Cruise In France On The Canal de Bourgogne In Southern Burgundy Aboard The First Class Hotel-Barge SAVOIR VIVRE
SEVEN DAYS / SIX NIGHTS
Introduced in 2009, the 8-passenger Savoir Vivre offers a truly unique French dining experience by dining around town at local, authentic restaurants each and every evening. In selecting the restaurants for your cruise, the crew aims to provide you with authentic locations that offer typical French cuisine and relaxed, charming environments. Lunches aboard the barge are catered daily by top local Chefs with many years of experience in barge cruising. There is a complimentary " open refrigerator " for guests to enjoy 24 hours a day that includes soft drinks, wine, beer, spirits and snacks. There is also an efficiency kitchen, perfect for young families that may need to prepare a few small meals for the children. This innovative way of operating means that cruises aboard the Savoir Vivre combines a rich, historical and cultural dining experience at a great value since everything is included in one price.
Savoir Vivre cruises on one of France's most beautiful canals, the Canal du Bourgogne. When not enjoying the spectacular and charming scenery, you will explore hidden gems of French life, history and culture by way of air conditioned van that is used for all of our excursions.
Your crew is among some of the most experienced individuals in barging. Captain Richard Megret has been involved in barging his whole life, and brings his experience and inimitable humor to your barge experience. Your tour guide Laura, brings her love of history, passion for France and her experience on deluxe and ultra deluxe barges. Jo, your hostess will ensure that all of her guests are well taken care of. Together their fun, relaxed yet professional styles are entirely committed to keeping with the 'Savoir Vivre' way of life.
Savoir Vivre has all of the modern amenities, including air conditioning and an ensuite bathroom in each of her four twin or queen bedded cabins. The sumptuously coordinated and contemporary decor provides a sofa, a flat screen TV and internet access, arm chairs and side tables that convert into a dining table. Two partially covered decks and the wheelhouse provide a dining table and chairs for alfresco dining and loungers for relaxing and viewing the countryside.
Features
- Size of barge: 80 ft by 16 ft
- Number of Passengers: 8
- Number of Cabins (all with private bath): 4
- Crew: 3. Captain/tour guide and hostess and housekeeping.
- 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 included
Savoir Vivre's Deck Plan
Dining Aboard The Savoir Vivre
These are the establishments along our route which we feel best capture the "Savoir Vivre" way of dining. Our goal is to avoid the more traditional measures of exuberant opulence and high prices in favor of more authentic, independently
owned restaurants that reflect the splendor and charm of
the region.
The aim is to provide you with authentic locations that offer typical French cuisine and relaxed environments. Tourist traps and stuffy over-priced establishments are off the menu. Suggestions for authentic and charming locations are our goal and we're proud of our selections. We have been applauded by the local community for supporting these local independent establishments which are part of the fabric of rural French culture. It's important to be clear that we receive no commission or 'kick backs' from these restaurants. Our goal is to provide you with elegant, authentic and interesting dining experiences. If this means the odd language barrier or gamble on a new dish, then go for it! It's all part of the fun.
SAMPLE LUNCH MENUS
The following sample menus are typical of the luncheon buffets served aboard the Savoir Vivre. Lunches are prepared off the barge by Master Chefs and catered elegantly for your enjoyment and pleasure.
Menu 1
Broccoli and smoked salmon tart
Roasted loin of pork stuffed with caramelized apples onions and Dijon mustard (served cold)
Beetroot, walnut and strawberry salad with a raspberry vinegar dressing
Classic green salad with everything green (cucumber, olives, capers, green pepper etc)
Grated carrot and coriander salad
Plateau of local cheeses
Menu 2
Tomato mozzarella and basil pie
Roast quail
Celeriac with grain mustard, tarragon and olive oil
Potato salad
Salad "paysanne" (walnuts and smoked bacon with a balsamic vinegar dressing)
"William" pear poached in cassis
Menu 3
Ratatouille tart
Poached salmon with a herb crust
Cucumber with crème fraîche and mint
Roasted red onion and tomato salad
Frisée with Roquefort apple and walnut and a walnut dressing
Plateau of local cheeses
DINNER RESTAURANTS
- Auberge Les Gourmands: (Fleury-sur-Ouche)
Rural restaurants don't come much better than this quaint 2-room restaurant. Classically trained Chef Christophe shares his talent in his menu and unveils a culinary voyage through Burgundy.
- Chez Camille: (Arnay le Duc)
A classically traditional Burgundian restaurant that evokes a level of sophistication for the adventurous diner.
- Le Spuller: (Sombernon)
As is typically done in France, this quaint little restaurant is located within the Hotel Le Spuller. It's simple, elegant and tasteful cuisine is paired with spectacular views.
- Ferme de Rolle: (Rolle)
A hilltop restaurant loved by locals because of their many hearty, homemade specialties prepared in their open spit.
- L'Oree du Boise: (Escommes)
Crepes are a French national treasure. Whether you prefer a sweet or savory version, this simple but classic fare can be filled with just about anything you can imagine. Enjoy your meal overlooking this beautiful medieval village.
- Michelin Starred "L'Abbaye de la Bussiere": (La Bussière-sur-Ouche)
We visit their bistro where the food is excellent but without the more formal atmosphere of the restaurant. Fabulous experience!
Passenger Comments:
Overall experience was beyond five star, if there is such a thing! It was fantastic and absolutely perfect in every respect, and I am pretty critical, with high expectations! SPT was excellent. informative and responsive at all times. I really appreciate how they marketed the trip, they were absolutely spot on.
M.W. CA, USA, September 2012
The barge trip was fantastic! The tours were interesting and informative and the food and service were lovely.
The service from SPT was excellent. The information provided was complete and covered all questions that might have been asked.
H & L M., CA, USA, September 2012
The route took us through beautiful countryside and small towns. It was a shorter distance than we had anticipated. It was nice to be able to ride bikes and walk along the route. We needed exercise to make up for all the food and wine! Service was outstanding. Our every need was taken care of with efficiency. This was a wonderful trip that I would recommend to anyone!
M & J W., CO, USA, October 2011
All aspects of the tour were wonderful, the food and wine, both on and off the barge were amazing, the tours and the enjoyable afternoons on the barge while it was travelling as well as biking or walking beside the boat as it was cruising. Savoir Vivre exceeded our expectations in all respects, our cabin accommodations although small, they are well designed and excellent! The boat, staff, tours and food were all amazing, thank you. My only complaint is that I ate too much food, it was too good!
J.L., Canada, October 2011
Our barge trip on Savoir Vivre was absolutely wonderful. The cabins are great for the size and they are very useable. Excursions were perfect! Francois was the best. Service is out of this world. We can't say enough about how great the entire experience was.
W & S C., TX, USA, September 2011
SAMPLE ITINERARY*
Burgundy: Canal de Bourgogne
Escommes to Fleurey-sur-Ouche 2013
Sunday - We'll Meet You in Dijon: Welcome Aboard
Our captain will meet your party in the late afternoon, either at the Dijon Train Station or from your Dijon hotel. From there, you'll be chauffeured to Savoir Vivre at anchor in Escommes, a tranquil port area marking the highest point of the Canal de Bourgogne. There will be time to unpack and explore, helping you work up an appetite for your first on-shore dinner at "Chez Camille" in the heart of nearby Arnay le Duc, a restaurant straight out of the movie 'Ratatouille'. Now is the time to begin your authentic gastronomic journey with us.
Monday - Escommes to La Repe: Beautiful Beaune
This morning begin your cruise going back in time through the unhurried and authentic Valley of the Ouche. Today's cruise involves a string of locks along a meandering tree-lined section of the canal. The extraordinary Chateauneuf-en-Auxois comes into view as we round the corner on our way to our mooring at La Repe. After lunch on board, sightseeing takes center stage as you head to enchanting city of Beaune, wine capital of the Cote d'Or. There's much to enjoy in Beaune; most important is the immaculately preserved Hospice de Beaune, a charity hospital built in the 15th Century (and which treated patients until the early 20th Century). There will be time to explore the shops or visit a cafe in the square. Return to Savoir Vivre in late afternoon, then relax until we drive you to the bistro of the Michelin star restaurant "L'Abbaye de la Bussiere" in La Bussiere.
Tuesday - La Repe to Pont d'Ouche: Hilltop Medieval Village
After breakfast on board, we visit the lovely Medieval village and chateau of Chateauneuf-en-Auxois perched high on a hill overlooking the canal. Over the cobblestoned streets we explore and peek into private gardens and tour the haunting chateau. Then it's back to Savoir Vivre for lunch as we cruise through gorgeous scenery to Pont d'Ouche, a canal port where all kinds of interesting boats can normally be found. Relax on board or explore by bicycle - let's meet up with our barge at the next lock! Dinner this evening at the nearby delight, "Le Spuller".
Wednesday - Pont D'Ouche to La Bussiere
After a peaceful start to your day we visit Ferme de Poisset, an authentic cheese maker complete with goats on the property. We learn and we taste! After all, you are in France! Return to Savoir Vivre and walk the towpath or bicycle into a nearby village, or just relax on board with a good book as Savoir Vivre continues its journey on the historic Canal de Bourgogne to La Bussiere. Tonight guests dine at "L'Oree du Bois", an authentic creperie (which are a French dining institution) located in the heart of Chateauneuf en Auxois. Before dinner enjoy a glass of wine at the stunning lookout point.
Thursday - La Bussiere to Gissey: Wine, wine, wine!
As you enjoy breakfast on board featuring village baked pastries still warm from the oven, we cruise through gorgeous scenery to Gissey-sur-Ouche. You will be driven south to the famed Cote d'Or wine region. Your first visit today is to Chateau du Clos de Vougeot where wine was produced by Cistercian monks from the 12th Century. Examine the ancient wine presses and learn more about winemaking and life in that long ago era, followed by a delicious wine tasting. Return to Savoir Vivre, dinner this evening at the local, friendly and refined restaurant, "Auberge Les Gourmands".
Friday - Gissey to Fleurey-sur-Ouche: Market Day in Dijon
After breakfast, we head to Dijon to mingle with locals at the famed outdoor market. There will be time to look around the well preserved Medieval old town and shop; think mustard! Then it's back to Savoir Vivre for lunch and an afternoon cruise through gorgeous scenery to Fleurey-sur-Ouche. Your final on shore dinner is at the highly regarded hilltop restaurant "Ferme de Rolle." Now is the time to share memories of your authentic encounters with the people, cuisine, wine and sights of Burgundy.
Saturday - Fleurey to Dijon: A Sad Farewell
Our guests depart Savoir Vivre between 8 and 9am for transfer back to Dijon. After your final breakfast on board, it will be hard to leave Savoir Vivre! There are mid-to-late morning TGV trains from Dijon back to Paris or perhaps you'll choose to rent a car for an onward journey. We hope to see you on Savoir Vivre again!
Note: This itinerary is a guide only and is subject to changes to accommodate public holidays, closures and guest preferences!
Savoir Vivre's Restaurant Guide
Here are the restaurants Savoir Vivre guests visit during the 2013 cruise season. These are the establishments along our route which best capture the Savoir Vivre way of avoiding more traditional measures of luxury (i.e. exuberant opulence and high prices) in favour of more authentic, independently-owned and interesting restaurants which reflect the splendour and charm of the region. Bon appetite!
Chez Camille (Arnay le Duc)
Chez Camille, a traditional, elegant and interesting restaurant set within the building of the modest Chez Camille Hotel located in the centre of Arnay le Duc, itself a quaint and pretty town.
L'Auberge Gourmande (Velars-sur-Ouche)
A friendly and warm welcome awaits you by Delphine and Christophe Faivre at the L'Auberge Gourmande. Situated in Velars-sur-Ouche, Their goal is no less than “to satisfy all your desires and we will spare no effort in doing
so. We want our guests enjoy quality service and we strive to offer all the comfort you deserve.”
Le Spuller (Sombemon)
The dining area offers panoramic views of the valley below - it is a perfect setting to enjoy a lovely dinner while afternoon turns to evening. The food is of an excellent standard with charming staff and a menu which offers something for everybody.
Ferme de Rolle (Rolle)
This is a very special restaurant in the countryside of Burgundy and “the Route des Grands Crus”, it quite rightly sits at the heart of our restaurant selection.
l'Oree du Bois (Escommes)
Rather than focus on traditional Burgundian cuisine, “l'Oree du Bois” (roughly translated 'Edge of the Woods') has chosen to focus on another French culinary bastion, the 'crêperie'
L'Abbaye de la Bussiere (La Bussière-sur-Ouche)
We are excited to introduce our new restaurant visit for 2013, the Michelin Starred "L'Abbaye de la Bussiere" in La Bussiere. This is in their bistro where the food is excellent but without the formal atmosphere of the restaurant - very 'SAVOIR VIVRE'!
Savoir Vivre
2013 Season Cruise Schedule* |
| Week |
Route |
Season |
| Mar 31 |
Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Escommes |
Value
|
| Apr 7 |
Escommes-Fleurey-sur-Ouche |
Value
|
| Apr 14 |
Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Escommes |
Value
|
| Apr 21 |
Escommes-Fleurey-sur-Ouche |
Value
|
| Apr 28 |
Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Escommes |
Value
|
| May 5 |
Escommes-Fleurey-sur-Ouche |
Value
|
| May 12 |
Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Escommes |
Regular
|
| May 19 |
Escommes-Fleurey-sur-Ouche |
Regular
|
| May 26 |
Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Escommes |
Regular
|
| Jun 2 |
Escommes-Fleurey-sur-Ouche |
Regular
|
| Jun 9 |
Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Escommes |
Regular
|
| Jun 16 |
Escommes-Fleurey-sur-Ouche |
Regular
|
| Jun 23 |
Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Escommes |
Regular
|
| Jun 30 |
Escommes-Fleurey-sur-Ouche |
Regular
|
| Jul 7 |
Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Escommes |
Regular
|
|
| Cruise Schedule* ... continued |
| Week |
Route |
Season |
| Jul 14 |
Escommes-Fleurey-sur-Ouche |
Regular
|
| Jul 21 |
Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Escommes |
Regular
|
| Jul 28 |
Escommes-Fleurey-sur-Ouche |
Value
|
| Aug 4 |
Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Escommes |
Value
|
| Aug 11 |
Escommes-Fleurey-sur-Ouche |
Value
|
| Aug 18 |
Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Escommes |
Value
|
| Aug 25 |
Escommes-Fleurey-sur-Ouche |
Regular
|
| Sep 1 |
Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Escommes |
Regular
|
| Sep 8 |
Escommes-Fleurey-sur-Ouche |
Regular
|
| Sep 15 |
Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Escommes |
Regular
|
| Sep 22 |
Escommes-Fleurey-sur-Ouche |
Regular
|
| Sep 29 |
Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Escommes |
Regular
|
| Oct 6 |
Escommes-Fleurey-sur-Ouche |
Regular
|
| Oct 13 |
Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Escommes |
Value
|
| Oct 20 |
Escommes-Fleurey-sur-Ouche |
Value
|
|
Savoir Vivre
2014 Season Cruise Schedule* |
| Week |
Route |
Season |
| Mar 30 |
Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Escommes |
Value
|
| Apr 6 |
Escommes-Fleurey-sur-Ouche |
Value
|
| Apr 13 |
Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Escommes |
Value
|
| Apr 20 |
Escommes-Fleurey-sur-Ouche |
Value
|
| Apr 27 |
Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Escommes |
Value
|
| May 4 |
Escommes-Fleurey-sur-Ouche |
Value
|
| May 11 |
Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Escommes |
Regular
|
| May 18 |
Escommes-Fleurey-sur-Ouche |
Regular
|
| May 25 |
Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Escommes |
Regular
|
| Jun 1 |
Escommes-Fleurey-sur-Ouche |
Regular
|
| Jun 8 |
Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Escommes |
Regular
|
| Jun 15 |
Escommes-Fleurey-sur-Ouche |
Regular
|
| Jun 22 |
Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Escommes |
Regular
|
| Jun 29 |
Escommes-Fleurey-sur-Ouche |
Regular
|
| Jul 6 |
Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Escommes |
Regular
|
| Jul 13 |
Escommes-Fleurey-sur-Ouche |
Regular
|
|
| Cruise Schedule* ... continued |
| Week |
Route |
Season |
| Jul 20 |
Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Escommes |
Regular
|
| Jul 27 |
Escommes-Fleurey-sur-Ouche |
Value
|
| Aug 3 |
Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Escommes |
Value
|
| Aug 10 |
Escommes-Fleurey-sur-Ouche |
Value
|
| Aug 17 |
Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Escommes |
Value
|
| Aug 24 |
Escommes-Fleurey-sur-Ouche |
Regular
|
| Aug 31 |
Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Escommes |
Regular
|
| Sep 7 |
Escommes-Fleurey-sur-Ouche |
Regular
|
| Sep 14 |
Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Escommes |
Regular
|
| Sep 21 |
Escommes-Fleurey-sur-Ouche |
Regular
|
| Sep 28 |
Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Escommes |
Regular
|
| Oct 5 |
Escommes-Fleurey-sur-Ouche |
Regular
|
| Oct 12 |
Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Escommes |
Value
|
| Oct 19 |
Escommes-Fleurey-sur-Ouche |
Value
|
| Oct 26 |
Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Escommes |
Value
|
|
The Savoir Vivre's route through Burgundy, on the Canal de Bourgogne, from Escommes to Fleurey-sur-Ouche. For a more detailed look at the cruise route, view our map of the Canal de Bourgogne.
*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 VIVRE
2013 SEASON PRICES in US DOLLARS |
| ACCOMMODATION |
VALUE
Mar 31 thru May 11
Jul 28 thru Aug 24
Oct 13 thru Oct 26 |
REGULAR
May 12 thru Jul 27
Aug 25 thru Oct 12
|
|
Cabin (per person, double occupancy) |
$3,500 |
$3,500 |
|
Charter for 6 |
$24,000 |
$26,000 |
|
Charter for 7 |
$25,000 |
$27,000 |
|
Charter for 8 |
$26,000 |
$28,000 |
|
Family charter up to 8 |
$22,000 |
$22,000 |
NOTE: SPECIAL FAMILY CHARTER rates for up to 8 must include 2 children under the age of 16 to qualify. This rate applies to new bookings only and for all open dates during the season.
SAVOIR VIVRE
2014 SEASON PRICES in US DOLLARS |
| ACCOMMODATION |
VALUE [2013 Rates]*
Mar 30 thru May 10
Jul 27 thru Aug 23
Oct 12 thru Nov 1 |
REGULAR [2013 Rates]*
May 11 thru Jul 26
Aug 24 thru Oct 11
|
|
Cabin (per person, double occupancy) |
$3,500 |
$3,500 |
|
Charter for 6 |
$24,000 |
$26,000 |
|
Charter for 7 |
$25,000 |
$27,000 |
|
Charter for 8 |
$26,000 |
$28,000 |
|
Family charter up to 8 |
$22,000 |
$22,000 |
*2013 rates will be honored for 2014 bookings placed before the announcement of 2014 prices (expected in late Spring 2013).
What's Included for 2013 & 2014 Cruises
- 7 days and 6 nights on the barge in cabin with private bathroom
- Pickup and drop off at the Dijon TGV station
- All meals beginning with dinner on Sunday through breakfast on Saturday, including dinner with selected wines at restaurants as outlined in our program
- Transportation to and from our selected restaurants
- Wines and open bar on board
- Daily escorted side-excursions including entrance fees
- Use of 8 bicycles
What's Not Included for 2013 & 2014 Cruises
- Overseas air transportation to Paris and return
- Transportation from Paris to Dijon and return
- Requests for specific brands of liquor
- Optional excursions at extra cost such as hot air ballooning or golf
- Suggested minimum 5% gratuity for the crew, to be given to the captain in equivalent euros for distribution to the crew
| Please visit our Special Offers page to see potential discounts for this barge or many others. |
 |
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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Last Update: April 16, 2013
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