We will use our unique
in-depth experience
to find you your
perfect barge cruise
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Summary
Belmond Amaryllis is luxury personified – a delightful combination of traditional decor and contemporary comfort to cosset 8 lucky guests in true Belmond style. She is fitted out with meticulous attention to detail, carefully combining Louis XV and XVI furniture and traditional fixtures and furnishings with all the modern comforts you require.
Amaryllis cruises through one of the prettiest areas of France – with varied countryside, ancient châteaux and delectable local produce, along the Saône and the Canal du Centre.
Key Features
- Grand Luxe class (6*)
- Part of the Belmond luxury fleet
- River and canal itinerary in southern Burgundy
- Charter and cabin bookings, 6 nights, 7 days, March to October
- 8 guests / 4 king-size double or twin cabins with en-suite bathrooms
- Full board, on-board dining with personal chef
- Individually controlled air conditioning and heating throughout
- Upper deck with dining area, loungers, canopy and heated plunge pool
The Classic Cruise — Amaryllis
Classic Cruise Itinerary
| Route | Between Pontailler sur Saône on the Saône river and St Leger sur Dheune, Canal du Centre |
| Pick-up | Paris, 2pm, for private transfer to the barge |
| Dining | All inclusive | 6 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 5 dinners on board. 1 lunch and 1 dinner in a local restaurant |
Cruise Highlights
- Discover Château Chamirey for wine-tasting
- Tour of Chalons-sur-Saône, its medieval streets and cathedral
- Visit Beaune, capital of the wine region and the famous Hôtel-Dieu
- Walking tour of Dijon, including the Ducal Palace and the famous Eiffel market
- Cycle and stroll the tow-paths, explore the environs
Day 1 — Sunday
Depart from Paris, arrive in Pontailler sur Saône
Board the barge in Pontailler’s pretty port for your cruise through Burgundy. You’re welcomed aboard with a sparkling champagne reception and the chance to meet the crew as you settle in to your spacious new home for the week. Later, enjoy your first gourmet dining experience on board.
Day 2 — Monday
Cruise to Auxonne | Excursion to Clos de Vougeot château and the Route des Grands Crus
A leisurely morning cruise gives you the chance to absorb the beauty of the French countryside. Enjoy lunch on board as the barge winds its way down the Saône river. Alight afterwards for a drive down the celebrated Route des Grands Crus, passing through the famed villages of the Côte d’Or. Stop to visit the historic Clos de Vougeot, where Cistercian monks first began making wine in the 12th century. The ancient château is now the headquarters of the celebrated Burgundian wine society, the Confrérie des Chevaliers du Tastevin, and still houses the ancient cellar and wine presses from medieval times.
Afterwards, enjoy a private wine tasting at a reputed local producer, before rejoining the barge for a divine dinner.
Day 3 — Tuesday
Cruise to Seurre | Tour of Dijon | Lunch in a local restaurant
After breakfast, disembark for a fascinating walking tour of historic Dijon with your guide. Visit the lively market, the famous Maille mustard shop and the Ducal Palace, seat of the great medieval dukes of Burgundy. There will be some free time for shopping and to enjoy lunch at one of the pavement cafés.
Return to the boat for a late-afternoon cruise and cocktails on deck as you voyage along the peaceful Saône river to Seurre. Dinner is served on board.
Day 4 — Wednesday
Cruise to Fragnes | Excursions to Chalons sur Saône and Rully | Dinner in a local restaurant
This morning, we cruise the last short stretch of the river to reach the charming market town of Chalon-sur-Saône. Discover its quaint antique shops, stunning cathedral square and half-timbered buildings, before returning to the boat for lunch.
The barge now enters the Canal du Centre via the impressive Crissey lock. After lunch, your guide will take you to the pretty village of Rully, whose 12th-century château has remained in the same family by marriage since its founding. Enjoy an engaging private tour with the charismatic owner. This evening, dine out at a celebrated local restaurant.
Day 5 — Thursday
Cruise to Chagny | Explore medieval Beaune
Relax this morning, enjoying the unhurried pace of life on the canal. Take the opportunity to alight at a lock and cycle or walk alongside the barge.
After lunch on board, embark on a short drive to Beaune, the wine capital of Burgundy. Visit the famous Hôtel-Dieu, a magnificent former charitable hospital renowned for its flamboyant gothic façade and innumerable artistic treasures. There will be time to stroll through Beaune’s cobbled streets and browse in its enticing shops before returning to the barge for a delicious dinner on board.
Day 6 — Friday
Cruise to St Leger sur Dheune | Discover Château de Chamirey
A leisurely morning cruise brings you to St Léger, a quaint village along the Canal du Centre and our final destination.
After lunch, visit Château de Chamirey for a delightful tour of the vineyards, the family home and wine cellar, and a tasting of the exquisite wines. Back on board, your chef is busy preparing your farewell gala dinner.
Day 7 — Saturday
Depart St Leger for Paris
After breakfast the crew bids you a fond farewell as you disembark at 9:00 am for your return to Paris or Charles de Gaulle airport.
Please note: this is a sample itinerary which may be subject to change depending on local conditions. In exceptional circumstances it may be necessary to alter the route without prior notice. The cruise runs in the reverse direction on alternate weeks.
““Ruth, We just left the Amaryllis and wanted to let you know we had an amazing experience. The crew were first class, knowledgeable and most pleasant people. Delightful. The food, presentation, wine selections and fromage well planned and well explained. The flexibility to fit in some visits of our own design like DRC and Clos de la Chappelle was appreciated and cheerfully accommodated. Our accommodations were comfortable and homey. It was very enjoyable and we would not only do it again we will recommend highly to others. There you have it!”
The D party, USA 2021
Accommodations and Facilities
- Dimensions: 128ft (39m) x 16.5ft (5m)
- 4 suites: 1 x 184 sq ft (upper deck) and 1 x 235 sq ft and 2 x 280 sq ft (lower deck), including the en-suite marble bathrooms
Each cabin has a king size double or twin beds - 2 x bathrooms have walk in showers, 2 have bath with shower. Each has two hand basins and WC, toiletries, hairdryer, bathrobe for each guest and heated towel rail
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Upper windows openLower windows fixed shut
Other items on board:
- Expert and professional English-speaking crew of 6
- Selection of books and board games
- Computer for guest use and Wifi (may be limited in some areas)
- Stereo surround-sound system
- DVD player, DVDs, Bose iPod docking station
- 8 bicycles
- Air-conditioned executive minibus for transfers and excursions
Facilities At A Glance
Fine Wines — Fine Dining
Great care and expertise is taken in planning the menus aboard Amaryllis.
All meals on board are freshly prepared by an expert chef with fresh ingredients using local suppliers. They are served either in the dining room or up on deck, accompanied by carefully matched wines from the region.
Vegetarian, pescatarian, vegan and non-allergenic dishes can be arranged given at least 8 weeks notice prior to departure.
Photo Gallery
Amaryllis cruises in the Burgundy region
– [below] In the region: Besancon, River Saone, Canal de Bourgogne, Vandenesse-en-Auxois, Burgundy Route des Vins, Dijon, Macon –
Besancon ©M Akpovi | Beaune ©Michael Evans | Tasting ©bringingburgundytoyou.com| Others ©FW, wikimedia, n/a
Classic cruise rates and dates
All rates and prices will be confirmed at time of booking. Special Offers are available from time to time – contact us
What’s included:
6 nights / 7 days accommodation
Transfers between the meeting point and the barge
All meals and wines on board
Daily excursions, tour guide and associated transport
What’s not included:
Air fares to France and travel to the meeting point
Travel, medical and cancellation insurances
Personal expenses
Crew gratuities (5 – 10% suggested)
2023
Charter bookings only
Sunday to Saturday
Rates and dates
All pricing is dynamic and based on demand.
Low season rate weeks:
8 guest full charter: 55,280 EUR
Value season rate weeks:
8 guest full charter: 61,425 EUR
High season rate weeks:
8 guest full charter: 75,072 EUR
Peak season rate weeks:
8 guest full charter: 82,578 EUR
2024
Charter bookings only
Sunday to Saturday
Rates and dates
All pricing is dynamic and based on demand.
Low season rate weeks:
8 guest full charter: 55,280 EUR
Value season rate weeks:
8 guest full charter: 61,425 EUR
High season rate weeks:
8 guest full charter: 75,072 EUR
Peak season rate weeks:
8 guest full charter: 82,578 EUR
Hotel Barge Enquiry
Booking a luxury barge vacation isn’t the kind of thing one does with just a mouse-click or two. It takes a little research, thought and understanding, and we hope that our pages have provided you with all the information and inspiration you need to take this next step.
Why should you book with us? Because…
We’ve explored the waterways of France on our own boat since 2003 and know each of the barges and their routes.
We’re independent, impartial and enthusiastic – and we are the only France cruising specialist that can offer you the benefits of our own in-depth cruising knowledge and experience.
We love France, we love the rivers and canals of France, we love hotel barging – and we love talking about all three!
There’s nothing like speaking to a friendly expert to help you see the wood for the trees and to make the best possible decision about the vacation cruise of a lifetime. Get in touch – we’re here to help.
We will use our unique
in-depth experience
to find you your
perfect barge cruise
