Roman invaders, charitable dukes, rebel monks: the history of Burgundy and the Franche Comté (“Free County”) is varied and exciting. Agriculturally rich and strategically important, the region has long been a political prize. Julius Caesar fought Gaulish chief Vercingétorix here, Spain ruled the Franche Comté for more than a century, and the courts of the powerful Dukes of Burgundy once rivaled those of France’s kings.
Why visit today? The region is known for its beautiful rolling hills and charming villages, its famous wineries (founded by Cistercian monks who broke from the rich Abbey of Cluny to work amid their vines) and Ducal relics like the famous Hôtel Dieu in Beaune. Lush farmlands produce traditional delicacies like Gruyere, foie gras and, of course, those world-famous wines. Browse the open-air markets of medieval towns like Dijon, Sens and Dole, or bike through wildflower fields along the placid Canal de Bourgogne.
Canal and river cruising is one of the most relaxing and intimate ways to experience the beauty of Europe, without crowds and in great comfort. For those who appreciate fine food and wines, peaceful vistas and an exciting new destination each day without ever leaving “home,” this has become a favorite way to celebrate a special birthday, anniversary or time together as a family.
Life on board a canal or river barge in France combines the food, drink and accommodations of a small country inn with the mobility and excitement of life on a well-appointed private yacht. Burgundy is one of the most popular holiday regions of France, and a cruise on the Canal de Bourgogne or the River Saône takes you to charming towns and vineyards for a glimpse of Gallic history, gastronomy and art.
Agriculturally rich and strategically important, Burgundy has long been a political prize. Julius Caesar fought Gaulish chief Vercingétorix here, and the courts of the powerful Dukes of Burgundy once rivaled those of France’s kings. On a luxury barge cruise through the region, you’ll see that the prize is a culinary one. Lush farmlands produce traditional delicacies like Gruyere cheese, Dijon mustard, foie gras and world-famous wines. The chef on your luxury barge prepares delicious meals each day using fresh regional ingredients like these with a selection of cheeses and wines — always accompanied by a brief history or story.
For instance, it was originally Cistercian monks working in the vineyards near Dijon who developed the robust Côte de Nuits and Côte de Beaune wines. The monks grew pinot noir grapes for the king, but by the 14th century the gamay grape was gaining in popularity. The vintners of Beaujolais ignored the monks’ orders to pull out the young gamay vines and continued to produce their “working class” wine. Many oenophiles continue to believe this fruity and refreshing wine is worthy of sharing with good friends, and on a luxury barge cruise through Beaujolais you have the opportunity to do just that.
Franche-Comté, the former “Free Country” of Burgundy, offers barge travellers an amazing array of natural beauty: an abundance of wide open spaces, mountains, forests (43% of the land) and rushing waters. A barge cruise in this region provides close-up views of the vineyards, abbeys, wine cellars and châteaux of France and an intimate travel experience on board.
Your barge vacation is hotel, meals and activities all rolled into one. Since you’re travelling at a leisurely pace, you can literally stop and smell the roses. Browse the open-air markets of medieval towns like Dijon, Sens and Dole, or bike through wildflower fields and towpaths. Palaces and châteaux are always nearby, and on all Burgundy barge and canal cruises you can expect to see firsthand what life was like in their day.
A fascinating example is in Beaune at the Hôtel-Dieu, or Hospices de Beaune. Nicolas Rolin, the Chancellor of Burgundy, and his wife Guigone de Salins founded this “palace of the poor,” a marvel of Burgundian and Flemish art with a gloriously colored tile roof. The Grande Salle (or Chambre des Pauvres) was both a hospital and a church, enabling the sick to attend religious services. Now barge travellers can visit the Hôtel-Dieu museum with its restored rooms, kitchen, pharmacy and gallery of Renaissance religious art.
After a morning or afternoon of guided sightseeing to places such as the Hôtel-Dieu, return to your hotel barge for a fabulous meal prepared by your on board chef and then relax and perhaps sip a Kir with your cruising companions.
