“Whether you want an active adventure out in the picturesque French countryside, a relaxed cruise down the scenic waterways, or something in between, the crew will help you make the lasting memories of a lifetime on a barge vacation in France. ”
Cruise from Dijon to Chagny and receive a complimentary hot air balloon ride.
Originally commissioned as a custom built private motor yacht in 1994, the Grand Victoria has been totally refurbished in 2015 by her new owners Cindy, from New-York, and Edward who grew up in South Africa. Both of them share passions for cooking and travel.
Aboard the Grand Victoria, you will explore all that Burgundy has to offer — wine, golf, cuisine, history, art — in luxurious comfort and style. Every furnishing onboard has been hand-selected by the owners to enhance the ambiance of their home. Each cabin is uniquely furnished with quality linens, beautiful furniture and modern staples, including Apple TVs. The living-room is a gathering area for the guests to relax with the vintage sound of vinyl, a glass in hand courtesy of an open bar.
Cabin
- 3 guests cabins
- 16.7 m² each with 2m ceiling height
- King-size (76” x 80”) or 2 twin XL beds (39” x 80”)
- Ensuite bathrooms fitted with tiled floors, walk-in shower, toilet, double sink vanity with large mirror/overhead lighting/storage, exhaust fan, grab bars, hair dryer, bathrobes and highest-quality organic soaps, hair and body care items
- Large wardrobe, mid-century chest of drawers and under bed storage for suitcases
- 40” flat screen television
- Apple iTV offering in-room movies
- Individual climate control
- Small windows that open
- Arm chair with floor lamp
- Radio/alarm clock
- In-room electronic safe
Public area
- Living-room with Persian carpet on Mahogany wooden floors
- A rolled arms sofa and four brightly coloured accent chairs
- Three walls of panoramic windows
- Bose sound Hi-Fi system and Bluetooth
- Turntable offering a wide selection of albums
- Flat screen TV and Apple TV with movies
- Dining room with a table for six to eight guests
- Complimentary open bar with bar and stools
Deck
- Bow deck (44 m² ) with dining table, outdoor seating area and sun umbrellas
- Stern deck (30 m²)
- Spa tub for 4 guests
- Wi-Fi access throughout the barge
- Central heating & air conditioning throughout the barge
- Laundry service
- Mercedes 8-seater air-conditioned minibus for private transfers and excursions
- 6 mountain bikes on-board
Sunday: Champagne Welcome Aboard
Travel: Paris to Auxonne
Our private driver meets you in Paris or Geneva to drive you to the Grand Victoria, moored in Auxonne to enjoy your French river cruise. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by our cheerful crew and experience our Grand Victoria welcome. While we get you checked in and the crew take your luggage to your stateroom, you’ll have the chance to sit and relax with our signature champagne welcome before your first of many incredible dinners on board.
Monday: Chateau du Clos de Vougeot
Travel: Auxonne to St. Jean de Losne
We start our week with breakfast aboard, followed by your first burgundy river cruise down one of the prettiest stretches of the Saône. After a delightful al-fresco lunch onboard (weather permitting), we depart for the historic Château du Clos de Vougeot, once home of the Cistercian monks and their burgundy vineyards. This is a great excursion for Burgundy wine lovers and history buffs alike! Afterward enjoy an informal private wine tasting at a renowned Côte d’Or cellar, before returning to the Grand Victoria. Enjoy cocktails and laughter onboard, while the chef prepares a mouth-watering gourmet dinner.
Tuesday: Walking Tour of Dijon’s Historic Marketplace
Travel: St. Jean de Losne – Seurre
We depart the Grand Victoria in the morning for a walking tour of Dijon’s historic marketplace, designed by Gustav Eiffel himself. Mingle amongst the local shoppers and experience this traditional French market day. A short informal historic tour of the Ducal Palace, Notre Dame, and a 15th century medieval shopping street will bring us to the Place du Bareuzai, where we’ll enjoy lunch with the locals at an authentic French bistro. After lunch, guests are welcome to explore Dijon’s many shopping options before enjoying a mustard tasting at the historic Maille Maison founded in 1747. We’ll return to the Grand Victoria for an afternoon of cruising down the scenic Saône River to the medieval village of Seurre.
Wednesday: Majestic Château de Rully
Travel: Seurre to Chalon-sur-Saône
Guests can kick back and relax on our spacious deck as we spend this morning of your wine barge cruise in France floating down the majestic Saône River. Enjoy a magnificent lunch aboard before we venture off to tour the majestic Château de Rully. A medieval fortress built in the 12th century, located on the side of a hill, the castle overlooks its expansive vineyards. Visiting the castle will take you on a journey through French history. From there, it’s back to our mooring in Chalon-sur-Saone for cocktails and dinner. Feel free to take a stroll through the streets of the city, which once served as a port for Roman Emperor Constantius II and, more recently, as the birthplace of photography. Chalon is also a great city to explore by night, with a vibrant bar scene to check out!
Thursday: Tour of the Historic City of Beaune
Travel: Chalon-sur-Saône to Fragnes
Embark on an early morning tour of the historic city of Beaune. Here we visit the famous Hotel Diêu. A hospital from the Middle Ages, the Hospices de Beaune is one of France’s most prestigious historic monuments. Its flamboyant Gothic architecture and its polychrome roofs make this museum one of Burgundy’s gems. The Hospices de Beaune is also famous for its prestigious wines, making this an exciting visit for wine lovers. We’ll enjoy lunch at a local Michelin Star restaurant before returning to the Grand Victoria for cocktails. Enjoy the views as we take a short afternoon cruise up the canal to the village of Fragnes. The adventurers in the group can ride one of our onboard bicycles, explore the tow paths along the Canal du Central. Happy hour starts a little earlier tonight with a selection of vinyl albums to take you back in time, while the chef prepares another culinary masterpiece.
Friday: Wine Tasting the Famous Château de Pommard
Travel: Fragnes – Chagny
After breakfast on this day of your Burgundy canal barge cruise, we’ll depart on a morning cruise of the burgundy canal. After lunch, we will visit the famous Château de Pommard, a historic Château near Beaune dating back centuries. At Pommard, we’ll discover the true taste of Burgundy’s appellations, viticulture, and winemaking from the heart of the largest privately-owned clos in the Cote d’Or. After our tasting, we will return to the Grand Victoria, where guests have the opportunity to kick back with a cocktail or explore Chagny before our final dinner together.
Saturday: Sad Farewell
Travel: Chagny to Paris
It’s our final morning together. Enjoy a delicious breakfast as you get ready to depart the Grand Victoria. Your private chauffeur arrives at 9:00 am to take you back to Paris or Geneva.
We’re looking forward to showing you around France on one of our Burgundy canal barge cruises soon.
Note: This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change. It runs in reverse on alternate weeks.
Rates 2021
- Private charter – Full board: from USD$6,485 per person based on 6 passengers
- Open week – Full board – Twin/double cabin: from USD$7,900 per person
- Single supplement: from USD$3,100 per person
What is included?
- Six nights accommodation
- All gourmet meals prepared by your private chef
- All wines, bar, and refreshment drinks aboard
- Transfers to and from the barge from the designated meeting point
- Daily excursions with your tour guide in private vehicle
- Use of on-board facilitie
