Cruise in France on the Canal de Bourgogne in Southern Burgundy aboard the Half Board Charter Barge SAVOIR VIVRE

SEVEN DAYS / SIX NIGHTS

New in 2009, the 8-passenger Savoir Vivre offers a totally new Boutique Barge Cruising experience. Cruising with the Savoir Vivre offers a more intimate and intensive French Barge experience, where you see, touch, taste, hear and above all feel the real France around you with expert guidance and in great comfort. To travel in such an idyllic part of France as the Burgundy Canal presents a wonderful opportunity to experience its world famous cuisine first hand by going to carefully selected local restaurants to experience first hand why it is so richly deserving of its reputation.

The Savoir Vivre is designed around this concept - she is a modern, purpose built vessel, not a conversion of an old working barge. Rather than install a commercial galley and space-wasting dining area, the Savoir Vivre includes idyllic breakfasts and lunches catered by top local chefs who have cooked on top barges in Burgundy (her salon converts into a fabulous dining space in moments) and, uniquely, you'll enjoy "real France" dining experiences at a different authentic local restaurant every evening, which you will pay directly to the restaurant. In selecting the restaurants for your cruise the aim was to provide you with authentic locations which offer typical French cuisine and relaxed environments. The selection of restaurants is fixed and have been carefully chosen to be both authentic (not overpriced tourist traps!) and representative of the cuisine and culture of the region. If you wish to visit a specific restaurant this is possibly subject to availability and a €100 charge if it is more than 25km from the ship. There is a complimentary "open refrigerator" for guest use 24 hours a day and includes soft drinks, wine, beer, spirits and snacks.

Savoir Vivre boasts all the modern amenities including air conditioning and an ensuite bathroom in each of her four twin or queen bedded cabins (about 100 sq ft each), and sumptuous, coordinated and contemporary decor. The generous salon provides a sofa, arm chairs and side tables that convert to a dining table, along with a flat screen TV and internet access. Two partially covered decks and the wheelhouse provide a dining table and chairs for alfresco dining and loungers for relaxing and viewing the countryside.

For 2010 the Savoir Vivre will be operated by Captain Francois Everson and his partner June. Captain Everson co-owned and operated the successful barge Saint Louis in Burgundy for many years. He is one of the most experienced Captains and Guides on the French canals. From 1995 he co-owned and operated the very successful Saint Louis barge. He has lived and worked in Burgundy since 1990 and knows the area as well as, if not better, than most natives. His vast experience, relaxed style and general air of "savoir vivre" makes him the perfect companion for your cruise.

Features

• Size of barge: 80 ft by 16 ft
• Number of Passengers: 8
• Number of Cabins (all with private bath): 4
• Crew: 2. Captain/tour guide and Hostess.
  
• Air Conditioning and Central Heating: Yes
  
• Salon: Salon with sofa, lounge chairs, side tables that convert to dining table, hidden kitchen with Siemans appliances behind cabinet doors. Flat screen TV, internet access.
  
• Bar: Open bar and guest refrigerator with drinks and snacks
  
• Deck: Foredeck with overhang for shade, six seats with cushions and two loungers plus dining table. Wheelhouse and fantail for guest use, fantail with dining table and canopy
  
• Spa Tub: No
• Cabin Features: 4 cabins with twins or queen bed, 100 sq ft each with ensuite bathroom with shower.
  
• Vehicle for Transfers/Excursions: 9-passenger minibus
  
• Accessibility: Gangplank with rope handrail with one step to deck. Barge is all on one level except 3 steps to wheelhouse 
  
• Bicycles: 8 folding boulevard cruisers
• Meal plan: Breakfast and lunch included; lunch buffet catered by top local chefs; dinner at selected restaurants at guest's expense
  

Savoir Vivre's Deck Plan

*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.

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