Lilas: St Jean to Lyon

You’re welcomed aboard in St-Jean-de-Losne by your private crew and guide. Toast the start of your Burgundy cruise with chilled champagne and settle into your generous cabin. Discover bright, airy communal spaces, perfect for mingling, as well as shaded and sun-drenched decks, a pool and bar. Cocktails are served as you enjoy your first taste of cruising on the river. Later, sit down to a gourmet dinner on board, a perfect blend of seasonal delicacies, irresistible wines and balmy, bucolic views.

Soak up the scenery as you cruise to the attractive market town of Chalon-sur-Saône. Head to Beaune, the capital of the Burgundy wine region, for lunch in a charming local restaurant. Afterwards, visit the Hôtel-Dieu, a magnificent former charitable hospital renowned for its glorious coloured-tiled roof and priceless artworks. Continue to the Joseph Drouhin cellar, where the King of France and the Duke of Burgundy used to store their precious wines. After an exceptional tasting, return to the boat for a delightful evening and dinner on board.

Enjoy a relaxing morning on board, absorbing the beautiful landscapes of Southern Burgundy and the River Saône. After a divine lunch on board, your guide escorts you to the Abbaye de Cluny, a former medieval Benedictine monastery and masterpiece of Romanesque art. Founded in 910, it was once an astounding 187 metres long, making it the largest religious building in the West. Tonight’s dinner is hosted in an enchanting local restaurant.

Continue cruising along the River Saône this morning towards Mâcon. A dip in the on-deck pool is the perfect way to prepare for the adventures ahead. After lunch, visit the Roche de Solutré, a picturesque limestone escarpment with spellbinding views of the River Saône and the vineyards. In this region, you’ll notice that the roads appear to become narrower, encroached by vines planted as tightly as possible in every available space. Along the way, we make a stop for a wine tasting in the village of Fuissé. Return to a delicious dinner on board in our mooring in Mâcon, a thriving market town bordering both the Mâconnais and Beaujolais vineyards.

This morning, take time to wander around Mâcon before the barge leaves for the pretty riverside town of Montmerle. Your chef serves up another exquisite lunch as you cruise. Your guide then accompanies you to the splendid Château de Fléchères, built in the early 17th century and renowned for its exceptional restored frescos and trompe l’oeil art by Tuscan artist Pietro Ricchi. Enjoy a private tour and time to stroll around the grounds. Back on board, refreshing aperitifs and a gastronomic dinner await.

This morning’s cruise gets you to your final destination, Lyon, in time for lunch on board and a fascinating afternoon tour. France's third-largest city is known for its outstanding cultural scene, adventurous gastronomy and fantastic shopping. Dominating the skyline is the ornate Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière, which offers sweeping panoramas from its hilltop perch. Enjoy a walking tour with your guide to discover the secret passageways, or ‘traboules’ of the old town, the Roman ruins and famous city murals. Afterwards, enjoy time to explore or shop at leisure. Back on board your buoyant luxury villa, Chef is preparing an epicurean farewell feast.

Awake to enjoy an indulgent breakfast. After, the crew bids you a fond farewell as you disembark for your onward travel arrangements.

Please note, route may be subject to change without prior warning due to unforeseen circumstances.