Burgundy Canal Barge Cruises

Classic Burgundy Wine Tour 

Travel from Auxonne to Chagny aboard our Burgundy canal barge cruise, bringing you the best France has to offer. This wine barge cruise lets you experience some of the finest and exquisite wines found anywhere in the world.

Sunday: Champagne Welcome Aboard

Travel: Paris to Auxonne

Our private driver meets 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.

Monday: Chateau du Clos de Vougeot

Travel: Auxonne to St. Jean de Losne

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.

Tuesday: Walking Tour of Dijon’s Historic Marketplace

Travel: St. Jean de Losne - Seurre

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 Francois Rude, 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. We’ll return to the Grand Victoria for an afternoon of cruising down the scenic Saône River to the medieval village of Seurre.

Wednesday: Majestic Château de Rully

Travel: Seurre to Chalon-sur-Saône

Guests can kick back and relax on our spacious deck as we spend this morning of your wine barge cruise in France floating down the majestic Saône River. Enjoy a magnificent lunch 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. Visiting the castle will take you on a journey through French history. From there, it’s back to our mooring in Chalon-sur-Saone for cocktails and dinner. Feel free 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. Chalon is also a great city to explore by night, with a vibrant bar scene to check out!

Tour of the Historic City of Beaune

Travel: Chalon-sur-Saône  to Fragnes

Embark on an early morning tour of the historic city of Beaune. Here we visit the famous Hotel Diêu. A hospital from the Middle Ages, the Hospices de Beaune is one of France’s most prestigious historic monuments. Its flamboyant Gothic architecture 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.

Wine Tasting the Famous Château de Pommard

Travel: Fragnes - Chagny

After breakfast, we’ll depart on a morning cruise of the burgundy canal. After lunch, we will take a scenic and informative drive through the vineyards starting in Chassagne Montrachet ending with a private wine tasting in Beaune. 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 guests have the opportunity to kick back with a cocktail before our final dinner together.

Sad Farewell

Travel: Chagny to Paris

It’s 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 to take you back to Paris or Geneva.

To learn more about our wine barge cruises in France, get in touch with us at Grand Victoria Cruises today. We’re looking forward to showing you around France on one of our Burgundy canal barge cruises soon.
Note: This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change. It runs in reverse on alternate weeks.