Finesse is a very beautiful and luxurious hotel barge that cruises on the scenic River Saône and Canal du Centre in Southern Burgundy.
Built to exacting standards with luxury in mind, she offers accommodation for up to 8 passengers in four spacious twin or double-bedded suites, each air-conditioned and with beautifully appointed shower-rooms with over-sized walk-in showers. She also boasts a large saloon with panoramic floor to ceiling windows and a demonstration galley where guests can watch their chef preparing delicious gourmet meals.
She has a very modern and well-designed interior, offering plenty of natural light. Outside guests can relax on the large sun deck with its alfresco dining area, comfortable seating and spa pool.
With her doting crew of five to look after you, Finesse will be the perfect luxury barge on which to meander through the vineyards and undulating countryside of Southern Burgundy.
Features At-A-Glance
8 GUESTS
4 SUITES OF 265 SQ FEET (24.6 SQUARE METRES) – ALL WITH PICTURE WINDOWS, EN-SUITE BATHROOMS
LUXURIOUS SALON AND DINING AREA WITH LARGE PICTURE WINDOWS
5 CREW
128 FEET (39 METRES) LONG
WI-FI ON BOARD
AIR CONDITIONED MINIBUS FOR EXCURSIONS
BICYCLES FOR ALL GUESTS
JACUZZI ON DECK
AIR CONDITIONING & CENTRAL HEATING
BOARD GAMES AND BOULES
HI-FI WITH CD’S AND I-POD DOCK
Sunday, Day 1 St-Jean-de-Losne
Guests are met in Dijon and transferred by air-conditioned minibus to Finesse for a Champagne Welcome and the opportunity to meet the crew. Then there is time to wander along the quaysides to see the wide variety of watercraft plying their trade or undergoing refurbishment, before dinner on board.
Monday, Day 2 St-Jean-de-Losne to Fragnes
We begin our voyage this morning through Southern Burgundy along the peaceful River Saône, passing delightful little river ports such as Seurre and Verdun-sur-le-Doubs, before joining the Canal du Centre at Chalon-sur-Saone to arrive at our mooring in Fragnes. After lunch on board, we visit 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.
Tuesday, Day 3 Fragnes to Rully
This morning, we take a walking tour of old Dijon, including a visit to the vivid flower and produce markets, mustard shops and the impressive Notre-Dame de Dijon, or enjoy some excellent shopping time. We return to the hotel barge for lunch and then a leisurely afternoon cruise to our mooring near the village of Rully. Dinner on board.
Wednesday, Day 4 Rully to Remigny
After breakfast, we set off on a drive through the Côte de Beaune vineyards to the town of Beaune itself, capital of Burgundy wine country, where we 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, we return to the barge for an afternoon cruise to Remigny, passing the charming little town of Chagny. Dinner on board.
Thursday, Day 5 Remigny to St-Léger-sur-Dheune
This morning’s cruise takes us past the famous wine-producing village of Santenay. There are perfect opportunities to walk or cycle along the towpath en route, before we moor at the pretty little port of St-Léger-sur-Dheune. In the afternoon we escort you on 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.
Friday, Day 6 St-Léger-sur-Dheune to St-Julien-sur-Dheune
This morning, we continue our cruise along the Canal du Centre through undulating countryside to moor at the little village of St-Julien-sur-Dheune. We will ascend a series of locks with plenty of opportunities to disembark and explore the villages along the way. After lunch, we head 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 Compestela in Spain. Farewell Dinner on board.
Saturday, Day 7 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 will be in the reverse direction.
This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change. On alternate weeks the cruise will be in the reverse direction.
2025 Prices
Value Season
Regular Season
Suite per person
Value Season: €7,990
High Season: €9,290
Single Supplement
Value Season: €3,000
High Season: €3,500
Charter Max. 6 pax.
Value Season: €54,500
High Season: €63,700
Charter Max. 7 pax.
Value Season: €56,500
High Season: €66,100
Charter Max. 8 pax.
Value Season: €58,500
High Season: €68,500
Note all our prices are in euros. Please ask us if you live in the USA and would like prices in US dollars. We convert to Australian dollars at current exchange rates on the day of payment of deposit/full payment.
Departure Dates 2025
Value Season
March 30; April 06, 13, 20
Regular Season
April 27; May 04, 11, 18, 25; June 01, 08, 15, 22, 29; July 06, 13
Value Season
July 20, 27; August 03, 10, 17
Regular Season
August 24, 31; September 07, 14, 21, 28; October 05, 12
Value Season
October 19, 26
Price is all-inclusive - inclusions are:
- Local transfers to and from the hotel barge (the approximate transfer duration is 45 minutes / 1hour depending on the cruise direction)
- A luxury 6 night cruise, all meals on board catered for by the on board Master Chef
- An open bar 24/7 with a large range of alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks
- All wines served throughout the cruise
- Excursions and admittance fees as per the itinerary
- The services of 5 crew and use of barge facilities
- Which include bicycles and a spa pool
