L'Art de Vivre - Canal du Nivernais

Meet in Paris for transfer to L'Art de Vivre, moored at Auxerre. After a welcome reception, enjoy a fine dinner.

Cruise past vineyard-clad hillsides to Vincelles. After lunch, visit Aubigny, a subterranean wonderland of stone used to build some of France's most famous buildings. Then visit the cellars of Bailly Lapierre to taste sparkling Crémant de Bourgogne.

Return to Auxerre, the original capital of Lower Burgundy, to explore the medieval town center and fine churches. This afternoon, pass rich pasturelands with grazing Charolais cattle as the barge cruises to Mailly-la-Ville.

Head to the celebrated wine village of Chablis for a tasting at the prestigious Domaine Laroche followed by lunch. In the afternoon, cruise past the cliffs at Le Saussois, home to an international rock climbing center.

The morning cruise is through the picturesque Yonne Valley to Lucy-sur-Yonne. After lunch on board, visit Vézelay with its Romanesque Basilique Ste-Madeleine. There is time to browse in the craft shops and take in the fine views before returning to the barge.

After breakfast, cruise through the beautiful countryside to Chevroches. In the afternoon, visit Château de Bazoches, home of the Marquis de Vauban, one of the foremost military engineers of his age. The château's illustrious list of visitors includes King Philippe-Auguste and Richard the Lionheart. This evening's farewell dinner celebrates the cruise week.

Disembark after breakfast and transfer back to Paris, where your journey ends.