| Savoir Faire |
Rating  : Deluxe
Number of Passengers: 12
Number of Cabins: 6
Size of Vessel: 128 ft in length
Number of Crew: 6
Cruise Region: Champagne
Other Regions Sailed: Northern France, Northern Burgundy, Upper Loire, Holland
Whole Boat Charters starting at $42,000
Prices (per person) starting at $4,200
Charter Pricing for 8, 9, & 10 Passengers Available
Call Barge TravelPOINTS Today
For More Information or to Book Your Journey
1.800.549.2575
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 Savoir Faire |
The Savoir Faire is an elegant 12 passenger vessel with a very interesting historic past. Having been built in 1932, she was originally
used as a transport barge in the Belgian estuaries and later during World War II, her bow was replaced with a landing bow so she could
sail up on the beaches.
In 1979, the barge was brought to Holland where she underwent a total metamorphosis and was converted into an elegant three-decked hotel
barge called Etoile de Champagne. Through the years, she has received accolades from all those fortunate to have sailed aboard her.
With new owners Chris and Fran Bennett and a new name since 2004, the Savoir Faire continues to pride itself in customizing your cruise week to meet your desires.
The vessel has been redecorated to show off the gorgeous salon with its large panoramic windows and comfortable furniture. The cabins
were modernized and updated into spacious suites. You'll also enjoy upscale dining in the beautiful dining room featuring mahogany paneling,
Wedgwood china and Christofle silverware.
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The Savoir Faire features six staterooms which can be configured with either two twin beds or one queen bed. Cabins include private bathrooms
and offer good lighting, European and US power outlets, and air conditioning. Each cabin has two wardrobe cabinets with plenty of room for storing your personal items as well as a writing desk and chair.
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- Gourmet cuisine typically featuring:
- Continental breakfast with freshly baked pastries, breads, cereals, fruit, yogurt and eggs made to order
- Light and delicious lunches
- Dinners include an entree, main course, cheese, dessert, and coffee, followed by aperitifs and chocolates
- Open bar
- Both 220v and 110v supply in each cabin
- Air conditioning and central heating
- Main lounge with piano, game table, library, and cocktail lounge
- Two spacious decks with comfortable deck chairs and tables
- Touring bicycles
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Sunday - You are transferred by air-conditioned minivan from your hotel or airport and driven directly to the Savoir Faire, moored at
Cumieres, just a few miles from the heart of Épernay. After an introduction to your ship, you are given time to settle in to your cabin before
joining your captain and crew for a welcoming champagne reception. There will be time to stroll through the village before coming back on board
where your master chef will delight you with the first of many delicious meals.
Monday - This morning, after breakfast, you'll visit Reims and its magnificent cathedral. You'll then join the Savoir Faire for lunch
and a short cruise to the delightful little town of Damery, with its 13th century church, which was part of a former Benedictine priory.
Later this afternoon you'll visit the Abbey of Hautvilliers where the monk Dom Pérignon first made champagne. Dinner aboard.
Tuesday - You are now entering the true Champagne region. Your hosts have arranged a pre-lunch visit to the world famous cellars of Moët
& Chandon for a tour and tasting. You'll then continue to cruise to Château Thierry, were Savoir Faire shall moor for the night.
This pretty town offers a promenade along the original walls of the town with views over the Marne valley. This whole area was the scene of
American battles in World War I. Nearby is the American Monument. Built in 1929, at an altitude of 660 feet, the monument keeps alive the
memory of the American troops who fought in WWI. Optional visit to Belleau Wood battlefield and the American cemetery. Dinner aboard.
Wednesday - Your cruise today will take you through picturesque landscapes so loved by both the French and visitors abroad. Today
your hosts have arranged a tour of some of their favorite places and a selection of visits to small family-run vineyards so that you can
try their fine selection of champagnes. The mooring for the night is at La Ferte, which offers beautiful, refreshing promenades along
the river. Dinner aboard.
Thursday - Today Savoir Faire cruises to Meaux, in the very heart of Brie, famous for its wonderful cheeses of the same name. Nearby,
on the route to Soissons, stands a monument that commemorates September 5th, 1914, the extreme point of advance of the German troops and
the date of the French counter-attack during WWI. You'll visit Coulomniers, one of the centers of Brie cheese. Your personalized visit to
a master cheese maker will enable you to see the cheese-making process first hand and to sample a variety of the world famous Brie cheese,
along with wines from his excellent cellar. Dinner aboard.
Friday - This morning you'll leave Meaux and head towards the mighty Seine which will take you into the very heart of Paris. The
cruise will take you past Coupvray, the birthplace of Louis Braille, the inventor of the alphabet for the blind. At St Maur des Fosses Savoir Faire
passes through the tunnel, which enables her to bypass the shallow waters of the Marne Loop. Today you'll tour the romantic Château of
Vaux-le-Vicomte (setting for the film "The Man In The Iron Mask"). Your visit includes an opportunity to explore the magnificent formal
gardens which are widely regarded as some of the best in France.
The journey concludes with an exclusive evening cruise through Paris. As the Savoir Faire glides past the magnificent church of Notre Dame,
the resplendent Louvre art gallery and the symbolic Eiffel Tower, you will enjoy the festive "Captain's Dinner".
Paris by night is referred to as the "City of Lights" and is one of the greatest sights to behold anywhere in the world. The final berth
for the night is in the Arsenal, a stone's throw from the lively district of the Bastille.
Saturday - After a hearty breakfast, your chauffeur will drive you to your hotel or airport in Paris.
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1.800.549.2575
