Cruise in Holland and Belgium and in France on the Seine and Yonne Rivers in Paris and Northern Burgundy and on the Marne River in Champagne aboard the Deluxe Hotel-Barge SAVOIR FAIRE
SEVEN DAYS / SIX NIGHTS
The 12-passenger Savoir Faire offers luxury barging in Holland in the spring for its tulip cruises, then cruises between Paris and Northern Burgundy and Paris and Champagne in the summer and early fall, returning to Holland in October. The Savoir Faire dates back to 1932 when she was built as a transport barge in the Belgian estuaries. During World War II, her bow was replaced with a landing bow so she could sail up on the beaches. She was sunk during the war but later lifted from the river bottom and completely refurbished.
In 1979, the barge was brought to Holland where she underwent a total metamorphosis and was converted into the elegant three-decked hotel barge that she is today. Carrying just 12 passengers and built on the largest hull that can cruise the waterways, the former "Etoile de Champagne" was substantially refurbished in 2005 and renamed the "Savoir Faire." She continues to maintain the very high standard of excellence in cuisine, accommodations and service that she has been known for. As an owner-operated luxury barge, the Savoir Faire prides itself in customizing your cruise week to your desires.
ABOUT YOUR HOST ...
Chris Bennett has been the captain and owner since the end of 2004. His extensive experience on the waterways of France has included operating a successful hotel barge in Burgundy that received rave reviews from its passengers, setting the stage for his operations aboard the Savoir Faire. He is a gracious, attentive and knowledgable host assisted by a crew of four including a master chef.
GOURMET CUISINE and FINE WINES ...
Savoir Faire's master chef selects only the freshest ingredients to prepare the subtle sauces and the delicate pastries that are so much a part of exceptional French cuisine.
A grand selection of fine regional wines accompanies lunch and dinner, complementing the superb cuisine.
All meals are served in Savoir Faire's elegant mahogany panelled dining room with the finest crystal, Wedgewood china and Christofle silver.
ACCOMMODATIONS ...
The Savoir Faire features six staterooms. Each can be configured with two twin beds or with one queen bed. Staterooms 2 through 6 each have a separate toilet and shower. Stateroom 1 has a large bathroom with shower. All cabins offer good lighting, a large number of electrical outlets, and include 220v European standard and 110v U.S. standard power outlets.
In the public areas, the Savoir Faire is unique with five separate areas for passenger enjoyment -- whether for a personal retreat, a quiet conversation, a small group get-together, or for all passengers to enjoy together. The salon, dining area, and bar are finished in mahogany, teak and brass, decorated with antiques and paintings collected over the years, and with new original works of art introduced by Chris and Fran.
* The main lounge has a panoramic view, comfortable custom-made furniture, upright piano, game table, and library.
* Adjacent to the lounge is an elegant dining room, large enough to double as a dance floor on festive evenings, and a writing desk in its own quiet corner.
* To the aft is a cozy cocktail lounge, a favorite meeting place for aperitifs or quiet conversations, with stereo and CD player.
* Outside there are two spacious decks -- a fore deck that opens directly from the main lounge, and an elevated observation deck offering a magnificent view of the passing countryside.
Features
- Size of barge: 140 ft by 16.5 ft
- Number of Passengers: 12
- Number of Cabins (all with private bath): 6
- Crew: 6
- Air Conditioning and Central Heating: Yes
- Salon: The main lounge has panoramic views with eight large windows and comfortable custom-made furniture, upright piano, dining and library areas. The aft cocktail lounge has a bar, French doors and comfortable seating.
- Bar: Open bar
- Deck: There is a forward sundeck off the main lounge as well as an observation deck on the upper deck, both with comfortable deck chairs and tables.
- Spa Tub: No
- Cabin Features: Six suites on the lower deck: forward suite is 142 sq ft with ensuite bathroom with shower, sink and toilet. Five suites are 116 sq ft, with separate ensuite toilet and shower facilities. All cabins with twin beds or queen bed.
- Vehicle for Transfers/Excursions: Air-conditioned 9-seater (including driver) long wheelbase minibus with an additional minibus if there are more than 8 guests.
- Accessibility: Steps from lounge to cabins and to upper observation deck.
- Bicycles: 12 bikes
Savoir Faire's Deck Plan
Dining Aboard the Savoir Faire
SAMPLE MENU
Continental Breakfast:
- Pastries
- Breads
- Cereals
- Fruit
- Yogurt
- Eggs made to order
Lunch:
- Pan fried fois gras, served on warm brioche, with an assortment of fresh salads
- Souffle of Parmesan and Marrow, served on warm roast vegetables in olive oil (vegetarian)
Evening Meals:
- Steak tartare with roquette salad
- Cream of Mussel and Saffron soup
- Oeuf en Meurette - poached egg in a Bourgignon sauce
- Tartare of Salmon, capers and dill, topped with a fresh quail’s egg
- Smoked duck and poached pear salad, with blue cheese dressing
- Feuillete of roast avocado and Brie with a walnut dressed salad (vegetarian)
Desserts
- Tart Amandine with Crème Anglaise
- Lemon Posset with Langue du chat biscuits
- Homemade nougat glace with a fresh fruit coulis
- Dark Chocolate Soufflé with a white chocolate sauce
- Strawberry Meringue Roulade with a Summer Fruit Coulis
- Paris Brest, with Crème Anglaise
Passenger Comments:
The food, service and journey aboard the Savoir Faire were all first class! The weather was stunning as the evidence of Spring was visually surrounding us all the time. Our chef, Eddy provided meals fit for a Royal Court. Chris's attentiveness was seamless. His wine and cheese knowledge superb! Dean's tours were absolutely right on the mark. He could easily teach the History of Holland at university level. Captain Chris makes all this happen with effortless perfection.
So a special thank you to all. Since we can't take you all home we'll just have to join you on another cruise!
-- Holland, 2010
The cabin accommodations were excellent. The boat, crew and owners were absolutely top notch and wonderful people. The meals and wines were the best in the world. We loved the 5 star chef!
-- G.M., IL, USA
We have fully enjoyed our stay aboard the Savoir Faire. Bar none, this has been the best vacation we have ever had. The service, food and tours have all been superb. We will be recommending you to all we know. Thank you so much captain Chris and your crew for your professionalism, willingness and the ability to make this such a fabulous vacation. It will be hard to beat this for our future anniversaries!
It was a seamless and wonderful trip, balanced like a fine wine. We now have a new standard for vacations
I'm sure you have all heard the old joke about heaven and hell... In heaven the chefs are French, the trains are English, the mechanics are German, the lovers are Italian and everything is organized by the Swiss. In hell, the chefs are English, the trains are German, the mechanics are French, the lovers are Swiss and everything is organized by the Italians. We have found a new heaven, the Savoir Faire, where the chef is Polish, the deckhand is German, the tour guide and steward are English and the whole thing is run by an British Captain. Thank you so much, this has been incredible!!
Captain Chris and crew... thank you so much for making our first trip to France the best ever. This voyage was by far the most memorable, interesting, fun and of course we owe you a huge thanks. We will recommend you to everyone who asks. You did a wonderful job of making our memories with our friends so much richer. The food, the service and the ship were beyond words. The trip of a lifetime! - hats off to all of you!
The trip was simply excellent. We had a most congenial staff, captain and group. Much laughter. The flowers were at their peak and the fields just simply breathtaking. We all travel often but agreed that this trip was very special! Memories are truly made of this.
-- J.F., GA, USA
The whole barge trip was extraordinary and the perfect vacation for celebrating a 70th birthday. What a perfect way to travel with our entire family (14 in all). Please extend a thank you and lots of love to all aboard the Savoir Faire. We loved every minute of our trip. Thank you!
-- T.C., USA
What a fantastic boat! It is large, luxurious, sparkling clean, and in perfect condition. The newly decorated cabins are so clean and delightful -- we felt very special to be a part of this. Captain Chris Bennett is a dream -- intelligent, dedicated to your every comfort, precise and a joy to spend time with. The crew the week we sailed included some newcomers who tried so hard to make things perfect -- they won the hearts of all those aboard. We relaxed as we have not been able to relax in years -- we ate as we have never eaten -- healthful food that was gourmet all the way -- and the dedication to fine wines made us feel very special and pampered. The route was lovely and the last night in Paris was icing on a very special cake.
-- S.B., VA, USA
This was one of our favorite adventures. Captain and crew were exceptional as were the meals, accommodations and excursions. Great way to see the countryside. Our cabin was much larger than our hotel room in Paris! Wonderful service by staff. Very professional. Exceptional meals and a wonderful tour of French wines and cheeses. The excursions were a very nice mix of historic sites with some wine tasting and tours through the countryside. The barge route was lovely, peaceful route, wonderful towns along the way (I'm still trying to pick from over 1,000 pictures!).
I don't think things could have been any better. This was our first barge trip. My husband wasn't too sure about the whole idea initially but the second day out as we were riding bikes in the sunlight along the canal he said, 'I never want to leave this place.' We were planning our next barge trip that evening.
The barge trip on the Savoir Faire was awesome!! The entire trip was well beyond all our expectations. Captain Chris and Fran were the perfect host and hostess - very attentive to all our needs and very warm and caring to our entire family. They were very intelligent and knowledgeable and great to talk to about so many things. They became part of our family. Our children and grandchildren were thrilled and delighted with every aspect of the trip.
-- T.C.
Your boat is magical - with a warmth and charm that is infectious. The beautiful meals and trips and cruising made for an all too short week. Thank you for all you did to spoil us throughout. Speaking for all of us, this week exceeded all expectations and has set a high bar for future trips that are sure to come. Many thanks for everything!
-- M. McG.
SAMPLE ITINERARY*
Tulip Cruise in Holland
Haarlem to Haarlem
Sunday
We meet at an Amsterdam hotel in the city centre at 2pm (Schipol Airport pickup can also be arranged) and transfer to the barge moored in the center of Haarlem for a champagne welcome. We will relax for the afternoon with a cruise to Zaandam, where we will moor for the night and you will enjoy your first gourmet dinner on board.
Monday
After breakfast we will take a short drive to the Zaanse Schans to visit a working windmill, a clog maker, and a cheese maker. In the afternoon we will cruise to Amsterdam, through the heart of the city where the small canals and architecture will take you back to a previous century and then along the Amstel River to Ouderkerk. Dinner on board.
Tuesday
An early rise and drive to the colorful flower auction in Aalsmeer. Upon return we will set off for a cruise on the canals to the cheese Mecca of Gouda. After lunch, we will take a drive out to a local cheese farm. Besides cheese, you will find beautiful buildings, excellent shopping, and the most magnificent stained glass windows in Holland. Dinner on board.
Wednesday
A morning cruise to Rotterdam through the center of this busy port and then onto Delft. Visit the Delft Pottery works, where beautiful hand-painted ceramics are still made. Spend the rest of the afternoon strolling around this beautiful historic town. Dinner on board.
Thursday
A morning cruise through the canals past Leiden, across the Brasemmer Lakes to Oude Wetering. Spend the afternoon at the famous Keukenhof Gardens with the largest display of flowers in the world. Here you will see hundreds of varieties of tulips, hyacinths, and other beautiful bulbs. Dinner on board.
Friday
Morning cruise to Haarlem, a picturesque town and the home of the famous Dutch painter Frans Hals where we will tour its museum. Farewell celebration on board and your last elegant gourmet dinner.
Saturday
This will be your last breakfast on board. Passengers disembark at 9:30am and are driven to either the Schipol Airport or their hotel in Amsterdam.
Note: This is a sample itinerary. Itineraries are flexible and subject to change.
SAMPLE ITINERARY*
Holland, Belgium & France
Amsterdam to Paris
Three Country Cruise
From the canals and cobbled streets of Haarlem, through the Dutch countryside, past windmills and fields of tulips, then on to Ghent in Belgium ... this is the most leisurely and pampered way to visit Holland, Belgium, and France ever invented! A very special tour! There are ample opportunities for bicycling and walking throughout the cruise. Your tour guide is on hand to advise you of the best possible choices.
Sunday - Haarlem to Zaandam
Guests are met at their hotel in Amsterdam at 1:30pm and driven to the Savoir Faire. We'll get your suitcases to your cabins and then take you on a brief tour through the centre of Haarlem and show you some of its famous sights. Afterwards join the ship for a Champagne reception followed by a late afternoon cruise to the port of Zaandam, wher we shall moor overnight.
Monday - Zaandam to Uithorn
This morning we have arranged a visit to the windmills of Zaans Schans, followed by a cruise along the North Sea Canal leading to our entry into Amsterdam where we will cruise right through the centre of this beautiful city and onto the Amstel to our overnight mooring at Uithoorn. Afternoon visit to the Keukenhof Gardens, the largest display of flowers in the world. Here you will see hundreds of varieties of tulips, hyacinths, and other bulbs.
Tuesday - Uithoorn to Gouda
This morning, after breakfast, we visit the famous Keukenhof Gardens, the largest display of flowers in the world. Here you will see hundreds of varieties of tulips, hyacinths, and other bulbs. Returning to the ship for lunch, we then cruise to Gouda where we will take a walking tour of this beautiful Medieval town with its famous stained glass windows and Disneyesque square.
Wednesday - Gouda to Willemstad
Your cruise from Gouda takes you onto the tidal river Ijssel and across the wide open waters of Holland Diep, part of the Dutch estuaries, to the charming old fortress town of Willemstad. We shall moor here overnight. This town is preserved in its original state, with windmill dykes, an old church, and a 15th century arsenal. Great pubs along the waterfront as well as charming pathways around the old fortifications.
Thursday - Willemstad to Antwerp
Today we will leave Holland and cross the border into Belgium and travel to Antwerp. Antwerp is the city of Rubens, where we can take a tour of Rubens' house, then a walk in the old quarter of this beautiful Flemish city.
Friday - Antwerp to Ghent
Once through the exit lock at Antwerp, we catch the flood tide up the winding 'Sea Schelde'. This mighty river rises over 20 feet during high tide, providing an ever changing landscape which is seen best from the decks of the Savoir Faire. Later on your tour guide will meet you and drive you to the city of Ghent, with its magnificent cathedral and collections of fine art.
Saturday - Moored in Ghent
After a hearty breakfast our chauffeurs will take you to Bruges where you will be free for the day to roam the cobbled streets of this facinating town, known as the 'Venice of the North'. Here you will have the opportunity to explore the many museums, buy some of the handmade lace, take a boat trip on one of the small canals that flow through the centre of Bruges - or simply relax on a cafe terrace watching the world pass by. Our chauffeurs will take you back to the Savoir Faire late afternoon. Please note that lunch is at your own expense. Dinner aboard as usual.
Sunday - Ghent to Tournai
A relaxed morning heralds in the start of the second leg of our journey from Ghent to Paris. We begin our cruise along the river Schelde to the French/Belgian frontier. This afternoon we will explore the centre of Tournai, with its fascinating main square and cobbled streets.
Monday - Tournai to Arleux
After passing the frontier, the Savoir Faire continues along the Schelde, through the town of Valenciennes to the junction of Canal du Nord at the little French village of Arleux. The chauffeurs will take you to Cambrai along the way.
Tuesday - Arleux to Peronne
The Savoir Faire begins her climb over the Vermandois Hills of Picardie through the many locks and several tunnels of the Canal du Nord. The scenery is splendid - rural France at her best, and a good tow path allows guests to walk between locks. After lunch, the cars take an excursion to Amiens to visit what must be one of the greatest of all the Gothic cathedrals with its powerful, towering columns.
Wednesday - Peronne to Compiegne
Your cruise continues along the Canal du Nord as it drops down into the valley of the river Somme; a short trip on the Somme before climbing over another watershed and down to the valley of the river Oise to moor in the riverside town of Compiegne. There are many places to visit, including the train where the World War I Armistice was signed, as well as the Royal Palace.
Thursday - Compiegne to Pontoise
As the Savoir Faire continues down the meandering Oise River, guests are taken to Giverny to visit the home and gardens of the Impressionist, Claude Monet. The gardens should be at their best at this time of the year, and we can visit the waterlily pond and the Japanese bridge that inspired so many of Monet's paintings.
Friday - Pontoise to Paris
We cruise to Bougival in the morning. You can visit Malmaison, the home of Napoleon, with its many rooms lavishly furnished by Josephine. Guests rejoin the Savoir Faire for the journey into Paris. After dinner your Captain will take you for your final cruise through the centre of Paris, past the famous landmarks of the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum and Notre Dame, an evening cruise into Paris. Our final destination is the Port d'Arsenal, a stones throw from the Place de la Bastille.
Saturday - Disembarkation
After breakfast guests are driven either to their Paris hotel or to the airport.
Note: This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change.
SAMPLE ITINERARY*
Champagne
Seine River, Marne River
Epernay to Paris
"Champagne and Brie Cruise"
A glorious week of cheese and wine tasting while cruising on the Marne, one of the most beautiful rivers in France.
Sunday
You are transferred by air-conditioned minivan from your Paris hotel or airport at 2pm and driven directly to the Savoir Faire, moored in Cumieres, 2km from the heart of Epernay. After an introduction to your ship, you are given time to settle in to your cabin before joining your captain and crew for our welcoming champagne reception. There will be time to stroll through the village before coming back on board where your master chef will delight you with the first of many delicious meals.
Monday
This morning, after breakfast, we visit Reims and its magnificent cathedral. We then join the Savoir Faire for lunch and a short cruise to the delightful little town of Damery, with its 13th century church, which was part of a former Benedictine priory. Later this afternoon we visit the Abbey of Hautvilliers where the monk Dom Perignon first made champagne. Dinner aboard.
Tuesday
You are now entering the true Champagne region. Your hosts have arranged a pre-lunch visit to the world famous cellars of Moet and Chandon for a tour and tasting. We then continue to cruise to Chateau Thierry, were we shall moor for the night. This pretty town offers a promenade along the original walls of the town with views over the Marne valley. This whole area was the scene of American battles in World War I. Nearby is the American Monument. Built in 1929, at an altitude of 660 feet, the monument keeps alive the memory of the American troops who fought in WWI. Optional visit to Belleau Wood battlefield and the American cemetery. Dinner aboard.
Wednesday
Your cruise today will take you through picturesque landscapes so loved by both the French and visitors abroad. Today we have arranged a tour of some of our favorite places and a selection of visits to small family-run vineyards so that you can try their fine selection of champagnes. Our mooring for the night is at La Ferte, which offers beautiful, refreshing promenades along the river. Dinner aboard.
Thursday
Today we cruise to Meaux, in the very heart of Brie, famous for its wonderful cheeses of the same name. Nearby, on the route to Soissons, stands a monument that commemorates the 5th September 1914, the extreme point of advance of the German troops and the date of the French counter-attack. We visit Coulomniers, one of the centers of Brie cheese. Your personalized visit to a master cheese maker will enable you to see the cheese-making process first hand and to sample a variety of the world famous Brie cheese, along with wines from his excellent cellar. Dinner aboard.
Friday
This morning we leave Meaux and head towards the mighty Seine which will take us into the very heart of Paris. Our cruise will take us past Coupvray, the birthplace of Louis Braille, the inventor of the alphabet for the blind. At St. Maur des Fosses we pass through the tunnel, which enables us to bypass the shallow waters of the Marne Loop. Today we visit the magnificent Chateau of Vaux-le-Vicomte. The wonderfully-proportioned chateau and its exquisite gardens are the highlight of this visit. Built between 1656 and 1661 for Finance Minister Nicolas Fouquet, the chateau's construction was monstrous even for those days. Entire villages were razed and 18,000 workmen called in. Famous architects, painters, and landscapers were called in to reflect Fouquet's refined tastes. So lavish was the housewarming party, that Louis XIV threw a fit of jealousy and hurled Fouquet in jail. Just to prove who was boss, Louis XIV began building Versailles.
We finish our journey with an exclusive evening cruise through Paris. As the Savoir Faire glides past the magnificent church of Notre Dame, the resplendent Louvre art gallery and the symbolic Eiffel Tower, you will be joined by your captain and his wife for cocktails followed by the farewell Captain's Dinner. Paris by night is referred to as the 'City of Lights' and is one of the greatest sights to behold anywhere in the world. As we pass beneath the Eiffel Tower and the floodlit bridges, you can see from our panoramic observation deck why this capital has been the focus of so many creative artists and authors. The very essence of Paris comes flooding down to the banks of the Seine, overwhelming the senses and firing the imagination. Our final berth for the night is in the Arsenal, a stone's throw from the lively district of the Bastille.
Saturday
After a hearty breakfast, you will depart the barge at 9:30am and our chauffeurs will drive you to your hotel or airport in Paris.
Note: Itineraries are flexible and may be changed according to passenger requests and local conditions. The itinerary is in the reverse direction on alternate weeks.
SAMPLE ITINERARY*
Northern Burgundy: Yonne & Seine Rivers, Paris to Villeneuve-sur-Yonne
Sunday - Moored in the heart of Paris at the Port Arsenal, Bastille
Our drivers collect you from your designated meeting point in Paris and escort you to the Savoir Faire moored at the Port Arsenal, Bastille, in the very heart of the city. It is here that your adventure begins. After a champagne reception, during which you are introduced by your Captain to your crew and the ship, you are free to settle into your cabins. You will have a brief opportunity to explore the area before we depart for our exclusive evening cruise through Paris. While cocktails are served, the Savoir Faire glides past the magnificent church of Notre Dame, the resplendent Louvre art gallery, and the symbolic Eiffel Tower. You will then be served your first of many splendid dinners aboard, prepared by your personal master chef. After dinner we continue our cruise back through floodlit Paris to your overnight mooring.
Monday - Paris to Melun
We set off from the Arsenal bright and early to begin your cruise south along the mighty Seine towards Melun. Once past the reaches of Paris, the landscape begins to unfold revealing the tranquil beauty so sought after by busy city folk. Luxury villas and chateaus begin to appear along the riverbanks, as we cruise past fishermen patiently sitting beneath the shade of a willow tree. Your excursion this afternoon is to the magnificent chateau of Fontainebleau. To walk through Fontainebleau is to walk through the very history of France. Every royal family has added its architectural signature, resulting in an unrivalled display of opulence. Afterwards you will be able to explore the town before joining your drivers who will escort you back to the Savoir Faire. This evening we shall be moored in the centre of Melun. You will have the opportunity to stroll along the shaded riverbank and breathe in the fresh air before your candlelit dinner is served.
Tuesday - Melun to Moret-sur-Loing
We begin the day with a peaceful cruise along the final stretch of the Seine towards Northern Burgundy, the land of Counts and fine wines. After lunch on board, your guide will escort you to the medieval town of Provins where you can explore ancient ramparts, watch a falconry show, and browse around the boutiques and shops. Provins is now listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site and is listed amongst the most interesting towns in France. Once back on board you will have time to enjoy a pre-dinner cocktail before yet another delicious meal is served.
Wednesday - Moret-sur-Loing to Labrosse Lock
After breakfast your tour guide will drive you to the romantic Chateau of
Vaux-le-Vicomte (setting for the film "The Man In The Iron Mask"). Our visit includes an opportunity to explore the magnificent formal gardens which are widely regarded as some of the best in France. Built between 1656 and 1661 for finance minister Nicolas Fouquet, the chateau's construction was monstrous even for those days. Entire villages were razed and 18,000 workmen were called in. Famous architects, painters and landscapers were commissioned to reflect Fouquet's refined tastes. So lavish was the housewarming party, that Louis XIV threw a fit of jealousy and hurled Fouquet in jail. Just to prove who was boss, Louis XIV began building the Palace of Versailles. Return to the Savoir Faire for a late lunch and the beginning of your cruise along the river Seine. We shall later join the meandering River Yonne and make our way to our overnight mooring above the lock of Labrosse. Enjoy the tranquility of this beautiful setting. Weather permitting, your chef will happily prepare a stupendous Savoir Faire BBQ.
Thursday - Labrosse to Sens
We begin our cruise along the narrow canal section of Courlon, built to facilitate the transport of wines and other prized goods to Paris. Later we pass the photogenic town of Pont sur Yonne as we make our way towards our overnight mooring at Sens. The importance of this waterway is evident by the presence of commercial barges - some of which may join us in the locks! After lunch your tour guide is available to accompany you around Sens to see the Cathedral of St Etienne. Begun in 1140 and housing one of the richest treasuries in France, this mighty Gothic cathedral is the first of its kind in Europe. Afterwards enjoy a stroll on your own through this popular market town before returning to the Savoir Faire. Your overnight mooring is five minutes from the town centre. Relax before dinner with a drink from the bar as the swans gather round in anticipation of a free meal.
Friday - Sens to Villeneuve-sur-Yonne
This morning we cruise towards our final destination of Villeneuve-sur Yonne. Before lunch your tour guide is available to escort you around Villeneuve-sur-Yonne, which was founded in 1163 by Louis VII of France to protect the kingdom of France at the boundary of the Champagne. In 1204 Philippe Auguste held parliament in the city, and Saint Louis resided in the city before departing for the Eighth Crusade. In 1594 the city was burnt down. During the French Revolution the name was changed from le-Roi (the king) to sur-Yonne (on the Yonne). In 1870 a memorial for the dead was designed by the sculptor Emile Peynot. The city was governed from 1927 till 1935 by the infamous mayor Marcel Petiot, who was guillotined in 1946, after being convicted of 27 killings. We shall also have an opportunity to view the 700 year old town gate as well as the magnificent Church of Notre Dame, the building of which lasted from the 12th to the 16th century. After lunch your tour guide drives you to the world famous town of Chablis where you will first see a panoramic vista of the Grand Cru vineyards and the surrounding countryside before enjoying a tour of the ancient press and cellars of Domaine Laroche, followed by a winetasting of their various fine vintages. You then return to the "Savoir Faire" to celebrate your last evening aboard.
Saturday - departure 9.30am
We end the cruise with a nourishing breakfast and fond farewell from your crew, before your chauffeurs take you onward to Paris.
Note: This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change. It runs in reverse on alternate weeks.
Savoir Faire
2010 Season Cruise Schedule* |
| Week |
Route |
Season |
| Mar 28 |
Haarlem-Haarlem |
Value
|
| Apr 4 |
Haarlem-Haarlem |
Value
|
| Apr 11 |
Haarlem-Haarlem |
Value
|
| Apr 18 |
Haarlem-Haarlem |
Value
|
| Apr 25 |
Haarlem-Haarlem |
Value
|
| May 2 |
Haarlem-Ghent |
14 day - Three Country
|
| May 9 |
Ghent-Paris |
14 day - Three Country
|
| May 16 |
Paris-Villeneuve-sur-Yonne |
Value
|
| May 23 |
Villeneuve-sur-Yonne-Paris |
Value
|
| May 30 |
Paris-Villeneuve-sur-Yonne |
Value
|
| Jun 6 |
Villeneuve-sur-Yonne-Paris |
Value
|
| Jun 13 |
Paris-Villeneuve-sur-Yonne |
Value
|
| Jun 20 |
Villeneuve-sur-Yonne-Paris |
Value
|
| Jun 27 |
Paris-Villeneuve-sur-Yonne |
Value
|
| Jul 4 |
Villeneuve-sur-Yonne-Paris |
Value
|
| Jul 11 |
Paris-Villeneuve-sur-Yonne |
Value
|
|
| Cruise Schedule* ... continued |
| Week |
Route |
Season |
| Jul 18 |
Villeneuve-sur-Yonne-Paris |
Value
|
| Jul 25 |
Paris-Villeneuve-sur-Yonne |
Value
|
| Aug 1 |
Villeneuve-sur-Yonne-Paris |
Value
|
| Aug 8 |
Paris-Villeneuve-sur-Yonne |
Value
|
| Aug 15 |
Villeneuve-sur-Yonne-Paris |
Value
|
| Aug 22 |
Paris-Epernay |
Value
|
| Aug 29 |
Epernay-Paris |
Regular
|
| Sep 5 |
Paris-Epernay |
Regular
|
| Sep 12 |
Epernay-Paris |
Regular
|
| Sep 19 |
Paris-Villeneuve-sur-Yonne |
Regular
|
| Sep 26 |
Villeneuve-sur-Yonne-Nemours |
Regular
|
| Oct 3 |
Nemours-Villeneuve-sur-Yonne |
Regular
|
| Oct 10 |
Villeneuve-sur-Yonne-Nemours |
Regular
|
| Oct 17 |
Paris-Ghent |
14 day - Three Country
|
| Oct 24 |
Ghent-Haarlem |
14 day - Three Country
|
|
*Note: Cruise directions and sample itineraries may be in reverse and are subject to change and may depend on bookings and local navigation conditions. Alternate excursions of equal appeal are substituted when needed. For charter cruises special itineraries can be arranged.
SAVOIR FAIRE
2010 SEASON PRICES in US DOLLARS |
| ACCOMMODATION |
VALUE
Mar 28 thru May 1
May 16 thru Aug 28 |
REGULAR
Aug 29 thru Oct 16 |
14 DAY - THREE COUNTRY
May 2 thru May 15
Oct 17 thru Oct 30 |
SUMMER FAMILY CHARTER
Jul 4 thru Aug 28 |
|
Cabin (per person, double occupancy) |
$3,800 |
$4,100 |
$7,600 |
NA |
|
Single Occupancy Supplement |
$1,900 |
$2,050 |
$3,600 |
NA |
|
Charter for up to 10 |
$38,000 |
$41,000 |
NA |
NA |
|
Charter for up to 12 |
$41,750 |
$45,400 |
$70,000 |
NA |
|
Family Charter for up to 12 |
NA |
NA |
NA |
$38,000 |
What's Included
- 7 days and 6 nights on the barge in six cabins, each with private bath
- Transfers from Paris or Amsterdam (depending on cruise route) to the barge and return
- All meals beginning with dinner on Sunday through breakfast on Saturday
- Open bar and all wines with lunches and dinners
- All escorted side-excursions
- Use of bicycles
Note: Three country cruise is 14 days, 13 nights, departing Sunday and concluding Saturday
What's Not Included
- Overseas air transportation to Amsterdam or Paris and return
- Hot air ballooning option, typically 200 euros per person, 4 person minimum, when available, dependent on weather.
- Suggested minimum 5% gratuity for the crew, to be paid in equivalent Euros to the captain.
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Special Places Travel, LLC
"Barges in France (and the rest of Europe) ... for the experience of a lifetime!" ™
For booking information,
Phone (toll-free): 1-877-64-BARGE (1-877-642-2743)
Outside of the U.S.: 001.443.321.3614
or E-mail: info@specialplacestravel.com
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Text copyright © 2004-2007, 2008 Chris Bennett. All rights Reserved. Photo credits: Photos of interior of the Savoir Faire by Sue Porth and Don Dillin; Location and other photos by Sue Porth, Don Dillin and Chris Bennett; Cuisine photography by Don Dillin. Web design by Don Dillin.
Last Update: May 21, 2010
Barges in France, A Division of Special Places Travel, LLC.
Barges in Europe, A Division of Special Places Travel, LLC.
Member: American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA), Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), Outside Sales Support Network (OSSN). Bonded. Founded 1997. American Express, Visa, Mastercard, Discover accepted.
Accredited, Better Business Bureau
