This unique new itinerary on board the boutique hotel barge L’Art de Vivre is designed to explore the hidden sides of Burgundy which few visitors discover. Cruising the tranquil Canal du Nivernais, often called the prettiest in France, guests will enjoy ivy-clad lock houses, peaceful meadows and forested stretches known as La Petite Amazonie. This is the traditional rural heartland of La France Profonde.

Pass fields of grazing Charolais cattle, visit the ancient, fortified town of Avallon with its terraced gardens and 12th century church, explore the hilltop town of Vézelay and enjoy a wine-tasting at the 1,000-year old winery of Domaine Laroche.

On board the hotel barge are just four guest suites, with twin or double beds and private bathrooms. The captain and crew provide friendly service and of course, excellent cuisine and selected fine wines, with a focus on the specialities of the local area – all meals and drinks are included in the price. To work up an appetite for lunch you can take a stroll along the towpaths, or borrow one of the bicycles provided for a morning excursion to the local village boulangerie.