Saône River, Canals, Iconic Vineyards & Markets
Cruise through the iconic vineyards and historic towns of Burgundy aboard the luxury barge Grand Victoria, from the wine capitals of Dijon and Beaune to the rolling landscapes of the Côte d’Or. Enjoy refined private wine tastings, guided village walks, and elegant regional cuisine paired with celebrated vintages. This French barge vacation offers a classic, immersive journey into the heart of Burgundy’s legendary wine culture and heritage.
Travel: Geneva to Auxonne
Our private driver will meet you in Geneva and bring you to Grand Victoria, moored in Auxonne, where your French river cruise begins. On arrival, you’ll be warmly welcomed by our cheerful crew and introduced to life on board with our signature champagne welcome.
While your luggage is taken to your stateroom and you settle in, take time to relax and enjoy the first of many special moments aboard. Your journey begins with a memorable first dinner on board, setting the tone for the week ahead.
Travel: Auxonne to St. Jean de Losne
After breakfast, your Burgundy river cruise begins along one of the prettiest stretches of the Saône. Once moored, we head into the Côte d'Or for a delightful al fresco lunch in the vineyards, weather permitting.
In the afternoon, enjoy a local wine tasting and discover more about Burgundy’s remarkable wine heritage before returning to Grand Victoria for sunset cocktails, laughter on deck, and a gourmet dinner prepared by your chef.
Travel: St. Jean de Losne to Seurre
This morning, we leave Grand Victoria for a walking tour of Dijon’s historic marketplace, designed by Gustave Eiffel. Mingle with local shoppers and enjoy the atmosphere of a traditional French market day.
A relaxed historic walk takes in the Ducal Palace, Notre Dame, and a 15th-century medieval shopping street before lunch at an authentic French bistro in Place François Rude. In the afternoon, return to the barge for a scenic cruise down the Saône River to the medieval village of Seurre, with jazz classics, cocktails, and another excellent dinner on board.
Travel: Seurre to Chalon-sur-Saône
Begin the day with a visit to the historic city of Beaune, including the celebrated Hospices de Beaune, one of Burgundy’s most treasured monuments. Its flamboyant Gothic architecture and colorful tiled roof make it one of the region’s true highlights.
After lunch at a local Michelin-starred restaurant, return to Grand Victoria for an afternoon cruise to Chalon-sur-Saône. This evening, enjoy an early happy hour with a selection of vinyl albums while your chef prepares another culinary highlight.
Travel: Chalon-sur-Saône to Fragnes
After breakfast aboard, set out to visit the majestic Château de Rully, a medieval fortress dating back to the 12th century and overlooking its surrounding vineyards from a hillside setting.
Back in Chalon-sur-Saône, there is time for a stroll through the town before an al fresco lunch, weather permitting. Later, Grand Victoria enters the Canal du Centre, offering your first taste of canal cruising, before mooring beside a picturesque old lock house for dinner on board.
Travel: Fragnes to Chagny
Today, continue cruising along the Canal du Centre toward the village of Chagny. After lunch on board, enjoy a scenic drive through the vineyards, beginning in Chassagne-Montrachet and ending with a private wine tasting in the heart of the Côte de Beaune.
Discover Burgundy’s appellations, viticulture, and winemaking traditions before returning to Grand Victoria. Back on board, enjoy canapés and cocktails before your final dinner of the week.
Travel: Chagny to Geneva
Enjoy one final breakfast aboard before saying farewell to Grand Victoria. Your private chauffeur will arrive at 9:00 AM for the transfer back to Geneva.
Please note: This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change. The itinerary runs in reverse on alternate weeks.
Share your preferred dates, group size and any questions. Edward and Cindy will personally help you plan your journey.
Discover our private, all-inclusive itineraries through Beaujolais, Provence, and beyond aboard Grand Victoria.
