Burgundy Cruises » Saroche
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Saroche is a dream come true for owners Jason and Dawn Ashcroft. As owners of the sleek, but smaller barge Who Knows, they have cruised Burgundy and Champagne for the past ten years. They desired a larger barge with the same elegance and ambiance of Who Knows, but offering more room for luxurious comfort and more deck space: voilà, Saroche.
Jason is a thoroughly entertaining and generous personality, Dawn sweet, quiet and discreet, both bringing highly professional training to the quality of their cruises. They have real insight into the areas they know so well, and make sure each cruise is acutely attuned to the particular tastes of their guests.
We planned this trip for a year and will remember it for a life time. It was an incredible trip and an outstanding week, we will return. — Mr. and Mrs. Zilly, USA
Saroche owners Jason and Dawn Ashcroft have many years experience in barging and the hospitality industry.
Dawn, your personal chef, is a graduate of the prestigious Concord Hotel and Restaurant Management Program. Following in her mother's footsteps as a professional chef, she applies her skills to delight passengers with her unique twist on classic French cuisine. Dawn's attention to detail ensures that the barge runs like clockwork.
Barge Captain Jason graduated from the famous Ecole du Hotelier on the shores of Lac Leman, Switzerland. After running hotels, restaurants, night clubs and bars in Switzerland, England and East Africa, he finally settled down in France where his skills as a wine enthusiast, gourmand and professional bilingual tour guide have come into their own.
Each season Jason and Dawn employ a young couple to join Saroche, assisting in the day to day running of the barge as hostess and deckhand. Together they ensure that cruising the waterways of France aboard Saroche is a relaxing, comfortable, informative and truly unique gourmet experience.
Saroche was among the first commercial barges designed to be driven by internal combustion engine power. This style of barge was very popular in Holland during the 1920's and 1930's, when most barges were of 25 to 30 metres in length. Saroche was built to a length of 39 metres, especially designed for trading and cruising in France, and is one of very few of this length still afloat. Barges like Saroche were originally used to transport various types of cargo, such as grain and other crops, coal, steel, sand and gravel. Trucks have since taken over as the primary form of commodity transportation, with the remaining cargo barges still in use being given a second life as floating luxury hotels or houseboats.
Saroche's staterooms are bright, luxurious and spacious. Each is beautifully decorated, fully air conditioned, with en-suite bath. The comfortable beds can be made as a queen size double, or two twin beds.
The lounge and dining areas are designed to reflect the colors of Provence. The cool mosaic tile and white oak flooring of the dining area and salon, are complemented by wrought iron and hardwood balustrades. Eight large opening windows, and a hexagonal skylight flood Saroche with natural light and fresh air, and allow for excellent views of the French countryside. A profusion of colorful, leafy potted plants and cut flowers adorn Saroche.
The barge has a 44m2 sun deck (470 sq ft), it has an awning covering part of the deck for those who wish for shade, a table and chairs for al fresco dining, with sun-beds and arm chairs for relaxing. Bright flowering plants and shrubs add the finishing touches. A hot tub spa provides the perfect spot to unwind and savour thesavoriful French countryside from a unique perspective.
May 12 - July 27, 2019
Cruises run in opposite direction on alternate weeks.
The mere word Champagne conjures images of luxury and celebration. Join Saroche for a cruise through this magical region of France.
Pick up, drop off and transfer to and from the barge
Brussels international airport, Vatry international airport near Chalon en Champagne, Paris Charles de Gaulle airport, or Paris hotels.
Sunday
Vandieres
Saroche's chauffeur will rendez-vous with you and escort you to the barge, where a Champagne toast awaits to welcome you aboard. You'll have time to settle in before Chef Dawn presents the first of many gourmet meals.
Monday
Vandierers to Cumières
After breakfast, Captain Jason takes you on a visit to the historic Conde en Brie Chateau. You'll enjoy a private tour of this 16th century hunting lodge that has hosted kings and queens, murderers, saints, and sinners. If the owner is home, Jason will introduce you, and perhaps the Count will share a glass or two of champagne with you.
You will return to Saroche for a relaxed lunch, surrounded by glorious views of the Champagne vineyards. Following lunch you'll cruise toward Cumières. Lounge on deck as the river gently meanders through the Marne valley, steeped in history, and surrounded by vineyards and the wonderful French countryside. This evening's mooring is in the shadow of the Abbey of Hautvillers. You'll have time for a gentle stroll along the towpath, before Jason uncorks the bubbles du jour, followed by another of Dawn's fabulous evening meals.
Tuesday
Cumières to Tour Sur Marne
Following breakfast, Jason takes you to Epernay, for a visit to La Chocolaterie Thibaut, famous for their alcohol-filled chocolates shaped like champagne corks. Spend the morning making artisanal chocolates with the master chocolatier, and sampling one of the worlds favorite foods!
You will return to Saroche for another fabulous lunch onboard.
After lunch, Saroche cruises toward Tour sur Marne on the Canal Lateral a la Marne, passing hills covered by vineyards of some of the world's most famous Champagne houses. Mumm, Philiponat, Moët & Chandon, and Heidesek are but a few. Enjoy an opportunity to walk or cycle along the well-paved towpath, as the barge slowly ascends the locks, toward your mooring at the village of Tour. This evening brings more bubbles du jour followed by dinner on board.
Wednesday
Reims
This morning's excursion takes you to the historic city of Reims. Your first stop is the Eisenhower War Rooms, an undiscovered museum where the treaty ending World War II was signed. Next on today's agenda is a visit to the famous Cathedral of Reims, with its amazing nave and wonderful architecture. The cathedral's World Heritage Site status is well deserved. You'll have time wander Reims' shopping district before a tantalising lunch at Les Crayeres' brasserie, Le Jardin. Before returning to Saroche, you'll enjoy a stroll through the gardens at this magnificent Relais and Chateau, once home to the Pommery family. A stop enroute to the barge in Bouzy, will allow for a private tour and tasting.
Back onboard, you'll have time for a soak in the hot tub before Dawn serves a light supper.
Thursday
Tour sur Marne to Mont du Billy
Following breakfast, an excursion to Meruil sur Ay awaits, where you'll enjoy a private tour and tasting at Billecart Salmon, the last remaining large, independent Champagne house.
You'll return to Saroche for lunch onboard, followed by a cruise, climbing 8 locks to the summit pound. Spend the afternoon relaxing on deck, walking or biking along the towpath, or join Dawn in the galley to watch as she prepares her delicious pates and terrines. After mooring at the summit, more bubbles du jour, another delightful dinner awaits.
Friday
Mont De Billy to Beaumont
This morning's cruise takes you through the tunnel at Mont du Billy, an18th century marvel of French engineering, connecting Paris and Reims. Your cruise continues to a mooring at Beaumont sur Vesels, and lunch onboard.
An afternoon excursion to the WWI trenches at Mains de Messige. These trenches were discovered by a Parisian archeological student doing a summer dig. A walking tour of the site is as sobering as it is mysterious.
You'll return to Saroche in time to rest and get freshened up before a gala evening, as Captain Jason hosts a farewell dinner. The evening gets started with cocktails and popping the corks on your final bubbles du jour, followed by more delights from Dawn's kitchen.
Saturday
After breakfast your chauffeur driven minibus will take you back to Paris with time on the journey to reflect on a truly unique vacation
August 11 - October 26, 2019
Cruises run in opposite direction on alternate weeks.
This very special itinerary captures the essence of France. Starting near Dijon, visit the magical vineyards of the world famous Côte d'Or, cruise through unspoilt canals, mooring up in quaint hamlets and villages.
Pick up, drop off and transfer to and from the barge:
Lyon international airport, Lyon city hotels, Geneva international airport, Geneva city hotels, Paris Charles de Gaulle and Paris city hotels.
Sunday
Escommes
You will be met by Saroche's chauffeur in a chosen place and driven to Saroche, moored at Escommes on the Canal du Bourgogne. You will be welcomed aboard with a champagne toast and have time to settle in before Dawn, your personal chef, presents the first of many gourmet meals.
Monday
Escommes to Chateauneuf
Today's cruise takes you down a flight of locks, from the summit point to the foot of beautiful Chateauneuf en Auxois. After lunch, Jason takes you to visit a chocolatier where you will learn about this wonderful confection and enjoy a delightful tasting.
You'll return to Saroche for a relaxing dinner onboard and chance to enjoy Burgundy and canal life at its best.
Tuesday
Chateauneuf en Auxois to Pont D'Ouche
After breakfast, Jason will accompany you to the village of Chateauneuf en Auxois. This 11th Century chateau is a famous landmark, with a quaint hamlet hidden behind it. After touring the chateau, you will have time to explore the village, before returning to the barge for lunch.
Following lunch, Saroche cruises downstream to Pont d'Ouche. The slow pace of the barge allows for walking or biking along the tow path, or just relax on deck and watch the scenery as you glide along the canal. After mooring for the evening, Dawn will regale you with another gourmet feast.
Wednesday
Pont d'Ouche to Veuvey sur Ouche
This morning Jason escorts you to Beaune for a guided tour of the Hospice du Beaune, as famous for its wines as it is for its tiled roof! Before leaving Beaune, you'll enjoy dining out with lunch at a gourmet restaurant.
After lunch, Jason takes you into the Cöte du Beaune, known for its wsorld-renowned wines. You'll have a chance to walk among the vines as you learn more about terroir, and what makes Burgundy such an excellent location for producing wine. You'll put your new knowledge to use with a comprehensive tasting in a private winery.
Returning to Saroche, you'll enjoy a 'sun-downer' cruise, followed by a light supper onboard.
Thursday
Veuvey sur Ouche to La Bussiere
After breakfast Saroche cruises to La Bussiere, with another gentle tow path offering an excellent opportunity for walking or biking. Following lunch served onboard, Jason drives you into the Cöte du Nuits. You'll visit Clos du Vougeot, an 11th century Cistercian monastic winery, now home to the 'Knights of the Round Table' of wine tasting. Next you'll head into one of the nearby villages for a wine tasting. The Cöte du Nuits is famous for its red wines, and Jason will show you why the world raves about the Pinot Noir from this area.
Friday
La Bussiere to Gissey
This morning you visit Dijon, capital of Burgundy and once home to the Dukes of Burgundy. A walking tour of Dijon's old town section will lead you to the wonderful Les Halles market, designed by Gustaf Eiffel. You'll have plenty of time to explore the market, filled with every sort of wonderful French delicacie — cheese, wine, seafood, produce, pastries, and more.
You'll return to Saroche for lunch before cruising to Gissey, the final mooring for your cruise. Gissey is a classically French viillage, nestled in the heart of the Ouche Valley. No trip to Burgundy would be complete without a stop here. You'll have a chance to explore the village before returning to the barge for a festive Captain's Dinner, to round out your culinary experience.
Saturday
Gissey
Your chauffeur driven minibus will pick you up after breakfast and take you to your departure point to continue your journey.
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 two of its iconic regions, Burgundy and Champagne.
A highlight of each day and part of our great success has been the deliciously prepared meals you will indulge in on board. Dawn will cater to all 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 in one of the areas renowned gastronomic restaurants, allowing you the opportunity to experience France in all its glory.
Drawing on France's wonderfully varied selection of wines, your cruise will offer you the perfect opportunity to sample, compare and enjoy the excellent wines that represent Burgundy, Champagne and many of France's other wine producing regions.
As a wine enthusiast and trained sommelier, Jason loves to show his guests the vineyards and has met quite a few characters in his time in both regions. He has also tracked down the best vineyards and wine houses for clients to taste and enjoy the finest products of the area.
| Private Charter 6: | $43,500 | |
| Private Charter 5: | $38,000 | |
| Private Charter 4: | $35,000 | |
| Per Person: | $8,700 | |
| Single Supplement: | $3,000 | |
Not included
If you have any special dietary concerns, special occasions to celebrate or requests, simply let us know at the time of reservation.
For a reservation, a 30% non-refundable deposit is required, with the non-refundable balance being paid at least 90 days prior to the cruise date. Clients are strongly recommended to take out Insurance (including cruise cancellation insurance at the time of booking) for themselves and their belongings.