European Waterways is launching a new eight-passenger hotel barge on the River Saône and Canal du Centre in France in May 2016.

Currently under construction in Belgium, the Finesse will be sailing six-night cruises in Southern Burgundy between Montchanin and St-Jean-de-Losne.

Highlights along the way include an excursion to Dijon and wine-tasting in Beaune followed by a private lunch prepared by a Michelin-starred chef. Passengers will also visit the 14th-century Chateau de Germolles, once home to the Dukes of Burgundy, and the former medieval pilgrimage town of Paray-le-Monail.

Finesse will have four air-conditioned en-suite cabins, inside and al-fresco dining, five crew and a demonstration galley where passengers can watch the chef at work. Prices start from £3,950 per person including all meals, and also drinks, excursions and local transfers between the barge and Lyon.