The Hirondelle is one of the five barges on Belmond's current roster, which offers cruises in three contrasting regions.
I never tire of driving along the back roads of France, and I find the sculpted landscapes of Burgundy especially appealing.
Fortifications dot the strategic Burgundian landscape, ranging from well-defended manor houses to romantic castles bristling with mosaic-roofed towers.
The grand cru wines of Burgundy are among the most coveted and expensive wines in the world.
As one might expect, the Cote d'Or has no shortage of excellent restaurants complete with superlative wine lists.
In this true crime story, Maximillian Potter relates the attempt to extort 1 million euro from Domaine de la Romanee-Conti by poisoning its best vineyards.
Our first evening on the barge, I asked for a digestif of marc de Bourgogne. I was shocked they had none on the barge because so few people ever requested it.
Burgundy has much to recommend it, but its contemporary art scene is hardly world-renowned.
Burgundy has been a place in which to experience the world's most elevated wines and cuisine, and for present-day epicureans, its status remains unchallenged.
In this month's issue, Mr. Harper details his trip aboard the Hirondelle, cruising along Burgundy's idyllic canals. Three St. Barths resorts are also reviewed.
Watch Mr. Harper's video from his stay aboard the Hirondelle as he explores the backcountry of France along the country's extensive network of canals.
Watch Mr. Harper's video from La Borde, a rural estate with just five suites, four of which are Junior Suites, tucked deep in the pastoral heart of Burgundy.
Cruising the canals of Burgundy and sampling the fine food and wines along the way. Read more about our travels through wine country.
In the signature line of his emails, Andrew Harper's wine concierge, Hal Oates, includes a short blurb from the Bible: "Wine to gladden the heart of man." That sentiment is shared not only by Oates, but also by the growing number of travelers who head off in search of great wine destinations year after year.
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