We will use our unique
in-depth experience
to find you your
perfect barge cruise
+1 405 445 0350 
+61 3 9005 8569 
+44 7590 287 178 
Summary
L’Art de Vivre offers first-class cruising through the glorious countryside of northern Burgundy. Dotted with picturesque chateaux and pretty towns and villages amidst fertile fields and hillsides, the region mingles the events of history with all the culture and culinary delights of modern life.
With four spacious cabins for eight guests, a bright and airy salon, plus a sun-deck and a spa pool, L’Art de Vivre helps you discover the delights of fine dining and the luxurious art of living afloat – all in the beautiful surroundings of the Nivernais canal, one of the prettiest in France.
Key Features
- Premier class (3*)
- Canal de Nivernais, northern Burgundy
- Charter and cabin bookings, 6 nights, 7 days, April to October
- 8 guests / 4 suites
- Individually controlled air conditioning and heating
- Full board, on-board dining
- Spacious sun deck with spa pool
The Classic Cruise — L’Art de Vivre
Classic Cruise Itinerary
| Route | Between Auxerre and Chevroches, Canal du Nivernais, Burgundy |
| Pick-up | Paris hotel, 2pm |
| Dining | All inclusive: 6 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 6 dinners on board. 1 lunch in a local restaurant |
Classic Cruise Highlights
- Explore enchanting Auxerre and its magnificent cathedral
- Wine tasting of Chablis and Petit Chablis in the cellars of a renowned domaine
- Tour Noyers-sur-Serein, one of the most beautiful villages in Burgundy
- Visit the picturesque village of Vezelay and its hilltop basilica
- Visit elegant Château de Bazoches
- Optional hot air ballooning
- Excellent towpath for walking and cycling, and Biking Plus option
Special Option
For those groups who’d like to take a little more exercise but don’t want to spend the whole week cycling, L’Art de Vivre offers Biking Plus. Here’s a chance to take off and explore on your own, with a map and everything you need, for an hour or two.
Read more…
Other themed cruises are also available for charter parties: Family, Golf, Tennis, Walking and Wine appreciation.
Please enquire.
Day 1 — Sunday
Arrival at Auxerre
Guests are collected at the Hotel Westminster in Paris and transferred by private chauffeured minibus to L’Art de Vivre. Over a refreshing champagne welcome, meet the crew and settle in. There should be time for a short walk into the important medieval town of Auxerre, or simply stroll along the banks of the Yonne river before dinner on board.
Day 2 — Monday
Cruise to Vincelles | Excursion to Paleolithic caves and a 'cave' for wine-tasting
Relax as you cruise through some delightful locks and past vineyard-clad hillsides this morning. After lunch, we head to the caves of Arcy sur Cure, home to some of the oldest cave paintings known to man. Created 28000 years ago by their Palaeolithic inhabitants, these paintings depict mammoths, stags and other animals in remarkable clarity. Afterwards, we visit the cellars of Bailly-Lapierre, also carved out of the rock, to taste some their sparkling Crémant de Bourgogne.
Day 3 — Tuesday
Cruise to Mailly-la-Ville | Guided tour of Auxerre
Following an early breakfast, we head to the medieval town of Auxerre to wander the morning produce market and tour the historic town centre with its lavish Renaissance houses, fine churches and particularly its magnificent cathedral. We’ll cruise southwards through rich pastures with grazing Charolais cattle to the village of Mailly-la-Ville for lunch on board, This afternoon, there’s an opportunity to enjoy a walk or bicycle ride along the tow-path. You might like to try the Biking Plus option and to explore a little further afield.
Day 4 — Wednesday
Cruise to Le Saussois | Excursion to Chablis for wine-tasting and lunch at the Domaine
Today, we head to the celebrated wine village of Chablis for a private visit to the prestigious Domaine Laroche for a wine-tasting, followed by a tour of the 1000 years old Obédiencerie; originally part of the monastery of St. Martin where the wines are aged. Lunch will be served by a private chef in the domaine’s dining hall. Later in the afternoon we’ll cruise past the cliffs at Le Saussois, a stunning natural setting with an international climbing centre.
Day 5 — Thursday
Cruise to Lucy-sur-Yonne | Excursion to Vezelay
Enjoy an excursion to the pilgrimage town of Vézelay, one of Burgundy’s most famous treasures with the Romanesque Basilica of St Mary Magdalene, craft shops and fine views of the surrounding countryside. After lunch on l’Art de Vivre, enjoy an afternoon cruise through the picturesque Yonne Valley to arrive at Lucy-sur-Yonne. Relax on deck or take a stroll before dinner on board.
Day 6 — Friday
Cruise to Chevroches | Excursion to Château de Bazoches
Your final morning cruise is through beautiful countryside to the mooring at the canalside village of Chevroches and again this is a perfect time for a walk or a bicycle ride. In the afternoon, we’ll visit the elegant Château de Bazoches, built in the 12th century and whose illustrious visitors included King Richard the Lionheart. The château was later remodelled by Maréchal Vauban and there are wonderful views from its elevated hillside setting. It’s the festive final dinner this evening.
Day 7 — Saturday
Departure from Chevroches
After breakfast, guests are transferred back to the Hotel Westminster in Paris by lunchtime.
*This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change. On alternate weeks the cruise is in the reverse direction.
Accommodations and Facilities
- Dimensions: 100ft (30.5m) x 16ft 6″ (5m)
- Four suites 120 sq ft each, including bathrooms of 40 sq ft.
- Ceiling height of 6ft 5″
- Queen-size double or single bed configurations
- Central heating and air conditioning
- Three portholes per cabin and one in each bathroom
Other items on board
- English and French speaking crew of 4 – captain/pilot, tour guide/ deckhand, chef, housekeeper
- A small library of books, maps and collection of board games
- Binoculars
- Nordic walking sticks on request
- Hi-fi system for iPods and CDs
- Large bimini for shade on deck
- 8 new bicycles and Biking Plus
- Wifi (limited in some places)
- Air-conditioned minibus for transfers and excursions
Facilities At A Glance
Fine Wines — Fine Dining
All meals on board are freshly prepared by your chef and most meals are a set-menu (there is no choice available). However, vegetarian, pescatarian and vegan dishes, and non-allergenic dishes, can be served given at least 8 weeks notice prior to your departure date.
.
Breakfast: Continental breakfast with fresh breads & pastries, freshly-squeezed orange juice and hot beverages.
Lunch: buffet style with salads, cold meats and regional cheeses, accompanied by a selection of quality wines.
Dinner: a candlelit four-course gourmet experience. Captain’s farewell dinner is held on the last night. Guests may choose to dress slightly formal.
Sample Cuisine
Your personal chef creates exciting menus, using the freshest locally grown produce, matched perfectly with a carefully chosen wine. You’ll be delighted by the range of delicious dishes served by candlelight, either in the saloon or under the stars.
Wine Cellar
Domaine Ferrari, Irancy ‘Les Palottes’; Domaine Bouchard Père & Fils; Pouilly Fuissé; Domaine Borgnat; Coulanges la Vineuse
Cheese Board
Brie; Maroilles; Pont L’Eveque; St Marcellin
Regional Specialities
Terrine de Pêcheur façon Maison; Tourte Chaude d’Escargots à la Ciboulette; Filet de Rouget au Safron
Photo Gallery
L'Art de Vivre cruises on the Nivernais canal in Burgundy
– [below] In the region: Villeneuve sur Yonne, Ancy-le-Franc, Fontenay, Chablis, Tanlay, Vezelay, Noyers-sur-Serein –
Ancy ©Thierry Gromik | Vezelay ©Adrian Fletcher | 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 accommodation
Return transfers from Paris
All meals and drinks on board
Excursion fees and associated transport
What’s not included
Travel to the pick-up
Travel, medical and cancellation insurance
Crew gratuities (suggested 5-10% of the fee)
Personal expenses
2023
Charter and Cabin bookings
Sunday to Saturday
Rates and dates
Value rate weeks
April 9, 16, 23
July 16, 23, 30
August 6, 13, 20
October 8, 15, 22
6 guest charter: 36,200 USD
7 guest charter: 37,600 USD
8 guest charter: 39,000 USD
Per Cabin bookings
Stateroom Double Cabin: 5,250 USD per person
Single Occupancy Supplement: 1,900 USD
Regular rate weeks
April 30
May 7, 14, 21, 28
June 4, 11, 18, 25
July 2, 9
August 27
September 3, 10, 17, 24
October 1
6 guest charter: 41,800 USD
7 guest charter: 43,400 USD
8 guest charter: 45,000 USD
Per Cabin bookings
Stateroom Double Cabin: 6,090 USD per person
Single Occupancy Supplement: 2,200 USD
These USD prices are for US and Canadian residents only.
Pricing is available in GBP for UK residents only, and in EUR for residents from all other countries.
Please enquire.
2024
Charter and Cabin bookings
Sunday to Saturday
Rates and dates
Value rate weeks
April 7, 14, 21
July 21, 28
August 4, 11, 18
October 6, 13, 20
6 guest charter: 39,500 USD
7 guest charter: 41,000 USD
8 guest charter: 42,500 USD
Per Cabin bookings
Stateroom Double Cabin: 5,690 USD per person
Single Occupancy Supplement: 2,100 USD
Regular rate weeks
April 28
May 5, 12, 19, 26
June 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
July 21, 28
August 25
September 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
October 1
6 guest charter: 45,600 USD
7 guest charter: 47,300 USD
8 guest charter: 49,000 USD
Per Cabin bookings
Stateroom Double Cabin: 6,590 USD per person
Single Occupancy Supplement: 2,400 USD
These USD prices are for US and Canadian residents only.
Pricing is available in GBP for UK residents only, and in EUR for residents from all other countries.
Please enquire.
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
