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(12 Guests, Deluxe) > Itinerary

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Savoir Faire

Best of Burgundy Itinerary

The Best of Burgundy: Ancy-le Franc to St Florentin
On the River Yonne and the Burgundy Canal

Sunday: Paris to Ancy-le-Franc
Champagne Welcome!
Your chauffeur collects you from your Paris hotel at 2:00 pm for the drive to the Savoir Faire, moored at Ancy-le-Franc on the Burgundy Canal. Captain Chris Bennett, welcomes you aboard with a Champagne Reception and an introduction to your crew. Before dinner, your tour guide is at hand to introduce you to the local area and tell you about the cruise week ahead. After an aperitif on deck, enjoy the first of many splendid dinners aboard, prepared by a master chef.

Monday: Ancy-le-Franc to Lezinnes
Medieval Abbey
Fresh ground coffee and fluffy croissants and pastries straight from the local baker - a delicious breakfast sets us up for our excursion to Fontenay, a marvelous medieval abbey with its cloisters, capitulary hall, dormitories and fish basins full of trout. There’s even a prison. Returning to the Savoir Faire for lunch we start our gentle cruise past the beautiful 16th century Renaissance palace and gardens of Chateau d'Ancy le Franc, towards the canal side village of Lezinnes where we moor overnight. Today, as with every day of your cruise, there's plenty of opportunity to wander or cycle ahead as the vessel descends through a series of quaint hand operated locks.

Tuesday: Lezinnes to Tanlay
Divine Renaissance Chateau

Today we have a real delight in store! Ropes away and onward past sleepy hamlets and cattle grazing by the canal banks. Our cruise today takes us to Tanlay, famous for its beautiful 16th century Renaissance-style Chateau. After lunch we take a short ride to the Chateau of Ancy-le-Franc. This Renaissance jewel, set in the center of a large park on the banks of the canal, houses the biggest collection of Renaissance murals in France, making Ancy-le-Franc a direct contender of Fontainebleau Palace. The immense quadrilateral, which is a classified historic monument, holds a rich decor attributed to some of the most celebrated Italian, Flemish and Burgundy artists of the 16th and 17th century.

Wednesday: Tanlay to Tonnerre
Chateau de Tanlay
After breakfast we take a short walk to the Chateau de Tanlay, nestling serenely within this picturesque village. The interior is luxuriously furnished and decorated by some astonishing frescoes. After lunch we continue your cruise along the Burgundy Canal. Our cruise this afternoon takes us to Tonnerre, one of the few places along the canal where you will find vineyards. This town is the center of a small wine growing area of about 60 hectares producing excellent reds and roses under the name "Bourgogne Epineuil". Of particular interest is La Fosse Dionne. Situated in the centre of the old town this natural spring, the second deepest in France, has long mystified people and is well worth a visit. In 1758 it was converted into a "Lavoire". Also worthy of note is the old hospital, built in 1293 by Margueritte of Burgundy.

Thursday: Tonnerre to Flogny la Chapelle
Winetasting in Chablis!
A good hearty breakfast sets us up for our morning cruise. This is barging at it's best. Relaxed, gentle on the soul, every bend offering something new. Hop on, hop off - we're going nowhere fast! Feeling left out - why not help us with the locks. Great exercise and the photos will be the envy of your friends.After lunch your tour guide drives you to the world famous town of Chablis where you'll take a tour of the ancient press and cellars of Domaine Laroche, followed by a wine tasting of their various fine vintages. After seeing Chablis we drive a short distance to a beautiful secluded spot where you can enjoy a panoramic vista of the Grand Cru vineyards and the surrounding countryside. A little cheese, a glass of wine - perfect!

Friday: Flogny la Chapelle to St Florentin
Historic Auxerre - A town of many eras

Our cruise this morning takes us to our final destination of St Florentin. After lunch we drive to one of the prettiest towns in France. Auxerre, the capital of lower Burgundy, is situated in the heart of a wine growing region most famous for its Chablis wine. The success of this thriving town is celebrated by architectural jewels such as the ornately painted 15th century Clock Tower, the soaring Gothic cathedrals of Saint Germain and Saint Stephen and an abundance of ornate Renaissance houses bordering tree lined squares. Every street offers a golden opportunity for the aspiring photographer. Relax before dinner with a drink from the bar and enjoy the evening from the panoramic deck of the "Savoir Faire". Tonight your chef adorns your table with a special Farewell Dinner. Candlelit crystal and gleaming silverware add to the romantic ambiance of your celebration. Laughter, great times and the warmth of friendship contribute to those "Golden Memories" that last a lifetime.

Saturday: St Florentin to Paris
A Sad Farewell
Finally time to say farewell to the Savoir Faire and her Captain and crew, but not before a rather special breakfast. After all, we wouldn't want you leave hungry! Bags are loaded by 9.30am and off we drive to your designated destination in Paris. Estimated arrival time is noon. Please make all onward plans the day of departure on the basis of this timing. We hope to see you again on Savoir Faire!

The Best of Burgundy: St Florentin to Ancy-le-Franc
On the River Yonne and the Burgundy Canal

Sunday: Paris to St Florentin
Champagne Welcome
Your chauffeur collects you from your Paris hotel at 2:00 pm for the drive to the "Savoir Faire", moored at
St Florentin on the Burgundy Canal. Your host and Captain, Chris, welcomes you aboard with a Champagne Reception and an introduction to your crew and ship. Before dinner, your tour guide is at hand to introduce you to the local area and tell you about the cruise week ahead. After a well deserved aperitif on deck you are served your first of many splendid dinners aboard, prepared by your very own master chef.

Monday: St Florentin to Flogny la Chapelle
Enchanting Auxerre
Fresh ground coffee and fluffy croissants and pastries straight from the local baker - a delicious breakfast sets us up for our van excursion to one of the prettiest towns in France. Auxerre, the capital of lower Burgundy, is situated in the heart of a wine growing region most famous for its Chablis wine. The success of this thriving town is celebrated by architectural jewels such as the ornately painted 15th century Clock Tower, the soaring Gothic cathedrals of Saint Germain and Saint Stephen and an abundance of ornate Renaissance houses bordering tree lined squares. Every street offers a golden opportunity for the aspiring photographer.

Returning to the Savoir Faire for a late lunch, we start our afternoon cruise to our overnight mooring near Flogny la Chapelle. A slow, gentle cruise past lock houses and sleepy hamlets. Your barging experience has now begun.

Tuesday: Flogny la Chapelle to Tonnerre
Picnic overlooking the Chablis Vineyards
Today we have a real delight in store! Ropes away and onward past sleepy hamlets and cattle grazing by the canal banks. Our cruise this morning takes us to Tonnerre, one of the few places along the canal where you will find vineyards. This town is the centre of a small wine growing area of about 60 hectares producing excellent reds and roses under the name "Bourgogne Epineuil". Of particular interest is La Fosse Dionne. Situated in the centre of the old town this natural spring, the second deepest in France, has long mystified people and is well worth a visit. In 1758 it was converted into a "Lavoire". Also worthy of note is the old hospital, built in 1293 by Margueritte of Burgundy.

After lunch your tour guide drives you to the world famous town of Chablis where you'll take a tour of the ancient press and cellars of Domaine Laroche, followed by a wine tasting of their various fine vintages. After seeing Chablis we drive a short distance to a beautiful secluded spot where you can enjoy a panoramic vista of the Grand Cru vineyards and the surrounding countryside. A little cheese, a glass of wine - perfect!

Wednesday: Tonnerre to Tanlay
Cruise in the Tranquil Countryside
Our cruise today is barging at it's best. Relaxed, gentle on the soul, every bend offering something new. Hop on, hop off - we're going nowhere fast! Feeling left out - why not help us with the locks. Great exercise and the photos will be the envy of your friends.

After lunch your tour guide escorts you into Tanlay by foot to view its beautiful 16th century Renaissance-style Chateau, pictured below, which nestles serenely within this picturesque village. The interior is luxuriously furnished and decorated by some astonishing frescoes. Soak up some true French village atmosphere by stopping for a drink at the bar situated in front of the main gates.

Thursday: Tanlay to Lezinnes
Elegant Renaissance Chateau
A good hearty breakfast sets us up for our morning cruise. Plenty of opportunity to walk or bike – as with the whole of the Burgundy Canal. After lunch we take a short ride to the Chateau of Ancy-le-Franc. This Renaissance jewel, set in the centre of a large park on the banks of the canal, houses the biggest collection of Renaissance murals in France, making Ancy-le-Franc a direct contender of Fontainebleau Palace. The immense quadrilateral, which is a classified historic monument, holds a rich decor attributed to some of the most celebrated Italian, Flemish and Burgundy artists of the 16th and 17th century.

Friday: Lezinnes to Ancy-le-Franc
Medieval Abbey
Our cruise this morning takes us to our final destination of Ancy le Franc. Today, as with every day of your cruise, there's plenty of opportunity to wander or cycle ahead as the vessel descends through a series of quaint hand operated locks. After lunch we take a short drive to the renowned Fontenay Abbey, a marvelous medieval community with its cloisters, capitulary hall, dormitories and fish basins full of trout. There’s even a prison.

Relax before dinner with a drink from the bar and enjoy the evening from the panoramic deck of the "Savoir Faire". Tonight your chef adorns your table with a special Farewell Dinner. Candlelit crystal and gleaming silverware add to the romantic ambiance of your celebration. Laughter, great times and the warmth of friendship contribute to those "Golden Memories" that last a lifetime.

Saturday: Ancy-le-Franc
A Sad Farewell
Finally time to say farewell to the Savoir Faire and her Captain and crew, but not before a hearty breakfast. After all, we wouldn't want you leave hungry! Bags are loaded by 9.30am and off we drive to your designated destination in Paris.

Savoir Faire Family Cruise Special Activities
All this in addition to regularly-scheduled sightseeing, walking and riding on the towpaths and relaxing on board this spacious barge. Spread out onto quiet corners and curl up with a good book or enjoy large public spaces where the family can be together. Here is what families can enjoy together on Savoir Faire:

SOPHIE'S SIZZLING PIZZA SESSION What fun! Learn how to make that perfect dough, choose your own toppings, into the oven and presto! - a pizza all of your own for lunch and we'll officially name it on our Blog. Let us film you making it and we'll post it on Facebook for all your friends to see.

COOKIE COMPETITION Learn how to cook the best cookies ever. Create a new recipe with the chef and wow all your friends and family with your very own invention.

POPCORN & MOVIE NIGHT Snuggle up in front of a great movie with a big bowl of popcorn. Our lounge is perfect for this. A big screen, cozy chairs. A real snug family evening in.

ZIP-LINING & PICNIC(please note that there is an additional charge for zip-lining) A marvelous experience high above. Explore the treetops and let the monkey out. This is something all your friends will want to know about. Relax afterward with one of Sophie's Summer Picnics - a basket full of surprises!

BBQ NIGHT If the weather's bright, let's do it right. Give the chef a hand to prepare your favorite BBQ meal. Let's dine alfresco, enjoy the fresh air and watch the sunset

PIRATE TREASURE HUNT a pirate afternoon making pirate hats, color in or draw pirate ships or bake pirate themed biscuits. Followed by our Treasure Hunt for children and adults alike - follow the clues on your map and discover the hidden treasure.

FAMILY QUIZ NIGHT form your team and answer questions on general knowledge, music, sport etc. A small prize for the winning team.

GLASS PAINTING Ruth is a qualified sign writer and her hobby is glass painting, She loves to teach people to paint designs on wine glasses. What a great souvenir from your vacation. Water based glass paints are very safe for children to use and if baked in the oven are permanent. T shirt painting could also be an option for children.

NAPKIN FOLDING interested in making that next meal with your friends a little different - take a napkin and our stewardesses will show you how to fold them into simple yet impressive designs.

PETANQUE & PASTIS (or fruit juice) with the crew Learn how to master this marvelous game, so beloved by the French and a mystery to others

COOKING DEMONSTRATIONS your chef demonstrates how to make a regional specialty with your help and answers any questions. The finished dish is then eaten as part of lunch or dinner.

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Please note: these are sample itineraries which may be subject to change depending on local conditions. The route will run in reverse on alternate weeks. Contact The Barge Lady for reservations and more information about Barging in Burgundy on the canals and waterways of France. Or call us toll free at (800) 880-0071.