Who Knows
Barging in Burgundy

Passengers: Up to 6
Size: 94 feet long
Last Visited: 2010
Rating: Casual Class
The cabins are air-conditioned

2011 Rates

Half Board Rates	Full Board Rates
2 Guests - $8,720	2 Guests - $10,000
3 Guests - $9,500	3 Guests - $12,000
4 Guests - $10,500	4 Guests - $13,600
5 Guests - $12,500	5 Guests - $16,000
6 Guests - $14,500	6 Guests - $19,000

Half Board: Five meals are off the Who Knows at the guest's expense
Full Board: All meals are on the Who Knows cooked by fabulous chef Dawn

2011 dates

April 3 - 9	May 24 - 30	July 10 - 16	September 11 - 17
April 10 - 16	May 31 - June 4	July 31 - Aug 6	September 18 - 24
April 17 - 23	June 5 - 11	August 7 - 13	Sept 25 - October 1
April 24 - 30	June 12 - 18	August 14 - 20	October 2 - 8
May 1 - 7	June 19 - 25	August 21 - 27	October 9 - 15
May 8 - 16	June 26 - July 2	August 28 - Sept 3	October 16 - 22
May 17 - 23	July 3 - 9	September 4 - 10	October 23 - 30

In 2004, Who Knows was purchased by Jason Ashcroft and Dawn Coles, both of whom have a background in the hotel, restaurant and barging industries. Dawn is a trained chef and earned a catering and hotel degree in the U.K. Jason is also a chef and trained at the prestigious Ecole du Hotelerie in Switzerland. He worked at the hotels Connought in London and the Bar au Lac in Zurich. Besides bringing experience, Jason and Dawn bring enthusiasm. They offer a personalized welcome and a casual cruise style on this unpretentious yet comfortable barge.

We boarded WHO KNOWS moored in the busy port of Vandenesse-en-Auxois. Not having visited this barge for many years, we were thrilled with Jason and Dawn's extensive interior renovations. All three cabins have been rebuilt and modern bathrooms added. These bathrooms were very well arranged and packed a nice amount of storage into a small space. In 2009, the cabins were air-conditioned, and in 2010, the kitchen-dining area re-built. On our latest visit, Jason and Dawn proudly introduced this new room - which in addition to doubling the cooking space has a "great fridge" and fireplace. A great improvement to WHO KNOWS!

The Who Knows has the feel of a classic yacht with dark wood paneling, teak hardwood flooring and windows with brass portholes and finishings. Guests can spread out onto two decks. The very large deck is set off beautifully with geraniums and Dawn's herb garden. A smaller and charming deck area can be found near the wheelhouse.

The Canal de Bourgogne between Gissey sur Ouche and Pont Royal is one of the most beautiful routes in French canal barging. About their program, Jason says: "Our guests come to cruise. Our route is longer than most and we offer two full days of floating - which means lots of time to relax, walk or bicycle in the deep countryside." There is one full-day excursion - to Beaune - and two half-day excursions, which may encompass wine tasting and a local chateau.

We had a lovely lunch on board! Please see the Menu Section for our divine al fresco meal and conversation with family and friends.

Who Knows Itinerary

Burgundy Barge Cruise

Gissey sur Ouche to Pont Royal
On the Canal de Bourgogne

Sunday: Dijon to Gissey sur Ouche
Welcome to the Canal!
At approximately 4pm Jason will meet you at the arrivals hall of Dijon train station.  Train transfers to and from Dijon are not included in the cruise fare, but can be arranged and purchased before departure.  Jason will chauffeur you to the Who Knows moored at Gissey sur Ouche for a Champagne welcome. Time to settle into your cabins before dinner on the barge.

Monday: Gissey sur Ouche to Pont d'Ouche
A Full Day of Cruising in Paradise
After breakfast we set sail to head upstream towards Pont d'Ouche. Today is all about cruising with plenty of opportunity to cycle and walk along the tow-path, exploring small villages along the route or just sitting on the deck and watching the world glide by. The Ouche Valley in known for its dense deciduous forest, wild boar, deer and birds of prey. The sedate pace continues through the afternoon as we climb through several locks to our destination of Pont d'Ouche.  Its name comes from the canal's aquaduct that crosses over the River Ouche. The valley opens out into a wide pastoral scene that France is so famous for.

Tuesday: Pont d'Ouche to Vandenesse-en-Auxois
Winetasting in the Cote d'Or
After breakfast Jason will take you into the wine district of the Cotes du Nuits. First there is a historical visit to the Clos du Vougeot, home to the "Knight of the round table of winetasting".  We then venture into the vineyards, pictured at left, for a discussion on the vines, grapes and growing techniques followed by a winetasting. In the afternoon cast off  for Vandenesse-en-Auxois.  This relaxing cruise takes the barge through several locks, giving you plenty of opportunity to walk or cycle along the tow-path.  Our mooring at Vandenesse is in the shadow of Chateauneuf-en-Auxoise, classified as one of the prettiest villages in France.  You can not help but be impressed by the view, truly memorable.


Wednesday: Moor in Vandenesse-en-Auxois - Visit Beaune
A Day Out in Beaune - 14th Century Hospice
After breakfast, drive to the historic town of Beaune, the capital of wine production in Burgundy. Jason will do a guided tour of the world famous Hospice du Beaune built in 1443, see picture at right.  In the afternoon Jason takes you to Patriarche Pere et Fils, the famous wine cellars in Beaune where his extensive knowledge of wines comes into play to guide you through the cellars and tastings.  With over 4 million bottles in their underground caves, this is an extensive tasting ranging from the simple to the illustrious.  A leisurely drive back through the countryside returns you to the barge.

Thursday: Vandenesse-en-Auxois to Pouilly-en-Auxois
Romantic Hilltop Chateau
This morning Jason drives you the short distance up to Chateauneuf for a guided visit of this impressive fortified castle with its commanding views of the canal and surrounding area.  Behind the chateau is a fantastic village, surprisingly small considering the obvious importance of the chateau.  In the afternoon we set sail for the Pouilly tunnel, an impressive feat of engineering, built by British prisoners of war during the Napoleonic wars.  Our transit takes us around 45 minutes and brings us out at Pouilly-en-Auxois, our mooring for the night.

Friday: Pouilly-en-Auxois to Pont Royal
Floating, Relaxing, Bicycling, Walking!
On your final day aboard we revert back to the utter sublime joy of pure barging.  From the summit pound at Pouilly, we descend 12 locks in quick succession as we once again head into the Burgundian countryside, with ample opportunities to walk and cycle by the barge.  In the afternoon we spend several relaxing hours lazily gliding through the valley floor, see picture to left, to our destination of Pont Royal.



Saturday: Return to Dijon
A Sad Farewell
After breakfast Jason will drive you back to the Dijon Rail Station for your onward journey.  We hope to have provided memories to last a lifetime!

Please note: The cruise is run in reverse on alternative weeks and excursion days and moorings will therefore change. Cruise itineraries may be subject to change. Contact The Barge Lady for reservations and more information about Barging in Burgundy on the canals and waterways of France Or call us toll free at (800) 880-0071.

Who Knows

Guest Book

"Our cruise exceeded our expectations.  The description on the website is just a snippet of what is truly a lovely experience.  We were delighted!  Jason's tours were informative and provided just enough structure to our free time aboard the Who Knows.  We loved it all!"
- Julie Roper, 2010

"What put our week on the WHO KNOWS into contention for "best trip ever" was how wonderfully attentive Dawn and Jason were to our requests and preferences."
-Robert and Warren Moe, 2009

"Jason and Dawn of the WHO KNOWS provided us with an exceptional level of care and concern.  They were so attentive but not intrusive.  This was one of the best valued experiences of our traveling."
-David and Janice Garvis, 2009

"Everything about the WHO KNOWS was awesome.  The ability to relax while enjoying the picturesque countryside, the great meals and fine wine.  Jason and Dawn were the perfect pair to enhance all aspects of the barge experience."
-Anne Madow, 2009

Who Knows Floor Plan

94 Feet long
-One double-bedded cabin at 166 square feet and Two twin-bedded cabins at 71 square feet
-All bathrooms gutted and rebuilt in 2007
-The kitchen-dining area to be entirely rebuilt for the 2010 season
-Sundeck with large chairs and canopy
-Salon and dining area with large windows