The 8 passenger L'Art de Vivre started life as a Scottish munitions carrier and survived long enough to be transformed by a team of skilled crafts-men into a floating celebration of the Burgundian "good life". Her facilities include a sun deck, spa pool and 8 bikes perfect for gentle tow path rides. The air conditioned interior includes a comfortable saloon, dining room and an always open inclusive bar.
Your air conditioned, en-suite cabin has either a twin or double configuration at your request. The crew of four comprises Captain, Tour guide, Master Chef and Housekeeper, all with a love for the region, and all secure in the knowledge that their vessel represents L'Art de Vivre itself.
Below you can find some of the highlights of the cruises we are currently offering on L'Art de Vivre, along with some examples of the cuisine and fine wines the master chef will present you with on board.
Cruise Highlights
Cuisine Aboard
Explore enchanting Auxerre and its magnificent cathedral
Wine tasting of fine Chablis wines in a 12th century cellar
Visit Chateau de Bazoches, home of Maréchal Vauban
Tour Noyers, one of the most beautiful villages in Burgundy
Visit picturesque Vézelay and its hilltop basilica
Explore the medieval town of Clamecy
Optional Hot Air Ballooning
Regional Specialities
Terrine de Pêcheur façon Maison, Tourte Chaude d'Escargots à la Ciboulette, Filet de Rouget au Safron
Wine Cellar
Sancerre, Chablis, Pouilly Fumé,Cote de Nuits, Hautes Côtes de Beaune
Cheese Board
Brie, Maroilles, Pont L'Eveque, St Marcellin
Sunday, Day 1 Auxerre
Guests are met at Laroche Migennes train station at 16:45 or Hotel Maxime in Auxerre at 17:15. and transferred to the elegant L’Art de Vivre in Auxerre, Burgundy. Following a Champagne Welcome, you are free to explore the medieval town of Auxerre or take a stroll along the banks of the River Yonne before returning for dinner aboard.
Monday, Day 2 Auxerre to Vincelles
Our morning cruise takes us past vineyard-clad hillsides to our rural mooring at Vincelles. The 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 aboard.
Tuesday, Day 3 Vincelles to Mailly la Ville
After breakfast, our excursion is to the medieval town of Auxerre. Originally the capital of Lower Burgundy, the town prides itself on its fine churches and particularly its magnificent cathedral. We then return to the barge for a cruise southwards through rich pasturelands past grazing Charolais cattle to the market town of Mailly la Ville. Dinner aboard.
Wednesday, Day 4 Mailly la Ville to Le Saussois
This morning, we visit the charming 14th century medieval village of Noyers, one of the most beautiful villages in France, on an excursion through delightful countryside. In the afternoon we cruise past the Saussois cliffs where an international climbing centre creates a spectacular setting. There will also be the opportunity to enjoy spectacular walks before returning for dinner aboard.
Thursday, Day 5 Le Saussois to Lucy sur Yonne
In the morning we enjoy an excursion to 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. Lunch ashore today at a wonderful auberge Les Millesimes., followed by an afternoon cruise through the Yonne valley to arrive at Lucy sur Yonne. Dinner aboard.
Friday, Day 6 Lucy sur Yonne to Clamecy
A morning cruise through beautiful countryside then takes us to Clamecy. Take a short walk into Clamecy to visit the town, the Collegiale de St Martin and also the Logging and Barging Museum. The narrow streets lined with ancient buildings also present an opportunity for shopping. In the afternoon, we visit the Chateau of Bazoches, whose illustrious visitors included Richard the Lionheart and which was later remodelled by Maréchal Vauban. Captain’s Farewell Dinner aboard.
Saturday, Day 7 Clamecy to Auxerre
Disembark after breakfast and transfer either to Auxerre or Laroche Migennes train station by 10am.
On alternate weeks the cruise is in the reverse direction. This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change.
An optional hot air balloon ride is available on this cruise. The balloon company charge approximately C$280 per person which is to be paid to the balloon owners on the day of the flight. Please let us know at time of booking if you are interested.
We recommend you book the following trains in advance: Before cruise (Sunday) Paris Bercy to Laroche Migennes (TER), train departs Paris Bercy at 15.20hrs arriving at Laroche Migennes at 16:38hrs. End of cruise (Saturday) Laroche Migennes to Paris Bercy (TER), train departs Laroche Migennes at 10:24hrs arriving at Paris Bercy at 11:44hrs
