The Burgundy Cruise

Sunday: Paris - Escommes

Be met at your hotel by our Private chauffeur company for the group's transfer to the Saroche, moored at Escommes on the Canal de Bourgogne. This canal, a historical monument, was conceived in 1605, completed in 1774, is 150 miles long, and has 189 locks. It’s a feat of amazing engineering that has survived The Revolution and two World Wars.

Upon arrival, you will be welcomed by the owners Jason, Dawn, and the crew. Following an introduction to Saroche with a Champagne reception, there is plenty of time to settle in before Dawn, your personal chef, presents you with the first of many gourmet meals.

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Tuesday: Chateauneuf en Auxois - Pont D'Ouche

This morning’s visit is to Chateauneuf en Auxois. This 11th-century chateau is a famous landmark in the area and hides a quaint hamlet behind it. Classified as “one of France’s prettiest villages”, the views of the surrounding areas are breath taking. The Hamlet of Chateauneuf is home to artists, potters, sculptures, and weavers – there is plenty of time to visit and explore the small labyrinth of houses. For those with energy to spare you can walk up to this visit and also walk back building a healthy appetite for lunch on the deck.

In the afternoon we set sail and head downstream to Pont d'Ouche, with more opportunity to enjoy the scenery from the deck, or by foot or bicycle, along the towpath, as we navigate downstream through 10 locks.

In the early evening, Dawn will demonstrate the art of pâté and terrine making before enjoying a pre-dinner cocktail on deck as the sun sets before dinner.

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Beaune is really two towns; one above ground and one below made up of a labyrinth of cellars dating back to Roman times. With this in mind, Jason takes you on a comprehensive wine tasting at the house of Patriarche. The largest wine house in Burgundy with 3 miles of cellars and well over 2 million bottles of wine, it goes without saying it could be a long afternoon! You will taste sublime whites and rich complex reds from some of the most famous Grand Cru fields in the world. As a personal friend of the cellar master, Jason enjoys unrivaled access to the wines. We finish in a small private cellar surrounded by rare vintages which are normally reserved for the higher echelons of the wine world – this is a privilege that Jason enjoys sharing with guests. As a trained sommelier, he is on hand to guide, explain and advise.Dinner tonight aboard Saroche is a simple rustic French affair of Dawn’s homemade pâtés, terrines, and local cheese, ensuring a relaxed evening.

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Friday: La Bussiere - Gissey

Market Day in Dijon. The capital of Burgundy, once homes to the Dukes of Burgundy and birthplace to Gustave Eiffel, who designed the market square. After a walking tour of the old town, founded in the Roman era, you will have plenty of time to experience and explore one of the best markets in France. You will have time to enjoy the classic French shops or relax in one of Dijon’s many cafes.We return to Saroche for lunch before setting sail for Gissey, our final destination for the week, and Jason and Dawns home for the last 17 years. This beautiful village nestled in the heart of the Ouche valley is classically French and no trip would be complete without exploring it. Jason will join you for pre-dinner drinks on deck this evening and recount tales of barging folklore, many of which he and Dawn have been part of. Tonight’s dinner is the pinnacle of culinary excellence where Dawn and Jason will round out your gastronomic wine experience with another gourmet delight and Grand Cru wines.

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