'L'Art de Vivre' started life as a British lumber carrier and was transformed by a team of skilled craftsmen into a floating celebration of "the good life" in traditional Burgundian style. She journeys through the enchanting Upper Nivernais region of Burgundy, passing sleepy hamlets, grazing white Charolais cattle and wooded slopes that nestle close to the canal's edge.

Sunday:
Meet in Paris at Hotel Ampère for transfer to 'L'Art de Vivre.' After a champagne welcome, there is time to wander the nearby streets of the logging capital of Clamecy before dinner on board.

Monday:
Tour Clamecy this morning, with visits to the Cathedral and the Logging and Barging Museum. Then cruise to picturesque Villiers-sur-Yonne for an excursion to the impressive half-built fortification at Guédelon, established to demonstrate traditional building methods of the 12th to 14th centuries.

Tuesday:
This morning's cruise is beneath the first of many Van Gogh-style hand-operated lift bridges. Take an optional cycling excursion to the village of Anois to visit Le Bouc qui Fume (The Smoking Billy Goat), a curiosity shop set in an old chapel. After lunch, visit the local wineries of Tannay before cruising to the logging port of Monceau-le-Comte.

Wednesday:
Visit picturesque Vézelay to see the magnificent Roman Basilique Ste-Madeleine with time to browse in the craft shops. This afternoon, cruise to Chitry-les-Mines, passing through Dirol.

Thursday:
Cruise through the remote countryside today, passing the meadows of La France profonde en route to Sardy-lés-Épiry. Then visit the illustrious Château de Bazoches, home of Marquis de Vauban, Louis XIV's military engineer and siege director extraordinaire.

Friday:
Begin your day with a cruise through the 16 locks leading to the summit of the Nivernais Canal, one of the most beautiful stretches of canal scenery in France. Moor for lunch at the last lock before continuing through three tunnels en route to Baye. This evening, join the Captain at his farewell dinner on board.

Saturday:
Disembark after breakfast to transfer back to Paris, where your tour ends with arrival at the Hotel Ampère.

Note: This route is run in reverse on alternate weeks.

Length: 100 feet Width: 17 feet Passengers: 8 Crew: 4 Cabins: 1 double & 3 twins All outside facing staterooms with en-suite bathrooms

For more information on any of the fabulous A&K Barge Tours drop us a note or call Rex Travel at 800-777-7739