Who Knows
Barging in Burgundy

Passengers: Up to 6
Size: 94 feet long
Last Visited: 2005
Rating: Casual Class
(The cabins will be air conditioned for the 2009 Season)

2009 Rates

(As of June 1, 2009)
$9,000  -  party of 2
$10,500 - party of 3
$12,500 - party of 4
$15,500 - party of 5
$18,500 - party of 6

2010 Rates

$9,800   - party of 2
$11,900 - party of 3
$14,000 - party of 4
$17,500 - party of 5
$21,000 - party of 6


The cruise includes all breakfasts, five lunches and four dinners.
One lunch and two dinners are taken off Who Knows at the expense of the guest.
Arrangements and transportation will be provided.
AND
The cruise fare does not include transfers to and from the cruise route.  Several non-stop TGV trains from Paris arrive and depart daily.  Estimated round trip fare is $200 per person.  We can help you purchase train tickets before departure.

Who Knows (probably the most unusually named barge in France!) has an interesting history. It was built in the 1930's to haul grain. As a passenger barge, it has had four owners: first and most famously, the American actor-writer Sterling Hayden, who moored it in Paris for 19 years.

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.

All three cabins have been extensively renovated with new modern luxurious bathrooms being added to each. 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 on two decks or relax in the newly renovated cozy salon.

The Canal de Bourgogne between Gissey sur Ouche and Pont Royal is one of the most beautiful routes in French canal barging. Jason and Dawn know it well. Jason is a wine enthusiast who likes to take guests winetasting and has found some special venues. Other excursions include the beautiful preserved Hospice de Beaune; the Medieval village and chateau of Chateauneuf-en-Auxois; and Clos du Vougeot with its 15th-century wine presses.

Who Knows

Burgundy Barge Cruise Itinerary

Gissey sur Ouche to Pont Royal
On the Canal de Bourgogne

Sunday: Dijon to Gissey sur Ouche
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.  We 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
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
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 wine tasting".  We then venture into the vineyards for a discussion on the vines, grapes and growing techniques followed by a wine tasting.  In the afternoon cast off  for Vandenesse-en-Auxois.  This relaxing cruise take 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
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.  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
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
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 to our destination of Pont Royal.

Saturday: Return to Dijon
After breakfast Jason will drive you back to the Dijon Rail Station for your onward journey.  With memories and pictures that will 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 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
-Sundeck with large chairs and canopy
-Salon and dining area with large windows
-Lower level lounge.