Burgundy has been a rich and prosperous area of France since ancient times. The Romans were the first to plant vineyards there, during the time of their occupation of Gaul, and their efforts were richly rewarded. The amazing red wines that come from the region are so famous that their color is known to the English language as “burgundy.”

Dijon And Burgundy

Burgundy was once an independent nation, easily the rival of Paris in power, and Dijon was its capital. The city still retains much of the structure of the Middle Ages, and half-timber buildings can be seen from the ancient canal. The famous Tower of John the Fearless overlooks the city, watching over your deluxe barge cruise down the canals of Burgundy. The salient historical, and geological, fact about this area is that one of the most important and essential of all early canals was cut through here. The river that runs through Dijon, the Ouche, drains into the Saone, and then the Rhone, and then the Mediterranean. On the other side of the rolling plains of the Burgundian region is the Yonne, which drains to the Seine and then travels past Paris on the way to the Atlantic. As one could imagine, this was of tremendous importance to medieval France. The ability to carry freight from the Mediterranean to the Atlantic without having to brave the ocean or sail around Spain was central to the economic life of the Middle Ages. Water travel was no longer a matter of life and death for an ancient merchant, but a pleasant opportunity to see the country and conduct business. The fascinating historical architecture that grew up around the canals shows this history of growth and profit.

What To Expect On A Burgundy Canal Cruise

The canal path through the beautiful hills and green mountains of Burgundy is well used and well-traveled. While enjoying a grand and luxurious Burgundy canal cruise you can walk alongside the barge at a leisurely pace, and even participate in opening and closing the locks as they arrive. A wine cruise on the legendary canal from the Yonne to the Saone can unlock a world of viticulture and wine culture for you and your family. If you would like to book your Burgundy Canal Cruise, please feel free to contact us today.