When it comes to hotel barging in France, you’re spoilt for choice. French regions offer one great destination for a hotel barge cruise after another. But if you’re in search of picturesque landscapes, those historic monuments that France does so well, the finest wining and dining in the land plus quieter waterways, then hotel barging in Burgundy stands out. In this article, we take a trip along the rivers and canals in this part of central France and sum up the best to see, do, try and experience while during your cruise. Read on for a complete guide to hotel barging in Burgundy.
An introduction to the waterways in Burgundy
As rivers and canals go, Burgundy aspires to the finest and prettiest in France. The full list reads like a geography lesson since many of the best-known waterways in the country flow through Burgundy.
The Loire River, famous for its châteaux and bucolic scenery, pops briefly into northern Burgundy. The winding Yonne River also flows through this region and the pretty Nivernais Canal merges with it. This waterway is a particularly scenic option for hotel barging in western Burgundy.
The Burgundy Canal (Canal de Bourgogne) descends from the River Yonne through the stunning Ouche Valley – possibly the most picturesque spot in the region – and joins one of France’s greatest rivers, the Saône, which flows through Burgundy on its way to join the Rhone River at Lyon.
Did you know? Hotel barging in Burgundy offers a number of different canal barge routes…
- Some of the most popular include the routes between St Leger sur Dheune and Dijon, and Dijon and Vandenesse-en-Auxois, in the south.
- In the north, options include cruises between Venarey-les-Laumes to Tanlay and between Auxerre and Clamecy.
What to see when hotel barging in Burgundy
Known as the Heart of France, Burgundy boasts some of the most picturesque scenery and french canals in the land. The region is home to idyllic rural landscapes – think pastoral scenes, tree-lined canals and rolling hills everywhere you look. Burgundy also comes packed with monuments that include some of the finest châteaux in France. While on your cruises on the canals, look out for:
Fine châteaux in Burgundy
The Loire Valley takes pride of place of course when it comes to French châteaux. Its 1,000 or so palaces and castles in this region rank among the most beautiful in the world. But Burgundy also offers a great range of châteaux, many of which are easily accessible from the waterways.
Our highlights are:
- Château Ancy le Franc – slightly austere on the outside, this 16th-century château houses a feast of decorative extravaganza on the inside.
- Château Clos de Vougeot – a must for Burgundy wine buffs, the 16th-century palace sits on the estate where Cistercian monks set up vineyards in the early 11th century. Around 2,000 bottles of Burgundy wine await you in the cellar.
Read more about the best chateaux Burgundy.
Historic towns and cities
Across its network of canals and rivers, Burgundy packs in the notable places to visit. Most hotel barge trips take in at least one famous town or city so you can be sure to get a taste of the best of the Burgundy region when you’re luxurious hotel barging here. On your itinerary could be:
- Auxerre – on the banks of the River Yvonne, must-sees in the fourth largest city in Burgundy include the timber-framed houses and the Quartier de la Marine neighbourhood.
- Beaune – the most famous monument in the capital of Burgundy wine is the Hôtel-Dieu Hospices, once a charity hospital and now home to the renowned Burgundy wine auction in November.
- Clamecy – right on the Canal du Nivernais, this flowery city has a wealth of half-timbered houses and medieval monuments.
- Dijon – situated near the Canal de Bourgogne, the capital of the Duchy of Burgundy is known for its mustard and Museum of Fine Arts, housed in the original Dukes Palace.
Did you know? Hotel barging life in Burgundy flows at a leisurely pace. Another great way to enjoy all the sights and sounds is to cycle or walk along the towpath, keeping pace with your barge alongside.
What to eat in Burgundy
As well as providing some of the world’s finest wines (see below) and wine tasting, Burgundy also shines on the culinary front. Dishes using Burgundy wine take center stage – boeuf bourguignon needs no introduction nor does coq au vin, although the local version comes cooked in red wine. Other delicious wine-based food to enjoy ashore or aboard our luxury hotel barges includes matelote d’anguille a la bourguignonne (eels stewed in wine) and the sweet Belle Dijonnaise pear poached in wine.
Local cuisine features large on lunch and dinner menus on your hotel barging cruise in Burgundy. Plus you’ll sample local cheeses and pastries.
Want the recipe? Find out how to make boeuf bourguignon in true French style.
What to drink in Burgundy
Burgundy wines are famous throughout the world and will complement every meal you take while aboard your luxury barge. Hotel barge cruisers are spoilt for choice as you’ll cruise through the wine delights of the region – Chablis, Côte de Beaune, Côte de Nuits, Côte d’Or, Beaujolais…
Burgundy wine is overwhelmingly red – around 88% of production – but the region also produces whites that include the sweet Sauterne. French wine classification is generally considered to be the most sophisticated in the world and goes back to the 1855 Classification of the Médoc. It grades Burgundy wines by terroir and according to five levels of growth (known as cru).
Did you know? One of the oldest wine routes in France takes in the best of the Grand Crus in Burgundy. Find out more about it here.
Your own barging in Burgundy guide
Now you know what you’ll be seeing, enjoying and tasting on your Burgundy hotel barge trip, it’s time to plan yours. We’ve got a selection of barges offering a range of itineraries on the waterways in the region. Choose your personal style with guidance from your on-the-spot French Waterways expert to ensure you experience the very best of cruising in Burgundy. Take a look
Looking for further inspiration?
- Where to go hotel barging in France
- Where to go hotel barging in Provence
- Where to go hotel barging in Aquitaine
- Where to go hotel barging in Alsace
- Things to do on the Canal du Midi
- You may enjoy our free Burgundy guide download
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