Getting ready to book a weeklong canal cruise in Burgundy, can't decide between Sept 17th '03 or Sept 24th starting dates. Would love to see peak fall foliage. Any suggestions will be appreciated. Thanks.

St. Cirq should be able to help you with this. I would have thought that's a little bit early, but with the hot summer I wouldn't be surprised if the trees turn earlier than usual.

Thanks for replying.
I read in a lonely planet post that they are already starting to harvest grapes in some parts of France since it's hotter than usual. Sigh, I was hoping to watch grape harvesting and fall foliage at the same time. I thought the foliage would change later since it's hot, but I don't know much about fall foliage.

Hi, I live in Lyon, which is not far from Burgundy. If I remember correctly, last year the leaves on the trees didn't even begin to change colour until mid-October, and in our garden some trees still had leaves until December. So you may not see any great foliage if you're visiting in September.

Hello Tangwah,

You are right, harvest time should be earlier this year because of the hot weather.
However, as it was said, foliage will really take place in october...
It may be difficult to combine the two !
September is the best time for barging...you will not go wrong with any of these 2 dates !

Jean
PS: Which barge are you taking ?

Thanks for all the feedback. I am going on the Luciole. I've been on continental waterway's Princess Royale and Caprice and enjoyed both trips very much. Looking forward to this trip.

Good choice !

Are you going with francecruises.com by any chance ?

I just received an e-mail reporting that the woods in the Dordogne are starting to take on automnal colors. Aim for early fall colors if not just plain browning.

Some newspapers are reporting that grape harvesting has already begun in a few places due to accelerated ripening caused by excessive heat. If there is a silver lining to the heat wave, it may be that the wine producers are expecting a superb crop this year.

Yes, with francecruises.com.
Booked for Sept 17th, keeping my fingers crossed for nice weather.
Thanks again for all the replies.