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Barge Cruise: Saroche
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Cruise In France On The Burgundy Canal In Southern Burgundy Aboard The Deluxe Hotel-Barge SAROCHE


BARGE CRUISES: SEVEN DAYS/SIX NIGHTS
Saroche is SOLD OUT for the 2023 season.

The 6-passenger SAROCHE is owned and operated by Jason Ashcroft and Dawn Coles, who for many years owned and operated the 6-passenger barge "Who Knows" in Burgundy and Champagne. Jason and Dawn bring with them their enthusiasm about the fun and enjoyment of barge cruises along with their extensive professional experience in barging. Dawn applies her culinary skills to each meal and her attention to detail ensures that the barge runs like clockwork. Jason's many skills qualify him as an experienced sommelier, Chef, professional bilingual tour guide and barge Captain. Along with Jason as pilot and tour guide and Dawn as chef, they also have a hostess and deckhand to assist in the day-to-day running of the barge. Together they ensure that cruising the waterways of France aboard Saroche is a relaxing, comfortable, informative and truly unique gourmet experience. We have known Jason and Dawn for many years, stayed on board the Who Knows when they owned it, and stayed on the Saroche with its previous owner. We think that Jason and Dawn and the Saroche provide an outstanding cruise -- you won't find a more knowledgeable tour guide than Jason or a more welcoming host and chef than Dawn!

Saroche has been renovated in a modern, Art Deco style throughout. There are three large cabins, all with an ensuite bathroom. Each cabin can be made up with either a queen-sized bed or two twin beds, and provide all of the comforts of a luxury hotel. The bathrooms contain a large walk-in quadrant shower and Victorian sink. There is a large sundeck with seating around a fire pit, a dining table for 'al fresco' meals, loungers for relaxing and an awning covering part of the deck. In the split level salon/dining room are panoramic windows and a skylight which flood the room with sunshine and fresh air, along with comfortable seating, a fully-stocked bar, library, TV and DVD player.

Saroche cruises in Southern Burgundy on the Southern Burgundy Canal in the 2023 season. In Burgundy, Jason will take you on a guided visit to the famous Cistercian winery of Clos du Vougeot and nearby vineyards, as well as to Beaune, with its famous Hospice and wine cellars. And if you like, there will also be plenty of time to walk or bike along the canal as the barge cruises.

France is world renowned for its gourmet cuisine and grand wines and a vacation aboard the Saroche allows you to experience the very best offered by its iconic Southern Burgundy wine region. A highlight of each day will be the deliciously prepared meals you will indulge in on board. Dawn will cater to all of your culinary needs and you will be delighted by the meals she produces from the Galley. Also as part of your week aboard Saroche you will dine out at one of the area's renowned gastronomic restaurants. Drawing on France's wonderfully varied selection of wines, you will have a chance to sample the excellent wines that represent Burgundy, Alsace and many of France's other wine producing regions. As a wine enthusiast and trained sommelier, Jason has tracked down the best vineyards and wine houses for clients to taste and enjoy the finest products in the area.


Features




Saroche's Deck Plan
Saroche's Deck Plan




SAROCHE
2021 SEASON PRICES in US DOLLARS
TYPE REGULAR
Apr 25 thru Nov 5
Stateroom (per person, double occupancy)
$7,000
Single Occupancy Supplement
$3,000
Charter for 4
$30,000
Charter for 5
$34,000
Charter for 6
$39,000

SAROCHE
2022 SEASON PRICES in US DOLLARS
TYPE REGULAR
Apr 17 thru Oct 29
Stateroom (per person, double occupancy)
$7,000
Single Occupancy Supplement
$3,000
Charter for 4
$30,000
Charter for 5
$34,000
Charter for 6
$39,000

What's Included
- 7 days and 6 nights on the barge in a cabin with private bath
- Transfers from Paris to the barge and return for Burgundy cruises; also Lyon for charters in Burgundy, and Strasbourg for Alsace cruises.
- All meals from Sunday dinner through Saturday breakfast, including one meal at a local restaurant
- Wine with lunch and dinner
- Open bar
- All escorted side excursions
- Use of bicycles

What's Not Included
- Overseas air transportation to Paris and return
- Suggested minimum 5% gratuity for the crew, to be given to the captain in equivalent euros
- Trip cancellation insurance



Saroche
2021 Season Cruise Schedule*
Week Route (Or Reverse) Season
Apr 25 Escommes-Gissey-sur-Ouche Regular
May 2 Gissey-sur-Ouche-Escommes Regular
May 9 Escommes-Gissey-sur-Ouche Regular
May 16 Gissey-sur-Ouche-Escommes Regular
May 23 Escommes-Gissey-sur-Ouche Regular
May 30 Gissey-sur-Ouche-Escommes Regular
Jun 6 Escommes-Gissey-sur-Ouche Regular
Jun 13 Gissey-sur-Ouche-Escommes Regular
Jun 20 Escommes-Gissey-sur-Ouche Regular
Jun 27 Transition week Not cruising
Jul 4 Transition week Not cruising
Jul 11 Niderviller-Strasbourg Regular
Jul 18 Strasbourg-Niderviller Regular
Jul 25 Niderviller-Strasbourg Regular
Aug 1 Strasbourg-Niderviller Regular
Aug 8 Niderviller-Strasbourg Regular
Aug 15 Strasbourg-Niderviller Regular
Aug 22 Niderviller-Strasbourg Regular
Aug 29 Strasbourg-Niderviller Regular
Sep 5 Niderviller-Strasbourg Regular
Sep 12 Strasbourg-Niderviller Regular
Sep 19 Niderviller-Strasbourg Regular
Sep 26 Strasbourg-Niderviller Regular
Oct 3 Niderviller-Strasbourg Regular
Oct 10 Strasbourg-Niderviller Regular
Oct 17 Niderviller-Strasbourg Regular
Oct 24 Strasbourg-Niderviller Regular
Oct 30 Niderviller-Strasbourg Regular

Saroche
2022 Season Cruise Schedule*
Week Route (Or Reverse) Season
Apr 17 Niderviller-Strasbourg Regular
Apr 24 Strasbourg-Niderviller Regular
May 1 Niderviller-Strasbourg Regular
May 8 Strasbourg-Niderviller Regular
May 15 Niderviller-Strasbourg Regular
May 22 Strasbourg-Niderviller Regular
May 29 Niderviller-Strasbourg Regular
Jun 5 Strasbourg-Niderviller Regular
Jun 12 Niderviller-Strasbourg Regular
Jun 19 Strasbourg-Niderviller Regular
Jun 26 Niderviller-Strasbourg Regular
Jul 3 Strasbourg-Niderviller Regular
Jul 10 Niderviller-Strasbourg Regular
Jul 17 Strasbourg-Niderviller Regular
Jul 24 Niderviller-Gissey-sur-Ouche Regular
Jul 31 Niderviller-Gissey-sur-Ouche Regular
Aug 7 Gissey-sur-Ouche-Escommes Regular
Aug 14 Escommes-Gissey-sur-Ouche Regular
Aug 21 Gissey-sur-Ouche-Escommes Regular
Aug 28 Escommes-Gissey-sur-Ouche Regular
Sep 4 Gissey-sur-Ouche-Escommes Regular
Sep 11 Escommes-Gissey-sur-Ouche Regular
Sep 18 Gissey-sur-Ouche-Escommes Regular
Sep 25 Escommes-Gissey-sur-Ouche Regular
Oct 2 Gissey-sur-Ouche-Escommes Regular
Oct 9 Escommes-Gissey-sur-Ouche Regular
Oct 16 Gissey-sur-Ouche-Escommes Regular
Oct 23 Escommes-Gissey-sur-Ouche Regular


*Note: Cruise directions and sample itineraries may be in reverse and are subject to change and may depend on bookings and local navigation conditions. Alternate excursions of equal appeal are substituted when needed. For charter cruises special itineraries can be arranged.






SAMPLE ITINERARY*
Burgundy: Canal de Bourgogne
Escommes to Gissey-sur-Ouche 2023

This very special itinerary captures the essence of France, starting near Dijon. Visit the magical vineyards of the world famous Côte d'Or, experience wine tasting and medieval history. Cruise through unspoiled canals, mooring up in quaint hamlets and villages, enjoying fabulous food and Grand Cru wines along the way.

Sunday - Paris to Escommes
Be met at your hotel by our Private chauffeur company for the group's 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, Dawn, and the crew. Following an introduction to Saroche with a Champagne reception, there is plenty of time to settle in before Dawn, your personal chef, presents you with the first of many gourmet meals.

Abbaye de Fontenay
Abbaye de Fontenay

Cotes de Beaune Vineyards
Cotes de Beaune Vineyards

Chateauneuf-en-Auxois
Chateauneuf-en-Auxois

Hospice de Beaune
Hospice de Beaune

Chateau de Clos de Vougeot
Chateau de Clos de Vougeot

Dijon
Dijon

Monday: 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 opportunities to walk or cycle as we cruise. After lunch Jason will drive you to the Small wine-producing village of Saint Roman, this ancient cote du Beaune wine village is home to many renowned wine houses, sample the well-structured reds and soft elegant whites in this charming Burgundian village. Next Jason will stop at a local goat's cheese producer where you will see organic homemade artisanal cheese in all its glory before returning to Saroche. 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!

Tuesday: 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. For those with energy to spare you can walk up to this visit and also walk back building a healthy appetite for lunch on the deck. In the afternoon we set sail and head downstream 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 as the sun sets before dinner.

Wednesday: Pont d'Ouche - Beaune.
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 while 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. Today you will have lunch in one of the best Bistros in Burgundy, La Buissonniere. Which is run by husband and wife team Charlotte and Sebastian. This charming bistro only accommodates 20 people and you will therefore be amongst the very few to indulge in Charlottes cooking! Paired with Some of Sebastian’s excellently chosen wines. 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.

Thursday: Pont D’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 where Dawn awaits to present you with another cooking demonstration, this time the art of making Duck confit. This evening chef Dawn will present you with another sumptuous dining experience.

Friday: La Bussiere - Gissey-sur-Ouche
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. You 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 17 years. This beautiful village nestled in the heart of the Ouche valley is classically French and no trip would be complete without exploring it. 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: Gissey-sur-Ouche
After breakfast, You will be chauffeur driven back to Paris for your onward journey with time to reflect on a fantastic week of pure indulgence.

Note: This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change. It runs in reverse on alternate weeks.



Dining Aboard The Saroche:
SAMPLE MENU

A taste of the gourmet cuisine served aboard the
Saroche.




Passenger Comments:

We were very well looked after by the Captain and crew. The food and the service was outstanding, really above and beyond. We had the misfortune of both bad weather and a changed itinerary, due to the drought in France and the closing of canals on the original itinerary. However, our Captain and tour guide, Jason, went to great and successful lengths to give us novel and stimulating experiences. Dawn's food was superb. We have never eaten so well. Jason is an experienced sommelier. The rooms were cozy, comfortable and kept very clean, seamlessly looked after by Megan. Johnnie was also a great crew member, always a smile and a helpful presence. High marks all around.
J&J M.,CT USA

The knowledge of Jason regarding the tours and wine was very impressive and Dawn prepared fabulous food.
J.S. Australia

Excellent food, wine and service. One of our best trips ever!!!
R&P.J. VT USA

The overall trip was wonderful! Dawn and Jason were incredible hosts. I can't think of any way they could have made our trip any better.
M.M., MO, USA

What an amazing experience, every day was better than the previous, we cannot speak highly enough of our experience. Dawn and Jason excelled. Amazing meals, well-organized day tours and travel program, Jason is a wonderful guide.
I & S B., Australia



LINKS to Saroche Information


Barges In France, bargesinfrance.com



This page last updated December 25, 2023