We will use our unique
in-depth experience
to find you your
perfect barge cruise
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Summary
Saroche is a classic barge with those graceful lines that make hotel barge cruising superbly elegant and stylish. As one on the largest hotel barges in France, she offers space in abundance with beautifully designed, light and airy staterooms and rich fabrics in warm country colours throughout.
Saroche cruises with up to 6 lucky guests, offering routes in central and eastern France. Unwind and relax on the partly shaded sundeck and watch the beautiful countryside roll gently by.
Jason Ashcroft, captain, graduated from the famous ‘Ecole du Hotelier’ in Switzerland, and Dawn Coles, chef, is a graduate of the prestigious Concord Hotel and Restaurant Management Scheme. Together with a crew of two they bring years of experience and expertise to the management of Saroche, delighting guests with gourmet cruising every year.
Key Features
- Grand Luxe class (5*)
- A variety of routes in Burgundy, Champagne and Alsace
- Charter only, 6 nights, 7 days.
- 6 guests / 3 suites
- Full board dining
- Air-conditioning and heating throughout
- Large sundeck with a shady awning and fire-pit
The Classic Cruise — Saroche
Classic Cruise Itinerary
| Route | Between Escommes and Gissey-sur-Ouche, Canal de Bourgogne |
| Pick-up | Paris, 2pm |
| Dining | All inclusive: 6 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 5 dinners on board. 1 picnic lunch at a vineyard, 1 dinner at a local restaurant |
Burgundy Cruise Highlights
- Tour an 11th century hilltop village
- Visit an artisanal chocolatier for a delicious tasting
- Explore the medieval town of Beaune, centre of the Burgundy wine business
- Savor top wine-tastings at famous vineyards
- Walk and cycle the tow-paths and pretty villages
Other cruise routes
Saroche also cruises in the Champagne and Alsace regions
- Champagne: Vandières to Beaumont sur Vesle
- Alsace: Hochfelden to Nideviller
Please enquire.
Day 1 — Sunday
Arrival in Escommes
You will be met at your hotel in Paris by our private chauffeur for the group’s transfer to 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 French Revolution and two World Wars.
Upon arrival you will be welcomed by the owners Jason, Dawn and the crew of Saroche. Following an introduction to Saroche over 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.
Day 2 — Monday
Cruise to Châteauneuf-en-Auxois | Excursions to an artisan chocolatier
Today’s cruise takes you down the flight of locks from the summit pound to our unique mooring at the foot of beautiful Chateauneuf en Auxois. Saroche is the largest vessel that cruises these waterways and squeezing her into the locks is an impressive experience to behold, with plenty of opportunity to walk or cycle as we cruise.
After lunch Jason will drive you to the small wine producing village of Saint Roman; this ancient Côte de Beaune wine village is home to many renowned wine houses where we’ll sample the well structured reds and soft elegant whites of the region. We’ll also stop at a local goats’ cheese producer where you will see organic home made artisanal cheese in all its glory before returning to Saroche. For those who are interested, Dawn will be offering a soufflé demonstration in the galley just before dinner, so one can guess what the starter will be this evening! We’ll finish the evening with a digestif on deck in full view of the elegantly lit chateau!
Day 3 — Tuesday
Cruise to Pont d’Ouche | Excursion to Châteauneuf-en-Auxois
This morning’s visit is to Châteauneuf en Auxois. This 11th century château 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 area are breath-taking. The hamlet of Châteauneuf is home to artists, potters, sculpturers and weavers, and there is plenty of time to visit and their workshops. For those with energy to spare you can walk to this venue, building a healthy appetite for lunch back on deck.
In the afternoon we set sail down stream 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.
Day 4 — Wednesday
Cruise to Vervey-sur-Ouche | Excursion to Beaune | Wine tasting and lunch in a local restaurant
Today we leave Saroche and head over the hills to Beaune. This is the capital of wine production in Burgundy, centred around the Hospice du Beaune. Famous for its wines as much as it is for the traditional tiled roofs, this bastion of Burgundian history was constructed in 1443, and whilst not the oldest monument you will see this week, it is by far the most impressive. It was still a functioning hospital as late as 1973. Today is also market day in Beaune and before lunch there is time to wander the stalls and lovely cobbled streets enjoying this very French of towns. Today you will lunch in one of the best Bistros in Burgundy, La Buissonniere, run by husband and wife team Charlotte and Sebastian. This charming bistro only accommodates 20 people and you will therefore be amongst the very few to indulge in Charlotte/s cooking! Paired with Some of Sebastian’s excellently chosen wines.
Beaune is really two towns; one above ground and one below, made up of a labyrinth of cellars dating back to Roman times. 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 unrivalled 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 which 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.
Day 5 — Thursday
Cruise to La Bussière | Excursion to Clos de Vougeot
This morning we set sail and head into the famous Ouche Valley, with the towpath running alongside. The steep sided valley is covered in original deciduous forest which is teeming with deer, wild boar and game birds, and is home to some of the most beautiful cruising in Europe. We moor up in the village of la Bussière and enjoy lunch on deck overlooking the magnificent views.
In the afternoon Jason will drive you into the Côte de Nuits. First we visit Clos du Vougeot, the 11th century Cistercian monastic winery, now home to the Knights of the Round Table of wine tasting. Next we set off to the vineyard for a wine tasting hosted by Jason, where he explains the idiosyncrasies of French wine making and what truly makes the wines of Burgundy so special, before returning to Saroche where Dawn awaits with another cooking demonstration, this time the art of making Duck confit. This evening chef Dawn will present you with another sumptuous dining experience.
Day 6 — Friday
Cruise to Gissey-sur-Ouche | Excursion to Dijon
Market Day in Dijon. The capital of Burgundy, once home 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’ll have plenty of time to experience and explore one of the best markets in France and 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 Dawn’s 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.
Day 7 — Saturday
Departure from Gissey-sur-Ouche
After breakfast around 9:30 am, we’ll transfer you to the drop point for your onward journey.
This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change. On alternate weeks the cruise runs in the reverse direction.
“We planned this trip for a year and will remember it for a life time. It was an incredible trip and an outstanding week, we will return.”
Mr and Mrs Z, USA
Accommodations and Facilities
- Dimensions: 129.5 ft x 16.8 ft, the largest barge in the region
- Three cabins, all 190 sq ft, with queen size double or twin beds and individually controlled heating and air-conditioning.
- Please note that all cabins are exceptionally spacious also having 6ft 8” ceiling height
- A VMC unit pumps fresh air into the cabins, filters and removes stale air – its cleaner than the air outside
- All cabins have an en-suite bathroom (included in the size above) with large walk-in shower and toiletries provided
- Professional crew of 4: Jason Ashcroft, captain and pilot, is also a chef and qualified Somelier, trained at the École de Hôtelerie in Switzerland and has worked at the Connaught in London and Bar au Lac in Zurich; Dawn Coles, trained chef and hotel housekeeper; Hostess and matelot
Other items on board
- Central skylight and opening picture windows
- Split level lounge and dining area
- Gas fire pit on deck
- Open bar
- DVD player and iPod docking station
- Wifi with limited access
- Spacious deck with hydraulic sun canopy
- 6 x 12-speed Gitane bicycles (helmets not included)
- Air-conditioned minibus for transfers and excursions
Facilities At A Glance
Fine Wines — Fine Dining
France is world renowned for its gourmet cuisine and grand wines and a vacation aboard the Saroche allows you to experience the very best offered in its iconic regions.
A highlight of each day and part of Saroche’s great success has been the deliciously prepared meals prepared on board.
Saroche will cater for all culinary needs and you will be delighted by the meals produced from the galley. As part of your week aboard Saroche you will also dine out in a renowned local gastronomic restaurant.
Any special dietary needs or concerns must be made known at the time of booking.
Photo Gallery
Charter barge Saroche cruises in the Burgundy region
– [below] In the region: Besancon, River Saone, Canal de Bourgogne, Vandenesse-en-Auxois, Burgundy Route des Vins, Dijon, Macon –
Besancon ©M Akpovi | Beaune ©Michael Evans | Tasting ©bringingburgundytoyou.com| Others ©FW, wikimedia, n/a
Classic cruise rates and dates
All rates and prices will be confirmed at time of booking. Special Offers are available from time to time – contact us
6 nights/7 days accommodation
All meals and wines on board
Daily excursions, tour guide and associated transport
What’s not included
Travel to the pick-up
Travel, medical and cancellation insurance
Personal expenses
Crew gratuities (5-10% suggested)
2023
Charter only
Sunday to Saturday
Rates and dates
2022 Fully Booked
2023 Fully Booked
Regular rate weeks
April 30
May 7, 14, 21, 28
June 4, 11, 18, 25
July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
August 6, 13, 20, 27
Sept 3, 10, 17, 24
Oct 1, 8, 15, 22
4 guest charter: 32,000 USD
5 guest charter: 34,000 USD
6 guest charter: 39,000 USD
Per Cabin bookings
Double Cabin: 7,000 USD per person
Single Occupancy Supplement: 3,000 USD
2024
Charter only
Sunday to Saturday
Rates and dates
2024 Champagne only
Regular rate weeks
May 5, 12, 19, 26
June 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
July 7, 14
August 18, 25
Sept 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
4 guest charter: 35,000 USD
5 guest charter: 38,000 USD
6 guest charter: 43,500 USD
Per Cabin bookings
Double Cabin: 8,750 USD per person
Single Occupancy Supplement: 3,000 USD
Hotel Barge Enquiry
Booking a luxury barge vacation isn’t the kind of thing one does with just a mouse-click or two. It takes a little research, thought and understanding, and we hope that our pages have provided you with all the information and inspiration you need to take this next step.
Why should you book with us? Because…
We’ve explored the waterways of France on our own boat since 2003 and know each of the barges and their routes.
We’re independent, impartial and enthusiastic – and we are the only France cruising specialist that can offer you the benefits of our own in-depth cruising knowledge and experience.
We love France, we love the rivers and canals of France, we love hotel barging – and we love talking about all three!
There’s nothing like speaking to a friendly expert to help you see the wood for the trees and to make the best possible decision about the vacation cruise of a lifetime. Get in touch – we’re here to help.
We will use our unique
in-depth experience
to find you your
perfect barge cruise
