A Grand Cru cruise offers some of the most expansive staterooms and the highest level of amenities you will find on any of the canal barges in France. Enjoy the privacy you would find at home and the comfort of 6-star accommodations!
The salon decor combines multiple seating areas with French accent pieces and other stunning touches. The salon is bright and spacious with continuous panoramic windows to provide an expansive view of the outside countryside while cruising.
The separate dining room seats eight and is decorated in an elegant and timeless style. Here you will enjoy gourmet meals prepared by your private chef with Grand Cru wine served at both lunch and dinner. The dining room also features a glass-walled demonstration kitchen, where your chef gives both planned and impromptu demonstrations in French and Continental cuisine during the cruise.
Each of the four luxurious staterooms provides over 260 square feet of space, a stereo system, individually controlled central heating and air-conditioning, two oversized twins or one king bed, a vanity dressing area, a private bath with tub, separate shower and heated towel racks and floors.
SUNDAY Welcome Aboard
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 Destination Dijon
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, 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.
TUESDAY Meet Modern French Aristocracy
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner onboard
A morning cruise through pastoral countryside begins the day. 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.
WEDNESDAY Private Tour of Hospice de Beaune
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
Meals: Breakfast & lunch onboard, dinner ashore
Cheers to Southern Burgundy! A morning visit to a boutique winery begins your gourmet day. Amble amidst the lovely vineyards of Domaine Pierre Amiot, a family-owned producer focusing on the Pinor Noir grape varietal. After the secrets of growing this iconic French fruit are revealed, swirl, sip, and savor these exceptional elixirs at 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 Chateauneuf-en-Auxois
Travel: Pont d'Ouche to Vandenesse-en-Auxois
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner onboard
Revel in the ambience 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!
Meals: Breakfast onboard
After breakfast, you will be chauffeured to the designated drop off point.
2025 Prices
Whole Boat Charter for 8 guests
Whole Boat Charter for 7 guests
Whole Boat Charter for 6 guests
Note all our prices are in US Dollars. We convert to Australian dollars at current exchange rates on the day of payment of deposit/full payment.
Departure Dates 2026
Value Season
Regular Season
Price is all-inclusive - inclusions are:
- Price includes accommodation in ensuite cabins
- Gourmet cuisine provided by your private on-board chef
- All beverages including premium local wines and mixed drinks
- All excursions
- Entries and transport in air-conditioned mini-vans
