| 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: Northern Burgundy - Two Itineraries
Other Regions Sailed: Northern France, Champagne, 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.
New for 2008, Savoir Faire features an exciting new summer itinerary, cruising in the Northern Burgundy and Upper Loire regions.
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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 -
Your chauffeurs collect you from your Paris hotel in the afternoon for the scenic drive to the Savoir Faire, moored alongside half
timbered houses and the mighty cathedrals of Auxerre. Your hosts, Chris and Fran, welcome you aboard with a Champagne Reception and
an introduction to your crew and ship.
Once you have settled in, your tour guide is at hand to accompany you on a leisurely walk through one of the prettiest towns in France.
Auxerre, the capital of lower Burgundy. Then relax before dinner with a drink from the bar and enjoy the best view in town from the panoramic deck of the Savoir Faire. Tonight
your chef welcomes you to your table with the first of many superb offerings. Round off the day with a gentle stroll along the riverbank or for the more energetic, an optional "Son et Lumiere" show at Saint Germain
cathedral.
Monday -
Your cruise begins as Savoir Faire glides out of Auxerre past the riverside villages of the Upper Yonne. Glorious flower displays border the
locksides as the barge winds towards its overnight mooring at Joigny. There are plenty of opportunities for biking and walking along
the pathways that follow the route.
After lunch, visit the world famous town of Chablis with a visit to Domaine Laroche and a tour followed by a comprehensive wine tasting.
A visit to Chablis is incomplete without taking in the best view in town. The excursion then takes you through picturesque landscapes
to a typical Burgundian farm, where you'll sample local cheeses before returning to the Savoir Faire. The overnight mooring is the
riverside setting of Joigny
Tuesday -
As you set off this morning, you'll enjoy one of the best views of Joigny from the panoramic deck of the Savoir Faire. The cruise before
lunch takes you along narrow canals and gently flowing rivers towards the 15th century fortified town of Villeneuve sur Yonne with ample
bicycling opportunities. Before lunch the barge moors near the restaurant of the famous actress Lesley Caron. From here you take a short walk
to view the 700 year old town gate as well as the magnificent Church of Notre Dame, the building of which lasted from the 12th to the
16th century.
After lunch, a short drive brings you to Sens where you will have a guided visit to the Cathedral of St Etienne. Begun in 1140 and
housing one of the richest treasuries in France, this mighty Gothic cathedral is the first of its kind in Europe. Afterwards enjoy a
stroll through this popular market town before returning to the Savoir Faire. Your overnight mooring is beside the floodlit lit
riverbank, five minutes from the town centre.
Wednesday -
Today begins with a cruise past the photogenic town of Pont sur Yonne as the barge enters the narrow canal section of Courlon, built to
facilitate the transport of wines and other prized goods to Paris. The importance of this waterway is evident by the presence of
commercial barges - some of which may join Savoir Faire in the locks!
After lunch, 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. Then return to the
Savoir Faire which is moored before the entrance to the Canal de Loing. Dinner onboard.
Thursday -
Today is the beginning of your cruise into the Upper Loire region, as the barge passes along the winding Canal de Loing. Once onto the canal
the landscape unfolds as you slowly pass open fields and forests bordering classic French villages and towns. Affectionately known as the
"Gardens of Paris", this little known region gently reveals its secrets as you discover a waterway teeming with wildlife and meet friendly
lock-keepers who help you on your way.
After breakfast your tour guide accompanies you for a leisurely stroll through the medieval walled town of Moret-sur-Loing which is known
to many as the home of the famous Impressionist painter, Alfred Sisley. There's time to explore the shops and visit the beautiful Church
of Our Lady, built on the site of a 12th century Roman building. You then join the Savoir Faire to continue cruising through the Upper
Loire region along the picturesque Canal de Loing to Nemours. This is the perfect opportunity to cycle or stroll along the surfaced path
that follows the canal. Dinner served onboard.
Friday -
This morning the barge cruises towards your final destination of Cepoy, a quaint mooring just outside Montargis. Once again, this is the
perfect opportunity to cycle or stroll along the surfaced path that follows the canal and to explore the many villages that line the canal.
After lunch, visit the château of Fontainebleau. To walk through the splendor of the inner sanctuaries of noble kings and queens is
to step back through time. Afterwards you will have time to explore the ornate gardens and the thriving town of Fontainebleau, before
deciding upon the option to visit the artist community of Barbizon.
Tonight you'll celebrate your final evening aboard while your chef presents a spectacular "Captain's Dinner", hosted by the owners of the
Savoir Faire.
Saturday -
The cruise ends with a nourishing breakfast and fond farewell from your crew, before your chauffeurs take you onward to Paris.
Sunday -
You will be collected mid-afternoon from your designated meeting point in Paris by the Savoir Faire chauffeurs and escorted to the barge
herself, moored at the Port Arsenal, Bastille in the very heart of the city. After a champagne reception, during which you are introduced
to your crew and the ship, you are free to settle into your cabins.
While cocktails are served, the Savoir Faire glides past the magnificent church of Notre Dame, the resplendent Louvre art gallery and the
symbolic Eiffel Tower. You will then be served your first of many splendid dinners aboard, prepared by your personal master chef. After
dinner the cruise continues through Paris to your overnight mooring. Paris by night is referred to as the "City of Lights" and is one
of the most romantic sights to behold anywhere in the world.
Monday -
The barge sets off from the Arsenal bright and early to begin your cruise south along the mighty Seine towards Burgundy. Once past the
reaches of Paris, the landscape begins to unfold revealing the tranquil beauty so sought after by busy city folk. Luxury villas and
châteaux begin to appear along the river banks, as you cruise past fishermen patiently sitting beneath the shade of a willow tree.
Your excursion today is to the magnificent château of Fontainebleau with a fully trained Fontainebleau guide to privately escort
you around the château. Afterwards you will be able to explore the shops and boutiques of Fontainebleau. This evening the barge
shall be moored beneath the hilltop town of Samois, a favorite amongst painters and poets. You will have the opportunity to stroll or
cycle along the shaded river bank before your candlelit dinner is served.
Tuesday -
The day begins with a peaceful cruise along the last stretch of the Seine before joining the river Yonne that takes us south towards
Burgundy, the land of Counts and fine wines. This morning there will be opportunities to cycle alongside the river and explore villages
close by.
After lunch on board, your guide will escort you to the medieval town of Provins which is a UNESCO World Heritage site where you can
explore ancient ramparts, watch a falconry show and browse around the boutiques and shops. Later you will have time to enjoy a pre-dinner
cocktail before yet another delicious meal is served onboard.
Wednesday -
This morning you set off along the Yonne River towards the overnight mooring at the riverside town of Joigny, where cobbled streets and
timbered-framed buildings take you back to a bygone era. After cruising through beautiful landscapes the barge stops moors in
Villeneuve-sur-Yonne for lunch on board.
This afternoon your chauffeurs will drive you to Sens for a private guided tour of the Cathedral of St Stephen, begun in 1140 AD and
the first of the great Gothic cathedrals of France. Afterwards you will have time to explore the charming streets of Sens before your
chauffeurs drive you back to the Savoir Faire. Dinner is served onboard after which you may enjoy a stroll around the lamp lit streets
of Joigny.
Thursday -
This morning the barge sets off on its cruise to the riverside hamlet of Gurgy, providing the perfect opportunity to cycle alongside the vessel.
After lunch you'll take a short drive to Chablis, home to some of the greatest wines in Burgundy. The small family operation of Domaine Laroche
has been selected for an intimate and insightful tour of their cellar, along with a comprehensive wine tasting.
Afterwards you'll be driven through the wine village of Irancy and on to St Bris, where you shall visit the 12th Century underground cellars
of Bersan and Fils. Another delicious dinner is in store for you this evening.
Friday -
The final cruise takes you along the upper reaches of the Yonne River to Auxerre, the most beautiful of all river towns whose skyline is
punctuated by church spires and its streets lined with timbered 16th century houses. The barge arrives in time for lunch, after which you
have the option of two visits.
The first visit offered is to explore this wonderful riverside town, with the Cathedral of Saint-Etienne dominating the skyline. Behind its
apparent simplicity lies one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in France. Beautiful Auxerre, the capital of Lower Burgundy, is
situated in the heart of a wine growing area most famous for its Chablis wine. The town's magnificent monuments, which include a splendid
15th Century clock tower, all bear witness to a remarkable historical past.
The second visit to choose from is to the famous hilltop town of Vézelay, forty minutes from Auxerre. Listed as a UNESCO world heritage site,
Vézelay has been a place of worship since the Middle Ages. It is from here that the second and third crusades were launched, the latter by
Richard the Lionheart. Dominating this medieval town is the Basilica Sainte-Madeleine, one of the most impressive churches in France.
Streets lined with 15th Century timbered-framed buildings house art galleries, boutiques and shops. This evening, after pre-dinner
cocktails, you will enjoy the farewell Captain's Dinner. You are joined by your hosts for what promises to be a meal
to remember.
Saturday -
After a hearty breakfast you are driven by the chauffeurs to your hotel in Paris.
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1.800.549.2575
