We will use our unique
in-depth experience
to find you your
perfect barge cruise
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Summary
Grand Victoria carries six fortunate guests on a luxuriously relaxing cruise through the Burgundy region. She offers a choice of itineraries, exploring the impossibly beautiful landscapes of the Ouche valley, the rich centres of commerce, oenology and culture in the Cote d’Or and the contrasting river views of the peaceful Saône.
Combining classic textures and luxurious furnishings Grand Victoria achieves modern high standards of cruising comfort. Large cabins, an open galley, top-rated wines and lavish one-on-one attention from the crew distinguish this barge from many others in Burgundy.
Charter barge Grand Victoria is owned and operated in person by Edward Anderson and Cindy Unvericht – as captain and hostess. Both bring a fresh approach to hotel barging, specialising in highly bespoke itineraries with an emphasis on spontaneity and unusual excursions.
Key Features
-
- Grande Luxe class (5*)
- Cruise the wonderful Saône river in southern Burgundy
- Charter only, 6 nights, 7 days, April to October
- 6 guests / 3 double or twin cabins with en-suite bathrooms
- Individually controlled air conditioning and heating
- Full board, on-board dining
- Two spacious sun decks with shaded dining area, loungers and spa tub
The Classic Cruise — Grand Victoria
Classic Cruise Itinerary
Route | Between Auxonne and Chagny on the river Saône, Burgundy |
Pick-up | Airport, train station or hotel in Paris, early afternoon; Dijon at 4pm |
Dining | All inclusive | 6 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 6 dinners on board. 2 lunches off-board at a local bistro and Michelin starred restaurant. |
Classic Cruise Highlights
- Cruise the peaceful beauty of the river Saône
- Discover Dijon on a guided walking tour
- Château de Rully tour with wine-tasting
- Visit to the charming town of Beaune, the wine capital of the Cote d’Or
- Hot air balloon ride (optional extra)
Culinary and Wine Lovers Themed Cruises
Grand Victoria is proud to present special themed cruises for those that are passionate about their food and wine.
Dine at Michelin restaurants, learn at first hand from a masterchef on board, visit and taste Grand Cru wines at several domaines and learn how to build your own cellar.
Cruises are also available between Seurre and Lyon, and Pontailler and Tournus, with plenty of notice.
Please enquire.
Day 1 — Sunday
Arrival at Auxonne
Our private driver will meet 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.
Day 2 — Monday
Cruise to St Jean de Losne | Excursion to Clos de Vougeot and wine tasting
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.
Day 3 — Tuesday
Cruise to Seurre | Excursion to Dijon | Lunch in a local bistro
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.
Day 4 — Wednesday
Cruise to Chalon-sur-Saône | Excursion to Beaune, the wine capital
Embark on an early morning tour of the historic city of Beaune. Here we visit the famous Hotel Diêu. A hospital from the Middle ecAges, the Hospices de Beaune is one of France’s most prestigious historic monuments. Its flamboyant Gothic architture 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.
Day 5 — Thursday
Cruise to Fragnes | Excursion to Beaune| Lunch at a Michelin starred restaurant
Enjoy a magnificent breakfast 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. On returning to the vessel, there is time 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. An al fresco lunch awaits you (weather permitting) before we set off up the Canal du Centre and your introduction to canal cruising. Tonight we moor up outside a picturesque old lock house for yet another gourmet dinner served onboard.
Day 6 — Friday
Cruise to Chagny | Excursion to Chassagne Montrachet for private wine-tasting
After breakfast, we’ll continue to cruise further up the Canal du Centre to our mooring in the village of Chagny. After lunch onboard, we will take a scenic and informative drive through the vineyards starting in Chassagne Montrachet and ending with a private wine tasting. Here we’ll discover the true taste of Burgundy’s appellations, viticulture, and winemaking from the heart of the Côte de Beaune. After our tasting, we will return to the Grand Victoria, where you’ll have the opportunity to kick back with a canapè and cocktail before our final dinner onboard.
Day 7 — Saturday
Departure from Chagny
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 for your onward journey.
Please note: this is a sample itinerary which may be subject to change depending on local conditions.
“We had a fantastic time aboard Grand Victoria, thank you. Cindy & Edward & the crew really went above & beyond what we expected in making our trip so very memorable & enjoyable. Edward’s knowledge of the region & the wines was just encyclopaedic & he was very generous with his time & knowledge. The barge was very comfortable & the food was above first class & even the weather was beautiful (if a little hot at times !) So the trip was an amazing experience that we all loved. Many thanks.”
R.A, AUS, August 2022
Accommodations and Facilities
- Dimensions: 128ft (39m) x 16ft 6″ (5.03m)
- Cabins: 3 x 162 sq ft (15m2) with king-size double or twin beds
- Ultra-luxe quality beds, bedding and furnishings
- All cabins have ensuite bathrooms, included in the suite sizes above, with double basins, ample storage and oversized showers with massage, rain and hand shower options, toiletries
- All cabins have individually controlled heating and air conditioning, hair dryer
- Satellite 40″ TV and Apple TV movie streaming in cabins
- 110v and 220v electrical fittings
Other items on board Grand Victoria
- Professional English-speaking crew of 7 – Captain, deck-hand, tour director, chef, housekeeper and two hostesses
- A small library of books, maps, board games
- Collection of classic vinyl records
- Demonstration kitchen
- 6 mountain bicycles
- Wifi (limited in some places)
- Air-conditioned Mercedes Viano for transfers and excursions
Facilities At A Glance
Fine Wines — Fine Dining
Enjoy a tempting selection of breads, cereals, fruits, cold cuts and cheeses, smoked salmon, pastries, yogurts, and juices. Hot items such as eggs, sausage, and bacon vary daily.
For lunches, select from intriguing appetisers, hearty soups, hot dishes, homemade breads, cold cuts and cheeses, salads, and delectable desserts.
At dinner, chef will delight you with gourmet selections and perfect complimentary wines.
Sample Menu
Dates wrapped in Bacon, Sereno Ham and Melon Balls
Domain Laroche Stellenboch Savignon Blanc
Goat Cheese on Toasted Tomato and Olive Baguettes Mixed-Leaf Salad
Pouilly Fume Les Vielles Terres
Pan Fried Filets of Sea Bass with Wine, Tarragon, Basil and Butter Sauce Sweet Potato Strips Snow Peas
Mersault / Lande de Pomerol; Cheese Board
Lande de Pomerol; Creme Brulee; Sauterne or Barsac
White wines
Meursault “Le Tesson”
Pouilly Fuisse “Les Vigne Nlanche” 2015 blanc
Pernand Vergelesse 1er cru “Les Sous Fretille” 2014 blanc
Givry blanc 2014
Rully Premier Cru “La Pucelle” 2015 blanc
Chablis Premier cru “Les Folatiers” 2013
Chablis 2013 blanc
Red wines
Maranges Premier Cru “Clos Roussots” 2014 rouge
Nuits Saint Georges “Les Argillats” 2014
Marange Rouge 2015
Pommard Rouge 2011
Santenay Premier Cru “La Comme” 2014 rouge
Chambolle Mussigny Premier Cru “Les Charmes” 2010
Plus, a selection of Pinot and Chardonnay Grand Cru wines.
Charter barge Grand Victoria 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
What’s included
Transfers to and from the pick up point in Paris
All meals and drinks on board
Excursion guide, fees and transport
What’s not included
Air fares to and within France
Travel, medical and cancellation insurance
Crew gratuities (5 – 10% suggested)
2024
Charter bookings only
Sunday to Saturday
Rates and dates
Value rate weeks:
July 7, 14, 21, 28
August 4, 11, 18
4 guest charter: 43,900 USD
5 guest charter: 44,500 USD
6 guest charter: 45,900 USD
Regular rate weeks:
April 28
May 5, 12, 19, 26
June 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
August 25
September 1, 18, 15, 22, 29
October 6, 13, 20
4 guest charter: 47,900 USD
5 guest charter: 48,500 USD
6 guest charter: 49,900 USD
2025
Charter bookings only
Sunday to Saturday
Rates and dates
Value rate weeks:
July 6, 13, 20, 27
August 3, 10, 17
4 guest charter: 43,900 USD
5 guest charter: 44,500 USD
6 guest charter: 45,900 USD
Regular rate weeks:
April 27
May 4, 11, 18, 25
June 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
August 24, 31
September 17, 14, 21, 28
October 5, 12, 19
4 guest charter: 47,900 USD
5 guest charter: 48,500 USD
6 guest charter: 49,900 USD
Booking
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