French Country Waterways river cruises at 40 percent off

French Country Waterways is reducing the cost of its six-night cruises aboard the 18-passenger luxury barge Esprit to $3,200 per person, double occupancy, from the brochure rate of $5,295 -- a 40 percent discount -- available on several select departures through June 2008.

The Esprit's route through Burgundy's Côte d'Or wine-growing region follows the Canal du Centre overlooking vineyards of the Côte de Beaune, then along the River Saône and the Canal de Bourgogne between St. Léger-sur-Dheune and Dijon.

Daily sightseeing excursions include a walking tour of Dijon,; the privately owned 18th-century Château de Longecourt; medieval Clos de Vougeot; Beaune, the wine capital of Burgundy; the port of Chalon-sur-Saône; 12th-century La Rochepot castle; and a tasting of Burgundies in the private cellars of a local vintner in Santenay. During free time passengers can relax on the sundeck and walk or bicycle along the towpaths.

For more information, go to the French Country Waterways website or call 800/222-1236.

Photo of Esprit courtesy of French Country Waterways.