Grand Cru overview
- Capacity 4 persons
- Crew members 4
- Booking type Private charter only
- Meeting point 1pm in Paris
We’re delighted to introduce the newest lifestyle concept in French barge cruising, the 6 star-rated “Grand Cru” – a floating boutique hotel inspired by the sophisticated services and amenities for today’s discerning traveller. Cosmopolitan cruisers will enjoy a spa pool on deck, demonstration kitchen, upstairs powder room and a sommelier-selected on-board wine cellar.
Grand Cru is one of the most recent additions to the French barge scene. She offers seven day/six night journeys that feature “The Best of Burgundies Best”. Grand Cru guests will enjoy pours of Grand Cru wines with every lunch and dinner, selected from France’s esteemed wine regions. These Grand Cru samplings pair perfectly with the Chef-driven gourmet cuisine. Other superior libations will be served, such as craft cocktails made with the “crème de la crème” of regionally-sourced spirits and liqueurs.
While sailing on the Grand Cru, Burgundy’s cultural treasures are on offer every day, ensuring unparalleled access to the local flavours and lively personalities of the region. Escorted excursions reveal the area’s most treasured resource: here, the pampered grapes of Burgundy’s Cote d’Or are on vivid display. Grand Cru’s guests will meet the entrepreneurs behind Burgundy’s wine production thanks to a series of vineyard visits and private tastings. “The Best of Burgundy’s Best” is further enjoyed during excursions to family-owned chateaux and gourmet food markets, as well as guided tours in the towns of Dijon and Beaune.
Although cruising deep within France’s iconic wine country on a beautifully preserved antique canal system, the Grand Cru’s eye-catching modern design effortlessly reflects the clean lines and open spaces of contemporary living. Four generously-sized cabins hold up to eight guests in beautifully-appointed staterooms, while the comfortable furniture throughout the spacious salon and expansive deck encourages hours of casual socializing. Active passengers are encouraged to explore the route’s charming canal side villages by bicycle or on foot.
Experience the best of France and the best of canal cruising aboard Grand Cru!
Cabin
- Bed size: Choice of King or two oversized twin beds
Public area
- Lounge with large windows
- Side-drawer cupboards
- Stereo surround-sound system
- Selection of books and board games
- WiFi & Computer with internet access
- Dining room
- Sun deck with canopied area and a hot tub on deck
- Size: 30.48m x 4.75m
Welcome Aboard
Travel: Arrival to Plombieres-les-Dijon
Meals: Dinner onboard
In the afternoon, you will be met by a crew member of the Grand Cru at the designated meeting point. From here, relax as you are chauffeured in our immaculate vehicle to the Grand Cru, moored in the tiny village of Plombieres-les-Dijon. A traditional champagne welcome and introduction to the crew awaits you, before your first gourmet dinner onboard.
MONDAY
It’s All Yours: A Private Chateau Experience
Travel: Plombieres-les-Dijon to Fleurey-sur-Ouche
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner onboard
Your luxurious journey begins with a lazy morning cruise. Relax on deck in the hot tub, or explore the waterside towpath with a gentle stroll or leisurely bicycle ride. This afternoon, your Tour Guide presents an insider’s visit to Chateau d’Arcelot, the first neoclassical castle of Burgundy. After being personally welcomed by the castle’s owner, Madame la Comtesse de Loisy, take a tour of the beautiful grounds and then savor a taste of the housemade gourmet specialties. Return to the Grand Cru for an evening of drinks and dinner onboard.
TUESDAY
Destination Dijon
Travel: Fleurey-sur-Ouche to Gissey-sur-Ouche
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner onboard
A morning cruise through pastoral countryside is the perfect time to sip a cup of coffee on deck. This afternoon, exploring the urbane town of Dijon offers a pleasurable excursion ashore. Preserved palaces and beautiful churches recalling the reign of the Dukes of Burgundy vie for attention with specialty boutiques, small cafes, and serene gardens. Shop, sip, and stroll your way through this small city brimming with authentic Burgundian life. Return to Grand Cru for cocktail hour as Chef prepares tonight’s dinner.
WEDNESDAY
Private Tour of Hospice de Beaune
Travel: Gissey-sur-Ouche to La Bussiere-sur-Ouche
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & onboard
Bon matin! Begin the day with a leisurely morning cruise. Visit your Captain in his wheelhouse, or join Chef in the open kitchen for an informal culinary demonstration. In the afternoon, a drive in your private vehicle through the Cote d’Or vineyards culminates in the charming town of Beaune, the region’s wine capital. Your Tour Guide will accompany you through the Hospice de Beaune, a prestigiously preserved Medieval hospital built in the 15th century. Return to the barge where Chef is putting the final touches on tonight’s dinner party.
THURSDAY
Exclusive Family-Owned Vineyard
Travel: La Bussiere-sur-Ouche to Pont d’Ouche
Meals: Breakfast & lunch onboard, dinner ashore
Cheers to Southern Burgundy! A morning visit to a boutique winery begins your gourmet day. Domaine Amiot-Servelle, a family-owned producer of Premier Cru vintages, makes wine exclusively with organically-farmed grapes. Amble amidst the vineyards as the secrets of growing the French fruit are revealed, then enjoy a hosted winetasting. Return to the barge for an afternoon cruise before your dinner ashore at the Abbaye de la Bussiere, an ancient Cistercian abbey now converted to a luxury inn with an award-winning gourmet bistro.
FRIDAY
Quaint Medieval Village Overlooking the Canal
Travel: Pont d’Ouche to Vandenesse-en-Auxois
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner onboard
Revel in the ambiance of the tranquil countryside during the final cruise this morning. This afternoon, your Tour Guide escorts you to Chateauneuf-en-Auxois, a castle overlooking the Canal. A walking tour through the Chateau reveals the architectural details and timeworn relics which speak to the deprivations and decadence so prevalent in France’s history. Then it’s back to Grand Cru to socialize with a final sunset cocktail before Chef presents a candlelit multi-course Captain’s Dinner, culminating your private luxury barge cruise in style.
SATURDAY
A Sad Farewell
Travel: Transfer from Vandenesse-en-Auxois
Meals: Breakfast onboard
After breakfast, you will be chauffeured to the designated drop off point.
Rates
Rates upon application, Please contact us for current availability.
Included
· 7days/6 nights in a cabin with a private bath/
· chauffeured transfers from Paris to the barge & return
· all meals – from dinner the first night to breakfast the last morning
· all wines with lunch & dinner
· open bar
· daily escorted excursions and use of on-board bicycles.
