Overview

Enjoy a new concept in barging on the gorgeous Savoir Vivre.  Savoir Vivre is designed to be affordable and to appeal to travelers more interested in experiences than ultra-plush amenities. You’ll cruise along the beautiful Burgundy Canal aboard your private boutique hotel, enjoying idyllic breakfasts and lunches 'on the go'.  Every evening you’ll enjoy 'real France' dining experiences at a different, authentic local French restaurant or auberge serving fresh, creative cuisine.  You’ll experience first hand why France is so richly deserving of its historic and gastronomic fame.

Accommodations

Amenities

• 7 days and 6 nights onboard in private cabin with en-suite bathroom
• Plentiful breakfast & sumptuous  luncheon buffet served onboard daily, lunch catered by top local chefs
• All Inclusive on-shore evening dining at authentic local restaurants, including wine. Transportation included
• Open refrigerator, complimentary bar  including regional wine and beer, bottled water, soft drinks & snacks
• Sundeck with overhang, comfortable furniture and romantic aft deck with table and chairs
• Daily escorted sightseeing excursions in private mini-bus, including entrance fees
• Air conditioning and central heating
  
  

Sample Itinerary

Côte-d'Or

Fleurey-sur-Ouche to Escommes

SUNDAY: Your crew will meet you in Dijon - Welcome Aboard!

Your captain will meet you 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 Fleurey-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, friendly and refined restaurant – “Auberge Les Gourmands”.

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 above the lock in Saint Marie, wander into this ancient and charming village for a stroll. After lunch on board (always freshly purchased from nearby markets and gourmet food shops), cruise for another hour and then enjoy the first of many excursions.

Francois, your trusted tour guide, 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 wine tasting 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 to La Bussiere - Market Day in Dijon

After breakfast on board featuring village-baked pastries just warm from the oven, you’ll 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 Bussiere before preparing for dinner tonight at the restaurant highly regarded “Ferme de Rolle”.

WEDNESDAY: La Bussiere 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 Sainte 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 your cruise into the Valley of the Ouche. Your final on-shore dinner is in the charming Hostellerie l'Auxois. Now is the time to share memories of your authentic encounters with the people, cuisine, wine and sights of Burgundy.

SATURDAY:  Escommes to Dijon - A Sad Farewell!

After your final breakfast on board, it will be hard to leave Savoir Vivre!  Depart between 8 and 9 am for your chauffeured transfer back to Dijon to the rail station, car rental agency or local hotel for your onward journey.