'PROSPERITE' - CENTRAL BURGUNDY ITINERARY:
An Introduction to Burgundy
Beaune, the wine capital of Burgundy, is a lovely town. Its
ancient center is a maze of narrow cobbled lanes and
attractive squares. There are fine old stone houses and
mansions on almost every street. The center of town is
almost completely enclosed by medieval ramparts that are
almost entirely intact. The most splendid of all of Beaune's
historic buildings is Hôtel Dieu, which was built in 1443 in
Flemish Gothic style as a charitable hospital. It was used
as such until 1948 and is now one of three buildings
comprising the Hospices de Beaune, which is still a free
hospital and a home for senior citizens. (Nurses even wear
the traditional medieval hooded habit.) From Hôtel Dieu's
courtyard, there is a good view of the lovely colored and
glazed roof tiles for which Burgundy is famous. Inside, the
barrel-vaulted wooden roof, long hospital ward, and kitchen
are quite impressive. In its "museum" are the hospital's
15th-century tapestries and a masterpiece of Flemish art,
Van der Weyden's polyptych, The Last Judgement (1443).
The 150-mile-long Canal de Bourgogne (Burgundy Canal)
follows the valleys of the Rivers Armançon and Ouche. It was
completed in 1832 to link the Rivers Yonne and Saône and
runs from Laroche-Migennes to St-Jean-de-Losne. Reaching a
height of 1,240 feet, it crosses a ridge separating the
basins of the Seine and Rhône by means of a 3,640-yard-long
tunnel. There are 189 locks along the Canal, and it is a
popular waterway for pleasure cruising.
Chateauneuf en Auxois overlooks the Vandenesse valley and is
one of the prettiest villages in France. The castle at the
prow of the village is a commanding fortress erected in the
12th century by Jean de Chaudenay.
The Château of Clos de Vougeot stands in open country
surrounded by its world-famous vineyards. Originally built
in the 12th century, the Château belonged to the monks of
nearby Citeaux (who used it for their winemaking) and has
been a listed monument since 1949. Today, the Château is the
base of the Confrérie des Chevaliers du Tastevin, an
exclusive gastronomic organization founded to promote the
wines of Burgundy. In 1994, the Château of Clos de Vougeot
was listed as an "Outstanding Place of Interest for Taste"
by the Conseil National des Arts Culinaires at the request
of the Ministry of Culture.
The Côte d'Or wine region begins on the southern outskirts
of Dijon with vines lining the southeast facing hills. Côte
de Nuits stretches along the northern section from Fixin to
Corgolin and produces full-bodied reds. Côtes de Beaune runs
south from Aloxe-Corton to Santenay and produces both white
and reds. An oenephile's delight, this region produces
Vougeot, Meursault, Santenay, St. Romain, Nuit St-Georges,
Vosne-Romanée, Pommard, Marsannay-la Cote, Brochon,
Gevrey-Chambertin, Pernand Vergelesses, Fixin, and Volnay to
name a few.
The vast domain of great wines known as Burgundy was for 600
years an independent kingdom, often as strong as France
itself. Burgundy's vineyards survived in part to the
diligence, knowledge and good taste of the monks in the
region. Several orders owned extensive vineyards in the
area, among them the Benedictines, Cistercians, Carthusians
and the Knights of Malta.
Dijon is the current administrative capital of Burgundy and
the historic capital of the Dukes of Burgundy. The center of
Dijon is noted for its architectural splendor - evidence of
the wealth and power of the Dukes of Burgundy whose empire
once included Flanders and parts of Holland. Dijon's Ducal
Palace, built in 1682, is partially used as the town hall to
this day. Part of the Palais des Ducs is also home to
Dijon's Musée des Beaux Arts and its prestigious collection
of French and Flemish art. Also on display at Musée des
Beaux Arts are the vast ducal kitchens with their six giant
fireplaces. Palais des Ducs' Tour Phillipe le Bon (150 feet
tall) offers the finest views over Dijon and its
magnificently-tiled roofs.
La Bussiere sur Ouche is an interesting little village along
the canal. Picturesque houses line the banks. The tranquil
12th century Cictercian abbey is the town's most impressive
building. Erected at the beginning of the 12th century, the
monks of the abbey devoted themselves to working the land,
wine-growing and making flour. After falling into decline
this old Cistercian Abbey was restored at the end of the
19th century by the barron Leonce Hely d'Oissel.
Ever since the Capetian kings made it their capital in the
12th century, Paris has been the center of political,
intellectual, and artistic life in France. The oldest part
of the city is on the Ile de la Cité, which has been
occupied since the time of Caesar. By the Middle Ages, the
town had spread onto both the left and right banks. Later
periods of growth led to successive enlargements of the town
walls, but real development did not begin until the time of
Henry IV in the late 16th century. The museums and monuments
of Paris are legendary. The 12th-century Cathedral of
Notre-Dame is situated on the Ile de la Cité on a site that
was occupied by two earlier churches. Though it was severely
damaged during the French Revolution, the Cathedral with its
massive flying buttresses remains one of the most
recognizable buildings in Paris. The Louvre is one of the
world's best-known art galleries. Once a Royal residence, it
first opened as a museum in 1793. On the opposite end of the
Champs-Elysées sits the Arc de Triomphe de l'Etoile, the
largest triumphal arch in the world. It was completed in
1836 and commemorates the military glory of Napoleon. Near
the Hôtel des Invalides is Paris' most famous symbol, the
Eiffel Tower. It dates from 1889 when it was constructed for
the Universal Exhibition.
SUNDAY
Meet at the Paris hotel, chosen by the charter group, at
2:00 pm and transfer via chauffeurdriven Mercedes minivan to
'Prospérité,' moored at Tanlay. A champagne reception
awaits, with time to relax before a gourmet dinner on board.
MONDAY
Cruise on the idyllic Burgundy Canal this morning with great
opportunities for walking or cycling along the towpath.
After lunch, visit the 16th-century château at Ancy-le-Franc,
which has been beautifully restored with many murals and
examples of period furniture.
TUESDAY
Tour the Chablis wine region today where the vineyards date
from Roman times, enjoying a private tasting along the way.
In the afternoon, cruise to the village of Ravières for
overnight mooring.
WEDNESDAY
After breakfast, take a walking tour of the medieval port
city of Auxerre to see the historic center and its
Cathédrale St-Étienne. Then cruise along a scenic stretch of
the Canal to Montbard.
THURSDAY
Tour the 18th-century forge at Buffon, built by the great
naturalist Georges-Louis Leclerc de Buffon whose work
influenced Charles Darwin. After a cruise to
Venarey-les-Laumes, enjoy dinner ashore at a fine
restaurant.
FRIDAY
The morning cruise to Pouillenay is followed by a visit to
Fontenay Abbey, founded by Saint Bernard in the 12th
century. Once home to more than 300 monks, the site was
inhabited until the late 18th century. Back on board 'Prospérité,'
enjoy a gourmet Captain's Dinner to celebrate your journey.
SATURDAY
After breakfast, transfer back to the Paris hotel of your
choice via a chauffeur-driven Mercedes minivan.
Note: This route is run in reverse on alternate
weeks.
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