While canal barge cruises are available in a few European countries, France is by far the most popular destination.
Down the canal —
While canal barge cruises are available in a few European countries, France is by far the most popular destination.
alison wright/cnn
Day excursions on the canal barge cruise include stops at vineyards for wine tasting, wine tasting and then more wine tasting. In this photo: the Grands Vins de Bourgone vineyards in Burgundy.
Vineyard stops —
Day excursions on the canal barge cruise include stops at vineyards for wine tasting, wine tasting and then more wine tasting. In this photo: the Grands Vins de Bourgone vineyards in Burgundy.
Alison Wright/CNN
Chefs whip up inspired dishes in tiny gallery kitchens.
Divine dishes —
Chefs whip up inspired dishes in tiny gallery kitchens.
alison wright/cnn
Passengers get to try vintages at family-owned vineyards and wineries that don't export. In this photo: A Chateau Andre Ziltener wine tasting for barge cruise passengers.
More wine tasting —
Passengers get to try vintages at family-owned vineyards and wineries that don't export. In this photo: A Chateau Andre Ziltener wine tasting for barge cruise passengers.
Alison wright/cnn
Stopping by Dijon: Rubbing the owl at Notre Dame church is said to bring good luck.
Great luck —
Stopping by Dijon: Rubbing the owl at Notre Dame church is said to bring good luck.
The reason for Burgundy's reputation as the stomach of France becomes apparent at the local markets.
The freshest ingredients —
The reason for Burgundy's reputation as the stomach of France becomes apparent at the local markets.
Alison Wright/CNN
What to wear when artichoke shopping in Dijon.
So chic —
What to wear when artichoke shopping in Dijon.
Wine flows like water on a barge cruise. Here, local creme de cassis is transformed into a Kir Royale cocktail by adding Champagne.
Just one more glass, thank you —
Wine flows like water on a barge cruise. Here, local creme de cassis is transformed into a Kir Royale cocktail by adding Champagne.
Alison Wright/CNN
Going through the locks on the Burgundy Canal is an adventure in itself. Many have lock keepers -- beefy men who come running when barges pull up.
Waiting for the lock keeper —
Going through the locks on the Burgundy Canal is an adventure in itself. Many have lock keepers -- beefy men who come running when barges pull up.
Alison Wright/CNN
Another great day excursion: a visit to the Hospice de Beaune, which was built in 1443 and is one of the finest examples of French 15th-century architecture.
Guided architectural tours —
Another great day excursion: a visit to the Hospice de Beaune, which was built in 1443 and is one of the finest examples of French 15th-century architecture.
Alison Wright/cnn
While most meals are served on the barge, cruises also offer the option to dine ashore. Unique experiences include eating in the restored Abbaye de la Bussiere.
Onshore dining —
While most meals are served on the barge, cruises also offer the option to dine ashore. Unique experiences include eating in the restored Abbaye de la Bussiere.
alison wright/cnn
What was once a spiritual pilgrimage retreat in the 12th century is now a Relais & Chateaux hotel and Michelin-starred restaurant.
Abbaye de la Bussiere —
What was once a spiritual pilgrimage retreat in the 12th century is now a Relais & Chateaux hotel and Michelin-starred restaurant.
Alison Wright/CNN
One of the biggest delights of a barge cruise is sitting back and watching the scenery pass by.
Fleury sur Ouche, Burgundy —
One of the biggest delights of a barge cruise is sitting back and watching the scenery pass by.
alison wright/cnn