Savoir Faire
Paris to Chablis Cruise

Passengers: 12	Your Host: Captain Chris Bennett
Size: 128 feet long	English Speaking Crew of: 6
Last Visited: 2012	Bicycles: 12
Rating: Deluxe	Air Conditioned: Yes

Cruise Rate Includes: 6 nights/7 days in a cabin with a private bath, chauffeured transfers from Paris to the barge & return, all meals, from dinner the first night to breakfast the last morning, all wines with lunch & dinner, open bar, daily escorted excursions and use of onboard bicycles.

Cruise Rate Does NOT Include: Airfare to and from France, cancellation insurance and crew gratuity (suggested minimum amount is 5% of the cruise price)

2013 Value Season rates

Whole-Boat Charter for 10 or less: $43,900
Whole-Boat Charter for 11: $47,250
Whole Boat Charter for 12: $50,600
Individuals: $4,500 per person double occupancy
Single Supplement: $1,900

2013 Value Season PARIS TO burgundy Dates

June 30 - July 6	Villeneuve-sur-Yonne to Paris
July 7 - 13	Paris to Villeneuve-sur-Yonne

2013 rEGULAR Season rates

Whole-Boat Charter for 10 or less: $47,000
Whole-Boat Charter for 11: $49,500
Whole Boat Charter for 12: $54,000
Individuals: $4,800 per person double occupancy
Single Supplement: $2,000

2013 Regular Season Dates

May 26-June 1	Paris -Villeneuve-sur-Yonne	June 16-22	Villeneuve-sur-Yonne-Paris
June 2-8	Villeneuve-sur-Yonne-Paris	June 23-29	Paris-Villeneuve-sur-Yonne
June 9-15	Paris-Villeneuve-sur-Yonne	August 25-31	Villeneuve-sur-Yonne-Paris

Barge Lady’s Kelly Weiss and her husband Tim cruised the Chablis Route May 18-24, 2008

"We boarded Savoir Faire, moored in Paris at Bassin de L’Arsenal near the Bastille. As we stepped on board for a champagne welcome and hors d’oeuvres with Captian Chris Bennett, we were wowed by Savoir Faire’s public spaces. The pictures I had seen were nothing compared to the real thing. A gorgeous spacious salon complete with piano, an elegant dining room and our favorite - the back of the barge bar – where we enjoyed cocktail hours and after dinner cards nightly!

After settling into our cabin we went up to the top deck to enjoy a pre-dinner cruise and take in Paris. Our first dinner onboard set the bar high with delicious Wild Norwegian Salmon served with a Hollandaise and fresh asparagus. (Chef Carsten’s subsequent cuisine continued to impress and draw rave reviews from all onboard! We especially loved the lunches we were able to enjoy on deck, taking in the beautiful French countryside as we dined.) After dinner we cruised a little more to get the full effect of Paris by night – it was breathtaking – the perfect kick-off to our wonderful cruise.

Savoir Faire’s diverse and fascinating sightseeing program rounded out our perfect cruise week. Highlight’s for us were Fountainebleau and Chateaux-Vaux-le Vicomte as well as exploring villages like Sens along the route and bicycling as Savoir Faire cruised. However, our absolute favorite was the tour and winetasting at Domaine Laroche, followed by a very special wine and cheese picnic overlooking the Chablis Vineyards…incredible.

On our last full day we enjoyed a final delicious lunch on deck. We relaxed, sipping a smooth Beaujolais as Savoir Faire floated to her last mooring in Auxerre. We had plenty of time to wander the picturesque town, with winding streets and squares below belfries, half-timbered houses, shops galore and the magnificent gothic Cathédrale St-Étienne. Later, it was time for the Captain’s dinner, but not before one last aperitif in the back-of-the-barge-bar. Our final dinner was our favorite of the week, capped off with a wonderful Chateauneuf du Pape and Crepes Suzette.

Saturday morning was bittersweet, enjoying our last breakfast of fresh squeezed orange juice, croissants and Carsten’s savory omelets, knowing the week had come to an end. We left with new friends and wonderful memories of our fabulous first barge cruise in France."

Savoir Faire
Paris and Seine Cruise Itinerary

Paris to Villenueve-sur-Yonne

Sunday: Board in Paris
Cruise through Paris as the sun sets!
You’ll be collected from your Paris hotel at 2:30 pm and transferred to Savoir Faire, at anchor in the center of Paris near the Opera Bastille. After your introduction to the barge and crew, there will be time to explore the immediate neighborhood, returning in late afternoon for our evening cruise through Paris. As the sun sets, Savoir Faire glides past such magnificent sites as Notre Dame, the Louvre, and the Eiffel Tower. Continue to cruise through dinner, the first of many prepared by our master chef

Monday: Paris to Melun
Fabulous Fountainebleau Palace
Bright and early (but not before the breakfast croissants are delivered!), we’ll leave Paris, cruising south on the River Seine towards our mooring in Melun. Once past the reaches of the city, the landscape begins to unfold in tranquil beauty. Luxury villlas and chateaux begin to appear on the riverbank while patient fisherman sit beneath the shade of willow trees. After lunch, tour the palace of Fountainebleau. Every monarch from Francois I to Napoleon left his mark on this magnificent chateau. Afterwards, explore the ornate gardens and the thriving town of Fountainbleau. Return for a stroll along the shaded riverbank of Melun and then another gourmet dinner.


Tuesday: Melun to Moret-sur-Loing
16th Century Chateau
Begin the day with a peaceful cruise down the Seine towards Burgundy, land of Counts and fine wines. Our destination is Moret-sur-Loing, a lovely village best known as the home of Impressionist painter Alfred Sisley. He immortalized this village in many paintings. After lunch, drive to the romantic chateau of Vaux-le-Vicomte. Built between 1656 and 1661 by Nicolas Fouquet, Finance Minister to Louis XIV, the chateau’s construction was monstrous even for those days. 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
Medieval Town - Enjoy a Falconry Show!
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
A Mighty Gothic Cathedral
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 enjoy a stroll through 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 Villenueve-sur-Yonne
View the Vineyards...Then Taste!
This morning we cruise towards our final destination of Villenueve-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
A Sad Farewell
After a hearty breakfast you are driven to your Paris hotel or airport. Estimated arrival time is noon.

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

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Villenueve-sur-Yonne to Paris
Sunday: Board in Villeneuve-sur-Yonne
Enchanting Burgundy Walled Town
Our drivers collect you at 2:00 pm from your designated meeting point in Paris and escort you to the "Savoir Faire" moored about 2 hours away at Villeneuve-sur-Yonne. This picturesque town was founded in 1163 by Louis VII of France to protect the kingdom of France at the boundary of the Champagne. 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 a champagne reception, during which you are introduced by your Captain to your crew and the ship, you are free to settle into your cabins. Your guide is at hand to escort you around the town or you may enjoy wandering through its narrow streets on your own.After a drink in the ship bar, you will enjoy the first of many splendid dinners aboard, prepared by your personal master chef.

Monday: Villeneuve-sur-Yonne to Sens
Grand Cru Vineyard Panorama
After breakfast drive to the world famous town of Chablis where we have arranged a private tour of the ancient press and cellars of Domaine Laroche, followed by a pre-lunch wine tasting of their various fine vintages. Then we'll present a panoramic vista of the Grand Cru vineyards and the surrounding countryside. A little more wine and a sumptuous buffet lunch set the scene. Return to the SAVOIR FAIRE to continue your cruise to the ancient town of Sens. Your overnight mooring is five minutes from the town center. Relax before dinner with a drink from the bar as the swans gather around in anticipation of a free meal. The perfect setting for the end of a perfect day.


Tuesday: Sens to Labrosse Lock
Europe's First Gothic Cathedral
After breakfast your guide escorts you to the Cathedral of St. Etienne. 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 enjoy a stroll on your own through this popular market town.. Lunch is served on board, as 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 our way to the overnight mooring at Labrosse Lock. The importance of this waterway is evident by the presence of commercial barges - some of which may join us in the locks!

Wednesday: Labrosse Lock to Moret-sur-Loing
Ancient Town, Falconry Show
We begin the day with a great SAVOIR FAIRE breakfast. Afterwards, your guide escorts you to the medieval town of Provins where you can explore ancient ramparts, experience a falconry show and browse around the boutiques and shops. Provins is now listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site and is listed amongst the most interesting towns in France. We then return to the barge for lunch, followed by a leisurely cruise along the final section of the River Yonne to Mort-sur-Loing, home of the famous Impressionist painter, Sisley. He immortalized this town in many charming paintings. There's time to stroll along the beautiful riverbank before a refreshing cocktail and dinner.

Thursday: Moret-sur-Loing to Melun
Where French Kings Ruled - Fountainebleau
We begin our cruise north along the mighty Seine towards Melun. The landscape begins to unfold revealing the tranquil beauty so sought after by busy Parisiennes. Luxury villas and chateaus begin to appear along the riverbanks, as we cruise past fishermen patiently sitting beneath the shade of a willow tree. Your excursion this afternoon is to the magnificent chateau of Fontainebleau. To walk through Fontainebleau is to walk through the very history of France. Every royal family has added its architectural signature, resulting in an unrivalled display of opulence. Afterwards explore the town before your drivers escort you back to the SAVOIR FAIRE. This evening we shall be moored in the center of Melun. You will have the opportunity to stroll along the shaded riverbank and breathe in the fresh air before your candlelit dinner is served.

Friday: Melun to Paris
Another Glorious Chateau!
After breakfast your tour guide will drive you to the romantic Chateau of Vaux-le-Vicompte (setting for the film "The Man in the Iron Mask"). Our visit includes an opportunity to explore the magnificent formal gardens which are widely regarded as some of the best in France. Built between 1656 and 1661 for finance minister Nicolas Fouquet, the chateau's construction was monstrous even for those days. Entire villages were razed and 18,000 workmen called in. Famous architects, painters and landscapers were commissioned 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 began building the Palace of Versailles! After joining the SAVOIR FAIRE for lunch, we continue to Paris. While cocktails are served beneath the Eiffel Tower, you chef prepares the farewell dinner. Afterwards, with the celebration champagne served on deck, the SAVOIR FAIRE glides past the magnificent church of Notre Dame, the resplendent Louvre art gallery, and the symbolic Eiffel Tower, each floodlit to show their magnificent beauty. Tonight we moor at the Port d'Arsenal, in the heart of the Bastille district.

Saturday: Departure
A Sad Farewell
We end the cruise with a nourishing breakfast and fond farewell from your crew, before your chauffeurs take you to your onward destination in Paris.You will depart at 9:00 am and be chauffeured either to your hotel in central Paris or to Charles de Gaulle Airport. Do not book a flight out before 1:00 pm. we hope to see you again on Savoir Faire.

Savoir Faire Floor Plan

128 Feet long
Bow cabin 142 square feet
-One queen or two twin beds
-Ensuite bathroom with shower
Five cabins 116 square feet
-One Queen or two twin beds
-Ensuite bathroom with shower
Also in cabins
-Hair dryer
-Individual DVD player in each cabin, large selection of movies
-New towels and upgraded toiletries in each bathroom
-All-new bed linens
In the Public Areas
-Internet access available on the barge laptop
-Elegant lounge with mahogany paneling
-Piano in lounge
-Separate mahogany paneled dining room
-‘Back of the Barge Bar'
-Three sun decks
12 Bicycles
Dahon foldable bikes with seven gears