What is so appealing about pleasure cruising along the canals in France is that it provides the opportunity to take in the idyllic landscapes throughout the journey. Join us on a trip down the waterways, as we discover the quaint local towns and villages that make up part of this cruise; from places steeped in history, such as the Royal Salt works at Arc-et-Senans, to local culinary specialties that delight and surprise the taste buds.
DAY 1: BESANCON
Passengers are welcome to board our ship at 6.00 p.m. After comfortably settling into your cabins, we'll introduce our crew at a welcome cocktail before dinner. We'll remain in port overnight.
DAY 2: BESANCON - RANCHOT
We'll depart by coach to Arc-et-Senans for the tour of the Saline-Royale. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this royal factory was built between 1775 and 1779 at the wish of King Louis XV. We'll return on board after our tour and cruise towardsRanchot. We'll remain in port overnight.
DAY 3: RANCHOT - DOLE
This morning will be spent cruising towards Dole. In the afternoon, join us for an original and unique tour, following the “trail of the Perched Cat”. This trail refers the famous tales of a Perched Cat, written be Marcel Aymé who lived in Dole as a child. We'll return on board and remain in port overnight.
DAY 4: DOLE - SAINT-JEAN-DE-LOSNE
We'll spend this morning cruising towards Saint-Jean-de-Losne. In the afternoon, join us for a guided tour of the city, the capital of canal barging in France. We'll visit the town hall and have a tasting of local products. We'll remain in port overnight.
DAY 5: SAINT-JEAN-DE-LOSNE - PETIT-OUGES
We'll spend the whole day cruising towards Petit-Ouges, reaching it in the afternoon. As we float by, you will discover the magnificent lush, green landscapes of the Saône Valley. A bike path was created that follows our route on the canal. You are free to take this path whenever you wish, bicycles are available on board(1). Upon arrival in Petit-Ouges, enjoy time at leisure to discover the “circuit of the three washhouses”(2). We'll remain in port overnight.
DAY 6: PETIT-OUGES - DIJON
This morning will be spent cruising towards Dijon. In the afternoon, join us for an excursion along the Grands Crus Wine Route. The touristic Grands Crus Wine Route passes through the finest and most prestigious of the Burgundy vineyards. Tonight's our gala evening and dinner. We'll remain in port overnight.
DAY 7: DIJON
Enjoy one last buffet breakfast on board before disembarking at 9.00 a.m. End of our services.
(1) Timetables and embarkation/disembarkation points will be announced on board by the ship's Captain. (2) The Circuit of the Three Wash-houses is not a guided tour. (3) Please contact us for more itinerary details. For cruise Ref. DBC_AIPP, itinerary and excursion packages are different. Alcohol can be harmful to your health. Please drink in moderation.
For more information on a return cruise in the opposite direction, please see ref. DBC_AIPP(3).
Excursions included
- Child discount (2-9 years of age): - 20%
- 3rd person discount in triple cabin: - 30%
Your cruise with all meals from dinner the first evening to breakfast on the final day - drinks included in this price are water, wine, beer, fruit juices during the meal and coffee after both lunch and dinner for meals eaten on the ship - drinks from the bar, except for champagne or wines from our special list - double-occupancy cabin with shower in bathroom - excursions mentioned in the program - assistance from our onboard multi-lingual host/hostess - welcome cocktail - gala dinner - travel assistance and repatriation insurance - all port fees.
Drinks from our wine list or drinks ordered during excursions or transfers - cancellation and baggage insurance - transfers/travel to and from departure/arrival points - personal expenses.
Valid passport required. Non-EU nationals are advised to consult their embassy or consulate.
Port-to-port cruise, no transfers included.
For more information about flights and transfers, please contact our call center by clicking on « Request a quote » and filling out the form, or by calling 1-800-768-7232