Savoir Faire
Barging in Burgundy

Passengers: 12
Size: 128 feet long
Last Visited: 2008
Rating: Deluxe, A/C, Families

2009 rates

Whole-Boat Charter - Regular Season
Party of 12 - $52,900
Party of 10 - $50,600
Party of 8 - $48,300

Whole-Boat Charter - Value Season
Party of 12 - $40,250
Party of 10 - $37,950
Party of 8 - $35,600

Individual Cabins - Regular Season
$5,290 per person in a Twin-Occupancy Cabin
$2,695 single supplement

Individual Cabins - Value Season
$4,025 per person in a Twin-Occupancy Cabin
$2,015 single supplement

Regular Season Dates
May 24 to July 25
AND
August 23 to October 17

Value Season Dates
July 26 to August 22

2009 "Best of Burgundy and Upper Loire" Dates

June 14 - 20            July 19-25

June 21-27              July 26 - August 1

June 28 - July 4      August 2-8

July 5-11                August 9-15

July 12-18

Savoir Faire has announced a new summer itinerary, especially designed for gorgeous cruising on intimate canals! It is aptly named "The Best of Burgundy and Upper Loire."This route, from Nemours to Villenueve-sur-Yonne, lies but a short drive south of Paris - but might as well in another world all together! Highlights in Burgundy and Upper Loire include winetasting at Chablis, Chateau Vaux-le-Vicomte, the royal palace of Fountainebleau and the Medieval town of Moret-sur-Loing, one of the most enchanting villages in France. Bicycle and walk on the towpaths or just sit on the deck, sip Champagne and glide through untouched countryside.
Please go to the Itinerary section for a full reading of this wonderful route.

Savoir Faire is the former Etoile de Champagne, purchased in 2004 by Chris Bennett. He had operated an informal vessel on the Nivernais, but moved quickly to reclaim and continue Etoile de Champagne's reputation for elegance and quality. The most welcome changes were made in the cabins: totally gutted and rebuilt, they are now spacious and pretty havens, overflowing with books and art, which includes Chris' own delicate pencil drawings. The elegant public areas have been redecorated, too; these areas are especially spacious on this larger 3-story vessel.

Everybody's favorite is the back-of-the-barge bar, scene of a convivial cocktail hour. SAVOIR FAIRE operates with a crew of seven. Cuisine is outstanding and served in the mahogany-paneled dining room on a table gleaming with Wedgewood china and Christolfe silverware.

Savoir Faire

Burgundy-Upper Loire Itinerary

2009 "The Best of Burgundy and Upper Loire" Dates
Six-night cruises depart
between June 14 and August 10

Nemours to Villeneuve-sur-Yonne
In Upper Loire and Burgundy
Sunday: Nemours
Depart Paris at 2:30 PM for the scenic drive to Savoir Faire moored at Nemours in the Upper Loire. Your Captain welcomes you with a champagne reception and an introduction to the crew and ship. Tonight is the first of many gourmet dinners. Candlelit crystal and gleaming silverware add to the romantic ambience.

Monday: Nemours to Episy
Today we begin to cruise through the Upper Loire region. We float along the winding Canal de Loing, the landscape gently unfolding past open fields and forests bordering classic French towns. This is the perfect opportunity to cycle or stroll the towpath that lines the canal. After lunch, tour the Palace of Fontainebleau. It is often referred to as the “House of Centuries.” Every French monarch from Francois I to Napoleon III has left his mark upon this magnificent chateau. Afterwards, explore the ornate gardens and the thriving town of Fountainebleau. Our mooring tonight at Episy is especially peaceful. Weather permitting, your chef will happily prepare a stupendous “Savoir Faire BBQ.”

Tuesday: Episy to Moret-sur-Loing
Continue to cruise on the Canal du Loing to our overnight mooring at Moret-sur-Loing. Moret is a lovely village, best known as the home of Impressionist painter Alfred Sisley, who immortalized it in many paintings. Bicycle to the next lock or explore the villages along the route! After lunch, drive to the romantic chateau of Vaux-le-Vicomte (setting for the film “The Man In The Iron Mask”). Built between 1656 and 1661 by Nicolas Fouquet, Finance Minister to Louis XIV, the chateau’s construction was monstrous even for those days. Entire villages were razed and 18,000 workmen participated. So lavish was the housewarming party that the King threw a fit of jealousy and hurled Fouquet in jail. Just to prove who was boss, Louis XIV built the Palace of Versailles, using the same team of architects and landscape designers!

Wednesday: Moret-sur-Loing to Labrosse Lock
After breakfast, visit the medieval town of Provins, now a well-preserved UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the ancient ramparts, watch a falconry show and browse in the shops. Return to the Savoir Faire for lunch and begin your river cruising. Begin on the Seine and then join the Yonne on the way to our overnight mooring above the lock of Labrosse, deep in the countryside!

Thursday: Labrosse Lock to Sens
We begin our cruise along the narrow canal section of Courlon, built to facilitate the transport of wines and other prized goods to Paris. Later we pass the photogenic town of Pont sur Yonne on the way to the overnight mooring at Sens. After lunch, your tour guide will present the Cathedral of St. Etienne in Sens. 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 explore the shops in this popular market town. Relax before dinner with a drink from the bar as the swans gather round in anticipation of a free meal! The perfect setting for the end of a perfect day.

Friday: Sens to Villeneuve-sur-Yonne
This morning we cruise towards our final destination of Villeneuve-sur-Yonne. Before lunch, your tour guide will escort you to this delightful town. 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, drive to the world famous town of Chablis. First experience a panoramic vista of the Grand Cru vineyards and surrounding countryside, then savor a cellar tour and winetasting at Domaine Laroche. Return to the Savoir Faire to celebrate your last evening aboard. The Captain’s Dinner ends your cruise in style.

Saturday: Back to Paris
After breakfast and a fond farewell from your crew before being chauffeured back to Paris. Estimated arrival time is noon.

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Villenueve-sur-Yonne to Nemours
In Upper Loire and Northern Burgundy
Sunday: Villeneuve-sur-Yonne
Depart your Paris hotel at 2:00pm for the scenic drive to the Savoir Faire moored in the 11th century town of Villeneuve-sur-Yonne. Welcome aboard with a Champagne Reception and introduction to your crew and ship. Before dinner, your tour guide will present
Villeneuve-sur-Yonne, which was founded in 1163. We'll view the 700 year old town gate as well as the magnificent church of Notre Dame. Tonight is the first of many gourmet dinners on board. Candlelit crystal and gleaming silverware add to the romantic ambiance. Round off the day with a gentle stroll along the picturesque River Yonne.

Monday: Villeneuve-sur-Yonne to Sens
This morning, drive to the wine town of Chablis. First see a panoramic vista of the Grand Cru vineyards. Then tour the Domaine Laroche cellars, followed by winetasting. After lunch, we’ll glide out of Villeneuve-sur-Yonne past the riverside villages of the Upper Yonne. There are opportunities for bicycling and walking – or take in the sweeping views from the panoramic deck of Savoir Faire. Our mooring in Sens is five minutes from the town center. Relax before dinner with a drink as the swans gather round in the anticipation of a free meal. The perfect setting for the end of a perfect day!

Tuesday: Sens to Labrosse Lock
After a leisurely breakfast, tour the Cathedral of St. Etienne in Sens. Begun in 1140 and housing one of the richest treasuries in France, this mighty Gothic cathedral is the first of its kind in Europe. Then explore the shops in this popular market town. After lunch, cruise past the photogenic town of Pont sur Yonne and enter the narrow canal section of Courion, built to facilitate the transport of wines and other prized goods to Paris. Tonight our mooring is above the lock at Labrosse, an especially tranquil setting.

Wednesday: Labrosse Lock to Moret-sur-Loing
Our journey today joins the River Seine on which we cruise to our overnight mooring at Moret-sur-Loing, known as the home of Impressionist painter Alfred Sisley. After lunch, drive to the medieval town of Provins, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Provins is known for its ancient fortifications, such as the Tour Caesar (Caesar Tower) and well preserved city walls. There is the option of attending a show with eagles and horses galore! Browse the shops or take a café in the square.

Thursday: Moret-sur-Loing to Episy
Today is the beginning of our cruise on the Canal de Loing into Upper Loire. The landscape unfolds as we slowly pass open fields and forests bordering classic French villages. Why not bicycle or walk on the towpath? After lunch, visit the romantic Chateau of Vaux-le-Vicompte (setting for the film “The Man In The Iron Mask”). Built between 1656 and 1661 for Nicolas Fouquet, Finance Minister of Louis 14th, the chateau’s construction was monstrous even for its time. Entire villages were razed and 18,000 workmen participated. So lavish was the housewarming party that the King hurled Fouquet in jail. He then built the Palace of Versailles, using the same team of architects and garden designers! This evening our mooring is in the peaceful countryside next to the hamlet of Episy. Weather permitting, your chef will prepare a stupendous Savoir Faire BBQ.

Friday: Episy to Nemours
This morning we cruise to Nemours with plenty of biking and walking opportunities. After lunch, tour the Palace of Fontainebleau. It is often referred to as the “House of Centuries” because every French monarch from Francois I to Napoleon III has left his mark upon this magnificent chateau. Afterwards explore the ornate gardens and the thriving town of Fontainebleau. Return to the Savoir Faire to celebrate your last evening aboard.

Saturday: Departure 9:30 to Paris
We end the cruise with fond farewell from your crew before the drive back to Paris. Estimated arrival into Paris is noon.

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Please note: this is a sample itinerary 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.

Savoir Faire

Guestbook

"Dean's history lessons were superb - loved his commentary on the towns, cathedrals and chateaux.  The cuisine and crew were excellent - plus.  The entire experience was splendid - the Captain and entire crew bent over backward to give us the time of our lives!"
-Robert and Eve Eckhardt,  2008

"The first barge trip we have ever taken but it certainly won't be our last.  We are already thinking of next year on the Savoir Faire."
-Dr. and Mrs. James Brawner, 2008

"For a family of 23 people, our double charter proved to be an exceptional trip.  There were activities for guests age 14 to 83 to enjoy!  The Captains and crew did so much to make the cruise memorable.  The 4th of July celebration was spectacular!  Thanks so much!"
-Doug and Kitty Quarles, Jr.
 Marjorie II - Savoir Faire
 Double Charter, 2008

"Ellen, thank you for all the help with the trip.  Everyone loved it.  Chris and his entire crew were perfect.  I told Chris that his service was better than the Hotel Plaza Athenee!  They went out of their way to make us feel at home."
-Very Satisfied 2008 Guest

"Our trip went off without a hitch.  The captains and crews on the Savior Faire and Marjorie II were terrific...very friendly and seemed to go out of their way to make the side trips worthwhile."
-Bob Doolittle
 Marjorie II - Savior Faire
 Double Charter, 2008

"This was quite simply the trip of a lifetime. The barge was like a home and the staff was most accomodating. The cruising itself was most interesting especially the system of locks we passed through. Visiting the towns and sights on the canal was fascinating and we enjoyed each and every stop."
-Sally and Gregory Connell, 2007

"We loved seeing a new part of France and making new friends - what an enjoyable trip!"
-Warren and Nancy Butler, 2007

"Just with one word!! Wonderful!"
-Fred Vines and Cheryl Berry, 2007

"Ken and I have to say it was one of the best vacations we have ever had. Chris and Fran could not have been more welcoming and their staff, OUTSTANDING!!! I would recommend this trip to anyone who wants to relax, be treated like royality and eat the most wonderful meals. Evan, their chef is 5-star, Robert their butler, most enjoyable, Kerry so sweet and quietly efficient and of course Chris and Fran, most gracious hosts."
-Pat and Ken Neal, 2007

"We had a wonderful time on Savoir Faire and have told numerous people about you and The Barge Lady web site. The other three couples on the cruise were just fabulous company. They all joined the crew in making a huge deal out of our anniversary. It was really fun! The crew were all outstanding too!"
-Linda Quarberg, 2007

"An absolutely delightful, delicious and relaxing way to see France in a different way. Thanks to Ellen, The Barge Lady - she's the best!"
-Dr. and Mrs. Daniel Aronzon, 2006

"It was better than we had hoped for. Our last night cruising through Paris was pure magic. We cannot praise our Captain and crew enough. Kevin, our tour guide,anticipated all our needs and was a true gem. We are already planning our 2007 barge cruise!"
-Mr. and Mrs. Gary Albrecht, 2006

"Everything was new (deck furniture, bikes) and well-cared-for. The table settings were always different and lovely and featured French crystal and silvrware. This attention to detail was very appreciated!"
-William and Geri Muse, 2006

Savoir Faire Floor Plan

128 Feet long
-Bow cabin 142 square feet , Five cabins 116 square feet - all with twin or queen beds
-Individual DVD player in each cabin, large selection of movies
(Snuggle up with hot cocoa and your favorite film!)
-Wifi connection available
-Elegant barge with mahogany paneling
-Piano and large salon/dining room with large windows
-Separate bar at stern
-Two sun decks