Savoir Faire
Barge Cruise

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

2009 Prices

(We are sorry that this rate cannot be applied retroactively to charters already booked and deposited.)

For the month of October
Whole-Boat Charter of 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 Guests:
$40,250

2009 Available Dates
October 18 to 24 - Paris to Ghent
October 25 to 31 - Ghent to Amsterdam

For a 2 week cruise from Paris to Amsterdam
Whole-Boat Charter of 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 Guests:
$56,000
Individual cabins can be booked on 3-Country Cruise ONLY if there is a total of 8 passengers.
Please call for details.


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 Captain Chris Bennett. Chris 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 six. Cuisine is outstanding and served in the mahogany-paneled dining room on a table gleaming with Wedgewood china and Christolfe silverware.

From August 24 to September 20, Savoir Faire will cruise in the Champagne. This is the best time to cruise in this delightful region! You'll visit the Chateau at Vaux-le-Vicomte; World War I battlefields; a Brie cheese maker, the Cathedral at Reims, where the Kings of France were crowned and of course, champagne tasting and picnic in a vineyard.

Savoir Faire Barge Cruise Itinerary

CITY TO CITY

Auxerre to Montargis
Sunday: Auxerre
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.

Monday: Auxerre to Joigny
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.

Tuesday: Joigny to Villeneuve sur Yonne
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.

Wednesday: Villeneuve sur Yonne to
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.

Thursday: Nemours
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.

Friday: Nemours to Cepoy
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.

Saturday: Return to Paris
After breakfast you are driven to your hotel or the airport.


Auxerre to Paris
Sunday: Auxerre
Our chauffeurs collect you at mid-afternoon in Paris and escort you to the Savoir Faire moored in Auxerre. The town’s magnificent monuments, which include a splendid 15th Century clock tower, all bear witness to a remarkable historical past. Evening cocktails are served in the bar before your first of many splendid dinners aboard.

Monday: Auxerre to Gurgy
This morning our cruise takes us along the upper reaches of the Yonne to our overnight mooring at the riverside hamlet of Gurgy. After lunch, visit the world famous hilltop town of Vezelay. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Vezelay has been a place of worship since the Middle Ages. Streets lined with 15th Century timbered-framed buildings housing art galleries, boutiques and shops lead to the Basilica. Dinner on board completes the day.

Tuesday: Gurgy to Joigny
This morning we set off along the Yonne towards our overnight mooring at the riverside town of Joigny. Today is the perfect opportunity for those who wish to cycle alongside the ship as she glides gently by. We have selected the small family operation of Domaine Laroche for an intimate tour of their cellar. A comprehensive wine tasting rounds off this fascinating visit. Afterwards we drive past the surrounding vineyards, through the wine village of Irancy and on to St Bris, to visit the 12th Century underground cellars of Bersan and Fils. Dinner is served aboard after which you may enjoy a stroll around the lamp lit streets of Joigny.

Wednesday: Joigny to Sens
This morning we set off early towards our overnight mooring in Sens. After lunch you’ll enjoy a private guided tour of the Cathedral of St. Stephen, the first of the great Gothic cathedrals of France. There’s time to explore and shop in the charming streets of Sens. Dinner is served aboard.

Thursday: Sens to Samois
We begin the day with a peaceful cruise along the last stretch of the Yonne before joining the River Seine, which takes us north towards Samois. This morning there will be opportunities to cycle alongside the river and explore villages close by. After lunch drive to the Medieval town of Provins where you can explore ancient ramparts, watch a falconry show and browse around the boutiques and shops. This evening we shall be moored beneath the hilltop town of Samois, a favorite amongst painters and poets.

Friday: Samois to Paris
Our final days’ cruising takes us to Paris. Luxury villas and chateaus begin to appear along the riverbanks, as we cruise past fishermen patiently sitting beneath the shade of a willow tree. After a brief cruise you will be driven you to the magnificent chateau of Fontainebleau. To walk through Fontainebleau is to walk through the very history of France! Then return to the barge and cruise to Paris. You will have a brief opportunity to explore the area around Notre Dame before we depart for our exclusive evening cruise through Paris. You’ll also enjoy a festive Captain’s Dinner. Paris by night is referred to as the “City of Lights” and is one of the most romantic sights to behold anywhere.

Saturday: Return to Paris
After breakfast you are driven to your hotel or the airport.


Epernay to Paris
Sunday: Cumieres
You are met in the late afternoon and transferred by air-conditioned minivan from your hotel or airport and driven directly to the Savoir Faire, moored at Cumieres, 2km from the heart of Epernay. There will be time to stroll through the village before coming back on board where your master chef will delight you with the first of many delicious meals.

Monday: Cumieres to Damery
This morning, after breakfast, we visit Reims and its magnificent cathedral where the Kings of France were crowned. We then join the Savoir Faire for lunch and a short cruise to the delightful little town of Damery. Later this afternoon we visit the Abbey of Hautvilliers where the monk Dom Perignon first made champagne. Dinner aboard.

Tuesday: Damery to Chateau Thierry
You are now entering the true Champagne region. Enjoy a pre-lunch visit to the world famous cellars of Moet and Chandon for a tour and tasting. We then continue to cruise to Chateau Thierry. This whole area was the scene of American battles in World War I. Nearby is the American Monument, built in 1929, at an altitude of 660 feet, to keep alive the memory of the American troops . We can visit Belleau Wood battlefield and the American cemetery. Dinner aboard.

Wednesday: Chateau Thierry to La Ferte
Your cruise today will take you through picturesque landscapes loved by both the French and visitors abroad. Today we have arranged a tour of some of our favorite local villages and a selection of visits to small family-run vineyards so that you can enjoy the area as an insider. Our mooring for the night is at La Ferte, which offers beautiful, refreshing promenades along the river. Dinner aboard.

Thursday: La Ferte to Meaux
Today we cruise to Meaux, in the very heart of Brie, famous for its wonderful cheeses of the same name. We tour Coulomniers, one of the centers of Brie cheese. Your personalized visit to a master cheese maker will enable you to see the cheese-making process first hand and to sample a variety of the world famous Brie cheese, along with wines from his excellent cellar. Dinner aboard.

Friday: Meaux to Paris
This morning we leave Meaux and head towards the mighty Seine which will take us into the very heart of Paris. Today we visit the magnificent Chateau of Vaux-le-Vicomte. Built between 1656 and 1661 for finance minister Nicolas Fouquet, the chateau’s construction was monstrous even for those days. Entire villages were razed, 18,000 workmen toiled! Famous architects, painters and landscapers were called in to reflect Fouquet’s refined tastes. So lavish was the housewarming party, that Louis XIV threw a fit of jealousy and hurled Fouquet in jail. Just to prove who was boss, Louis XIV then began to build Versailles!

We finish our journey with an exclusive evening cruise through Paris. As the Savoir Faire glides past the magnificent church of Notre Dame, the resplendent Louvre art gallery and the symbolic Eiffel Tower, you will be joined by your captain and his wife for cocktails followed by the farewell “Captains Dinner”. Our final berth for the night is in the Arsenal, a stone’s throw from the lively district of the Bastille.

Saturday: Return to Paris
After a hearty breakfast, our chauffeurs will drive you to your hotel or airport in Paris.

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 Europe. Or call us toll free at (800) 880-0071.

Savoir Faire Guest Book

"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

"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

"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

Savoir Faire Floor Plan

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