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 the Route des Grands Crus and take a private tasting at Clos de Vougeot
- Walking tour of Dijon, including the Ducal Palace and famous Eiffel market
- Tour of Chalons-sur-Saône, its medieval streets and cathedral
- Explore Beaune, capital of the wine region and the extraordinary Hôtel-Dieu
- Discover the ancient and enchanting Chateau de Germolles
- Cycle and stroll the tow-paths, explore the environs
Day 1 — Sunday
Depart from Paris, arrive in Pontailler sur Saône
You’re welcomed aboard Amaryllis in pretty Pontailler by your dedicated crew and guide. Toast the start of your Burgundy adventure with chilled champagne and settle into your beautiful cabin. Later, enjoy your first gourmet dining experience on board, where exquisite French specialities meet convivial conversations and balmy, bucolic views.
Day 2 — Monday
Cruise to Auxonne | Excursion to Clos de Vougeot château and the Route des Grands Crus
After a breakfast of fresh pastries and artisan delights, relish a carefree morning gliding through the captivating scenery. A dip in the on-deck pool is the perfect way to prepare for the adventures ahead. Enjoy lunch on board as the barge winds its way along the River Saône. Alight afterwards for a drive down the celebrated Route des Grands Crus, passing through the famed villages of the Côte dOr. Stop to visit the historic Clos de Vougeot, built in the 12th century by the monks of nearby Cîteaux. A symbol of almost 1,000 years of Burgundy history, the imposing château is now the headquarters of the Burgundian wine society, the Confrérie des Chevaliers du Tastevin. Explore the ancient winery with its four huge presses and the cellar built to accommodate 2,000 casks. Afterwards, enjoy a private wine tasting at a reputed local producer, before returning to the barge for a divine dinner.
Day 3 — Tuesday
Cruise to Seurre | Tour of Dijon | Lunch in a local restaurant
After breakfast, disembark with your guide to visit Dijon, the former capital of the Duchy of Burgundy. The compact centre, rich in medieval and Renaissance buildings, makes it ideal for a walking tour. Visit the monumental Ducal Palace, once home to Burgundys powerful dukes, browse the traditional covered market and enter the famous Maille mustard shop. There will be some free time for shopping and to enjoy lunch at one of the many pavement cafés. Return to the boat for a late-afternoon cruise along the majestic River Saône. Cocktails herald the start of a vibrant evening as we arrive in Seurre and dinner is served on board.
Day 4 — Wednesday
Cruise to Fragnes | Excursions to Chalons sur Saône and Rully | Dinner in a local restaurant
Continue cruising on the River Saône until you enter the Canal du Centre via the impressive lock at Crissey. After lunch on board and mooring up in Fragnes, your guide takes you to the 14th-century Château de Germolles. The best-preserved residence of the Dukes of Burgundy, it offers an evocative snapshot of ducal court life in the Middle Ages. The passionate owner will guide you around his home and unravel the fascinating history, secrets and anecdotes hidden within its walls. Discover exceptional murals, sculptures and a private chapel, as well as romantic, 19th-century gardens. This evening, anticipate an unforgettable dining experience at the prestigious winery Maison Champy in the heart of Beaune.
Day 5 — Thursday
Cruise to Chagny | Explore medieval Beaune
Take advantage of the unhurried pace to alight at a lock and cycle or walk alongside the barge. Enjoy lunch onboard before an afternoon tour of Beaune, the wine capital of Burgundy. A treasured highlight here is the Hôtel-Dieu, a magnificent former charitable hospital renowned for its glorious coloured-tiled roof and artistic gems. After your visit, stroll through Beaune’s cobbled streets and discover its enticing shops before heading to the Joseph Drouhin cellar, where the King of France and the Duke of Burgundy used to store their precious wines. Wrap up the afternoon with an exceptional wine tasting before returning to the barge for dinner under the stars.
Day 6 — Friday
Cruise to St Leger sur Dheune | Discover Château de Chamirey
This morning, as you glide gently towards the attractive village of St-Léger-sur-Dheune – your final destination – look out for the Santenay vineyards, the most southern of the Côte de Beaune. After lunch on board, your guide will take you to explore the vinous wonders of the Côte de Beaune. Tour the cellars of a prestigious winery and taste some of its finest vintages. Back on board, your chef is busy preparing your farewell gala dinner. Sit out on the balmy deck and share your Burgundy highlights over an array of seasonal delicacies.
Day 7 — Saturday
Depart St Leger for Paris
Please check out this morning by 09:00. After breakfast, your crew bids you farewell as you disembark for your onward travel arrangements.
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.
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)
2024
Charter bookings only
Sunday to Saturday
Rates and dates
All pricing is dynamic and based on demand. The following information is indicative.
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
2025
Charter bookings only
Sunday to Saturday
Rates and dates
All pricing is dynamic and based on demand. The following information is indicative.
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
Booking
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