Savior Faire
Barging in Champagne

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

2008 Barging in Champagne Cruise Dates
6-night cruises from August 24 - September 20

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 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

Champagne Cruise Itinerary

2008 "Cruising in Champagne" Dates
-August 24-30
-August 31-September 6
-September 7-13
-September 14-20

Epernay to Paris on the River Marne
Day 1 - 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.

Day 2 - Monday
Cruise 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.

Day 3 - 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.

Day 4 - 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.

Day 5 - Thursday
Cruise 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.

Day 6 - Friday
Cruise 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.

Day 7 - Saturday
Departure
After a hearty breakfast, our chauffeurs will drive you to your hotel or airport in Paris

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 the canals and waterways of France Or call us toll free at (800) 880-0071.

Savoir Faire Guest Book

"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
-DVD Player in each cabin, large selection of movies
-Elegant barge with mahogany paneling
-Piano and large salon/dining room with large windows
-Separate bar at stern
-Two sun decks