Burgundy Barging With Lyon and Paris

After arriving in Lyon today, we meet our Odysseys Unlimited Tour irector and fellow travelers at a briefing about the journey ahead, followed by a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. D

Today’s tour of France’s second largest city features the beloved Fourvière asilica and the ruins of the Gallo-Roman theater. We also see Lyon’s mind-boggling tromp d’oeil murals and Renaissance-era Vieux Lyon. Then we’re free for independent exploration in this city rich in history, culture, and gastronomy. With lunch and dinner on our own, we can indulge in some noted local fare – perhaps at a bouchon, a traditional tavern serving Lyonnais specialties. B

This morning we set out by coach for Beaune, gateway to the Burgundy wine region. On our walking tour of this walled town, we visit the renowned Hótel Dieu Museum, with its colorful tiled roof, vineyard, and paintings of “The Last Judgment” by Flemish master Van der Weyden. Then we continue on to Besançon, where we board the privately chartered barge MS Jeanine and enjoy a welcome reception and the first of our meals on board. B,D

We depart by coach this morning for Arc-et-Senans, where we tour the Saline-Royale, the former royal saltworks built in 1775. A UNESCO site, the decommissioned saltworks are known especially as a rare example of industrial architecture. Following our tour of the museum and grounds, we return to MS Jeanine and get our first taste of barging as we ply the waters of the Rhone-Rhine Canal, passing through rolling countryside dotted with ancient villages, farms, and vineyards. We’re bound for Ranchot, where we spend the night. B,L,D

This morning we continue on our leisurely course towards the small town of Dole in France’s Jura region. Our barge carries bicycles on board, so we have the opportunity to ride along the towpath that follows our route on the canal. Early this afternoon we reach Dole, a charming and refreshingly untouristed town with a well-preserved historic center lined with 17th-century stone buildings. Here we set out on a unique tour visiting Dole’s highlights following the cobblestoned “Trail of the Perched Cat,” a reference to the popular French tales of the “Perched Cat,” whose author lived here as a young boy. We also visit the home of scientist Louis Pasteur. Then we return to our barge for dinner and an overnight on board. B,L,D

We spend the morning cruising towards Saint-Jean-de-Losne, the region’s traditional barging hub at the confluence of the Saône River and the Burgundy Canal. After lunch on board, we explore the town and tour the Musée de la Batellerie, where we learn about the history of boating on the canals of France. B,L,D

Built between 1775 and 1832 to allow cargo to move between the Atlantic and Mediterranean, the Burgundy Canal is one of historic import – and contemporary allure. We travel a portion of this celebrated water-way today as we barge to Petit-Ouges. Again, we may choose to bicycle along the canalside path, or simply relax on deck sipping French wine as we watch the gentle rural scenery unfold. This afternoon we dock in tiny Petit-Ouges, where we embark on an excursion along the Grand Crus wine route that comprises some of the area’s finest and most prestigious wineries. And naturally, we stop along the way for a wine-tasting session. B,L,D

We spend our last morning on the canal en route to Dijon, traveling through the lush green landscapes of the Saône Valley. This afternoon we embark on a guided tour of Dijon, capital of the Burgundy region know for its restored medieval center, its rich architecture ranging from Gothic to art deco, the beautiful covered market of Les Halles, and of course, its mustard. Back on board MS Jeanine, tonight we raise our glasses to our barge adventure at a gala dinner. B,L,D

We bid adieu to urgundy today as we board the TGV high-speed train for the 1½-hour journey to Paris. After arriving in the French capital this afternoon, we embark on a panoramic tour that passes all the highlights: Notre Dame Cathedral, Arc de Triomphe, Eiffel Tower, Champs-Elysées, the Seine. Then we’re free for dinner on our own in this city celebrated for its cuisine. B

The City of Light, a moveable feast, all things artful and cultural – and that’s just a taste of this most celebrated of all capital cities. This morning we visit the Opéra Garnier, the opulent opera house now used for ballet performances and setting for Gaston Leroux’s The Phantom of the Opera. If the Opéra Garnier is unavailable, we will visit the Musée Rodin, set in the sculptor’s former workshop and gardens. This afternoon is free for independent exploration – perhaps to remain at the museum; explore the historic Marais district or relax in elegant Place des Vosges; enjoy a bateau mouche ride on the Seine; see the dazzling stained glass at medieval Ste-Chapelle; or get a bird’s-eye view of the city from atop the Eiffel Tower … the options are truly endless. Tonight, we celebrate our Gallic sojourn over a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. B,D

We transfer to the airport this morning for our return flight to the U.S. B

B = Breakfast included L = Lunch included D = Dinner included