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 fresh approach to the classic barge cruise that includes 'real France' dining experiences at different authentic local restaurants each evening. In selecting the restaurants for your cruise the aim was to provide you with authentic locations which offer typical French cuisine and relaxed environments. Lunches are catered by top local chefs who have cooked on top barges in Burgundy (her salon converts into a fabulous dining space in moments). On board there is a complimentary "open refrigerator" for guest use 24 hours a day and includes soft drinks, wine, beer, spirits and snacks. Everything is included in the price. This innovative way of operating means that cruises aboard Savoir Vivre combine enriched and FUN cultural dining experiences with industry leading value.
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.
Your crew is among the most experienced in barging. Captain Richard Megret has been involved in Barging his whole life. Your Tour Guide Francois Everson owned a highly respected ship of his own for many years. Together their fun, relaxed yet professional styles are entirely in keeping with the 'Savoir Vivre Way'.
Savoir Vivre has 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.
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 And the Savoir Vivre
These are the establishments along our route which we feel 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!
The aim is to provide you with authentic locations which offer typical French cuisine and relaxed environments. Tourist traps and stuffy over-priced establishments are off the menu. Authentic, charismatic locations are our target and, if we might say so ourselves, we're proud of our selection. Better still, we have been welcomed 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 our restaurants, we simply share a common goal with them 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 will be typical of the luncheon buffets served on board Savoir Vivre, prepared off the barge by master chefs with years of experience aboard ultra deluxe barges in France.
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)
Refined decor and cuisine to kick-start (or finish off!) your culinary voyage in
Burgundy. Rural restaurants don't come much better then this.
- “Chez Camille”
(Arnay le Duc)
A classic traditional Burgundian restaurant.
- “Le Spuller”
(Sombemon)
Simple, elegant, tastful cuisine paired with Spectacular views.
- “Ferme de Rolle”
(Rolle)
A hilltop restaurant loved by locals.
- “l'Oree du Bois”
(Escommes)
Enjoy a national dish in a gorgeous hilltop medievel village.
- “Restaurant de l'Auxois”
(Vandenesse)
Husband (chef) and wife (host) delight in charming harmony.
Passenger Comments:
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.
William and Susann C., Texas September 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!
Jules L., Canada October 2011
Savoir Vivre was fabulous! I want to do it again! Our service was excellent! Francois and June were very knowledgeable, friendly and accommodating. Our cabin accommodations were wonderful! The beds were comfy. The shower was nice and hot. Meals and wines were outstanding! I liked that our dinners (restaurants) were close to the canal. I can't even begin to describe how wonderful the food was! Mouthwatering and tantalizing! Excursions were superb! I liked that they were not all day trips. I was able to relax on the barge and not feel rushed. This cruise went BEYOND my expectations!
-- J.B., Colorado, USA, September 2010
SAMPLE ITINERARY*
Burgundy: Canal de Bourgogne
Escommes to Fleurey-sur-Ouche 2012
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 nearby "Restaurant de l'Auxois", your restaurant for this evening.
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 2012 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'
Rstaurant de l'Auxois (Vandenesse)
Husband (chef) and wife (host) delight in charming harmony..
Savoir Vivre
2012 Season Cruise Schedule* |
| Week |
Route |
Season |
| Apr 1 |
Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Escommes |
Early
|
| Apr 8 |
Escommes-Fleurey-sur-Ouche |
Early
|
| Apr 15 |
Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Escommes |
Early
|
| Apr 22 |
Escommes-Fleurey-sur-Ouche |
Early
|
| Apr 29 |
Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Escommes |
Early
|
| May 6 |
Escommes-Fleurey-sur-Ouche |
Early
|
| May 13 |
Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Escommes |
Regular
|
| May 20 |
Escommes-Fleurey-sur-Ouche |
Regular
|
| May 27 |
Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Escommes |
Regular
|
| Jun 3 |
Escommes-Fleurey-sur-Ouche |
Regular
|
| Jun 10 |
Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Escommes |
Regular
|
| Jun 17 |
Escommes-Fleurey-sur-Ouche |
Regular
|
| Jun 24 |
Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Escommes |
Regular
|
| Jul 1 |
Escommes-Fleurey-sur-Ouche |
Regular
|
| Jul 8 |
Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Escommes |
Regular
|
|
| Cruise Schedule* ... continued |
| Week |
Route |
Season |
| Jul 15 |
Escommes-Fleurey-sur-Ouche |
Regular
|
| Jul 22 |
Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Escommes |
Regular
|
| Jul 29 |
Escommes-Fleurey-sur-Ouche |
Regular
|
| Aug 5 |
Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Escommes |
Regular
|
| Aug 12 |
Escommes-Fleurey-sur-Ouche |
Regular
|
| Aug 19 |
Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Escommes |
Regular
|
| Aug 26 |
Escommes-Fleurey-sur-Ouche |
Regular
|
| Sep 2 |
Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Escommes |
Regular
|
| Sep 9 |
Escommes-Fleurey-sur-Ouche |
Regular
|
| Sep 16 |
Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Escommes |
Regular
|
| Sep 23 |
Escommes-Fleurey-sur-Ouche |
Regular
|
| Sep 30 |
Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Escommes |
Regular
|
| Oct 7 |
Escommes-Fleurey-sur-Ouche |
Regular
|
| Oct 14 |
Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Escommes |
Value
|
| Oct 21 |
Escommes-Fleurey-sur-Ouche |
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
2012 SEASON PRICES in US DOLLARS |
| ACCOMMODATION |
EARLY Apr 1 thru May 12 |
REGULAR May 13 thru Oct 13 |
VALUE Oct 14 thru Oct 27 |
|
Cabin (per person, double occupancy) |
NA |
$3,500 |
NA |
|
Single Occupancy Supplement |
NA |
$2,000 |
NA |
|
Charter for 4 |
NA |
$24,000 |
NA |
|
Charter for 5 |
NA |
$25,000 |
NA |
|
Charter for 6 |
NA |
$26,000 |
$24,000 |
|
Charter for 7 |
NA |
$27,000 |
$25,000 |
|
Charter for 8 |
NA |
$28,000 |
$26,000 |
|
Charter for up to 8 |
$22,000 |
NA |
NA |
What's Included
- 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
- 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
 |
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Last Update: December 13, 2011
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