We will use our unique
in-depth experience
to find you your
perfect barge cruise
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Summary
Discover the richness of Burgundy and its unique landscapes along the meandering canal of Burgundy and its picturesque Ouche valley. Choose a full-board or half-board cruise to experience dining out at local restaurants.
Magnolia offers comfort with contemporary style for just six guests. She is spacious, light and airy with plenty of room in the salon and up on deck for relaxing and enjoying a special, keenly-priced holiday afloat.
Magnolia is owner-operated by Magali and Nicolas Rancelot. They both have years of experience in the hotel barge sector and have worked for the most prestigious companies on French canals. Aboard Magnolia they truly express their passion for barging and France.
Key Features
- Premier class (3*)
- Canal de Bourgogne, southern Burgundy
- Full-board and half board options, 6 nights, 7 days, April to October
- 6 guests / 3 cabins with en-suite bathrooms
- Individually controlled air conditioning and heating throughout
- Sun deck with spa tub
-
The Classic Cruise — Magnolia
Classic Cruise Itinerary
| Route | Between Vandenesse and Plombières les Dijon on the Canal de Bourgogne, Burgundy |
| Pick-up | Dijon, 3pm |
| Dining | All inclusive: 6 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 4 dinners on board. 2 lunches and 2 dinners on shore |
Classic Cruise Highlights
- Visit Beaune, the wine capital of the region, and its famous 15th century charity hospital
- Discover a truffle farm and stop for a delicious lunch
- Wine tasting at Domaine Rion
- Explore Dijon, its produce and the famous market beneath its Eiffel-designed roof
- Dine at home with a local French family
- Stroll and bike along the towpaths and country lanes in the beautiful Ouche Valley
Alternative Cruise
- For half-board cruises, two lunches and two dinners are taken off-board at guests’ own expense in local, well-chosen restaurants.
Please enquire.
Day 1 — Saturday
Arrival in Dijon
Meet your guide at Dijon train station for private transfer just a short distance to Magnolia moored at Plombières, just a short distance upstream. Step aboard for a welcome drinks reception and meet the crew. The settle in to your comfortable quarters before relaxing with your first cocktail before dinner on board.
Day 2 — Sunday
Cruise: Plombieres to Fleurey sur Ouche | Let's go truffle hunting | Lunch at a local farm
An excursion this morning to a local farm to discover the famed Burgundy truffle at L’Or de Valois, with time to explore the fields with Elfe the dog, and learn about this wonderful delicacy. Lunch at the farm, with truffles, of course. Cruise on in the afternoon to Fleurey sur Ouche, with the chance to cycle or walk alongside Magnolia as she cruises gently along the canal. Dinner on board.
Day 3 — Monday
Cruise: Fleury sur Ouche to Lock 34 | Excursion into the vineyards for wine-tasting | Dinner in a local restaurant
A morning cruise as far as lock 34 with plenty of time to appreciate the passing scenery and relax on deck. Lunch on board and then an afternoon’s prestigious wine tasting in Chambolle Musigny, and then drive around the most famous vineyards of the Côtes de Nuits. Return to Magnolia to freshen up in time for dinner at Lock 34, where a charming lock-keepers cottage has been converted into a cosy gourmet restaurant.
Day 4 — Tuesday
Cruise: lock 34 to La Bussière | Excursion to Dijon | Dinner at Abbey de La Busssière.
After breakfast, a visit to Dijon, the capital of the famed Dukes of Burgundy, famed for its gourmet produce as well as its wines. See the covered market, built by Gustav Eiffel, and accompanied by chef, choose items to be cooked on the plancha for lunch on deck. Then, cruise on to Busssière to moor for the night, Dinner on board.
Day 5 — Wednesday
Cruise: La Bussière to Pont d'Ouche | Excursion to Beaune | Dinner with a local family
Cruise onwards alongside the sparkling river Ouche during the morning, through the gorgeous green hillsides and valleys, stop for lunch on board at Pont d’Ouche, the mooring for the night. In the afternoon, a guided excursion to visit to Beaune, the wine capital of Burgundy and its stunning 15th century hospice; plenty of free time to explore the architecture and historical features of the town as well as shop and savour the street cafe lifestyle. Dinner at the home of a Burgundy family, a real local treat.
Day 6 — Thursday
Cruise: Pont d'Ouche to Vandenesse | Visit Châteauneuf en Auxois | Lunch at a local restaurant
A morning cruise to Châteauneuf en Auxois with a guided visit to the Château and its medieval village overlooking the valley. Lunch at the local restaurant
‘l’Orée du Bois’ and then an afternoon cruise, with a chance to walk or cycle along the towpath, to the mooring for the night at Vandenesse. Captain’s dinner on board.
Day 7 — Friday
Departure from Vandenesse
Please note: This is a sample itinerary and subject to change and will run in reverse direction on alternate weeks
“From beginning to end our cruise on the Magnolia exceeded all expectations. Immediately we felt relaxed by the warm welcome from Magali and Nicolas. Bike riding, exploring the villages, cafes and local sights with a flexible schedule. Superb accommodation, facilities on board, wonderful experience. We will be recommending it to all our friends.”
Karen & Peter, Annie & John, Australia
Accommodations and Facilities
- Dimensions: 131 ft (40m) x 16ft 6″ (5m)
- Three suites: 1 x 17m² and 2 x 12m² with double king-size or twin beds, with superior mattress and bed linen, wardrobe and opening portholes
- The larger cabin also has a writing desk.
- En-suite bathrooms have large walk-in shower, vanitory unit and toilet
- Air conditioning and heating throughout
Other items on board
- Crew of 4: Captain, chef, hostess, matelot/tour guide
- 40m sundeck with parasols
- Spa pool
- Outdoor ‘plancha’ bar-b-cue and fridge
- Fully stocked bar
- Selection of books, games, DVDs
- DVD player and iPOD docking station
- PC for guest use, with Wifi (subject to available signal)
- 6 bicycles
- Wifi (limited in some places)
- Air-conditioned executive minibus for transfers and excursions
Facilities At A Glance
Fine Wines — Fine Dining
Magnolia’s large kitchen is large and fully equipped where chef prepares delicious dishes from fresh ingredients at every meal.
On deck there is an a la plancha kitchen so meals can be both prepared and served up on deck – don’t miss a second of that sunshine!
For half-board cruises, two lunches and two dinners are taken off-board at guests’ own expense in local, well-chosen restaurants:
- L’Abbaye de La Bussière
- Barbirey sur Ouche
- Lock 34 (an authentic converted lock-keeper’s cottage)
- L’Or des Valois
- Au Petit Repère du Goût
Photo Gallery
Charter barge Magnolia cruises in the Burgundy region
– [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
6 nights accommodation
Meals and drinks according to the cruise type
Transfers from the pick-up
All excursions, fees, tour guide and associated transport
What’s not included
Travel to the pick-up
Travel, medical and cancellation insurance
Crew gratuities (5-10% suggested)
Personal expenses
2023
Charter bookings only
Saturday to Friday
Rates and dates
Full board rate weeks
April 1, 8 15, 22
May 6, 13, 20, 27
June 3, 10, 17, 24
July 1, 8, 15, 22
Aug 12, 19, 26
September 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
October 7, 14, 21, 28
Full board rate
2 guest charter: 18,500 USD
4 guest charter: 22,800 USD
5 guest charter: 26,300 USD
6 guest charter: 29,300 USD
Diners Half board rate
4 meals ashore at guests’ own expense.
2 guest charter: 15,000 USD
4 guest charter: 19,600 USD
5 guest charter: 23,000 USD
6 guest charter: 26,400 USD
2024
Charter bookings ony
Saturday to Friday
Rates and dates
Full board rate weeks
April 6, 13, 20, 27
May 4, 11, 18, 25
June 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
July 6, 13, 20, 27
Aug 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
September 7, 14, 21, 28
October 5, 12, 19, 26
Full board rate
4 guest charter: 24,000 USD
5 guest charter: 29,000 USD
6 guest charter: 33,000 USD
Diners Half board rate
4 meals ashore at guests’ own expense.
2 guest charter: 15,000 USD
4 guest charter: 19,600 USD
5 guest charter: 23,000 USD
6 guest charter: 26,400 USD
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
