Cruise In France On The Canal de Bourgogne In Southern Burgundy Aboard The First Class Hotel-Barge SAVOIR VIVRE
BARGE CRUISES: 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 combine 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 with your tour guide in the air conditioned van used for all excursions. Visit the lively Dijon market with its regional produce, tour the 15th century charity hospital in Beaune and go wine tasting and take a tour of the Clos de Vougeot where wine was made in the 12th century.
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. Marie, 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. There are two partially covered decks for relaxing and viewing the countryside.
We have visited the Savoir Vivre several times, most recently in April 2017, stayed on board and sampled the restaurants selected for dinner and the excursions. We have found the accommodations to be comfortable, the restaurants to be a good sampling of what the region has to offer and great personlized daily excursions. Pickup and drop off in Dijon is included.
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.
- 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
- Wi-Fi: No - limited internet access via on board laptop
Savoir Vivre's Deck Plan
| SAVOIR VIVRE 2021 SEASON PRICES in US DOLLARS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| TYPE | VALUE Apr 11 thru Apr 24 Oct 17 thru Oct 30 |
REGULAR Apr 25 thru Sep 4 Oct 3 thru Oct 16 |
HIGH Sep 5 thru Oct 2 |
| Cabin (per person, double occupancy) |
$3,750 |
$4,000 |
$4,250 |
| Single Occupancy Supplement |
$2,000 |
$2,000 |
$2,000 |
| Charter for 6 |
$28,000 |
$30,000 |
$32,000 |
| Charter for 7 |
$29,000 |
$31,000 |
$33,000 |
| Charter for 8 |
$30,000 |
$32,000 |
$34,000 |
| SAVOIR VIVRE 2022 SEASON PRICES in US DOLLARS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| TYPE | VALUE Apr 10 thru Apr 30 Oct 16 thru Oct 29 |
REGULAR May 1 thru Aug 27 Oct 2 thru Oct 15 |
HIGH Aug 28 thru Oct 1 |
| Cabin (per person, double occupancy) |
$3,750 |
$4,000 |
$4,250 |
| Single Occupancy Supplement |
$2,000 |
$2,000 |
$2,000 |
| Charter for 6 |
$28,000 |
$30,000 |
$32,000 |
| Charter for 7 |
$29,000 |
$31,000 |
$33,000 |
| Charter for 8 |
$30,000 |
$32,000 |
$34,000 |
What's Included
- 7 days and 6 nights on the barge in cabin with private bathroom
- Pickup and drop off in Dijon
- All meals beginning with dinner on Sunday through breakfast on Saturday, including six dinners at selected restaurants with half a bottle of wine per person
- 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
- Trip cancellation insurance
|
Savoir Vivre 2021 Season Cruise Schedule* |
||
|---|---|---|
| Week | Route (Or Reverse) | Season |
| Apr 11 | Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Escommes | Value |
| Apr 18 | Escommes-Fleurey-sur-Ouche | Value |
| Apr 25 | Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Escommes | Regular |
| May 2 | Escommes-Fleurey-sur-Ouche | Regular |
| May 9 | Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Escommes | Regular |
| May 16 | Escommes-Fleurey-sur-Ouche | Regular |
| May 23 | Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Escommes | Regular |
| May 30 | Escommes-Fleurey-sur-Ouche | Regular |
| Jun 6 | Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Escommes | Regular |
| Jun 13 | Escommes-Fleurey-sur-Ouche | Regular |
| Jun 20 | Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Escommes | Regular |
| Jun 27 | Escommes-Fleurey-sur-Ouche | Regular |
| Jul 4 | Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Escommes | Regular |
| Jul 11 | Escommes-Fleurey-sur-Ouche | Regular |
| Jul 18 | Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Escommes | Regular |
| Jul 25 | Escommes-Fleurey-sur-Ouche | Regular |
| Aug 1 | Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Escommes | Regular |
| Aug 8 | Escommes-Fleurey-sur-Ouche | Regular |
| Aug 15 | Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Escommes | Regular |
| Aug 22 | Escommes-Fleurey-sur-Ouche | Regular |
| Aug 29 | Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Escommes | Regular |
| Sep 5 | Escommes-Fleurey-sur-Ouche | High |
| Sep 12 | Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Escommes | High |
| Sep 19 | Escommes-Fleurey-sur-Ouche | High |
| Sep 26 | Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Escommes | High |
| Oct 3 | Escommes-Fleurey-sur-Ouche | Regular |
| Oct 10 | Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Escommes | Regular |
| Oct 17 | Escommes-Fleurey-sur-Ouche | Value |
| Oct 24 | Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Escommes | Value |
|
Savoir Vivre 2022 Season Cruise Schedule* |
||
|---|---|---|
| Week | Route (Or Reverse) | Season |
| Apr 10 | Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Escommes | Value |
| Apr 17 | Escommes-Fleurey-sur-Ouche | Value |
| Apr 24 | Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Escommes | Value |
| May 1 | Escommes-Fleurey-sur-Ouche | Regular |
| May 8 | Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Escommes | Regular |
| May 15 | Escommes-Fleurey-sur-Ouche | Regular |
| May 22 | Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Escommes | Regular |
| May 29 | Escommes-Fleurey-sur-Ouche | Regular |
| Jun 5 | Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Escommes | Regular |
| Jun 12 | Escommes-Fleurey-sur-Ouche | Regular |
| Jun 19 | Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Escommes | Regular |
| Jun 26 | Escommes-Fleurey-sur-Ouche | Regular |
| Jul 3 | Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Escommes | Regular |
| Jul 10 | Escommes-Fleurey-sur-Ouche | Regular |
| Jul 17 | Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Escommes | Regular |
| Jul 24 | Escommes-Fleurey-sur-Ouche | Regular |
| Jul 31 | Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Escommes | Regular |
| Aug 7 | Escommes-Fleurey-sur-Ouche | Regular |
| Aug 14 | Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Escommes | Regular |
| Aug 21 | Escommes-Fleurey-sur-Ouche | Regular |
| Aug 28 | Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Escommes | High |
| Sep 4 | Escommes-Fleurey-sur-Ouche | High |
| Sep 11 | Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Escommes | High |
| Sep 18 | Escommes-Fleurey-sur-Ouche | High |
| Sep 25 | Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Escommes | High |
| Oct 2 | Escommes-Fleurey-sur-Ouche | Regular |
| Oct 9 | Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Escommes | Regular |
| Oct 16 | Escommes-Fleurey-sur-Ouche | Value |
| Oct 23 | Fleurey-sur-Ouche-Escommes | Value |
*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.
Burgundy: Canal de Bourgogne
Fleurey-sur-Ouche to Escommes 2023
Chateau de Clos de Vougeot
Dijon Market
Chateauneuf en-Auxois
Hospice de Beaune
Cotes de Beaune Vineyards
Sunday - We'll Meet You in Dijon - Welcome Aboard!
Our captain will meet your party in late afternoon in central Dijon. This is
either at the Rail Station (there are frequent and fast TGV trains from Paris)
or local hotel. From there, you'll be chauffeured to Savoir Vivre at moored 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 the local, friendly and refined restaurant "L'Auberge
Gourmande."
Monday - Fleurey-sur-Ouche to Gissey - 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 in Gissey where you can stroll
into this ancient and charming village. After lunch on board, (prepared by our
private chef and delivered to the ship), 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. Then it's back to present- day pleasures at a wine-tasting which introduces
this area's vintages. Return to Savoir Vivre. In the evening, we visit
Restaurant De La Porte Guillaume, located in the heart of Dijon. The rich,
comforting flavors of Burgundian cuisine are at the forefront of this bistro's
regionally-inspired menu.
Tuesday - Gissey to La Bussiere - Magnificent Markets
After breakfast on board featuring village-baked pastries still 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 board or explore by
bicycle - let's meet up with our barge at the next lock! Later, explore the
exquisite Abbaye De La Bussiere and then enjoy dinner within this fabulous
setting at their excellent 'Le Bistrot des Moines'.
Wednesday - La Bussière-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
"Le Spuller", your restaurant for this evening.
Thursday - Pont d'Ouche to Vandenesse-en-Auxois - Charming Cheese!
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 cheese maker and her beautiful
goats. Yes, you'll learn and then you'll taste! With wine of course. 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
Vandenesse-en-Auxois. Tonight you will dine at "L'Oree du Bois", an authentic
creperie (which is a French dining institution) located in the heart of
Chateauneuf en Auxois. Before dinner enjoy a glass of wine at the stunning
lookout point.
Friday - La Repe to Escommes - Hilltop Medieval Village
After breakfast, we return to 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. Back to Savoir Vivre for lunch as we continue our cruise into the
Valley of the Ouche. Dinner is at ‘Le Lassey' at Chateau de Sainte Sabine, an
elegant mansion, built in an old monastery. The Michelin-starred chef-driven
cuisine focuses on the region's abundance of fresh local produce, products, and
ingredients.
Saturday - Escommes 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 itinerary is a guide only and is subject to changes to accommodate
public holidays, closures and guest preferences! It cruises in the reverse
direction on alternate weeks.
List of Restaurants :
L'Auberge Gourmande (Velars-sur-Ouche):
A warm welcome awaits you at L’Auberge Gourmande. Head chef Christophe learned
his craft in such venues as Guy Savoy in Paris, Hotel Negresco in Nice and
Restaurant Fredy Giradet in Switzerland. So his credentials speak volumes! It's
no surprise that this restaurant is tipped for big things and that this is the
Savoir Vivre's time to visit.
Le Bistro de Moines at L'Abbaye de la Bussière: (La
Bussière-sur-Ouche)
Founded in 1131 and transformed into a luxury Relais et Chateaux hotel, the
Abbaye de la Bussiere occupies a beguiling canal-side location. This fabulous
setting offers our guests a dining opportunity at the informal Le Bistrot des
Moines. Local ingredients play off classic Burgundian recipes, and the results
are delicious.
Hotel du Nord - Restaurant De La Porte Guillaume (Dijon):
Located in the heart of Dijon, this venue serves up French fare with local
flair! The rich, comforting flavors of Burgundian cuisine are featured in such
rustic dishes as butter-drizzled escargot, duck with mushroom soufflé, and of
course, Beef Bourguignon. Cheese lovers will adore the after-dinner cheese menu
with a dozen of the area's artisanal selections, including the signature
Epoisse.
Le Spuller in the Hotel de Spuller (Sombernon):
Le Spuller is located in Sombernon, a village of approximately 800 residents
nestled in the countryside equidistant from Dijon, Beaune and the Cote d'Or
vineyards. Guests adore Le Spuller: The combination of the setting, quality of
cuisine, and exceptionally friendly service hits all the marks.
L'Oree du Bois (Châteauneuf-en-Auxois):
Chateauneuf-en-Aixois is a beautiful hilltop Medieval village where from the
14th to the 17th centuries wealthy Burgundian merchants built luxury residences.
One such restored home now houses L'Oree du Bois, a very special French
"creperie." These authentic crepes offer a wide range of savory and sweet
treats, each made with skill and attention using local ingredients.
Le Lassey at Château de Sainte Sabine:
Chateau de Sabine is a beautifully presented mansion hotel that offers panoramic
views of the canal and surrounding villages. The Michelin-recommended cuisine
features traditional dishes with a modern twist, full of flavor and finesse. A
foodie's dream come true, the exquisite presentation and service are matched by
the elegant dining room decor.
Dining Aboard The Savoir Vivre
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.
Lunch
Wine
Passenger Comments:
Fabulous! Exceeded our expectations. The meals and wines were Excellent. Really enjoyed having dinners off the barge at first class restaurants. We love the barge route. The countryside was pastoral, peaceful and beautiful. It was great to walk the towpath as the barge moved slowly along the canal through numerous locks. High points were the countryside, the excursions, the restaurants, the food and wine...everything.
F &C P, CA, USA
The cruise was fabulous. I have already gone on Facebook and other sites to praise the trip. Laura, the guide was funny, well informed and catered to our every need. Each day was terrific. Really enjoyed all the sites that Laura took us to- so no real favourites. But I must say meeting Michael and his family, including his daughter and the goat farm was special. Richard and Marie were out of this world! Once again, funny, accommodating and very interesting. The food and wine were incredible and loved each of the dinner venues we visited. Would and have recommended to MANY friends.
B.M., AZ, USA
We had a lovely time on the Savoir Vivre. We really enjoyed the many excursions and meals off the boat each night. The breakfasts and lunches on the boat were really good too. In fact there was an abundance of wonderful food and wine. The crew of 3, being Richard (skipper) and Marie (assistant) and Laura (travel guide) were a lot of fun and really made our stay very enjoyable.
K.M., Australia
It was a unique trip, very interesting and certainly worth the price. Nothing about the experience was over promised and under delivered. It was exactly as advertised. The captain and crew were fabulous! They made the excursion fun and interesting. They were professional but were very friendly and accommodating. The crew made the trip very memorable for everyone. Breakfast and lunch on the barge with dinner ashore was the perfect way to provide meals. It was very nice to be able to enjoy dinner at different restaurants that had been selected by the crew. They had local knowledge and did a great job picking great places each night. The wine on board and in the restaurants was excellent. The meals were always very good but there was too much food for us older folks. We enjoyed walking the tow paths, taking photos of the magnificent scenery and meeting new people when we were off the boat. Everyone we met was friendly no matter what country they were from. We enjoyed the excursions but, more than anything, we enjoyed the crew. We missed them after we left the barge. It was also very nice to put our lives in someone else's hands for a week.
B.& J. S., MD, USA
Absolutely one, if not the best, vacations I ever had. Barge was very nice. The crew was fantastic. The service was fantastic! The boat captain, Richard, was a joy. Very relaxed and accommodating and we enjoyed his company tremendously. Laura Aplin, who prepared our breakfast along with Richard, was one of the nicest and funniest people I have ever met. Her husband, Simon, was a fantastic tour guide. The crew is what made the trip so fantastic. Loved being able to get off and either walk or ride along the canal and visit any villages along the way. high points were Chateauneuf and it's village. The trip to the goat farm and cheese manufacturer. Loved meeting the artist Paul Day's wife and seeing his artwork and art studio. Loved touring Dijon and Beaune. Fantastic experience on a great barge with the best crew in one of the most scenic parts of France, enjoying the best food and wine there is. It doesn't get any better than that.
J.C. KY, USA
LINKS to Savoir Vivre Information
This page last updated December 25, 2023