Ultra Deluxe

Grand Cru

France, Southern Burgundy
Canal de Bourgogne: April 4–October 30, 2027

Check-in Time / Location 2:00 PM in Paris

Capacity
8 Guests
Crew Members
6
Booking Type
Charter Only

Cheers to the best of barge cruising! Exclusive to Grand’s Cru’s drinking and dining program, guests will enjoy pours of Grand Cru wines with all five dinners onboard.

A fresh lifestyle concept in barge cruising, Grand Cru is a floating boutique hotel inspired by the elite amenities expected by discerning travelers: hot tub on deck, demonstration kitchen, upstairs powder room, and, aligned with the barge’s name, a sommelier-selected onboard wine cellar.

Grand Cru floats on a special route, deep in the uncrowded French countryside. Cultural treasures and access to local personalities are prioritized. Meet the entrepreneurs behind Burgundy’s wine production thanks to a vineyard visit; experience an authentic village; be welcomed by the owner of a family-owned chateau and tour the immaculately preserved Hospice de Beaune. Back onboard, pampered passengers laze in the hot tub, socialize on the spacious deck, and retire to 270 square foot staterooms, the most spacious on the French canals. Active guests are encouraged to explore charming canal side villages by bicycle or on foot.

At the helm of Grand Cru is Captain Eric Serres, a native of Nice who has guided the barge through Southern Burgundy since 2016. A seasoned barge pilot, Eric often welcomes guests into his wheelhouse, offering a firsthand look at the gentle art of navigating the waterways. Praised for his calm command and generous hospitality, he sets the tone for a beautifully polished cruise experience in which every detail — from smooth cruising to wine country discoveries — feels effortless, elegant, and deeply personal.

Barge Lady Cruises thanks WendyPerrin.com for three pictures of Grand Cru featured in the opening carousel.

Accommodations & Amenities View Deck Plan

Accommodations
  • 128 ft long, with 6’8” – 7’ ceiling height throughout
  • Four cabins, all 260 sq ft, with 6’8” ceiling height
  • Choice of one King or two oversized twin beds
  • Ensuite Bathrooms with shower and separate tub
  • Vanity dressing area and ample storage
  • Salon and separate dining room
  • Powder room (WC) in salon
  • Demonstration kitchen – watch your chef prepare gourmet cuisine
  • Deck with canopy
  • Outdoor dining space and seating
Amenities
Chauffeured Guided Sightseeing
Chauffeured Guided Sightseeing
Daily Housekeeping
Daily Housekeeping
WiFi (service fluctuates)
WiFi (service fluctuates)
Private Chef
Private Chef
Open Bar
Open Bar
Bicycles and Helmets
Bicycles and Helmets
Air Conditioning/Heating
Air Conditioning/Heating
Hair Dryer and Toiletries
Hair Dryer and Toiletries
Bathrobe
Bathrobe
Safe
Safe
Hot Tub on Deck
Hot Tub on Deck
Iron and Ironing Board (on request)
Iron and Ironing Board (on request)
Sound System
Sound System
220 volt outlets
220 volt outlets
Demonstration Kitchen
Demonstration Kitchen

Itineraries

Plombieres-les-Dijon to Vandenesse-en-Auxois on the Canal de Bourgogne

Bicycling Opportunities:
Excellent 
 (Bicycling is completely optional.)
Sunday
Welcome Aboardsunday image
Welcome Aboard
Travel: Arrival at Plombieres-les-Dijon
Meals: Dinner onboard

In the afternoon, you will be met by a crew member of the Grand Cru at the designated meeting point. From here, relax as you are chauffeured in our immaculate vehicle to the Grand Cru, moored in the tiny village of Plombieres-les-Dijon. A traditional champagne welcome and introduction to the crew awaits you, before your first gourmet dinner onboard.

Monday
Where Medieval Monks Made Wine monday image
Where Medieval Monks Made Wine
Travel: Plombieres-les-Dijon to Fleurey-sur-Ouche
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner onboard

The luxurious journey begins with a morning cruise. Laze on deck in the hot tub, or explore the countryside via bicycle. This afternoon, visit the Chateau du Clos de Vougeot, where Cistercian monks made wine in the 12th century. Explore the preserved presses on which these iconic Burgundian vintages were made. Return to the Grand Cru for an evening of drinks and dinner onboard.

Tuesday
Destination Dijontuesday image
Destination Dijon
Travel: Fleurey-sur-Ouche to Gissey-sur-Ouche
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner onboard

A lazy morning cruise awaits you this morning. In the afternoon, the town of Dijon offers a pleasurable excursion ashore. Mingle with the locals as you browse seasonal produce, boutique cheese, and freshly baked bread at "Les Halles,” the region's food market. Preserved palaces and beautiful churches vie for attention with specialty boutiques, small cafes, and serene gardens. Shop, sip, and stroll your way through this small city brimming with authentic Burgundian life. Return to the Grand Cru for aperitifs and appetizers before tonight's delicious dinner.

Wednesday
A Grape Time Was Had by Allwednesday image
A Grape Time Was Had by All
Travel: Gissey-sur-Ouche to La Bussiere-sur-Ouche
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner onboard

Coffee and croissants begin the day. During this morning's cruise, laze in the hot tub, join your Captain in his wheelhouse, or explore the towpath's flora and fauna with a brisk stroll or exhilarating bicycle ride. After lunch, Southern Burgundy's pampered grapes are on full display as you swirl, sip, and savor locally produced wines in the newly opened tasting room of the Domaine de Cromey. Your Tour Guide returns you to the Grand Cru for cocktails and canapes before Chef presents tonight's gourmet dinner.

Thursday
Quaint Medieval Village Overlooking the Canalthursday image
Quaint Medieval Village Overlooking the Canal
Travel: La Bussiere-sur-Ouche to Pont d'Ouche
Meals: Breakfast & lunch onboard, dinner ashore

Revel the ambiance of the tranquil countryside during this morning's cruise. This afternoon, your Tour Guide escorts you to Chateauneuf-en-Auxois, a castle overlooking the Canal. A walking tour through the chateau reveals the architectural details and timeworn relics which speak to the deprivations and decadence so prevalent in France’s history. Return to the barge to freshen up before your dinner ashore.

Friday
The Best of Burgundy in Beaune friday image
The Best of Burgundy in Beaune
Travel: Pont d'Ouche to Vandenesse-en-Auxois
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner onboard

Bon matin! Begin the day with a leisurely morning cruise. Stroll or bicycle along the towpath, or join Chef in the demonstration kitchen for an informal cooking lesson. In the afternoon, a drive in your private vehicle culminates in the charming town of Beaune, the region's wine capital. Your Tour Guide will accompany you through the Hospice de Beaune, a prestigiously preserved Medieval hospital built in the 15th century. Return to the barge for tonight's festive Farewell Feast.

Saturday
A Sad Farewellsaturday image
A Sad Farewell
Travel: Transfer from Vandenesse-en-Auxois
Meals: Breakfast onboard

After breakfast, you will be chauffeured to the designated drop off point.

Please note: This is a sample itinerary which may be subject to change depending on local conditions.

Gourmet Dining

Lunch
  • Whole Baked Salmon in Salt with Beurre Blanc Sauce
  • Wild Mushroom, Hericots Verts, and Shallot Saute
  • Cheeses: Emmental and Valençay
  • Blueberry and Pistachio Clafoutis with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream
  • A Selection of Coffees, Teas, and Biscuits
Dinner
  • Confit Quail on Aubergine Caviar with Orange Saffron Réduction and Toasted Walnuts
  • Aged Charolais Beef Filet in Rosemary Green Pepper Croûte Rossini Style, Foie Gras, and Port Sauce
  • Cheeses: Tomme de Savoie and Saint-Felicien
  • Pistachio Grand Marnier Soufflé
  • A Selection of After Dinner Drinks
  • 1 Dinner Ashore Inclusive of the Cruise Rate
Wine
  • Château Latour Martillac Grand Cru Classé 2016, Pessac Leognan
  • Beaune 1er cru Teurons 2019, Domaine Philippe Bouzereau
  • Chassagne Montrachet Cuvée Préstige 2021, Domaine Capuano Ferreri
  • Rosé Petite Note Bleue Vignerons de St Tropez 2021
  • Champagne Jean Marie Fevrier

Rates & Dates

Accommodation
Value Season
Regular Season
High Season
Private Cruise for 8 guests$73,600$84,000$84,000
Private Cruise for 7 guests$69,300$78,400$84,000
Private Cruise for up to 6 guests$65,400$73,900$84,000

Dates

2027 Value Season Departures

April 4-10, 11-17
July 11-17, 18-24, 25-31
August 1-7, 8-14, 15-21, 22-28
October 24-30

2027 Regular Season Departures

April 18-24, 25-1
May 2-8, 9-15, 16-22, 23-29, 30-5
June 6-12, 13-19, 20-26, 27-3
July 4-10
October 3-9, 10-16, 17-23

2027 High Season Departures

August 29-4
September 5-11, 12-18, 19-25, 26-2

Additional Details

Included in the rate
  • 6 nights/7 days in a cabin with a private bath
  • Round trip chauffeured transfers to and from Paris
  • A dedicated onboard crew consisting of a Captain, Chef, Tour Guide, and Hostess
  • All meals onboard and ashore from dinner the first evening to breakfast the final morning
  • All wines served with lunches and dinners both onboard and ashore
  • Onboard open bar with alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
  • Daily escorted excursions including admittance fees
  • Unlimited use of onboard amenities such as bicycles and the hot tub
Not included in the rate
  •  International airfare
  • Cancellation insurance – A Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) policy is recommended
  • Suggested crew gratuity of 5-10% of the cruise price

*All rates are quoted in U.S. Dollars unless otherwise noted

Are you ready to experience “The Good Life”
in Southern Burgundy?

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