Wine & Water hotel barge cruises

Wine & Water is a high standing hotel barge, cruising on the Burgundy canal between Dijon and Vandenesse-en-Auxois.

The barge has now retired from service.

About the barge

Length 30.5 metres (100ft), width 5.05 metres (16ft6)
1 large suite and 2 cabins with ensuite bathrooms & walk-in showers
Large and very comfortable saloon and dining area with panorama views
A spacious sundeck, equipped with lounge and dining furniture
Spa pool
Air-conditioning, central heating
Bicycles and electric bikes
Guided “wine, historical & discovery” tours with the captain, including entrance fees

Full Board charters

The full board private charter for up to 6 guests includes:

Continental breakfast
Gourmet lunch buffets, made with fresh, local produce
Evening dinners on board or in local, specially selected restaurants
Accompanying wines
Open bar including wines, spirits and soft drinks
Guided tours
Pick-up and drop off with in Dijon or Beaune (High-speed TGV train from Paris )

Cruise itinerary

The barge cruises between Dijon, the capital of Burgundy, and Vandenesse en Auxois, a quiet village beneath the picturesque chateau of Chateauneuf en Auxois This route takes you through the Valley d’Ouche, arguably one of the most beautiful available. Explore the nearby villages and small towns on foot or by bike. The famous Burgundian vineyards of the Côtes de Nuits & Côtes de Beaune are just a short journey away in our air-conditioned vehicle.

Sunday: Dijon
Guests are met at the designated afternoon meeting point in Dijon or Beaune, and transferred by air-conditioned minibus to the barge. A warm welcome aboard, from the Captain and crew, with a champagne Kir, the perfect start to a unique and memorable stay in Burgundy. Early evening, we visit Dijon with the Captain and then return to the boat for our first candlelit dinner, on board.

Monday: Cruise from Dijon to Fleurey sur Ouche
After breakfast we leave Dijon and head for the first of a total of 45 locks. We make our way along Lake Kir, with its leisure facilities, via Plombieres to Velars sur Ouche. Guests are welcome to leave the boat at any of the picturesque locks and to continue on foot or bicycle along the towpath to the next lock. We continue on our leisurely way before reaching Fleurey sur Ouche, where we will moor for up for the night. Take time to visit the Clos de Vougeot, originally a wine farm, built in the 12th century by monks from the nearby Abbbey of Citeaux, now the “Seat of Order”. Dinner on board

Tuesday: Excursion to Beaune
Today, our excursion is to the capital of Burgundy wines, the town of Beaune. We will be in some of the finest vineyards of France, such as Aloxe Corton, tasting some of the greatest Grand Cru from the Cotes de Beaune, with expert advice from wine Connoisseurs. Lunch is offered in a traditional Burgundian restaurant in a wine cellar: Dine on garlic snails and the famous Coq au Vin, served with Volnay and Pommard wines. In the afternoon, we visit the famous Hospice de Beaune built in 1443 and stroll along the cobbles streets with boutiques of all kinds. The return to the barge takes us through the “Hautes Côtes” vineyards and past the source of the river Ouche. Dinner on board

Wednesday: Fleurey sur Ouche – Gissey sur Ouche
This morning we start crising into the heart of Burgundy, into the glorious Ouche valley. Comfortably seated on the sundeck, we will travel back through time to un unhurried world, past the enchanting villages of Pont de Pany, Chateau de la Chassagne and Sainte Marie sur Ouche. We finally moor in Gissey sur Ouche and set out to explore the surrounding countryside in the company of the Captain. Visit the medieval village of Chateauneuf en Auxois with it’s cafés, and antique and curiosity shops along the picturesque streets. There is a fantastic view over the Auxois plains, with lakes and the distant Morvan hills. Dinner on board.

Thursday: Gissey sur Ouche -Pont de Pany
This morning, we continue to cruise into the magnificent Valley of the Ouche, a journey back in time passing through the unique landscape as the canal twists through the narrow valley. We will cruise to the village of La Bussiere sur Ouche where once moored, we can walk to the one-star Michelin restaurant in a unique 13th-century Cistercian Abbey. After lunch, we continue our cruise past Veuvey on our way to today’s mooring in Pont d’Ouche: This part of the journey is excellent for cycling and walking alike along the towpath. Dinner on board

Friday: Pont d’Ouche – Vandenesse en Auxois
This morning, we drive by minibus to the covered Dijon Market, designed by Gustave Eiffel, who was born in Dijon. A great chance to view and buy local produce… Once back on Wine & Water, your captain masters the numerous locks between Pont d’Ouche and Vandenesse. Enjoy the last chance to sit back and soak up the beauty of the surroundings. Cocktails before the Farewell Gala Dinner on board.

Saturday
After a copious breakfast, our guests will disembark at 10am to transfer to the train station.
Au revoir!

The cruise route will operate in the opposite direction on alternate weeks

Wine and cruising on board the barge in Burgndy