We will use our unique
in-depth experience
to find you your
perfect barge cruise
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Summary
Belmond Lilas offers a wonderful route in southern Burgundy, carrying you along the calm and dreamy waters of the Saône river. She sails through soft landscapes and historic towns, leading into the delightfully quiet and pretty Canal du Centre in 2022, and to Lyon, France’s gourmet capital, in 2023.
The colours of the countryside are brought into Lilas’ interior space, reflecting the tones of the flowers and landscapes she represents.
Lilas offers an intimate and unique experience for a charter of eight guests, with exclusive personal service and a space to take time and reconnect with things that matter most.
Key Features
- Supreme class (6*)
- Part of the Belmond luxury fleet
- Saône river through the Burgundian countryside
- Charter and cabin bookings, 6 nights, 7 days, March to October
- 8 guests / 4 king-size suites
- Individually controlled air conditioning and heating throughout
- Full board, on-board dining with personal chef
- Open deck with loungers, canopy and heated pool
The Classic Cruise — Lilas
Classic Cruise Itinerary
Route | Classic Cruise in southern Burgundy along the Saône river, Auxonne to Lyon |
Pick-up | Paris, for private transfer to Lilas |
Dining | All inclusive | 6 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 5 dinners on board. One dinner at local restaurant |
Burgundy Cruise Highlights
- Visit the famous Hotel-Dieu in central historic Beaune, the wine capital of the region
- Marvel at the splendid Château de Fléchères on a private tour of the house and gardens
- Taste the famous wines of the region at Clos de Vougeot – a perfect excursion for history, architecture and wine lovers
- Discover France’s religious history at the Benedictine Abbaye de Cluny
- Walk and cycle the towpaths, relax on deck and enjoy the unfolding Burgundian countryside
Alternative route
Lilas may offer a different cruise region in France from year to year.
Please enquire.
Day 1 — Sunday
Arrival at Auxonne
Board the barge in Auxonne for your relaxing cruise along the Saône river through Burgundy. A champagne reception welcomes you on board and gives you a chance to meet the crew whilst you settle in. Later in the evening, enjoy your first gourmet dining experience on board.
Day 2 — Monday
Cruise to St Jean de Losne | Clos de Vougeot and wine-tasting
Absorb the beauty of the French countryside on a leisurely morning cruise. Enjoy a delicious lunch on board as the barge winds its way along the Saône. Alight afterwards for a drive along the celebrated Route des Grands Crus, passing through the famed villages of the Côte d’Or. Stop to visit the historic Clos de Vougeot, where Cistercian monks first began making wine in the 12th century.
This ancient château is now the headquarters of the celebrated Burgundian wine society, the Confrérie des Chevaliers du Tastevin, and still houses the ancient cellar and wine presses from medieval times. 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 Chalon-sur-Saône | Excursion to the wine capital, Beaune
This morning, savour the scenery on deck as your barge glides downstream to the pretty market town of Chalon-sur-Saône. After a delicious lunch on board, arrive in Chalon and disembark to visit Beaune, the wine capital of Burgundy. Enjoy a private tour of the magnificent 15th-century Hotel Dieu, a splendidly decorated charity hospital which represents both the history of Burgundy and the story of its wine. There will be time to explore the charming cobbled centre and its enticing shops, as well as a visit to Joseph Drouhin’s cellar, where the King of France and the Duke of Burgundy used to store some of their precious wines.
Day 4 — Wednesday
Cruise to Tournus | Visit the Abbaye de Cluny | Dinner at Michelin-starred restaurant
After breakfast, relax on board and soak up the picturesque Burgundy landscapes as you cruise along the Saône river to Tournus. After a sumptuous lunch on the barge, alight for a scenic drive to the Benedictine Abbaye de Cluny, for centuries the largest church in the world. Admire this masterpiece of Romanesque art, whose influence spread throughout the western Christian world. In the evening, sit down to dinner at a fabulous local restaurant.
Day 5 — Thursday
Cruise to Montmerle | Discover the Château de Fléchères
Relax this morning as the barge sets off for Montmerle, continuing its journey south. Your chef will prepare a delicious lunch for you to enjoy on deck. After arriving at the pretty riverside town of Montmerle, your guide will accompany you to the splendid Château de Fléchères, built in 1630 and set in 80 acres of parkland. Enjoy a private tour and time to wander around the grounds. Return to a late-afternoon aperitif and a gourmet dinner on board.
Day 6 — Friday
Cruise to Lyon | Explore the city
An early morning cruise gets you to your final destination, Lyon, in ample time to explore this wonderful city, celebrated for its culture and gastronomy. Dominating the skyline is the ornate Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière. Your guide will take you on a walking tour to discover the hidden ‘traboules’ of the old town, the Roman remains and painted walls.
Afterwards, enjoy time at leisure to peruse the city’s top-quality stores and chic boutiques. Back on board, your chef is busy preparing an exquisite farewell feast.
Day 7 — Saturday
Departure from Lyon
Please check out this morning by 09:00.
After breakfast, your crew bids you farewell as you disembark for Paris and your onward travel arrangements.
Please note: this route is a sample only and may be subject to change. In exceptional circumstances it may be necessary to alter the route without prior notice. On alternate weeks Lilas cruises in the reverse direction.
“We adored every single member of the staff and found them charming and well-versed. The cuisine on-board was better than the restaurants we ate at throughout our trip & I was especially impressed with how adeptly my mobility concerns were handled. Out of all the wonderful travel experiences we’ve enjoyed, this ranks at the top.”
Accommodations and Facilities
- Dimensions: 128ft (39m) x 16.5ft (5m)
- 1 x cabin, 280 sq ft, with 6’9” ceiling height
3 x cabins, 260 sq ft, with 6’6” ceiling height - King size double or twin bed configurations
- Hairdryer and L’occitane toiletries provided
- Windows are fixed shut but all cabins have individually operated air conditioning
Other items on board:
- English speaking crew of 6
- Sundeck with dining area
- Selection of books and board games
- Computer for guest use and Wifi (may be limited in some areas)
- Music system and CDs, TV for playing DVDs in saloon
- Tennis racquets, balls, fishing equipment available if requested in advance
- 8 bicycles
- Wifi (limited in some localities)
- Air-conditioned executive minibus for transfers and excursions
Facilities At A Glance
Fine Wines — Fine Dining
Belmond provides six crew members to look after your every need, expertly trained in the art of professional, friendly service.
Great care and expertise is taken in planning the menus aboard Lilas. All meals are freshly prepared by a personal chef with fresh ingredients from local suppliers.
Meals 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.
Belmond Lilas 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 accommodation
Return transfers from Paris
All meals and drinks on board
All excursion fees and associated transport
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 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: 77,075 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: 77,075 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