Orient-Express - Afloat in France
Introducing the most relaxing and luxurious ways to explore France: cruising the country’s beautiful canals and rivers aboard an Afloat in France barge. Renowned as the finest craft currently operating on Europe’s inland waterways, these five exceptional boats take visitors from great cities right to the country’s hidden heart.
Enjoy these sample barge journeys and contact us to plan your personal barge holiday. Travel individually or get your own group together and charter the entire barge, or travel with a J&H Tours group.
Fleur de Lys
Amaryllis
Hirondelle
Alouette
Napoleon
Fleur de Lys
Burgundy
Dijon to St Léger
Fleur de Lys cruises the classic Burgundy wine route, stopping at some of the most famous vineyards in the world. Its journey through quiet countryside also takes guests to architectural marvels such as the 11th Century Chateau Marguerite de Bourgogne and the medieval abbey, Clos de Vougeot.
Fleur de Lys is a luxurious péniche (barge) laid out over two decks accommodating six guests in gracious elegance and with amenities that epitomise the concept of ultimate luxury. The top deck consists of a heated pool and sun deck; salon and dining room and one state cabin. The lower deck consists of two state cabins. The barge is air conditioned throughout.
Sample Journey
Sunday - Depart London by Eurostar and arrive in Paris where you will take the TGV train to Dijon. On arrival, your Afloat in France guide escorts you on the transfer to Dijon’s Port du Canal, where you board the Fleur de Lys for a champagne reception.
Monday - Cruise the Canal de Bourgogne from Dijon to Longecourt. After lunch, visit Clos de Vougeot, a medieval château surrounded by vineyards and the headquarters of the Chevaliers du Tastevin, whose special label is awarded annually the finest Côte d’Or vintages.
Tuesday - After breakfast, take a walking tour past the elegant houses of Dijon. Visit the Ducal Palace, the market and the Grey Poupon mustard shop. After lunch on board, cruise the Canal de Bourgogne and enter the River Saône before mooring in St-Jean-de-Losne, the barging capital of France.
Wednesday - Continue to cruise the peaceful valley of the River Saône downstream to Seurre. Visit Beaune, the capital of the wine region of Burgundy, and the famous Hôtel-Dieu, Hospice de Beaune. Reboard for a leisurely cruise to Chalon-sur-Saône, one of the major cities of the Saône Valley.
Thursday- Cruise upstream and leave the River Saône by clearing the lock to enter the Canal du Centre. Relax on board, cycle or walk alongside at the leisurely pace of the barge. After lunch, visit the Château de Rully before returning to your countryside mooring in Rully.
Friday - A leisurely cruise gives you a chance to savour the beauty of the French countryside before arriving at the quaint village of St-Léger. Visit the 11th-century Châteaux Marguerite de Bourgogne in Couches while, on board, the chef prepares a memorable feast for your farewell dinner.
Saturday - After breakfast disembark and transfer to Dijon for your return train journey to London.
Amaryllis
Loire Valley
Lyon To St Jean
The Amaryllis cruises some of France’s most picturesque waterways including the Canal de Bourgogne, the Canal du Centre and Canal Lateral a lo Loire. This is wine country, but is also an area steeped in medieval and renaissance culture.
Amaryllis has two decks and exudes an uncompromising attention to detail. Each of the 4 rooms has been meticulously decorated in a traditional style with a mixture of contemporary and antique Louis XVI and XV furniture, complemented by occasional tables from Li Puma of Florence. The top deck consists of a heated pool and sun deck, salon and dining room and one state cabin. The lower deck consists of three state cabins. The boat is air conditioned throughout.
Sample Itinerary
Sunday- Lyon. Board the barge moored in Lyon for your cruise up the River Saône and through Burgundy. A champagne reception welcomes you on board and gives you a chance to meet the crew. Later this evening enjoy your first dining experience on board.
Monday - Visit Lyon. Cruise to Montmerle. Today's visit is to Lyon, the second city of France. Lyon is a cultural, historic, gastronomic, and commercial centre, little known outside of France. Dominating the city is the splendidly ornate Basilica of Notre Dame de Fourvière. The standard of Lyon's shopping facilities is renowned for its quality and includes many chic boutiques and a market hall devoted entirely to antiques. There is free time for shopping or perhaps just sit in one of the numerous pavement cafés and simply watch the world go by. After lunch relax on the top deck and watch the passing scenery of the river Saône. Tonight we are moored in the town of Montmerle which is set in the heart of the Beaujolais wine region.
Tuesday - Cruise to Mâcon. Visit Roche de Solutré and Pouilly-Fuissé.
Cruise this morning to Mâcon. Visit the Roche de Solutre, a picturesque site with a superb view of Mâcon, the River Saône and the vineyards. Stop along the route to enjoy a wine tasting in the village of Fuissé, where the vines grow right up to the village walls. The roads actually seem to get narrower, encroached by the vines planted as tightly as possible in every available space. The mooring this evening is Mâcon, a thriving market town bordering both the Mâconnais and the Beaujolais vineyards.
Wednesday - Cruise to Tournus. Visit Abbey of Cluny.
After breakfast, relax on board and savour the beauty of Burgundy and Beaujolais as you cruise the River Saône to Tournus. The afternoon's visit is to the Benedictine Abbey of Cluny, for centuries the largest church in the world. The abbey church is a masterpiece of Romanesque art whose influence spread throughout the western Christian world. Our mooring this evening is in the pretty town of Tournus.
Thursday - Cruise Chalon-sur-Saône. Visit Beaune.
This morning we cruise to Chalon-sur-Saône before enjoying lunch at the famous Relais & Chateaux hotel in Levernois. After a stroll around the grounds In the afternoon your guide escorts you to Beaune, capital of the wine region of Burgundy, and a visit to the famous Hôtel-Dieu, Hospice de Beaune. You will have the chance to explore Joseph Drouhin's cellar, where the King of France and the Duke of Burgundy used to store some of their wines. TThe town itself has hardly changed in appearance throughout the years; it's tiny centre is a dense maze of narrow old streets with a circular boulevard running round it's former ramparts, many of which still stand. Our mooring tonight is is Chalon-sur-Saône, the last of the Burgundian style river towns, and one of the major cities of the Saône valley.
Friday - Visit Châlon market and Dijon. Cruise to St. Jean de Losne.
This morning you may take a walking tour of the pedestrian area of Chalon-sur-Saône. As it is market day you should enjoy the wonderful atmosphere in the cathedral square with stallholders busy selling their locally produced cheeses, pates and delicacies. Continue the cruise ip the River Saône to St Jean de Losne. why not take a t ake a stroll over to the port and see the many working and pleasure barges. Back on board the chef is preparing a feast for your farewell dinner.
Saturday - Disembark. After breakfast, disembark the barge for your onward travel arrangements.
Hirondelle
Franche-Comté
Pont Canal du Guétin to Rogny aboard The Hirondelle
The Hirondelle takes you on enchanting journeys back in time, through Franche-Comté, an area dotted with evidence of Roman, Spanish, French and German civilisation to Besancon, rich in Roman heritage and home to the impressive 12th century castle in Chateauneuf.
The Hirondelle is a well appointed barge which can comfortably accommodate up to eight guests on one large deck with salon, dining room, and four cabins and with a sun deck above.
Sample Journey
Sunday-Depart London by Eurostar and travel to Paris where you will take the TGV train to Nevers. On arrival, your Afloat in France guide escorts you to Le Guétin on the Canal Latéral a la Loire, where you board The Hirondelle. A champagne reception on board gives you a chance to meet the crew.
Monday- Take a short drive to Aprémont, one of the most beautiful villages in France, to visit the private Château and gardens. Cruise to La Charité sur Loire, enjoying lunch on board. In the afternoon, your guide takes you on a walking tour of Nevers, the capital of the Nivernais.
Tuesday- The morning is spent with a visit to La Charité-sur-Loire, an important site of Burgundian Romanesque art. This afternoon is spent relaxing on board as you cruise toward Ménétréol.
Wednesday- After a relaxing morning's cruise take a short drive to Sancerre, situated on an impressive hilltop, for lunch followed by a stroll around the town. In the afternoon enjoy a private wine tasting at the fabulous 15th century Château Tracy, one of the most prestigious producers of the famous Pouilly Fume in the Loire.
Thursday- This morning the barge cruises on the canal towards Chatillon-sur-Loire. Visit a faïence factory in the beautiful town of Gien, followed by an excursion to the Château of La Bussiere with it's imposing setting and medicinal gardens.
Friday- Today the barge traverses the river Loire via the longest canal bridge in Europe connecting the Canal Latéral a la Loire to the Canal du Briare. Enjoy a visit to a typical French market in the pretty town of Saint Fargeau, with a history spanning a thousand years, while the chef prepares a gala dinner for your last evening on board.
Saturday- After breakfast, disembark and transfer to Nevers for your return train journey to London.
Alouette
Canal du Midi
Béziers To Carcassonne
The Alouette is the only vessel that can navigate the shorter locks of Canal du Midi, the magnificent tree lined canal that winds through some of France’s most stunning scenery between Beziers and the fortified medieval town of Carcassonne.
The Alouette is a luxuriously appointed barge comfortably accommodating 4 guests in two state rooms and with a salon and dining room all on one deck with a sun deck above.
Sample Journey
Sunday – Béziers. A champagne reception welcomes you on board and gives you a chance to meet the crew. Later that evening, enjoy your first dining experience on board.
Monday - Cruise to Capestang. Tour Oppidum d'Enserune. A morning cruise along the beautiful Canal du Midi to Capestang. The Canal is one of the most beautiful in France and has over 328 locks, bridges and tunnels. In the afternoon, visit Oppidum d'Enserune, a pre-Roman hill-top settlement and one of the most important archaeological sites in the region. The top of the hill affords a panoramic view of the pond of Montady drained in 1247 and transformed into a curious pattern of cultivation.
Tuesday - Cruise to Le Somail. Visit Abbaye de Fontfroide. Enjoy a relaxing breakfast as you take in the grandeur and beauty of the Canal du Midi, with its fine locks, buildings and aqueducts, scarcely changed from their completion over 300 years ago. After lunch, visit l'Abbaye de Fontfroide, a Cistercian monastery founded in the 11th century. Now privately owned, the abbey has been lovingly restored with a well-kept garden and peaceful cloister. On the way back to the boat, stop at Château Auris for a wine tasting.
Wednesday - Visit Narbonne and the market. Cruise to Homps. This morning, experience the wonderful covered market in Narbonne with the chef and help choose what is on the menu for dinner! Narbonne is a lively Mediterranean city playing an important role as a wine-producing centre. The municipal, military and religious architecture, the river banks of the Robine and its shaded boulevards, all contribute to its charm. Enjoy lunch at a bistro just in front of the market and then return to the barge for an afternoon's cruise to the port at Homps.
Thursday -Visit Minerve. Cruise to Trebes. After breakfast, visit Minerve, an old village on a limestone cliff, which dominates the vineyards below. Its now ruined castle was once a Cathar stronghold besieged and captured by Simon de Montfort. This village is full of history of days gone by. On the way back to the boat stop at Peyriac-Minervois for wine tasting. Return to the barge for lunch and then enjoy the ever changing views from the comfort of the deck, or perhaps walk or cycle along the tow path. Tonight we moor in the pretty town of Trebes.
Friday - Cruise to Carcassonne. Visit Carcassonne. Finish the week with a tour of Europe's largest medieval fortress - Carcassonne. Explore the intricate fortifications of the two castellated walls, one inside the other, about a mile in circumference. The views from the battlements towards the Pyrenées are stunning. Visit the Cathedral remarkable for its stained glass rose windows, elegant Romanesque nave and Gothic transepts. Meanwhile the chef is busy preparing your farewell gala dinner on board.
Saturday - Carcassonne. After breakfast disembark the boat for your onward travel arrangements.
Napoleon
Provence
Tain L’Hermitage To Arles aboard The Napoléon
The Napoleon cruises the Rhone River passing provençal olive groves, lavender fields and the sun drenched landscapes that inspired Cezanne and Van Gogh. Daily excursions include Chateauneuf de Pape, Avignon, Pont du Gard and St Remy, birthplace of Nostradamus.
The Napoléon is one of Europe’s finest river cruisers, combining all the amenities of a luxury hotel with the friendly ambience of a country inn. She is beautifully appointed with large picture windows that provide unsurpassed views of the countryside, accommodating up to twelve passengers. The six luxurious cabins feature air conditioning, hairdryer, television and video.
Sample Journey
Sunday - Paris to Tain l'Hermitage/Tournon.
Depart Paris Gare de Lyon in the afternoon on the TGV train. On arrival at Valence, you are met by the Afloat in France guide and transferred to the barge at Tain l'Hermitage or Tournon. A champagne reception gives you a chance to meet the crew. Once settled on-board, enjoy your first wine tasting at Mr Ferraton's winery.
Monday - Cruise to Viviers. Relax on the top deck and watch the beautiful scenery of the Rhône Valley glide by as the barge cruise to Viviers. Mid-afternoon, your guide takes you on a walking tour of this charming medieval town before returning to the boat to play traditional Provençal game "Petanque".
Tuesday - Visit Nyons. Cruise to St. Etienne des Sorts. After breakfast, a scenic drive takes you through the countryside to visit Nyons, a typical Provencal village, with a working lavender distillery and an 18th century olive mill. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in the scenic Grignan. Before rejoining the barge, stop at a truffle farm to learn all about The Black Diamond and taste this expensive mushroom. Back on board the barge continues cruising to St. Etienne des Sorts.
Wednesday - Visit Châteuneuf-du-Pape. Cruise to Avignon. Visit Pont du Gard. This morning's excursion is to the charming village of Châteuneuf du Pape for a wine tasting. Return to the barge for lunch and cruise to Avignon, past Le Pont St. Bénézet (the famous Pont d' Avignon) before mooring at the quay opposite the gate to the walled city. Take an afternoon excursion to the magnificent Pont du Gard, part of the Roman aqueduct that transported spring water from Uzès to Nîmes.
Thursday - Tour of Avignon. Cruise to Arles. Visit les Baux. Avignon was home of the Popes between 1309 and 1377 and is magnificent. Enjoy a walking tour of the walled city, including a guided tour of the Palace of the Popes. There will be free time to visit the many shops, or perhaps just to sit in one of the numerous pavement cafes and simply watch the world go by. Return to the boat where lunch awaits. During the afternoon the barge cruises to Arles while your guide takes you to the village of Les Baux for you you to discover at your own pace.
Friday - Visit Arles. Cruise to Vallabrègues. Visit St Rémy. After breakfast, your guide takes you on a walking tour of Arles, best known because Van Gough painted here between 1888 and 1890. Lunch is served while cruising to Vallabrègues. Later this afternoon visit the lovely town of St Rémy, also synonymous with Van Gough and the birthplace of Nostradamus. On your way back to the boat enjoy an olive oil tasting in a traditional 18th century "Provencal Bastide" where 15,000 olive trees are growing. Meanwhile the Chef is busy back on board preparing youe farewell gala dinner.
Saturday - Lyon to Paris. After breakfast disembark and transfer to Avignon station. Board the TGV to Paris, Gare de Lyon, where you are met by the Afloat in France representative who will assist you with your luggage.
Contact us to plan your personal barge holiday.
J&H Tours - Newsletter September 2009