Grand Victoria French Barge Cruise
Being a curious bird, QuirkyCruise co-founder Heidi Sarna asked owners-operators-captains Edward Anderson & Cindy Unvericht some questions about their 6-passenger Grand Victoria canal barge, which is just hitting the water again this weekend after being laid up due to the pandemic travel pause.
Most of the photos below were shot by Edward, who happens to be a great photographer in addition to his many other talents (sky diver and race car driver included!).
QuirkyCruise: Where do canal barges live when they’re not in use?
Grand Victoria’s Edward & Cindy: Essentially all the boats in barging get winterized during the off-season (November through March) as the canals are not open for navigation in the winter.
The 6-passenger Grand Victoria in Saint Jean de Losne. * Photo: Susanna Janz
QuirkyCruise: Where is the shipyard?
Grand Victoria’s Edward & Cindy: The shipyard we use is in Burgundy, France. It’s the last basin of the Burgundy Canal before it enters the Saône river, in the town of Saint-Jean-de-Losne.
For the most part, there are only hotel barges and commercial barges in the shipyard, plus the odd small pleasure boat.
Some barges have permanent moorings in this shipyard all winter long, including the Grand Victoria, while others come down for work when needed, from changing out the engine to rebuilding the interior or exterior, and standard maintenance.
Every five years, we need to go onto the dry dock to inspect the hull above and below the water line.
It’s the winter months when any major work gets done.
Grand Victoria in her mooring at the shipyard. * Photo: Edward Anderson
QuirkyCruise: What happens in the shipyard?
Grand Victoria’s Edward & Cindy: In March, when it’s warm enough to start working outdoors, we tackle things like sanding the boats down and re-painting them. We fix any small issues that might need repair or modification from the previous year, from a loose doorknob, to air conditioning maintenance and carpet cleaning.
Where the Grand Victoria gets some TLC & fresh paint to prepare for each season. * Photo: Edward Anderson
QC: When do you head to the embarkation port to start the first cruise of the season?
Grand Victoria’s Edward & Cindy: Most barges head off about a week before their guests arrive to the embarkation point, to begin stocking the barge’s stores with all of that delicious wine and cheese that will be served. Staterooms are spiffied up and cleaned, furniture is polished and the exterior of the boat is washed down. The deck furniture is cleaned and set up, the chef designs the menu, and the crew practice in preparation for the arrival of our first guests.
The embarkation port is based on each barge’s specific itinerary. Each barge likes to try and have as different of an itinerary as possible in order to create some variance in the market, and to avoid meeting other barges at the same ports of call. Although for some of the more prominent excursions, that is impossible. Everyone of course wants to visit vineyards like Pommard for wine tasting, the Dijon market is a guest favorite as is the 15th-century Hospice de Beaune.
While some barge operators own their own moorings, which are scarce and expensive, typically most barge owner-operators, like us, rent moorings where it’s safe and the boat can be looked over during the winter.
Other boats in the shipyard on a moody evening at sunset earlier this summer. * Photo: Edward Anderson
QC: What is your season like this year, in 2021?
Grand Victoria’s Edward & Cindy: The pandemic has made us a little more excited to travel and share what we do with new guests again. Things in Burgundy are pretty much the same as they’ve been apart from wearing a mask indoors.
Our first cruise for the 2021 season departs this weekend, 29 August, and our last cruise for the seasons departs 24 October. It’s a rather short season of course but everyone is looking forward to traveling again.
We’ve still got two weeks in 2021 available for full charters of Grand Victoria, Sept 19 & Oct 24.
And we’d love to offer QuirkyCruise.com readers a special offer, which is highlighted below.
Join us on a private adventure through Burgundy on the 6-passenger Grand Victoria. * Photo: Susanna Janz for Grand Victoria
Special Offer
There are only two weeks available in this short season to charter the 6-passenger Grand Victoria to cruise on 6-night itineraries along the beautiful canals of Burgundy, France.
- September 19, 2021
- October 24, 2021
Edward & Cindy, the owner-operators of Grand Victoria, are offering QuirkyCruise.com readers special savings & perks on full-charters of their all-inclusive 6-night luxury barge.
With Offer Code “QuirkyGV2021,” QuirkyCruisers can enjoy:
- Save $4,000 to $4,500 USD off 6-night Grand Victoria luxury barge charters.
- Enjoy a special “GRAND CRU” themed evening on board to savor some of the top Grand Cru Champagnes, Burgundy Whites & Burgundy Reds.
- Wrap yourself in a special gift from QuirkyCruise — a set of travel-friendly Turkish towels adorned with our cute logo!
What’s a Barge Cruise Exactly?
Intimate and leisurely barge cruises are a great wait to stop and smell the roses, as you inch along the canals and rivers of central France. Relax on deck with a glass of champagne, a crisp white or a refreshing cocktail as you gaze upon the gorgeous pastoral landscape, from bucolic villages to castle ruins, lush forests, farmland and vineyards.
Foodies and cheese lovers will be in heaven aboard the Grand Victoria, where the chef curates a mouthwatering fromage plate each day, from creamy Camembert and Comté to a classic Bleu d’Auvergne. Meanwhile, elegant meals incorporate the region’s freshest produce, seafood and meats.
The ubiquitous cheese platter aboard the Grand Victoria! * Photo: Grand Victoria Cruises
Of course, the elegant interior of the Grand Victoria is another reason to consider a barge cruise for your next holidays with friends or family. Like a stylish boutique hotel, the Grand Victoria is très chic.
With just six guests along for the ride, a barge cruise on the Grand Victoria is an intimate and erudite holiday, yet one that’s also supremely relaxing and casual. After all, it’s “your boat” for the week!
Bubbles on deck of the Grand Victoria for just your party of 6! * Photo: Edward Anderson
Finally, of course, the places you visit daily on a barge cruise in Burgundy are rich in history and charm.
For instance, Château de Rully is a stunning sight to behold. The fortified castle dates back to the 12th century and in more recent times has been transformed into an important wine estate known for its Chardonnays.
The stately and historic Chateau Rully. * Photo: Peter Barnes
RELATED: Read about a recent Grand Victoria barge cruise in Burgundy, France.
Special Offer Terms & Conditions
Included
- 7 days and 6 nights on the barge in a cabin with private bath
- Transfers from Paris to the barge and return
- All meals beginning with dinner on Sunday through breakfast on Saturday, including one dinner at a local restaurant
- All wines with lunches and dinners
- Open Bar
- All escorted shore excursions
- Use of bicycles
What’s Not Included
- Overseas air transportation to Paris and return
- Trip cancellation insurance
- Suggested minimum 7% gratuity for the crew, to be given to the captain in equivalent Euros
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HEIDI SARNA
