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

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.
- “L'Eire du Temps”
(Gissey-sur-Ouche)
This more simple restaurant has delighted the inhabitants of the Ouche Valley since its inception two years ago. Dining on the vast outside terrace surrounded by golden-hued, centuries old buildings only adds to the charm.
- “La Ferme de Rolle”
(La Bussiere-sur-Ouche)
Situated as it is in the middle of nowhere, its continued existence and deserved
popularity both testify to its lovely decoration, its gorgeous site and, most
importantly, its delcious meals. House speciality here are the grills done on a
huge, open fireplace.
- “Auberge Saint Martin”
(Pont D'Ouche)
Another restaurant hidden in a tiny village miles from anywhere. Here also diners must be determined to make it thus far. You'll know why when you try it yourself.
- “Chateau Sainte Sabine”
(La Repe)
Tonight you have a few options regarding your restaurant from a more modest auberge specialising in grills in magnificent Chateauneuf to the more opulent and complex cuisine of Chateau Saint Sabine.
- “Hostellerie l'Auxois”
(Escommes)
A fitting spot for your first or final night aboard the 'Savoir Vivre'. The ovely
dining room is complimented by the beautifully presented fare.
SAMPLE ITINERARY*
Burgundy: Canal de Bourgogne
Fleurey-sur-Ouche to Vandenesse-en-Auxois 2010
Sunday - We'll Meet You in Dijon - Welcome Aboard!
Our captain will meet your party in late afternoon in Dijon - perhaps at the Rail Station (there are frequent TGV trains from Paris) or a local hotel. From there, you'll be chauffeured to Savoir Vivre at anchor in Fleury-sur-Ouche, a classic village nestled on 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 a local and friendly restaurant - "Auberge les Gourmands."
Monday - Fleury-sur-Ouche to Gissey-sur-Ouche - Wine, wine, wine!
This morning begin your cruise back in time through the unhurried and authentic Valley of the Ouche. You'll float past limestone cliffs, wooded hills and enchanting villages. The Savoir Vivre ties up above the lock in Saint Marie, wander into this ancient and charming village for a stroll. After lunch on board (prepared off the barge by master chefs with years of experience aboard ultra deluxe barges and brought on board), we cruise for another hour and then enjoy the first of many excursions. Francois, your Captain, now becomes a trusted guide who will introduce you to the sights and history of Burgundy. 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 on. Examine the ancient wine presses and learn more about winemaking and life in that long ago era. Then it's back to present-day pleasures at a winetasting which introduces area vintages. Return to Savoir Vivre. Later you'll be transferred to dinner at the lovely nearby restaurant of "L'Eire du Temps."
Tuesday - Gissey-sur-Ouche to La Bussiere-sur-Ouche - Market Day in Dijon
After breakfast on board featuring village-baked pastries just warm from the oven, 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 La Bussiere-sur-Ouche. Relax on deck or explore by bicycle - let's meet the barge at the next lock! Explore the subtle charms of La Brussiere before preparing for dinner tonight at the restaurant highly regarded "Ferme de Rolle."
Wednesday - La Bussiere-sur-Ouche to Pont D'Ouche – Beautiful Beaune
Take a moment to reflect this morning as we cruise to Pont D'ouche. After lunch aboard, sightseeing takes center stage as you head to enchanting 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!). And there will be time to explore the shops or visit a cafe in the square. Return to the barge in late afternoon, then relax until we drive you to the nearby delight of "Auberge Saint Martin," your restaurant for this evening.
Thursday - Pont d'Ouche to La Repe - You've tasted wine, now it's time to taste cheese!
After a peaceful start to your day we visit Ferme de Poisset, an authentic cheesemaker. Yes, you'll learn and then you'll 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 deck with a good book - as Savoir Vivre continues its journey on the historic Canal de Bourgogne to La Repe. Tonight you have a few options regarding your restaurant from the simplest auberge in magnificent Chateauneuf to the more opulent "Chateau de Saint Sabine" – it's your holiday and today is a nice day to set your own pace!
Friday - La Repe to Escommes - 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. Explore on cobblestoned streets, peek into private gardens, and then tour the haunting chateau. Return to Savoir Vivre for a drink on deck and then continue our cruise into the Valley of the Ouche. Your final on-shore dinner is in the charming "Hostellerie de l'Auxois." Now is the time to share memories of your authentic encounters with the people, cuisine, wine and sights of Burgundy.
Saturday - Chateauneuf-en-Auxois to Dijon - A Sad Farewell!
Depart between 8 and 9 am for your chauffeured 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 is a sample itinerary and is subject to change. It runs in reverse on alternate weeks.
Savoir Vivre
2010 Season Cruise Schedule* |
| Week |
Route |
Season |
| Apr 4 |
Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Vandenesse en Auxois |
Regular
|
| Apr 11 |
Vandenesse en Auxois-Fleurey-sur-Ouche |
Regular
|
| Apr 18 |
Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Vandenesse en Auxois |
Regular
|
| Apr 25 |
Vandenesse en Auxois-Fleurey-sur-Ouche |
Regular
|
| May 2 |
Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Vandenesse en Auxois |
Regular
|
| May 9 |
Vandenesse en Auxois-Fleurey-sur-Ouche |
Regular
|
| May 16 |
Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Vandenesse en Auxois |
Regular
|
| May 23 |
Vandenesse en Auxois-Fleurey-sur-Ouche |
Regular
|
| May 30 |
Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Vandenesse en Auxois |
Regular
|
| Jun 6 |
Vandenesse en Auxois-Fleurey-sur-Ouche |
Regular
|
| Jun 13 |
Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Vandenesse en Auxois |
Regular
|
| Jun 20 |
Vandenesse en Auxois-Fleurey-sur-Ouche |
Regular
|
| Jun 27 |
Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Vandenesse en Auxois |
Regular
|
| Jul 4 |
Vandenesse en Auxois-Fleurey-sur-Ouche |
Regular
|
| Jul 11 |
Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Vandenesse en Auxois |
Regular
|
|
| Cruise Schedule* ... continued |
| Week |
Route |
Season |
| Jul 18 |
Vandenesse en Auxois-Fleurey-sur-Ouche |
Regular
|
| Jul 25 |
Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Vandenesse en Auxois |
Regular
|
| Aug 1 |
Vandenesse en Auxois-Fleurey-sur-Ouche |
Regular
|
| Aug 8 |
Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Vandenesse en Auxois |
Regular
|
| Aug 15 |
Vandenesse en Auxois-Fleurey-sur-Ouche |
Regular
|
| Aug 22 |
Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Vandenesse en Auxois |
Regular
|
| Aug 29 |
Vandenesse en Auxois-Fleurey-sur-Ouche |
Regular
|
| Sep 5 |
Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Vandenesse en Auxois |
Regular
|
| Sep 12 |
Vandenesse en Auxois-Fleurey-sur-Ouche |
Regular
|
| Sep 19 |
Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Vandenesse en Auxois |
Regular
|
| Sep 26 |
Vandenesse en Auxois-Fleurey-sur-Ouche |
Regular
|
| Oct 3 |
Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Vandenesse en Auxois |
Regular
|
| Oct 10 |
Vandenesse en Auxois-Fleurey-sur-Ouche |
Regular
|
| Oct 17 |
Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Vandenesse en Auxois |
Regular
|
|
Savoir Vivre
2011 Season Cruise Schedule* |
| Week |
Route |
Season |
| Apr 3 |
Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Vandenesse en Auxois |
Regular
|
| Apr 10 |
Vandenesse en Auxois-Fleurey-sur-Ouche |
Regular
|
| Apr 17 |
Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Vandenesse en Auxois |
Regular
|
| Apr 24 |
Vandenesse en Auxois-Fleurey-sur-Ouche |
Regular
|
| May 1 |
Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Vandenesse en Auxois |
Regular
|
| May 8 |
Vandenesse en Auxois-Fleurey-sur-Ouche |
Regular
|
| May 15 |
Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Vandenesse en Auxois |
Regular
|
| May 22 |
Vandenesse en Auxois-Fleurey-sur-Ouche |
Regular
|
| May 29 |
Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Vandenesse en Auxois |
Regular
|
| Jun 5 |
Vandenesse en Auxois-Fleurey-sur-Ouche |
Regular
|
| Jun 12 |
Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Vandenesse en Auxois |
Regular
|
| Jun 19 |
Vandenesse en Auxois-Fleurey-sur-Ouche |
Regular
|
| Jun 26 |
Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Vandenesse en Auxois |
Regular
|
| Jul 3 |
Vandenesse en Auxois-Fleurey-sur-Ouche |
Regular
|
| Jul 10 |
Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Vandenesse en Auxois |
Regular
|
|
| Cruise Schedule* ... continued |
| Week |
Route |
Season |
| Jul 17 |
Vandenesse en Auxois-Fleurey-sur-Ouche |
Regular
|
| Jul 24 |
Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Vandenesse en Auxois |
Regular
|
| Jul 31 |
Vandenesse en Auxois-Fleurey-sur-Ouche |
Regular
|
| Aug 7 |
Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Vandenesse en Auxois |
Regular
|
| Aug 14 |
Vandenesse en Auxois-Fleurey-sur-Ouche |
Regular
|
| Aug 21 |
Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Vandenesse en Auxois |
Regular
|
| Aug 28 |
Vandenesse en Auxois-Fleurey-sur-Ouche |
Regular
|
| Sep 4 |
Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Vandenesse en Auxois |
Regular
|
| Sep 11 |
Vandenesse en Auxois-Fleurey-sur-Ouche |
Regular
|
| Sep 18 |
Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Vandenesse en Auxois |
Regular
|
| Sep 25 |
Vandenesse en Auxois-Fleurey-sur-Ouche |
Regular
|
| Oct 2 |
Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Vandenesse en Auxois |
Regular
|
| Oct 9 |
Vandenesse en Auxois-Fleurey-sur-Ouche |
Regular
|
| Oct 16 |
Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Vandenesse en Auxois |
Regular
|
|
*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
2010 SEASON PRICES in US DOLLARS |
| ACCOMMODATION |
REGULAR Apr 4 thru Oct 23 |
Charter for up to 8 Half Board |
$20,000 |
SAVOIR VIVRE
2011 SEASON PRICES in US DOLLARS |
| ACCOMMODATION |
REGULAR Apr 3 thru Oct 22 |
|
Charter for up to 8 |
$24,000 |
What's IncludedHalf board:
- 7 days and 6 nights on the barge with use of 2 cabins with private bathroom
- Pickup and drop off in Dijon (at the TGV station or passengers' hotel)
- Breakfast and lunch each day
- Wines and open bar on board
- Daily escorted side-excursions including entrance fees
- Transportation to and from selected local restaurants as needed
- Use of 8 bicycles
What's Not IncludedHalf board:
- Overseas air transportation to Paris and return
- Transportation from Paris to Dijon and return
- Dinner at selected local restaurants each day
- 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
 |
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 30, 2010
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