In 2012 here are 10 Good Reasons to Book Saroche

  1. The Barge: Saroche is a beautiful barge. Owner operated by Kevin and Jody Tickell. Built in 1926 and converted into a luxury floating hotel in 1992, with her classic Luxmotor hull, she is admired where ever she goes.
  2. The Accommodation: Saroche is 129 feet long and 16 feet 8 inches wide the largest single deck six passenger barge cruising in France. It has generous en suite state rooms with plenty of head room, a minimum of 10 feet), all individually air conditioned, a light and airy split level lounge, dining room and bar and a separate quiet library with writing desk.
  3. The Sun deck: Saroche has a 460 sq. ft. hard wood deck with an inviting six person hot tub. We have an adjustable sun awning which can cover half the deck allowing shade & dining ‘alfresco’.
  4. The Cuisine: Saroche is the only barge that offers a choice of menu to their guests. Which enables us to offer guests specialities such as Foie Gras, Escargots, Oysters etc... as an option for the more adventurous gourmets.
  5. The Wine: On Saroche we serve only fine wines from across France with an emphasis on the region we are cruising, so whilst on board you will sample wines from Bordeaux, Burgundy ,Champagne, Alsace, Loire Valley, Languedoc/Roussillon and the Rhone Valley.
  6. Cruising: Saroche has been cruising the French Canals & Rivers for 15 years. From Paris & Champagne in the North, The Loire Valley & Burgundy and down the Rhone into Provence and The Camargue in the South. The different routes and itineraries allow our guests to return again & again.
  7. The Excursions: We pride ourselves in tailoring the excursions to the guest’s wishes. Our in-depth knowledge of the areas we cruise allows us to be flexible and we try to offer a memorable selection of tours to our guests.
  8. The Chef: Jody has worked as a chef for the last 25 years. Professionally trained in New Zealand she worked in the top hotels and restaurants in New Zealand, Australia & England before coming to France, she has been chef aboard Saroche for the last eleven seasons.
  9. The Captain: Kevin’s life passion is boating, he converted Saroche from a commercial barge and has cruised though out France ever since. He has lived in both Burgundy and the Camargue. Kevin enjoys sharing his deep love of France and the French waterways with his guests. He and his crew are dedicated to making every cruise a special event.
  10. The Price: Saroche offers outstanding value for money. Just compare our price to other barges and what they offer; there are is no other barge that offers the same quality of accommodation, gastronomy and service without charging a good deal more.

Don’t just take our word for it here is what some of our guests say

  • Thank you for making this a special trip. The food was beyond expectations. We enjoyed every aspect of the cruise.
    Mark Duncan
  • Thank you Kevin, Jody, for an exceptional week of fine dining, lots of laughter and daily excursions.
    C & B Gillespie
  • We were especially delighted by your knowledge of the Burgundy surrounds, the wine and especially the excellent choice of foods.
    David & Chris
  • Thank you for a memorable trip. This was my first barge trip and I can’t wait to take another (but only on the Saroche!) The crew was exemplary and we enjoyed each of you. The food was spectacular! Each days excursions were interesting and superbly guided. I would recommend the Saroche and its crew to anyone.
    D. Russell
  • Kevin, Jody & Crew, we have had one of the most memorable weeks ever! So many sights and the food has been amazing!
    L & B Westmiller
  • Thank you for the most wonderful vacation we have ever had! The food, the wine, the accommodation, the service…everything was perfect! You even managed to make the sun shine for us.
    J & J Gordon
  • Many thanks for a wonderful week. The sublime food & wine, professionalism of the crew and exceptional weather made this a wonderful, relaxing vacation.
    C & C Murphy
  • Many thanks for a unique experience that touched upon perfection. The food was unparalled, the service impeccable, the ambiance delightful. We look forward to our next adventure on the Saroche/Camargue trip in 2010 S & T Owens
  • I am not sure where to begin to thank you all for a beautiful week on Saroche. The food and wine selections were magnificent. The crew and attention to detail were beyond our expectations. You should be proud of all the wonderful experiences you create for your customers. Truly wonderful.
    J & J Christensen
  • A truly awesome adventure, a vacation that is beyond compare. Kevin, your hospitality has no equal and your regional knowledge is priceless, Jody mere words cannot do justice to you culinary talents. The meals weren’t just “dining out” they were gourmet adventures.
    B. Thiessen
  • The cruise on the Saroche exceeded all expectations, a trip I’ll never forget. The cuisine beyond perfection, the graciousness of the staff, the incredible selection of wines, the elegant table settings the scenery, the excursions to castles, villages and wineries, the comfort and cleanliness of the Saroche… the canals and locks, the close connection to nature… simply fulfilling in every way.
    M Tagger

You can telephone Captain Kevin by calling the barge on
France + 33 6 07 56 12 08