'C'est La Vie'

You are met in Paris and driven to the barge, moored in the town of Ravières, where the crew is waiting to welcome you aboard with Champagne. Later, enjoy your first gourmet dinner on ‘C’est La Vie.’

Cruise this morning to Ancy-le-Franc. Take a walk through the village and then return to the barge for a buffet lunch. Afterward, visit the Cistercian Abbey of Fontenay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site founded in the 12th Century by St. Bernard.

Visit the gorgeous Renaissance Château of Ancy-le-Franc, renowned for its 16th-century wall paintings and frescoes that are said to rival those of Fontainebleau. Return to the barge for lunch and an afternoon cruise to the small town of Lézinnes. This evening, have dinner ashore at Hostellerie des Clos in Chablis.

Walk through the cobbled streets of medieval Noyers and wander the local market. View the old ramparts and half-timbered 15th-century buildings along the banks of the River Serein. Then drive back to ‘C’est La Vie’ past wheat fields and grazing animals for lunch and an afternoon cruise on the Burgundy Canal to Tanlay. This is an ideal opportunity to walk along the towpath, visiting the small villages along the way.

On a morning cruise, pass through the old town of Tonnerre, whose architecture spans many eras, from Roman to medieval. This afternoon, visit the town of Chablis, where you have the opportunity to taste some of the famous white wines of this region in one of their local cellars and enjoy a drive through hillside vineyards.

Cruise toward St-Florentin today. After lunch, drive to Auxerre, a historic town set on the banks of the River Yonne. First settled by the Romans, Auxerre boasts a cathedral, an abbey and a church. Stroll along the narrow, medieval streets and window shop along the way or relax with a coffee at a local café. Return to ‘C’est La Vie’ for a captain’s dinner this evening, ending your cruise in style.

After breakfast, you are chauffeured to Paris.