Papillon – Southern Burgundy
Tournus to Saint Julien
Maximum Capacity: 4 Guests
Available August through October of 2025
It’s hard to find a region that more embodies the “Quintessential French Experience” than Southern Burgundy. This region is legendary for its beautiful abbeys, Romanesque architecture and incredible vineyards. The roots of power and history run deep and the unmistakable influence of the Dukes and monks is found in every aspect of life in this region.
Le Papillon – “The Butterfly” – is perfectly configured to easily navigate every waterway in France. With her gorgeous accommodations and panoramic top deck, it is only fitting that we would create a variety of breathtaking itineraries in Burgundy for her to explore. A journey aboard Le Papillon offers an unforgettable experience of elegance and relaxation. This charming vessel meanders through the picturesque canals of France, providing passengers with unparalleled views of the countryside, historic chateaux, and quaint villages.
Le Papillon is renowned for its intimate and personalized service, accommodating a select number of guests to ensure a cozy atmosphere. Each cabin is beautifully appointed, featuring comfortable furnishings, en-suite facilities, and large windows that frame the ever-changing landscape. The onboard cuisine is a highlight of the journey, with a talented chef crafting exquisite meals using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. Guests can savor gourmet dishes paired with fine regional wines, creating a delightful dining experience that captures the essence of French gastronomy.
Daily excursions offer a chance to explore the cultural and historical treasures of the region. Whether it’s a guided tour of a medieval town, a visit to a local vineyard for wine tasting, or a leisurely bike ride along the canal towpaths, there are endless opportunities to immerse oneself in the rich tapestry of French life.
Le Papillon also provides ample opportunities for relaxation. Guests can unwind on the top deck, take in the serene beauty of the waterways, or enjoy a leisurely evening in the lounge with a good book or engaging conversation. A luxury barge cruise on Le Papillon is not just a holiday, but a journey of discovery and indulgence, offering cherished memories that will last a lifetime.
Day 1:
TOURNUS
Welcome to Tournus! Arrive on board to a champagne welcome and an introduction to the crew and Le Papillon, your beautiful peniche hotel for the week. Time permitting, your captain will take you on a short cruise along the Saone River before settling in for the first of many exquisite dinners on board Le Papillon.
Day 2:
CHALON SUR SAONE
Today we visit the historic market in Louhans. This spectacular market takes place along the main boulevard, the Grands Rue, which features 157 arcades (arches). Both the arches and the market actually date back to the 15th century! The market is only open on Mondays and features a wide selection of regional and imported items including meats, cheeses, wines, livestock, olives, spices and clothing. Today’s lunch on board Le Papillon will likely include some of the tempting items from the market today. After lunch, we cruise to Chalon and experience the lively waterway vessels of all sizes cruising on the Saone River. We overnight in Chalon-sur-Saone tonight.
Day 3:
FRAGNES
Early this morning you’ll have the opportunity to stroll through the streets of Chalon-sur- Saone and take in the true beauty of this surprisingly interesting and beautiful city with its two unique cathedrals. Near the Place de l’Hotel de Ville, you can admire the imposing baroque-style façade of the Church of Saint Pierre. The Place Saint-Vincent is a must for sitting and sipping a café on the square beneath the Cathedral Saint-Vincent surrounded by half-timbered structures dating back to the 11th century. Back on board Le Papillon, relax on the top deck and marvel at the contrast from river cruising to canal cruising as we transition from the Saone River to the Canal du Centre. After a lazy lunch we’ll hop of of the waterway for a tour of nearby Chateau de Germolles. Germolles is one of the few remaining and best-preserved residences of the Dukes of Burgundy from the 14th century.
Day 4:
CHAGNY
After breakfast, we’ll cruise up the staircase of locks towards Chagny. This scenic stretch of the Canal du Centre is perfect for a morning cycle or brisk walk as we ascend above Chalon. This afternoon, we will head for the famed Cote de Nuits wine region, where we will visit the famed Chateau of Clos de Vougeot for a tour of this historic monastery where the monks began cultivating the vines here at the end of the 11th century. The four original giant wine presses are still standing in the vat house on the property. Time permitting, we may end our tour today with a visit to the Jaflin family wine cellar in Nuits st Georges for a very traditional tasting of some of the best wines the region has to offer. Dinner tonight will be taken ashore at a nearby restaurant.
Day 5:
SAINT-LEGER-SUR-DHEUNE
This morning is a great time to cycle on the towpath as you soak in the beauty of the waterway as we head towards the quintessential village of Santenay. After a light lunch on board, we’re off to Beaune to explore this historic town and take in a tour of the Hospice.
It’s remarkable to imagine that the Hospice/Hotel-Dieu was founded in 1443 to serve the poor in Burgundy and it actually remained in operation as a hospital until 1971. Dinner this evening will surely highlight the incredible flavors of the white Burgundian wines that are so revered in this region.
Day 6:
SAINT-JULIEN-SUR-DHEUNE
Today we wind our way through the beautiful scenery spanning between Santenay and Saint Julien. We will savor the last of our lunches on board paired with local wines and cheeses as we breathe in the spirit of this incredible region. This week would not be complete without a surprise final tasting at one of our very favorite wineries along the way this afternoon. Tonight you’ll end your week with the Captain’s Farewell Dinner on board where you can reflect upon your full week of dining, touring and barging. Enjoy a peaceful rest as we overnight in Saint Julien this evening.
Day 7:
SAINT-JULIEN-SUR-DHEUNE
All things must come to an end and unfortunately there is no exception with your cruise on board Le Papillon. After a final café and pain au chocolate, our crew bids you a fond farewell as our captain helps transition you to your flight home or on to your next destination.
À bientôt! See you soon!
| Papillon - 2025 & 2026 | |
| US Standard Pricing | |
| Regular | |
| Single Cabin for 2 Passengers | $ 17,000 |
| Single Supplement | $ 2,300 |
| Charter for 2 passengers | $ 23,000 |
| Charter for 3 passengers | $ 27,200 |
| Charter for 4 passengers | $ 32,000 |
Price includes:
- Collection from, and return to Paris, France
- Accommodation in a double or twin cabin with private facilities
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks all cooked by our gourmet chef w/ local seasonal delicacies
- Restaurant meals where required
- Wine pairings of finest Burgundian vintages at lunch and dinner
- Open bar 24/7 stocked with French champagne, fine wines and spirits
- Use of the on-board library and stereo system
- All ground transport in air-conditioned mini-bus for local sightseeing visits
- Entry costs for sightseeing
- Use of on-board bicycles
Not Included:
- Airfare to/from France
- Travel insurance
- Crew gratuities
- Personal expenses
Le Papillon was remodeled in 2021 and is our flagship luxury barge. She carries a maximum of 4 guests with 4 crew members and cruises multiple itineraries through some of the most beautiful wine regions of France.
