We will use our unique
in-depth experience
to find you your
perfect barge cruise
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Summary
Finesse: the name says it all. She is the perfect vessel on which to meander through the lush undulating countryside of southern Burgundy. Enjoy the double pleasure of the winding canal and wide, peaceful river as you travel through this world-famous region of France.
A 2016 purpose-built double-decker hotel barge for 8 lucky guests Finesse ensures that you relax in absolute comfort – in your suite, in the saloon or on the sunny deck; she sets a spectacular standard for contemporary design in luxury cruising, with oodles of space in 265 sq ft cabins.
Key Features
-
- Grand Luxe class (5*)
- Saône river and Canal du Centre, southern Burgundy
- Charter and cabin bookings, 6 nights, 7 days, March to October
- 8 guests / 4 double or twin cabins with en-suite bathrooms
- Individually controlled air-conditioning and heating throughout
- Full board, on-board dining
- Sun deck with Dimension One hot tub
The Classic Cruise — Finesse
Classic Cruise Itinerary
Route | Between Chalon sur Saône, and St-Julien-sur-Dheune, Canal du Centre, Burgundy |
Pick-up | Dijon 4pm |
Dining | All inclusive | 6 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 6 dinners on board. One lunch at Michelin restaurant |
Cruise Highlights
- Tour of historic Dijon and its wonderful markets
- Visit to 14th century Château de Germolles
- Tour and tasting of fine wines at 17th century Château de Chamirey in Mercurey
- Gastronomic lunch ashore at a Michelin-starred restaurant
- Visit to Beaune, including Hôtel Dieu Hospice
- Tour of ancient Autun and its 12th century cathedral
- Excellent opportunities for walking and cycling
Themed Cruises
Finesse also offers themed cruises for charter parties:
Family
Golf
Wine
Please enquire.
Day 1 — Sunday
Arrival in Dijon
Guests are met in Dijon and transferred by air-conditioned minibus to Finesse moored in St Jean de Losne. First, a Champagne welcome, meet the crew and settle in, and then time to wander along the quay-side before dinner on board.
Day 2 — Monday
Cruise to Fragnes | Excursion to Château de Germolles
Cruise the peaceful Saône river, passing delightful river ports such as Seurre and Verdun-sur-le-Doubs before joining the Canal du Centre at Chalon-sur-Saône to arrive at the mooring in Fragnes. After lunch on board, a visit to the 14th century Château de Germolles, the best preserved of the residences of the Dukes of Burgundy, with its ducal chapel, medieval wall paintings and romantic gardens. Dinner on board.
Day 3 — Tuesday
Cruise to Rully | Excursion to Dijon
This morning, take a walking tour of old Dijon, including the vivid flower and produce markets, mustard shops and the impressive Notre-Dame de Dijon, or enjoy some excellent shopping time. Return to Finesse for lunch and a leisurely afternoon cruise to the mooring near the village of Rully. Dinner on board.
Day 4 — Wednesday
Cruise to Remigny | Excursion to Beaune | Michelin-starred lunch
After breakfast, a drive through the Côte de Beaune vineyards to the town of Beaune itself, capital of Burgundy wine country; visit the fascinating 15th century Hôtel-Dieu Hospice and explore the quaint shops of the town, before enjoying a gastronomic lunch at Michelin-starred restaurant Le Montrachet. After lunch, return to the barge for an afternoon cruise to Remigny, passing the charming little town of Chagny.
Day 5 — Thursday
Cruise to St-Léger-sur-Dheune | Excursion to Château de Chamirey
Cruise past the famous wine-producing village of Santenay, with perfect opportunities to walk or cycle along the towpath en route before mooring at the pretty port of St-Léger-sur-Dheune. After lunch on board, a winery tour and private tasting to the delightful 17th century Château de Chamirey in Mercurey, owned by the Devillard family for five generations. Dinner on board.
Day 6 — Friday
Cruise to St-Julien-sur-Dheune | Excursion to Autun
Continue the cruise along the Canal du Centre through undulating countryside to moor at the village of St-Julien-sur-Dheune. Whilst ascending a series of locks there are plenty of opportunities to disembark and explore other villages along the way. After lunch, a visit to Autun, a town of ancient origins with Roman gates and a 17,000 seat amphitheatre. The 12th century cathedral is also renowned for its architecture and its position on the pilgrims’ route from Vezelay to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. Farewell dinner on board tonight.
Day 7 — Saturday
Departure from St-Julien-sur-Dheune
After breakfast, guests are transferred by private chauffeured minibus to their choice of location in Dijon.
This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change. On alternate weeks the cruise is in the reverse direction.
“The cruise was absolutely fabulous. The team were lovely and all brilliant at the roles they played. My mother and I had the most amazing time.
I have no feedback on what they could do better, only that they should keep doing what they are doing! The team clearly love what they do and that shines through, such an amazing week.”
C.O, NSW Australia, June 2022
Accommodations and Facilities
- Dimensions: 128ft (39m) x 16ft 6″ (5.03m)
- Four suites of 265ft² (24.6m² )
- Bathrooms are 58.13ft² (5.4m²), included in the suite sizes above
- All suites can be configured with double or twin beds
- All cabins have individually controlled heating and air conditioning
- Lounging area with two sun-loungers
Other items on board Finesse:
- Professional English-speaking crew of 5 – Captain, tour director, chef, housekeeper and hostess
- Small library of books and maps
- Collection of board games and boules
- Telescope
- Computer with 3G internet connection
- Wifi (limited in some places)
- Sound system with Bluetooth music player
- 8 adult-size 5 gear folding bikes and cycle helmets
- 9-seater Volkswagen Transporter Caravelle with 3 zone air-conditioning
Facilities At A Glance
Fine Wines — Fine Dining
All meals on board are freshly prepared by your chef, working in an open galley so demonstrations are gladly given. Vegetarian, pescatarian, vegan dishes and non-allergenic dishes can be served given at least 8 weeks notice prior to departure.
Regional Specialities
Tournedos of Charolais beef served with glazed carrots and asparagus
Shallot tarte tatin and red wine sauce
Duo of pan-roasted and confit quail on wild mushroom and sautéed watercress, with a cassis syrup
Montgolfier of Escargots with a garlic crème
Oeufs en Meurette served on toasted pain d’épices
Cheese Board
Chaource; Brillat-Savarin; Reblochon; Abondance
Breakfast: Usually continental with fresh breads, pastries, jams, fruit, cereals, yoghurts, freshly squeezed orange juice, teas and coffee. A hot option is usually offered from the galley.
Lunch: A casual three course affair comprising of a hot soup, or entrée, patés and cold meats accompanied by colourful salads, or a hot main course followed by delectable desserts. A selection of wines are served daily.
Dinner: Candlelit, harmonising food and good wines, followed by a selection of regional cheeses, coffee and liqueurs. Farewell Dinner on the last night; guests may choose to dress slightly formal.
Drinks: Non-alcoholic beverages and regular or decaffeinated tea and coffee are all includes as is the 24 hr open bar serving beers, wines and spirits. Wines are served with meals and Champagne on arrival.
Wine Cellar
Meursault; Pouilly-Fuissé; Nuits-St-Georges; Santenay; Chenas; Chablis; Gevrey-Chambertin; Sancerre
Finesse 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
6 nights accommodation
Transfers to and from Dijon
All meals and drinks on board
What’s not included:
Air fares and travel to the pick-up
Travel, medical and cancellation insurance
Crew gratuities (5-10% suggested)
Personal expenses
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, 27
6 guest charter: 58,700 USD
7 guest charter: 61,100 USD
8 guest charter: 63,500 USD
Per Cabin bookings
Double Cabin: 8,550 USD per person
Single Occupancy Supplement: 3,300 USD
Regular rate weeks:
April 28
May 5, 12, 19, 26
June 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
July 7, 14
August 25
September 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
6 guest charter: 67,900 USD
7 guest charter: 70,700 USD
8 guest charter: 73,500 USD
Per Cabin bookings
Double Cabin: 9,950 USD per person
Single Occupancy Supplement: 3,800 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.
All rates and prices will be confirmed at time of booking. Special Offers are available from time to time – contact us
2025
Charter and Cabin bookings
Sunday to Saturday
Rates and dates
Value rate weeks:
April 6, 13, 20
July 20, 27
August 3, 10, 17
October 5, 12, 19, 26
6 guest charter: 58,700 USD
7 guest charter: 61,100 USD
8 guest charter: 63,500 USD
Per Cabin bookings
Double Cabin: 8,550 USD per person
Single Occupancy Supplement: 3,300 USD
Regular rate weeks:
April 27
May 4, 11, 18, 25
June 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
July 6, 13
August 24, 31
September 7, 14, 21, 28
6 guest charter: 67,900 USD
7 guest charter: 70,700 USD
8 guest charter: 73,500 USD
Per Cabin bookings
Double Cabin: 9,950 USD per person
Single Occupancy Supplement: 3,800 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.
All rates and prices will be confirmed at time of booking. Special Offers are available from time to time – contact us
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