Savior Faire
Barging in Burgundy

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

2008 rates

Whole Boat Charter of 12
$42,000 - Mid Season
$46,000 - Regular Season
Attractive charter rates for 8, 9, and 10 passengers are available.
Call us at (800) 880-0071 to learn more.
Individuals
$4,200 - Mid Season
$4,600 - Regular Season
Mid Season Dates: July 20 to September 6 and October 5 - 18 in France
Regular Season Dates: May 18 to July 19 and September 7 to October 4 in France
SAVOIR FAIRE is offering a "Family Charter Rate" for the sailings of July 7 through Aug 24. The price is $38,000 for any party which MUST include two or more children under the age of 16.

2008 "Best of Burgundy and Upper Loire" Dates

Six night cruises between May 25th and August 16th


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 Auxerre to Montargis 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 an intelligent and artistic couple, Chris and Fran Bennett. The Bennetts 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 selected by Fran 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

2008 "The Best of Burgundy and Upper Loire" Dates
Six-night cruises between May 25-August 16

Auxerre To Montargis
In Upper Loire and Burgundy
Day 1 - Sunday
You will be picked up at 1:45pm from your Paris hotel and chauffeured to the Savoir Faire, moored in 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 will accompany you on a leisurely walk through what is 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. 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 the "Son et Lumiere" show at Saint Germain cathedral.

Day 2 - Monday
Your cruise begins as we glide out of Auxerre past the riverside villages of the Upper Yonne. Glorious flower displays border the locksides as we wind our way towards our overnight mooring at Joigny. There are plenty of opportunities for biking and walking along the pathways. After lunch, visit Domaine Laroche, where you are offered a tour followed by a comprehensive wine tasting. Our excursion then takes us through picturesque landscapes to a typical Burgundian farm, to sample local cheeses before returning to the "Savoir Faire". Your overnight mooring is the riverside setting of Joigny. Dinner on board.

Day 3 - Tuesday
Our cruise before lunch takes us along narrow canals and gently flowing rivers towards the 15th century fortified town of Villeneuve sur Yonne. As always, there are opportunities to cycle alongside. Before lunch we moor near the restaurant of the famous actress "Lesley Caron". Take a short walk to view the 700 year old town gate as well as the magnificent Church of Notre Dame. Your guide accompanies you around the Cathedral of St Etienne. 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. Dinner onboard.

Day 4 - Wednesday
Today we begin our cruise past the town of Pont sur Yonne and enter the narrow canal section of Courlon, built to facilitate the transport of wines and other prized goods to Paris. After lunch, tour the romantic Chateau of Vaux-le-Vicompte (setting for the film "The Man In The Iron Mask"). Our visit includes the magnificent formal gardens which are widely regarded as some of the best in France. We return to the Savoir Faire which is moored before the entrance to the Canal de Loing. Dinner onboard.

Day 5 - Thursday
Today is the beginning of our cruise into the Upper Loire region, as we pass along the winding Canal de Loing. Affectionately known as the "Gardens of Paris", this little known region gently reveals its secrets as we discover a waterway teeming with wildlife and friendly lock-keepers. After breakfast your tour guide accompanies you to the medieval walled town of Moret-sur-Loing. Known as the home of Impressionist painter, Alfred Sisley, this enchanting setting is an inspiration for artists to this very day. 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. Join the Savoir Faire to continue 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 onboard.

Day 6 - Friday
This morning we cruise towards our final destination of Cepoy, an 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 you'll drive to the Palace of Fontainebleau. It is often referred to as the "House of Centuries" due to the fact that every French monarch from Francois I to Napoleon III has left his mark upon this magnificent chateau. Afterwards you will have time to explore the ornate gardens and the thriving town of Fontainebleau. Tonight the chef presents a spectacular"Captains Dinner", hosted by the owners of the Savoir Faire - Chris and Fran.

Day 7 - Saturday
After breakfast you are driven to your hotel or the airport.

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

"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
-Wifi connection available
-Elegant barge with mahogany paneling
-Piano and large salon/dining room with large windows
-Separate bar at stern
-Two sun decks