Skip to main content
Contact Us: Within Australia Rest of the world
Back

L’Art de Vivre

Class: First Class
Location: Burgundy
Guests: 8
L'Art de Vivre is perfect for Couples, Families, Groups of friends, Wine appreciation, Excellent Cycling/Walking (extensive sections of uninterrupted towpath all along the cruise route), Historic interest, Markets, Charming villages.

 

The beautiful Nivernais Canal offers a cruising experience full of “off-the-beaten-track” experiences and a dreamy, relaxed environment that is a far cry from some of the busier canals. Peacefully grazing Charolais cattle, quiet charming little villages, and an excellent towpath allows guests to walk or ride as much as they like every day.

The Art de Vivre is an extremely attractive 8 passenger French canal barge that has been beautifully refurbished in traditional style and feels very fresh and spacious. The lovely sundeck is a fabulous place to relax and watch the world float by with quality teak outdoor furniture, comfortable cushions and colourful flowers crowned by the heated Jacuzzi.

This charming region is full of renowned wine villages such as Chablis and Irancy, the wines of which are served daily on the barge along with sumptuous French cuisine, and other highlights of the cruise itinerary include the renowned Chateau of Bazoches, the gorgeous medieval town of Auxerre and the stunning Basilica of St Mary Magdelene in Vezelay. This is one of the most captivating canal cruises in France and the exceptional crew looks forward to sharing their passion for the region with their guests.

Features At-A-Glance

8 GUESTS

4 DOUBLE/TWIN CABINS WITH EN-SUITE BATHROOMS All 100 sq. feet

4 CREW

100 FEET (30.4 METRES) LONG

8 BICYCLES

JACUZZI

AIR CONDITIONING/CENTRAL HEATING

1 AIR CONDITIONED MINIBUS FOR EXCURSIONS

CD PLAYER

GAMES

LIBRARY

Sunday, Day 1 Chevroches

Guests are met at the Hotel Westminster in Paris and transferred by private chauffeured minibus to the pretty L’Art de Vivre. The Captain and crew welcome you aboard with a champagne welcome and there is time for a stroll along the towpath before dinner on board.

Monday, Day 2 Chevroches to Lucy-sur-Yonne

After breakfast, we leave Chevroches and enjoy or first gentle cruise along the canal, through the town of Clamecy and on to our mooring at Lucy-sur-Yonne. This is a perfect time for a walk or a bicycle ride along the towpath. After lunch on board, we take a drive to visit the elegant Château de Bazoches, built in the 12th century and whose illustrious visitors included Richard the Lionheart. The château was later remodelled by Maréchal Vauban and there are wonderful views from its elevated hillside setting. Dinner on board.

Tuesday, Day 3 Lucy-sur-Yonne to Le Saussois

This morning we visit the town of Vézelay, one of Burgundy’s most famous treasures with the Romanesque Basilica of St Mary Magdalene, craft shops and fine views of the surrounding countryside. After lunch back on board, we continue our cruise past the renowned cliffs at Le Saussois, a stunning natural setting with an international climbing centre, and then moor nearby for the evening. Dinner on board.

Wednesday, Day 4 Le Saussois to Mailly-la-Ville

We start the day with a tour of the charming 14th century medieval market village of Noyers-sur-Surein, one of the most beautiful villages in France. After lunch we cruise through delightful countryside to the sleepy village of Mailly-la-Ville and again there is ample opportunity to enjoy delightful walks or bicycle rides along the towpath. Dinner ashore tonight at a local restaurant.

Thursday, Day 5 Mailly-la-Ville to Vincelles

This morning’s cruise takes us through some delightful locks and past rich pasturelands with grazing Charolais cattle to our mooring at Vincelles. After lunch on board, our afternoon excursion is to Chablis, home of one of the most famous white wines in the world. A tasting in one of the town’s aged cellars will introduce you to some of the local Petit Chablis and Chablis wines. Dinner on board.

Friday, Day 6 Vincelles to Auxerre

This morning we take in the rustic beauty of vineyard-clad slopes as we cruise to our final mooring in the heart of Auxerre. After lunch, we tour this medieval town. Originally the capital of Lower Burgundy, the town prides itself on its lavish Renaissance houses, fine churches and particularly its magnificent cathedral situated close to the river. Captain's Farewell Dinner on board.

Saturday, Day 7 Auxerre

After breakfast, guests are transferred to the Hotel Westminster in Paris.

This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change.  On alternate weeks the cruise is in the reverse direction.

2025 Prices

Value Season
Regular Season

Stateroom per person

Value Season: €5,250
High Season: €6,050

Single Supplement

Value Season: €1,900
High Season: €2,200

Charter Max. 6 pax.

Value Season: €36,400
High Season: €42,000

Charter Max. 7 pax.

Value Season: €37,700
High Season: €43,500

Charter Max. 8 pax.

Value Season: €39,000
High Season: €45,000

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

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:

  • Transfers between Paris and the hotel barge (the approximate transfer duration is 2hrs 30mins)
  • 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 4 crew and use of barge facilities
  • Which include bicycles and spa-pool

Please send me information about ‘L’Art de Vivre’

Your French Barging
Adventure Starts Here

View Cruises
View Tours