Explore the delights of Burgundy

at your own pace.....
Come to Burgundy and you step into the past. Here is a country rooted deep in history and legend, carrying us back to the dawn of Western civilization.

Here Caesar came and saw and conquered. Here the Dukes of Burgundy held dominion in the golden Middle Ages.

And here today in the very heart of France, Le Papillon cruises. For the most part our voyages are on the Canal de Bourgogne.

Sometimes we venture afield on the Canal du Nivernais or the River Saône.
Now and again we even get as far as Paris.

Wherever we are, we can choose our moorings together - town, village or open countryside? Then maybe head out in the minibus to a private tasting with a local wine grower or ride a bicycle and explore the countryside. Let us tell you what’s possible so that you can choose. After all, there’s no agenda other than your own. We’ll make sure however that you don’t miss any sights that are really special -

We want you to grow to love Burgundy as much as we do!

Something beautiful around every bend

The canals and rivers interchange throughout Burgundy. We cruise on both, through fields, woods, villages and towns. Along the water’s edge trees overhang, herons stand watching and fishermen sit patiently.

While it’s very much France at a snail’s pace, there’s always something to catch the eye. Best of all there’s always plenty of time to look and sketch or take pictures. And all the time, the waters slide by, gurgling behind the bow.
We can honestly say we know nothing so easy on the eye, so gentle on the soul, or so inspiring for the spirit than a few days losing yourself along these once highways, now old backwaters of France.