrachet. This is followed by an afternoon tour of the cellars at Château de Pommard and a wine tasting, before you return to the boat for cocktails on deck. Tonight, dinner is served on board.
Friday - Cruise to St-Léger-sur-Dheune. Visit Château de Rully
This morning, as we glide gently towards the attractive village of St-Léger-sur-Dheune - our final destination - look out for the Santenay vineyards, the most southern of the Côte de Beaune. After lunch, disembark for a short drive to Château de Rully, set among picturesque vineyards. You'll be welcomed by the Count, who will show you around his magnificent medieval castle and share intriguing stories of his ancestors. Before returning to the barge, visit a distinguished local vineyard and sample the vinous delights of the Côte de Beaune. Back on the barge, Chef is busy preparing your farewell gala dinner.
Saturday - St-Léger-sur-Dheune
Following breakfast, the crew bids you farewell as you disembark for your onward travel arrangements. We look forward to welcoming you back on board soon.
Note: In exceptional circumstances it may be necessary to alter the route without prior notice. The cruise is in the reverse direction on alternate weeks.
Dining Aboard The Fleur de Lys:
SAMPLE MENU
Dining on board the Fleur de Lys is among the highlights of the cruise. Our
five-course candlelit dinners are a particularly special treat. The table
d'hôte menus onboard the Fleur de Lys are of the very highest quality and
include many regional specialties and fine wines. Each week's menu includes some
of the Chef's original recipes as well as regional specialties and seasonal
delicacies unique to the particular area of the country you are cruising.You
will enjoy a buffet style continental breakfast, large lunch including
pâtés, cheeses, cold meats, tarts, terrines and salad. Dinners are
always plated with at least four courses and complementary wines.Meal times may vary to fit in with excursions but are generally:
Breakfast between 8:00 am to 10:00 am
Lunch between 12:00 pm and 2:00 pm
Dinner at 7:30 - 8:00 pm
LUNCH
- Oven baked salmon fillet with a dill and spinach Hollandaise
- Chickpea, peppers and feta salad
- Tomato and chevre quiche
- Mesclun and boccocini salad
- Green bean and tomato salad with basil vinaigrette
DINNER
- Amuse-bouches of beetroot and walnut pate on wholemeal crostini
- Entree: Caramelized onion tart of Auxonne, St. Agur and pear tart
- Main: Rosemary and garlic marinated lamb Loin, herbed cous cous, steamed broccoli and red current, red wine jus
- Dessert: Peach tartin with a vanilla and pecan ice cream
SAMPLE WINE LIST
Champagne - Laurent Perrier Champagne
White Wines - Saint Romain; Saint Veran; Montagny 1er Cru; Pouilly Fuisse; Sancerre; Meursault; Puligny Montrachet; Chassagne Montrachet 1er Cru; St Aubin 1er Cru; Chablis Grand Cru
Rose Wines - Marsannay Rose
Red Wines - Gevrey Chambertin Village; Gevrey Chambertin 1er Cru; Nuits St George; Morey St Denis; Chorey les Beaune; St Aubin 1er Cru; Beaune 1er Cru; Volnay; Chateauneuf de Papa
Bar Wines - Bourgogne Chardonnay; Bourgogne Pinot Noir
Please note this is a sample list of the usual wines served on board. We will of course try and accommodate any specific requests from clients for particular wines and spirits where possible.
Passenger Comments:
The cabins were beautiful, the meals and wines were great, the service was excellent and the excursions in Burgundy were very nice.
J.L., Hong Kong
Overall a great experience.The cabins were wonderful, service was beyond expectations, meals were great, wines were good.
J&S P. CO USA
The Fleur de Lys crew were so good at anticipating things we might need, all the crew were friendly without being intrusive. Every meal was a work of art! We really enjoyed all the specially selected wines. Our cabin was large and comfortable. I enjoy history and have been on lots of "historical tours" but rarely have I run across a guide with the enthusiasm of Michael when he gave his lectures. We also especially enjoyed the door to door Paris transfer service.
T & L C., F, USA
LINKS to Fleur de Lys Information
This page last updated December 25, 2023