Overview
Finesse is a double-decker hotel barge that was built to exacting standards with luxury in mind, enhanced by her modern public areas and very spacious cabin suite accommodation.
The well-designed public areas include a saloon with contemporary furnishings and panoramic windows where the emphasis is on making the most of the natural light. There is also a demonstration galley where guests can watch their chef preparing delicious gourmet meals. Outside, guests can relax on the large sun deck with its alfresco dining area, comfortable seating and spa pool.
The four en-suite cabins, which can be in twin or double-bedded configuration, are very spacious (approx. 265sq ft including en suite), each one air-conditioned and with a beautifully appointed shower room.
Itinerary
Deck Hotel Barge Finesse
Ultra Deluxe | 8 Passengers | 5 Crew
- 127 Feet Long
- 4 Twin/Double Suites (265sq ft incl. en suite)
- Spa Pool
- Air-Conditioned / Centrally Heated
- Demonstration Open Gallery
Day 1 Paris St-Julien-sur-Dheune
Guests are met in Paris** and transferred by air-conditioned minibus to Finesse for a champagne welcome and the opportunity to meet the crew. Then there is time to wander along the towpath to admire the classic Burgundy scenery before dinner on board.
Overnight stay onboard Hotel Barge Finesse in a Suite.
Selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages included.
Day 2 St-Julien-sur-Dheune St-Léger-sur-Dheune
This morning, begin your voyage through Southern Burgundy along the Canal du Centre through undulating countryside to moor at the little village of St-Leger-sur-Dheune. Descend a series of 11 locks while cruising past the villages along the way.
After lunch on board, visit the 14th century Château de Germolles, the best preserved of the residences of the Dukes of Burgundy, with its ducal chapel, medieval wall paintings and romantic gardens Dinner on board.
Overnight stay onboard Hotel Barge Finesse in a Suite.
Selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages included.
Day 3 St-Léger-sur-Dheune Remigny
This morning, head to Autun, founded by the Romans as Augustodunum it has retained many of its original Antique monuments such as Roman gates, ruins of a Temple and a 17,000 seat amphitheatre. Return to the barge for lunch, then cruise to the rural setting of Remigny, passing picturesque Burgundian villages such as the famous wine-producing village of Santenay. Dinner on board.
Overnight stay onboard Hotel Barge Finesse in a Suite.
Selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages included.
Day 4 Remigny Rully
After breakfast, set off on a drive through the UNESCO-listed Côte de Beaune vineyards to the town of Beaune itself, which is the capital of Burgundy’s wine country. First stop will be a visit to the oldest winemakers in Burgundy, Maison Champy. You will enjoy a private tour of the wine cellars and experience a wine tasting, learning from an expert about the production of the region’s finest Premier and Grand Cru wines.
A private lunch is served in a unique dining venue, which has been created from one of the winery’s historic large wooden wine vats or “cuves”. Then go on to visit the stunning 15th century Hôtel-Dieu Hospice and return to the barge for an afternoon cruise past the charming little town of Chagny, to your mooring near the village of Rully. Dinner on board.
Overnight stay onboard Hotel Barge Finesse in a Suite.
Selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages included.
Day 5 Rully Fragnes
This morning, continue our cruise along the Canal du Centre at a leisurely pace to moor at the village of Fragnes. There are perfect opportunities to walk or cycle along the towpath en route.
In the afternoon you will be escorted on a winery tour and private tasting to the delightful Domaine Chanzy, one of Burgundy’s must-see wine estates thanks to its 80 hectares of vines growing over the three Burgundy hillsides. Dinner on board.
Overnight stay onboard Hotel Barge Finesse in a Suite.
Selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages included.
Day 6 Fragnes Chalon-sur-Saône
This morning, visit the wall-enclosed vineyard of Clos de Vougeot, headquarters of the esteemed Chevaliers du Tastevin (translates as “Fraternity of Knights of the Wine-Tasting Cup”), who award a special prized label to the finest Côte d‘Or vintages every year. Here, you’ll enjoy a tour of the iconic cellars.
Continue along the Route des Grands Cru through the Côte de Nuits to stop at the prestigious vineyard of Romanée Conti for a brief history on the significance of its wines. Back on board Finesse, you’ll make your final cruise of the week, passing through the last lock on the canal which lowers us an impressive 35 feet. Then head out onto the peaceful River Saône and turn downstream to our mooring at Chalon-sur-Saône with its elegant waterfront, imposing cathedral, and opportunities for some last-minute shopping. Captain’s Farewell Dinner on board.
Overnight stay onboard Hotel Barge Finesse in a Suite.
Selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages included. ***On Friday afternoon, charter groups might wish to visit Dijon with its Cathedral and mustard shops instead of Clos de Vougeot. This can be discussed with the Captain once onboard.
Day 7 Chalon-sur-Saône Paris
After breakfast, you are transferred by private chauffeured minibus to your choice of location in Dijon.
