Floating Our Way through Burgundy with Les Bateaux Belmond
by Tony Huffman, Founder & Chairman
Earlier this month, my wife and I, with two other couples, sailed the canals and rivers of Burgundy for six nights aboard the beautiful Les Bateaux Belmond in France barge “Lilas.”
Between Champagne, Burgundy, Provence, and the Canal du Midi, Belmond operates a fleet of 6 luxury barges ranging in size from 4, 6, 8, and 12 passengers. Most of the barges being offered as private charters only, fully staffed with a professional crew at your beck and call.
Our barge, “Lilas”, run by a crew of 7, glided along the picturesque canals and rivers of Burgundy for 6 nights. We enjoyed most meals onboard and the food, service, and wine were truly world-class. Still, because we also wanted to sample some of the local tables, we had one lunch ashore in Dijon and one dinner at a Michelin-starred restaurant in the beautiful town of Beaune.
Each day, after breakfast, we would walk the towpaths for hours or use some of the bikes at our disposal, as the barge slowly made its way northward. A large van with driver was always available for planned shore touring of vineyards, small villages, and other sites along the way.
A few of the very memorable excursions we took included Beaune, a walled town at the center of the Burgundy winemaking region in France. Surrounded by the Côte d'Or vineyards, the cobbled town is renowned for an annual wine auction held at the Hôtel-Dieu (Hospices de Beaune). Recognized by its colorful, geometric-patterned tile roof, this 15th-century former hospital is now the Hôtel-Dieu Museum, showcasing works like "The Last Judgement" altarpiece by Van der Weyden. Another highlight was the historic Clos de Vougeot vineyard, where the Cistercian monks first began making wine in the 12th Century. It is also the headquarters of the celebrated Burgundian wine society, the Confrerie des Chevaliers du Tastevin.
Strategically positioned in some of the most sought-after regions, the Les Bateaux Belmond barges offer endless possibilities for touring while onboard, but also before and after. In our case, our itinerary started in Paris, before we made our way to Burgundy. When we got off the barge, we continued our exploration of France in the magnificent Alps. Sometimes the best is to find the perfect anchor for your trip (pardon the pun),and build your journey around.
Barging in France is a wonderful experience for families or a small group of friends. Due to the limited size of the vessels, it is recommended to book in advance to ensure availability.
