A true privilege for those who have a passion for good food
If you are one of those who consider that eating in a Michelin star restaurant it's one of those things you have to do before you die, how about doing it in six... in a week? This is what the Belmond shipping company proposes with its cruise Epicurean Burgundy: a 12 star cruise.
This journey, in fact, would make the epicureans proud, who pursued a happy existence through the intelligent search for pleasures. And few pleasures greater than these tables, which, in total, add 12 gastronomic stars located on one of the most beautiful shores of the Gallic country.
From Burgundy to Beaujolais, from St-Jean-de-Losne to Lyon, guests who embark on the Afloat in France on August 9, 2020 will experience France like true gastronomic connoisseurs: not only will they dine each night in a spectacular establishment, but who will also stop at the historic Clos de Vougeot , where Cistercian monks began making wine in the 12th century; will participate in a private tour of the legendary Hotel Dieu , venturing behind its splendid Gothic façade to discover 500 years of Burgundian history and treasures. And, of course, they will enjoy the beautiful panoramic views that the waterways of Burgundy throw up, including the Saône River.
There will also be time to visit the cities of Chalon-sur-Saone, Tournus and Lyon , considered essential for those who love French cuisine. In this last one, in addition, they will be able to know the new International City of Gastronomy (International City of Gastronomy).
A river and gastronomic cruise
STAR RESTAURANTS
But let's go to what really interests you: the tables at which you are going to sit. "Located in Beaune, Le Jardin des Rempart offers a charming stopover in the heart of the Côte d’Or", they explain from the shipping company. There, you will taste the authentic, seasonal and locally sourced cuisine of chef Christophe Bocquillon, awarded with a Michelin star.
The same category has Aux Terrasses , by chef Jean-Michel Carrette, located in the center of Tournus. The professional has developed an instinctive cuisine, using techniques inherited from his father and adding his own style, rewarded for his high levels of creativity and personality.
With two stars, located on the outskirts of Auxerre, stands The Cote Saint-Jacques , by Jean-Michel Lorian, whose beautiful and colorful dishes surprise with their exquisite simplicity.
Also a couple of stars are the ones that mark the restaurant Paul Bocuse , where you can taste the black truffle soup, created for the French president Valaery Giscard d'Estaing in 1975.
Maison Lameloise , for its part, will show off its three Michelin stars honoring the traditional heritage of Burgundy, which is present in the establishment through the exposed stone and wooden beams, which have been there since 1921. The key dishes include fresh elaborations and light dishes that give a twist to the cuisine of the area, such as the Burgundy snail tart with fresh salad from the garden and seasonal vegetables.
But there is still one more wonder waiting to be discovered: we are talking about Georges Blanc , which, with its three Michelin stars -which he has not lost since he won them in 1982-, has built an excellent reputation for revisiting the classics with impeccable style.
A TAILOR-MADE TRIP
This luxury itinerary is not lived in one of those huge crowded cruise ships, but in small barges that can accommodate four to 12 people . Each one is fully crewed including a chef, hostess, captain and tour guide, and with all the amenities you can imagine: en-suite bathrooms (some with bathtubs), heated pools , rare vintage tastings, gourmet food, and interiors decorated with antiques. There's even a Grand piano aboard one of the barges.
Of course, feeling like a true insider for seven days doesn't come cheap: prices start from 7,333 euros per person on an all-inclusive basis - all meals and a private transfer are included. Although between now and August you still have time: you can now start saving to make your dream come true...
Gastronomy and other pleasures