SAroche

6 passenger Deluxe

Saroche Deck Plan

Saroche Deck Plan

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Call 971-544-0381 or email EuroEscapes for Current Specials.

Description

We met Jason Ashcroft and Dawn Coles, who previously owned the Who Knows. They purchased the Saroche in 2015 and designed it to meet their warm and personal style. What impressed us was the enthusiasm and knowledge of Jason and Dawn. Jason is a former sommelier, who savors good wine and loves to share his knowledge with you. His wife, Dawn is a trained chef, who enjoys presenting her guests with her wonderful culinary creations.The barge itself is decorated in a fresh style with roomy cabins and comfortable en suites with walk-in showers. The common space is designed for comfort and boasts a wood-burning fireplace! They will operate Saroche on a familiar and successful schedule: the Champagne region in the spring and early summer, and then transition to Burgundy for late summer and fall.

Jason and Dawn entertaining guests

Jason and Dawn entertaining guests

The simple yet elegant charm of cruising the French waterways is nowhere better experienced than aboard the Saroche. The barge has three well appointed en-suite, individually air conditioned cabins with windows that open and a fabulous outside deck to take full advantage of the magnificent French scenery that slowly drifts by. Experience fabulous cuisine and world class wines in privacy with unique itineraries that really let you escape. The Saroche is undergoing substantial renovations, so look for some new photos before the season begins.

Burgundy Highlights include: Touring the famous Hospice de Beaune and a visit to Chateauneuf-en-Auxois, classified as one of the prettiest villages in France. 

Champagne Highlights include: A visit to the Cathedral of Reims,  champagne and wine tastings and lunch at the Michelin stared Abbey of Labussier.


General Information

  • Length: 128 feet

  • up to 6 Passengers

  • 4 crew

  • 3 twin/double cabin each 190 Sq. Ft.

  • ensuite bath with walk-in shower

  • Sun Deck

  • 6 - 12-speed Gitane bicycles

  • Charter and Cabin bookings

Burgundy Cruise 2019

Regular Season Dates
August 11 - 17
August 18 - 24 blocked
August 25 - 31
Sept 1 - 7
Sept 8 - 14 BOOKED
Sept 15 - 21 One cabin available
Sept 22 - 28 BOOKED
Sept 29 - Oct 5
Oct 6 - 12 BOOKED
Oct 13 - 19
Oct 20 - 26 two cabins available

Pricing Regular Season in Burgundy
Private charter for up to 6: $38,000
Private charter for up to 5: $34,000
Private charter for up to 4: $30,000

Individuals
Double cabin, per person $6500
Single supplement $3000.

Champagne Cruise 2019

Dates  in Champagne
May 12 - 18
May 19 - 25 hotel
May 26 - June 1
June 2 - 8
June 9 - 15 BOOKED
June 16 - 22 BOOKED
June 23 - 29
June 30 - July 6
July 7 - 13
July 14 - 20 BOOKED
July 21 - 27

Through Route

July 28 - August 3
August 4 - 10

Pricing in Champagne
Private charter for up to 6: $38,000
Private charter for up to 5: $34,000
Private charter for up to 4: $30,000

Individuals
Double cabin, per person $6500
Single supplement $3000.


Sample Burgundy Itinerary

Sunday

Sunday Paris to Escommes
Be met by your private chauffeur in Paris, Lyon or Dijon for your groups transfer to the Saroche, moored at Escommes on the Canal de Bourgogne. This canal, a historical monument, was conceived in 1605, completed in 1774, is 150 miles long and has 189 locks. It’s a feat of amazing engineering that has survived The Revolution and two World Wars.

Upon arrival you will be welcomed by the owners, Jason and Dawn, together with their crew. Be introduced to Saroche with a Champagne reception and have plenty of time to settle in before Dawn, your personal chef, presents you with the first of many gourmet meals.

Monday

Escommes to Chateauneuf en Auxois
Today's cruise takes you down the flight of locks from the summit pound to our unique mooring at the foot of beautiful Chateauneuf en Auxois. Saroche is the largest vessel that cruises these waterways and squeezing her into the locks is an impressive experience to behold, with plenty of opportunity to walk or cycle as we cruise. After lunch Jason will drive you to the UNESCO world heritage site of the Abbey of Fontenay founded in 1118 with its nearly intact Romanesque architecture, magnificent forge and serene gardens. Fontenay holds a special place in Dawn and Jason hearts as this is where Jason proposed to Dawn.

A relaxing drive home takes you past Alisia, famous for the battle of Alisia in 52 BC where Julius Caesar defeated the Gauls. We arrive back at Saroche with time to freshen up before cocktails on the deck in the shadow of Chateauneuf en Auxois. For those who are interested, Dawn will be doing a soufflé demonstration in the kitchen just before dinner, one can guess what the starter will be this evening? Finish the evening with a digestif on deck in full view of the elegantly lit chateau! Perhaps indulge in a Cuban cigar from Jason’s on board humidor?

The Burgundy Canal at dusk

The Burgundy Canal at dusk

Tuesday

Chateauneuf en Auxois to Pont d' Ouche
This morning’s visit is to Chateauneuf en Auxois. This 11th century chateau is a famous landmark in the area and hides a quaint hamlet behind it. Classified as “one of France’s prettiest villages”, the views of the surrounding areas are breath taking. The Hamlet of Chateauneuf is home to artists, potters, sculptures and weavers – there is plenty of time to visit and explore the small labyrinth of houses. On the way back to Saroche, Jason will stop off at a small artisanal chocolate maker for a visit and of course, a tasting!

For those with energy to expend, you can enjoy a walk back to Saroche where lunch on deck awaits.

In the afternoon we set sail and head down stream to Pont d'Ouche, with more opportunity to enjoy the scenery from the deck, or by foot or bicycle, along the towpath, as we navigate downstream through 10 locks. In the early evening Dawn will demonstrate the art of pâté and terrine making before enjoying a pre-dinner cocktail on deck or, in the Jacuzzi, as the sun sets before dinner.

Burgundy Castle

Burgundy Castle

Wednesday

Pont d' Ouche to Veuvey-sur-Ouche 

Today we leave the Saroche and head over the hills to Beaune. This is the Capital of wine production in Burgundy, however it all hinges around the Hospice du Beaune, which Jason will expertly guide you around. Famous for its wines as much as it is for the traditional tiled roofs, this bastion of Burgundian history was constructed in 1443, and whilst not the oldest monument you will see this week by far and away its most impressive. It was still a functioning hospital as late as 1973! Today is also market day in Beaune and before lunch there is time to wander the stalls and lovely cobbled streets enjoying this very French of towns. Jason invites you to join him for lunch at L’Ecusson, a wonderful small fine dining establishment that puts a modern twist on classic French food. Plates arrive more like works of art which almost make it a shame to eat them, but eat you must and the rewards in flavours are stunning.

Beaune is really two towns; one above ground and one below, made up of a labyrinth of cellars dating back to Roman times. With this in mind Jason takes you on a comprehensive wine tasting at the house of Patriarche. The largest wine house in Burgundy with 3 miles of cellars and well over 2 million bottles of wine, it goes without saying it could be a long afternoon! You will taste sublime whites and rich complex reds from some of the most famous Grand Cru fields in the world. As a personal friend of the cellar master, Jason enjoys unrivalled access to the wines. We finish in a small private cellar surrounded by rare vintages which are normally reserved for the higher echelons of the wine world – this is a privilege which Jason enjoys sharing with guests. As a trained sommelier, he is on hand to guide, explain and advise.

Dinner tonight aboard Saroche is a simple rustic French affair of Dawn’s homemade pâtés, terrines and local cheese, ensuring a relaxed evening accompanied by a special treat of live music on our deck.

Thursday

Vevy sur Ouche to La Bussiere
This morning we set sail and head into the famous Ouche Valley, with the towpath running alongside. The steep sided valley is covered in original deciduous forest which is teeming with deer, wild boar and game birds, and is home to some of the most beautiful cruising in Europe. We moor up in the village of la Bussiere and enjoy lunch on deck overlooking the magnificent views.

 

In the afternoon Jason will drive you into the Côte de Nuits. First we visit Clos du Vougeot, the 11th century Cistercian monastic winery, now home to the Knights of the Round Table of wine tasting. Next we set off to the vineyard for a wine tasting hosted by Jason, where he explains the idiosyncrasies of French wine making and what truly makes the wines of Burgundy so special. Before returning to Saroche, we stop at a ‘truffle specialist’ and join the family dog for a truffle hunt, followed by a tasting of this mysterious fungi. Tonight’s aperitif is enjoyed at the Abbey de la Bussiere, set in an immaculate parkland which is the perfect place to enjoy a glass of bubbles. This 11th century Cistercian Abbey is now home to a magnificent Relais and Chateau hotel. Meet the owner of this impressive building, who is delighted to show our Saroche guests his home. Busy on the barge, Dawn awaits to present you with another sumptuous dining experience.


Sample Champagne ITINERARY

Friday

La Bussiere to Gissey

Market Day in Dijon. The capital of Burgundy, once home to the Dukes of Burgundy and birthplace to Gustave Eiffel, who designed the market square. After a walking tour of the old town, founded in the Roman era, you will have plenty of time to experience and explore one of the best markets in France and join Jason in selecting produce to accompany your lunch aboard Saroche. We will have time to enjoy the classic French shops or relax in one of Dijon’s many cafes.

We return to Saroche for lunch before setting sail for Gissey, our final destination for the week, and Jason and Dawns home for the last ten years. This beautiful village nestled in the heart of the Ouche valley is classically French and no trip would be complete without exploring it. Before aperitifs, join Dawn in the galley for the final time as she demonstrates the art of canapés. Jason will join you for pre-dinner drinks on deck this evening and recount tales of barging folklore, many of which he and Dawn have been part of. Tonight’s dinner is the pinnacle of culinary excellence where Dawn and Jason will round out your gastronomic wine experience with another gourmet delight and Grand Cru wines.

Saturday

Gissey to Paris
Enjoy a final breakfast on board before your chauffeur driven minibus picks you up at 9:30 for arrival about noon in downtown Paris at each couple's hotel, the Gare de Lyon or other train station in Paris for individual cabin bookings. For charters drop off may be at one location in Paris or CDG airport, or Lyon. with time to reflect on the fabulous week aboard Saroche.

This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change. On alternate weeks, the cruise is in the reverse direction.

Included in the cruise

Seven days and six nights on the barge
When barge is chartered use of 3 cabins and private bathrooms from arrival Sunday until 9:30 am on the following Saturday.
When not chartered you have use of your assigned cabin from arrival Sunday until 9:30 am on the following Saturday.
All meals during the week, all wines and open bar aboard the barge, all escorted excursions included in the program, and the use of six bicycles (helmets not included)

Pick up, drop off and transfer to and from the barge. Only one pick up and drop off destination may chosen for the whole group.

Champagne: Brussels international airport, Vatry international airport near Chalon en Champagne, Paris Charles de Gaulle and Paris city hotels.

Burgundy: Lyon international airport, Lyon city hotels, Paris Charles de Gaulle and Paris city hotels.

Not included

Airfare to and from France, cancellation insurance and crew gratuity (suggested minimum amount is 5% of the cruise price

Sunday

Paris to Vandieres via Chauffered Transfer
Your chauffeur driven minivan will meet your party in the lobby of one Paris hotel of your choice and drive you to Saroche, moored in Vandieres on the Marne River. For charters pickup may be at one location in Paris or Charles de Gaulle airport or Vatry airport (in Champagne.) Estimated driving time is one and a half to two hours. There you will meet your hosts Captain Jason Ashcroft and Chef Dawn Coles. Enjoy a champagne reception on deck with introductions to the crew followed by time to settle into your stateroom before Dawn serves your first gourmet dinner on board Saroche.

Monday

Vandieres to Cummiers
Tour a Historic Chateau, then Cruise through the Vineyards.
After breakfast Jason will take you to the chateau of Conde en Brie, pictured above. This 16th century hunting lodge has hosted Kings, Queens and all variety of characters. Jason will guide you on a private visit through this wonderful building and if the owner is in house, Jason will introduce you and perhaps you'll enjoy a glass or two of champagne with the Count.
We return to Saroche for a lazy lunch with 360° views of the glorious Champagne vineyards before setting sail and heading up stream towards Cummiers. The Marne River gently meanders through the Marne Valley - covered on both sides in vineyards, steeped in history and surrounded by serene French countryside. All this can be admired from the deck. We moor in the shadow of the Abbey of Hautvillers, with time for a gentle stroll along the towpath before Jason introduces you to "bubbles du jour" and another of Dawn’s fabulous meals on board.

Tuesday

Cummiers to Tour sur Marne
After breakfast Jason will drive you through Epernay to visit chocolatier Thibaut. Spend the morning creating artisanal chocolate with the master chocolate maker, famous as the last chocolatier to make the alcohol filled chocolate champagne cork. This is a rare and exciting chance to get up close to one of the world’s favorite foods! Return to the Saroche where Dawn will present another fabulous lunch.

After lunch we set sail for Tour-sur-Marne, moving on to the Canal Lateral a la Marne, and passing by vineyards owned by many famous Champagne houses like Mumm, Philiponat, Moët & Chandon and Heidesek to name but a few. There will be plenty of opportunity to walk and cycle along the well- paved towpath, as Saroche slowly ascends the valley toward our mooring in the village of Tour. Jason will introduce another "bubbles du jour" before dinner on board.

 

Wednesday

Moored in Tour sur Marne
Reims Cathedral and lunch at Les Crayeres in the Jardin Brasserie
We leave the Saroche this morning to head into the historic city of Reims. Our first stop is the Eisenhower War Rooms, an important yet little-known museum where the first treaty to end the Second World War was signed. Then visit the famous cathedral of Reims, where the kings and queens of France were crowned. Having survived the revolution and two world wars it is a testament to the resilience of the people of Reims, with its amazing nave and dazzling stained glass windows. The cathedral is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There will be time to shop before lunch in the Jardin Brasserie at Domaine Les Crayeres. Enjoy the garden at this most magnificent Relais and Chateau property, once home to the Pommery family and now one of the best small hotels in the world.

Domaine les Crayeres

Domaine les Crayeres

Leaving Reims behind we drive back to Saroche. We’ll stop off in Bouzy for a small private tour and tasting before returning to the barge in time for a dip in the jacuzzi and a light dinner served on deck.

Thursday

Tour Sur Marne to Mont-du-Billy
Private Champagne Tour and Taste
After a lazy breakfast, we’ll drive to Meruil-sur-Ay, home to many famous champagne makers.
Tour and taste!

Champagne Tasting

Champagne Tasting

Returning to Saroche for more of Dawn’s creations will leave you well suited to a relaxing afternoon on the deck or walking by the barge as we climb eight locks to the summit pound, eventually mooring in a serene location under shade trees. As we cruise, “ aspiring chefs” can join Dawn in the kitchen as she prepares her famous pates and terrines and discusses menus and techniques. After “bubbles du jour” another delightful dinner awaits!

Friday

Mont-du-Billy to Beaumont-sur-Vesle
Walk in World War I Trenches
This morning we set sail and head along the canal to the tunnel at Mont-du-Billy, Jason will prepare the barge to go through the tunnel, a marvel of 18th-century French engineering that allowed commercial traffic from Paris to enter the heart of Reims and thus connected Paris and Reims. Having passed the tunnel we continue our lazy cruise down the canal to Beaumont-sur-Vesle.

After lunch Jason will drive you to the World War 1 trenches at the Mains de Massiges, an archaeological dig that is as authentic and sobering as it is mysterious. These trenches were discovered by a Parisian archaeological student and are the newest discovery involving Champagne’s history in that war. A walking tour of real trenches is a reminder of the other reason Champagne is world famous.

Return to the barge in time to get freshened up before Captain’s Dinner. Tonight Jason is your host, starting with “bubbles du jour” and cocktails on the deck before Dawn wows you with a very special farewell dinner. Reminisce about your memorable week aboard Saroche!

Saturday

After breakfast your chauffeur driven minibus will depart at 9:30 am for arrival about noon at each couple's hotel, Gare de Lyon or other Paris train station for individual cabin bookings. For charters drop off may be at one location in Paris or CDG airport or Vatry airport. We hope to see you back on Saroche, maybe next time in Burgundy!

This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change. On alternate weeks, the cruise is in the reverse direction.

Your Cruise Includes:

6 nights/7 days in a cabin with a private bath, chauffeured transfers from Paris to the barge & return, all meals, from dinner the first night to breakfast the last morning, all wines with lunch & dinner, open bar, daily escorted excursions and use of on-board bicycles.

Not included

Airfare to and from France, cancellation insurance and crew gratuity (suggested minimum amount is 5% of the cruise price)