'Saroche' Burgundy Canal Cruise

Sunday, Day 1 Escommes

Be met by your private chauffeur in Paris, Geneva, Lyon or Dijon for your group 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 and Dawn, together with their crew. Be introduced to Saroche with a Champagne reception and have plenty of time to settle in before Dawn, your personal chef, presents you with the first of many gourmet meals.
 

Monday, Day 2 Escommes - Chateauneuf

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 UNESCO world heritage site of the Abbey of Fontenay founded in 1118 with its nearly intact Romanesque architecture, magnificent forge and serene gardens. Fontenay holds a special place in Dawn and Jason hearts as this is where Jason proposed to Dawn.

A relaxing drive home takes you past Alisia, famous for the battle of Alisia in 52 BC where Julius Caesar defeated the Gauls. We arrive back at Saroche with time to freshen up before cocktails on the deck in the shadow of Chateauneuf en Auxois. For those who are interested, Dawn will be doing a soufflé demonstration in the kitchen just before dinner, one can guess what the starter will be this evening? Finish the evening with a digestif on deck in full view of the elegantly lit chateau! Perhaps indulge in a Cuban cigar from Jason’s on board humidor?
 

Tuesday, Day 3 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. On the way back to Saroche, Jason will stop off at a small artisanal chocolate maker for a visit and of course, a tasting!

For those with energy to expend, you can enjoy a walk back to Saroche where lunch on deck awaits.

In the afternoon we set sail and head 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 or, in the Jacuzzi, as the sun sets before dinner.
 

Wednesday, Day 4 Pont d'Ouche - Veuvey sur Ouche

Today we leave the Saroche and head over the hills to Beaune. This is the Capital of wine production in Burgundy, however it all hinges around the Hospice du Beaune, which Jason will expertly guide you around. 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 by far and away its 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. Jason invites you to join him for lunch at L’Ecusson, a wonderful small fine dining establishment that puts a modern twist on classic French food. Plates arrive more like works of art which almost make it a shame to eat them, but eat you must and the rewards in flavours are stunning.

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 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 accompanied by a special treat of live music on our deck.
 

Thursday, Day 5 Veuvey sur Ouche - La Bussiere

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 Bussiere 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, we stop at a ‘truffle specialist’ and join the family dog for a truffle hunt, followed by a tasting of this mysterious fungi. Tonight’s aperitif is enjoyed at the Abbey de la Bussiere, set in an immaculate parkland which is the perfect place to enjoy a glass of bubbles. This 11th century Cistercian Abbey is now home to a magnificent Relais and Chateau hotel. Meet the owner of this impressive building, who is delighted to show our Saroche guests his home. Busy on the barge, Dawn awaits to present you with another sumptuous dining experience.
 

Friday, Day 6 La Bussiere - Gissey

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 will have plenty of time to experience and explore one of the best markets in France and join Jason in selecting produce to accompany your lunch aboard Saroche. We 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 ten years. This beautiful village nestled in the heart of the Ouche valley is classically French and no trip would be complete without exploring it. Before aperitifs, join Dawn in the galley for the final time as she demonstrates the art of canapés. 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.
 

Saturday, Day 7 Gissey

Your chauffeur driven minibus will pick you up after breakfast and transport you to your onward destination, with time to reflect on your memorable week aboard the Saroche and France as it should be seen!