Barge Cruise: Grand Victoria
Cruise In France in Southern Burgundy On The Canal du Centre and Saone River Aboard The Deluxe Hotel-Barge GRAND VICTORIA
BARGE CRUISES: SEVEN DAYS/SIX NIGHTS
The 6-passenger Grand Victoria has been transformed by its current owners, Edward Anderson and and Cindy Unvericht, into an elegant luxury barge with three large 180 sq ft cabins with new ensuite bathrooms and stunning new decor and furnishings throughout. The cabins have king size or twin beds, Simmons Beautyrest Luxury mattresses, upholstered headboards, 800-thread count sheets, chenille damask comforters and Matelasse coverlets. Each cabin has a large flat screen TV as well as an Apple TV to stream free on demand movies. Huge windows in the salon and dining area allow natural light to flood in. Top quality sofas and chairs enhance the salon area, and the dining table easily seats 6 guests in comfort. The sundeck at the bow has a dining table for eight, large sun umbrellas, and reclining chairs. The sundeck at the stern adds another comfortable outdoor living space with elegant fireplaces that iluminate a soft glow as the sun sets over the Burgundy landscapes. There is also a 4-person spa pool for relaxing on board.
The Grand Victoria cruises in the famous Cote d'Or wine region of Southern Burgundy on the scenic Canal du Centre and Saone River. The area features a majestic landscape of rolling hills, beautiful chateaux, and picturesque vineyards. The all-inclusive itineraries are packed with adventure. Explore the vineyards of the Cote d'Or region. Use the onboard mountain bikes to explore the towpaths and small villages along the way. Lunches in Dijon and a Michelin star restaurant are also included.
We stayed on board the barge in April 2017 and cruised aboard again in May 2019, and spent time with the owners, Edward and Cindy, aboard the barge and on excursions. They remain passionate about providing an exceptional experience on board and we continue to be impressed by their transformation of the barge. There is a professional crew of five to provide whatever passengers need! This commitment to their guests includes being on board themselves and personally leading guests on tours around Burgundy. Itineraries are flexible depending on passengers' interests. Their aim is to provide an experience, not just a vacation, to ensure that their guests return home with a story to share.
Another unique feature of the Grand Victoria is that it welcomes any passenger's small dog weighing up to 40 pounds. No other pets are permitted. They are happy to provide a Grand Victoria dog bed, a pet welcome kit, and food bowls with a mat. Pets may not be left unattended in a guest cabin or on the barge during excursions. The owners have a friendly Lhaso Apso named Angus who stays in the crew quarters or on deck, whatever the guests prefer.
Features
- Size of barge: 128 by 16.5 ft
- Number of Passengers: 6
- Number of Cabins (all with private bath): 3
- Crew: 5: Pilot, Chef, Deckhand, Hostess, Tour Guide, and Stewardess. Angus, the owner's Lhasa Apso, is also on board.
- Salon: Sophisticated contemporary decor with mahogany floor and Persian carpet, plush sofa and four chairs plus dining area, all with panoramic windows.
- Bar: Open bar with bar area and stools.
- Deck: Bow deck with dining table for eight. comfortable loveseats and sun umbrellas. Stern deck seating area and spa pool
- Spa Tub: 4-person heated spa pool.
- Cabin Features: 3 cabins 180 sq ft each including ensuite bathroom with shower. and king bed or two extra long twins, top quality bedding, 40 in flat screen TV in cabins.
- Vehicle for Transfers/Excursions: 8-seater, air-conditioned minibus.
- Accessibility: Gangplank 24 in wide with 2 rope handrails. Salon has four steps to the deck and six steps to the cabins.
- Bicycles: 6 mountain bikes
- Wi-Fi - Yes (limited in some areas)
- Dog-friendly: Passengers may bring own dog under 40 pounds in cabin/on excursion - dog bed available
Grand Victoria's Deck Plan
| GRAND VICTORIA 2021 SEASON PRICES in US DOLLARS | ||
|---|---|---|
| TYPE | VALUE Apr 11 thru May 22 Jul 4 thru Aug 7 |
REGULAR May 23 thru Jul 3 Aug 8 thru Oct 30 |
|
Cabin (per person, double occupancy) * Cabin weeks only May 9, Sep 26 |
* $6,999 |
* $6,999 |
| Charter for 4 |
$34,900 |
$40,900 |
| Charter for 5 |
$37,900 |
$42,900 |
| Charter for 6 |
$38,900 |
$44,900 |
| GRAND VICTORIA 2022 SEASON PRICES in US DOLLARS | ||
|---|---|---|
| TYPE | VALUE Apr 24 thru May 21 Jul 3 thru Aug 6 |
REGULAR May 22 thru Jul 2 Aug 7 thru Oct 29 |
| Charter for 4 |
$34,900 |
$40,900 |
| Charter for 5 |
$37,900 |
$42,900 |
| Charter for 6 |
$38,900 |
$44,900 |
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
- All meals
- All wines with lunches and dinners
- Open bar
- All escorted side-excursions (special excursions are extra)
- Use of 8-speed bicycles
What's Not Included
- Overseas air transportation to Paris and return
- Trip cancellation insurance
- Suggested minimum 5% gratuity for the crew to be paid in equivalent euros to the captain for distribution to the crew
|
Grand Victoria 2021 Season Cruise Schedule* |
||
|---|---|---|
| Week | Route (Or Reverse) | Season |
| Apr 11 | Pontailler-sur-Saone-Tournus | Value |
| Apr 18 | Tournus-Pontailler-sur-Saone | Value |
| Apr 25 | Pontailler-sur-Saone-Tournus | Value |
| May 2 | Tournus-Pontailler-sur-Saone | Value |
| May 9 | Pontailler-sur-Saone-Tournus | Cabin Week |
| May 16 | Tournus-Pontailler-sur-Saone | Value |
| May 23 | Pontailler-sur-Saone-Tournus | Regular |
| May 30 | Tournus-Pontailler-sur-Saone | Regular |
| Jun 6 | Pontailler-sur-Saone-Tournus | Regular |
| Jun 13 | Tournus-Pontailler-sur-Saone | Regular |
| Jun 20 | Pontailler-sur-Saone-Tournus | Regular |
| Jun 27 | Tournus-Pontailler-sur-Saone | Regular |
| Jul 4 | Pontailler-sur-Saone-Tournus | Value |
| Jul 11 | Tournus-Pontailler-sur-Saone | Value |
| Jul 18 | Pontailler-sur-Saone-Tournus | Value |
| Jul 25 | Tournus-Pontailler-sur-Saone | Value |
| Aug 1 | Pontailler-sur-Saone-Tournus | Value |
| Aug 8 | Tournus-Pontailler-sur-Saone | Regular |
| Aug 15 | Pontailler-sur-Saone-Tournus | Regular |
| Aug 22 | Tournus-Lyon | Regular |
| Aug 29 | Lyon-Seurre | Regular |
| Sep 5 | Tournus-Pontailler-sur-Saone | Regular |
| Sep 12 | Pontailler-sur-Saone-Tournus | Regular |
| Sep 19 | Tournus-Pontailler-sur-Saone | Regular |
| Sep 26 | Pontailler-sur-Saone-Tournus | Cabin Week |
| Oct 3 | Tournus-Pontailler-sur-Saone | Regular |
| Oct 10 | Pontailler-sur-Saone-Tournus | Regular |
| Oct 17 | Tournus-Pontailler-sur-Saone | Regular |
| Oct 24 | Pontailler-sur-Saone-Tournus | Regular |
|
Grand Victoria 2022 Season Cruise Schedule* |
||
|---|---|---|
| Week | Route (Or Reverse) | Season |
| Apr 24 | Pontailler-sur-Saone-Tournus | Value |
| May 1 | Tournus-Pontailler-sur-Saone | Value |
| May 8 | Pontailler-sur-Saone-Tournus | Value |
| May 15 | Tournus-Pontailler-sur-Saone | Value |
| May 22 | Pontailler-sur-Saone-Tournus | Regular |
| May 29 | Tournus-Pontailler-sur-Saone | Regular |
| Jun 5 | Pontailler-sur-Saone-Tournus | Regular |
| Jun 12 | Tournus-Pontailler-sur-Saone | Regular |
| Jun 19 | Pontailler-sur-Saone-Tournus | Regular |
| Jun 26 | Tournus-Pontailler-sur-Saone | Regular |
| Jul 3 | Pontailler-sur-Saone-Tournus | Value |
| Jul 10 | Tournus-Pontailler-sur-Saone | Value |
| Jul 17 | Pontailler-sur-Saone-Tournus | Value |
| Jul 24 | Tournus-Pontailler-sur-Saone | Value |
| Jul 31 | Pontailler-sur-Saone-Tournus | Value |
| Aug 7 | Tournus-Pontailler-sur-Saone | Regular |
| Aug 14 | Pontailler-sur-Saone-Tournus | Regular |
| Aug 21 | Tournus-Lyon | Regular |
| Aug 28 | Lyon-Seurre | Regular |
| Sep 4 | Tournus-Pontailler-sur-Saone | Regular |
| Sep 11 | Pontailler-sur-Saone-Tournus | Regular |
| Sep 18 | Tournus-Pontailler-sur-Saone | Regular |
| Sep 25 | Pontailler-sur-Saone-Tournus | Regular |
| Oct 2 | Tournus-Pontailler-sur-Saone | Regular |
| Oct 9 | Pontailler-sur-Saone-Tournus | Regular |
| Oct 16 | Tournus-Pontailler-sur-Saone | Regular |
| Oct 23 | Pontailler-sur-Saone-Tournus | 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: Saone River, Canal du Centre
Auxonne to Chagny-sur-Saone 2023
Burgundy: Saone River, Canal du Centre
Auxonne to Chagny-sur-Saone 2023
Champagne Welcome Aboard
Dijon
Château de Pommard
Château de Rully
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 - Auxonne to St. Jean de Losne - Visit Chateau du Clos de Vougeot
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 on board (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 - St. Jean de Losne to Seurre - Walking Tour of Dijon's Historic Marketplace
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.
Wednesday - Seurre to Chalon-sur-Saône - Visit Majestic Château de Rully
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!
Thursday - Chalon-sur-Saône to Fragnes - Tour of the Historic City of Beaune
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 towpaths along the Canal du Centre. 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.
Friday - Fragnes to Chagny - Wine Tasting at the Famous Château de Pommard
After breakfast on this last day of your Burgundy canal barge cruise, we'll depart on a morning cruise of the Burgundy Canal. After lunch, we will visit the famous Château de Pommard, a historic Château near Beaune dating back centuries. At Pommard, we'll discover the true taste of Burgundy's appellations, viticulture, and winemaking from the heart of the largest privately-owned clos in the Cote d'Or. After our tasting, we will return to the Grand Victoria, where guests have the opportunity to kick back with a cocktail or explore Chagny before our final dinner together.
Saturday - Chagny to Paris - Sad Farewell
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.
Dining Aboard The Grand Victoria:
SAMPLE MENU
BREAKFAST
- Champagne or Juice
- A selection of freshly baked pastries and breads, with various butters & conserves
- Cereals, fruit & yogurt
- Coffee or tea
LUNCH
- A Selection of salads
- Greek Style Village Salad
- Vietnamese Egg Noodle Salad
- Sweet and Spicy Shaved Vegetable Salad
- Black Forest Ham and Comte Quiche
- Charcuterie platters of quality cold meats and local specialities
- Traditional French fine herb omelet
- Pan-fried foie gras with a prune and eau de vie jus
- A selection of local cheese
- Dessert of the day
- Coffee or tea
DINNER
- Seared scallops with truffled potato purée and sweet ginger chili
- Roasted duck breast with prosciutto roasted vegetables, fennel purée, parsnip crisps, and veal demi glace
- Spiced duck wontons in a lime and chili broth with cashews and cilantro
- Prosciutto-wrapped cod with crab risotto, cherry tomatoes marinated in an olive oil vinaigrette
- The finest French Charolais beefsteak with a merlot and mushroom jus
- Sea scallops served on a bed of spinach
- Grilled Monk fish in butter and lime sauce
DESSERT
- Chocolate mousse
- Crème brulee
- Crepe suzettes
- Ille flotante
- Tarte tatin
- Chocolate profiteroles
- Raspberry soufflé
CHEESE BOARD SAMPLES
A selection of French cheeses will be offered at lunch and dinner. A description of the cheese will be provided along with information about its region, and will be accompanied by specially selected wines.
SAMPLE WINE LIST
Red Wines: Margaux - Château Desmirail; Lalande de Pomerol; Saint Emilion Château - Graves de Rabion ( Medaille d'Bronze); Beaune 1er Cru - Coucherias; Vaqueras - La Tour de Montmirail; Côte de Nuit - Domaine Saint Saturnin de Verge White Wines: Chablis; Mercurey - Domaine de la Guiche (Medaille d'Argent); Saint Veran; Rully Clos du Chaigne - Domain de la Folie; Sauternes - Domain de Moulin Neuf; Rully Clos de Jacques - Domain de la Folie
Passenger Comments:
Over the top...spectacular trip of a lifetime experience. The meals and wines were very best part....wines well presented with histories, geographical significance, etc. before tasting and drinking. Mostly Premium Cru Burgundy as was appropriate. Food was stunningly presented and always very tasty with great diversification. You could tell the Chef was there to impress and impress he did indeed. The excursions were an exceptional experience...the trips to the Burgundy Wine Country was especially well done educationally. The wine tasting was a real treat. Other trips in Dijon and to the Hospice Hotel Dieu were very special. The lunch in the 3-Star Lameloise was definitely a high point. Lunch in Dijon another...burgers supreme.G.V. CA USA
This was our first barge experience. Edward and Cindy were incredible hosts and their staff is exceptional. The accomdations on the barge are first class. The decor is beautiful. It is very obvious that attention was given to every detail and far exceeded our expectations. The cabins were spacious and the king size bed was very comfortable. Attention was given to every detail to insure our comfort. The private bathrooms for each cabin were exceptional in design and function! The meals were delicious and the wines were always a great accomponiment. The dishes were very well presented with the freshest of ingredients and always pleased the palate. The high points were enjoying the comfort of the outdoor furniture on the upper deck after incredible meals, making memories to cherish with dear friends with lots of laughter while enjoying the ambiance of two flame-lit tables, all the while enjoying the stars in the night sky and the sounds of nature all around us. This truely is a unique vacation experience. If you are looking for relaxation with first class accomodations,surrounded by the beauty of the french countryside while enjoying fantastic meals, this is the trip to take.
T. H,VA, USA
The barge trip was fabulous - the cruise route and service was excellent, the meals were 5-star. The excursions were very informative - Lynn was very congenial and her knowledge of each outing was phenomenal.
M.C. TX USA
LINKS to Grand Victoria Information
This page last updated December 25, 2023