Savoir Vivre
Barging in Burgundy

Passengers: 8
Size: 80 feet long
Last Visited: 2010
Rating: Casual Class, A/C, Families

2012 Value Season Rates

Whole-Boat Charter of up to 8 guests: $22,000

2012 Value Season dates

April 1 - 7	April 15 - 21	April 29 - May 5
April 8 - 14	April 22 - 28	May 6 - 12

2012 Regular Season Rates

Whole-Boat Charter of 6: $26,000
Whole-Boat Charter of 7: $27,000
Whole-Boat Charter of 8: $28,000

2012 Regular Season dates

April 29 - May 5	June 10 - 16	July 22 - 28	September 2 - 8
May 6 - 12	June 17 - 23	July 29 - Aug 4	September 9 - 15
May 13 - 19	June 24 - 30	August 5 - 11	September 16 - 22
May 20 - 26	July 1 - 7	August 12 - 18	September 23 - 29
May 27 - June 2	July 8 - 14	August 19 - 25	September 30 - October 6
June 3 - 9	July 15 - 21	August 26 - Sept 1	October 7 - 13

2012 LOW Season Rates

Whole-Boat Charter of 6: $24,000
Whole-Boat Charter of 7: $25,000
Whole-Boat Charter of 8: $26,000

2012 LOW Season dates

October 14 - 20
October 21 - 27

This rate covers all meals and wine (upgraded wine selection can be arranged for an additional price). Breakfast and lunch are served on-board. Breakfast consists of local pastries, fruits, cereals, yogurt, coffee, tea and juices. The sumptuous lunch buffets offer new selections daily of quiches, salads, main courses, and a cheese platter, local breads and fresh fruit. At dinner, you'll dine around in Burgundy - all covered in the cruise price! Your Captain will make reservations and provide transportation. See under Menus for our luncheon buffets and restaurant selections.

Train transfers to and from the cruise route are in addition to the cruise rate.
Let us help you book and ticket 60 days before departure.

We are thrilled to announce the promotion of popular crew member Richard Megret to Captain-Guide aboard Savoir Vivre. Captain Megret hails from a prominent French “barging family,” members of which have been crewing in our industry for generations. He has worked on the canals since 1989, serving as pilot or chef on such top vessels as Fleur de Lys, Hirondelle, Horizon II and Princess. Attractive, strategic and fun – Captain Megret has done a great job with Savoir Vivre guests and is ready to showcase his knowledge of area's history and wines. Captain Megret will be assisted by two in crew, a young couple chosen for their expertise in the hospitality industry.

Savoir Vivre is the inspired creation of young entrepreneur and adventurer James Waggott. He is the son of one of the principal partners of Prosperite, a popular and Ultra-Deluxe vessel based in Burgundy. Wonderful cruises aboard Prosperite have led James to create a new experience based on his most lasting impressions. As he says: "The memories you take away are about the good times spent together, the epic scenery, the quietly cultured and proud ways of rural France, the wine, the food, and of lazily cycling beside the ship as she quietly plies along."

The shift in emphasis begins with the barge itself. It is modern, chic, and flexible-to-use. Not a square foot is wasted - although everything one needs is available. The lounge converts to a dining room in minutes, while the kitchen is "hidden" until needed! The cabins are ingenious. Although not large, they are chic - and with lots of things done right, such as excellent storage, efficient reading lights, deluxe bedding and bathrobes hanging ready-to-use. There are two decks - again, designed for flexible use with a selection of recliners, chairs and pillows - Lounging is decidedly casual but comfortable.

Savoir Vivre keeps guests in touch with all that is local, particularly as concerns cuisine. Simple breakfasts and delicious gourmet lunches are served on board, but, oh, the dinners! Along with building the barge, James has had the delightful task of finding the best in authentic chef-patron restaurants serving simple, fresh and creative cuisine. You'll dine every night in these unassuming and charming environments that the French have evolved over centuries.

Sightseeing is extensive but emphasizes the villages, the markets, and the wine and food producers. The high point is the half-day spent in Beaune. Tour the immaculately-preserved Medieval hospice and browse in the colorful pedestrian shopping street. Beaune is the wine capital of the Cote d'Or and is the best place to ship wine, too.


Guest feedback has been amazing! Please click on the guest book tab to see what our guests are saying about Savoir Vivre. For travelers looking to experience the authentic French countryside and lifestyle up close, this is the barge!

Savoir Vivre

Burgundy Barge Cruise Itinerary

Fleury-sur-Ouche to Escommes

On the Canal de Bourgogne

Sunday: Meet in Dijon
Welcome Aboard!
From Paris Gare de Lyon Train Station, Take TGV South #7661, depart Paris 1:58 pm, arrive Dijon Train Station 3:36 pm. Our Captain will meet you at the Front Door of the Station at 4:00 pm. (The cost of transfers to/from Dijon is in addition to the cruise fare and must be booked separately.) Or….we’ll see you in the lobby of your local hotel or in the office of your car rental return. From there, you'll be chauffeured to Savoir Vivre at anchor in Fleury-sur-Ouche, a classic village nestled on the Canal de Bourgogne. There will be time to unpack and explore, helping you work up an appetite for your first on-shore dinner at a local, friendly and refined restaurant - "Auberge Les Gourmands."

Monday: Fleury-sur-Ouche to Gissey-sur-Ouche
Wine, Wine, Wine!
This morning begin your cruise back in time through the unhurried and authentic Valley of the Ouche. You'll float past limestone cliffs, wooded hills and enchanting villages. After lunch on board, enjoy the first of many excursions. Richard, your Captain now becomes a trusted guide who will introduce you to the sights and history of Burgundy. You will be driven south to the famed Cote d'Or wine region. First visit Chateau du Clos de Vougeot where wine was produced by Cistercian monks from the 12th century on. Examine the ancient wine presses and learn more wine-making and life in that long ago era. Then it's back to present-day pleasures at a winetasting which introduces area vintages. Return to Savoir Vivre. Later you'll be transferred to dinner at the lovely nearby restaurant of "O Petit Repere du Gout."

Tuesday: Gissey-sur-Ouche to La Bussiere-sur-Ouche
Market day in Dijon
After breakfast on board featuring village-baked pastries just warm from the oven, head back to Dijon to mingle with locals at the famed outdoor market. There will be time to look around the well-preserved Medieval town core and shop - think mustard! Then it's back to Savoir Vivre with lunch on board and an afternoon cruise through gorgeous scenery to La Bussiere-sur-Ouche. Relax on deck or explore by bicycle - let's meet the barge at the next lock! Explore the subtle charms of La Brussiere before preparing for dinner tonight at the restaurant highly regarded
"Ferme de Rolle".

Wednesday: La Bussiere-sur-Ouche to Pont d'Ouche
An Afternoon in Delightful Beaune
Take a moment to reflect this morning as we cruise to Pont d'ouche. After lunch aboard, sightseeing takes center stage as you head to enchanting Beaune - wine capital of the Cote d'Or. There's much to enjoy in Beaune; most important is the immaculately preserved Hospice de Beaune, pictured below, a charity hospital built in the 15th century (and which treated patients until the early 20th century!). There will be time to explore the shops or visit a cafe in the square. Return to the barge in late afternoon, then relax until we drive you to the nearby delight of "Le Spuller", your restaurant for this evening.


Thursday: Pont d'Ouche to La Repe
Authentic Cheesemaker
After a peaceful start to your day we visit Ferme de Poisset, an authentic cheesemaker. Yes, you'll learn and then you'll taste!  After all, you are in France! Return to Savoir Vivre and walk the towpath or bicycle into a nearby village - or just relax on deck with a good book - as Savoir Vivre continues its journey on the historic Canal de Bourgogne to La Repe. Tonight you will dine at "L'Oree du Bois," an authentic creperie (which are a French dining institution) located in the heart of Chateauneuf en Auxois. Before dinner enjoy a glass of wine at the stunning lookout point.


Friday: La Repe to Escommes
Hilltop Medieval Village
After breakfast on board, we visit the lovely Medieval village and chateau of Chateauneuf-en-Auxois perched high on a hill overlooking the canal. Explore on cobblestoned streets, peek into private gardens, and then tour the haunting chateau. Return to Savoir Vivre for a drink on deck and then continue our cruise through the Valley of the Ouche to our final mooring in Escommes. Your final on-shore dinner is at the 'straight out of Ratatouille', "Chez Camille," pictured at right, in the heart of nearby Arnay le Duc. Now is the time to share memories of your authentic encounters with the people, cuisine, wine and sights of Burgundy.

Saturday: Escommes to Dijon
A Sad Farewell
Depart between 8 and 9 am for your chauffeured transfer back to Dijon. After your final breakfast on board, it will be hard to leave Savoir Vivre! You will arrive at the Dijon Train Station in time for TGV #6710, depart Dijon 9:57 am – arrive back at the Paris Gare de Lyon at 11:37 am. Or perhaps you’ll pick up a rental car in Dijon and continue your adventure. We hope that your cruise on Savoir Vivre has created memories to last a lifetime!

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Escommes to Fleury-sur-Ouche

On the Canal de Bourgogne

Sunday: Meet in Dijon
Welcome Aboard!
From Paris Gare de Lyon Train Station, Take TGV South #7661, depart Paris 1:58 pm, arrive Dijon Train Station 3:36 pm. Our Captain will meet you at the Front Door of the Station at 4:00 pm. (The cost of transfers to/from Dijon is in addition to the cruise fare and must be booked separately.) Or….we’ll see you in the lobby of your local hotel or in the office of your car rental return. From there,you'll be chauffeured to Savoir Vivre at anchor in Escommes, a tranquil port area marking the highest point of the Canal de Bourgogne. There will be time to unpack and explore, helping you work up an appetite for your first on-shore dinner at the 'straight out of Ratatouille', "Chez Camille," in the heart of nearby Arnay le Duc. Now is the time to begin your authentic gastronomic journey with us.

Monday: Escommes to La Repe
Beautiful Beaune
This morning begin your cruise back in time through the unhurried and authentic Valley of the Ouche. Today's cruise involves a string of locks along a meandering tree lined section of the canal. The extraordinary Chateauneuf-en-Auxois comes into view as we round the corner on our way to our mooring at La Repe.

After lunch aboard, sightseeing takes center stage as you head to enchanting Beaune - wine capital of the Cote d'Or. There's much to enjoy in Beaune; most important is the immaculately preserved Hospice de Beaune, a charity hospital built in the15th century (and which treated patients until the early 20th century!) And there will be time to explore the shops or visit a cafe in the square. Return to the barge in late afternoon, then relax until we drive you to the nearby delight of "Restaurant de l'Auxois",your restaurant for this evening.

Tuesday: La Repe to Pont d'Ouche
Hilltop Medieval Village
After breakfast on board, we visit the lovely Medieval village and chateau of Chateauneuf-en-Auxois perched high on a hill overlooking the canal.  Explore on cobblestoned streets, peek into private gardens, and then tour the haunting chateau. Then it's back to Savoir Vivre for lunch as we cruise through gorgeous scenery to Pont d'Ouche, a canal port where all kinds of interesting boats can normally be found. Relax onboard or explore by bicycle - let's meet up with our barge at the next lock! When you are ready we drive you to the nearby delight of "Le Spuller", your restaurant for this evening.


Wednesday: Pont d'Ouche to La Bussiere-sur-Ouche
Authentic Cheesemaker
After a peaceful start to your day we visit Ferme de Poisset, an authentic cheesemaker complete with goats. Yes, you'll learn and then you'll taste! After all, you are in France!

Return to Savoir Vivre and walk the towpath or bicycle into a nearby village - or just relax on board with a good book - as Savoir Vivre continues its journey on the historic Canal de Bourgogne to La Bussiere. Tonight you will dine at "L'Oree du Bois", an authentic creperie (which are a French dining institution) located in the heart of Chateauneuf en Auxois. Before dinner enjoy a glass of wine at the stunning lookout point.


Thursday: La Bussiere-sur-Ouche to Gissey
Wine, Wine, Wine!
As you enjoy breakfast on board featuring village baked pastries still warm from the oven, we cruise through gorgeous scenery to Gissey-sur-Ouche. You will be driven south to the famed Cote d'Or wine region. Your first visit today is to Chateau du Clos de Vougeot where wine was produced by Cistercian monks from the 12th century.

Examine the ancient wine presses and learn more about wine making and life in that long ago era. Then it's back to present-day pleasures at a winetasting which introduces this area's vintages. Return to Savoir Vivre. Later you'll be transferred to dinner at the local, friendly and refined restaurant –"Auberge Les Gourmands."


Friday: Gissey to Fleury-sur-Ouche
Market Day in Dijon
After breakfast, we head to Dijon to mingle with locals at the famed outdoor market. There will be time to look around the well-preserved Medieval old town and shop - think mustard! Then it's back to Savoir Vivre for lunch and an afternoon cruise through gorgeous scenery to Fleury-sur-Ouche.Your final on-shore dinner is at the highly regarded hilltop restaurant "Ferme de Rolle." Now is the time to share memories of your authentic encounters with the people, cuisine, wine and sights of Burgundy..

Saturday: Fleury-sur-Ouche to Dijon
A Sad Farewell
Depart between 8 and 9am for your chauffeured transfer back to Dijon. After your final breakfast on board, it will be hard to leave Savoir Vivre! You will arrive at the Dijon Train Station in time for TGV #6710, depart Dijon 9:57 am – arrive back at the Paris Gare de Lyon at 11:37 am. Or perhaps you’ll pick up a rental car in Dijon and continue your adventure. We hope that your cruise on Savoir Vivre has created memories to last a lifetime!

Please note: This cruise will be offered in the opposite direction on alternate weeks. Sightseeing and restaurant suggestions are based on availability and are subject to change. Your cruise fare does not include travel to and from Dijon, the pickup/return city. There are several TGV trains (fast, non-stop service between the two cities in under two hours) daily from Paris. Your booking agent will work with Savoir Vivre to organize your train schedule and then pre-purchase tickets before your departure to France. Your cruise fare includes daily breakfasts and lunches on board and all dinners on shore. (Upgraded wine will be at your expense.) Savoir Vivre will organize restaurant choices based on authentic and convenient venues and transfer you if necessary. 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 Vivre

Guest Book

"The pre-trip planning was excellent!  We had everything we needed when we got there.  The entire cruise exceeded our expectations.  The staff was wonderful, very friendly and accommodating.  Richard and June went out of their way to take care of us.  Francois, the guide, was very informed.  The scenery was beautiful and very peaceful. 

The excursions were great and it was fun to go into the villages every evening.  All of the restaurants were very good.  The cuisine on board was excellent and, if anything, we had too much food!

The boat was clean and new.  The mattresses were very comfortable and there was plenty of storage.  I can't say there was anything I disliked.  Everything was well timed and we did a lot of different things.  It was a lovely experience and I would love to do it again some day."
-Joy Rem, cruised October 2011
 
"Our cruise was wonderful and I cannot think of a thing that would have made it better! The staff was excellent - Richard and June were wonderful and such fun! Francoise was an excellent guide. My compliments as well to the chef. We had a good variety of foods that were deliciously prepared. I highly recommend this cruise."
-Mimi Greer, September 2011

"Our cruise absolutely exceeded our expectations!  The Captain and Hostess were very well informed, friendly and professional.  We enjoyed the variety and the professionalism of the tour guide, Francois, and all of the historic information imparted to us.  The cuisine and cabins were excellent and we had a most pleasant trip.  I have and will continue to recommend it as a memorable experience."
Ann Toerner-Rich, cruised September 2011

"I thought it was great!  The crew was so helpful and fun!  Richard and June were delightful and professional.  I enjoyed all of the sightseeing trips to cheese and wine making sites, historical buildings and restaurants.  The cuisine on board was excellent and I have encouraged friends and family to "barge"! "
Susie Rodabaugh, cruised September 2011

Dear Ellen,
"Captain Megret, his assistant June, and our tour guide Francois took excellent care of us. Not only were they professional and extremely capable, but they were warm and welcoming and fun. They handled everything for us, were attentive to all our needs, and accommodated our special requests. Captain Megret, in fact, went above and beyond the call of duty so many times; for example, he obtained dinner menus ahead of time and translated them for us. He was funny, charming, and helpful - he'd spell the French names for us, he found answers for questions we asked, and he rerouted the cruise to meet our requested schedule changes.

The food was fabulous, especially the lunches. Every lunch, we had 3 to 4 salads, a few main courses, a cheese course, dessert, and, of course, wine. For dinner, we explored local restaurants - some were better than others but the service was always excellent and the variety amazed us. The accommodations were much nicer than we had anticipated - very comfortable beds - and our rooms were cleaned daily and the public areas were always neat and inviting. The pictures on the website do not do the Savoir Vivre justice.

Captain Megret and Francois taught us so much about the region's people, history, wine and food. Burgandy is a fascinating region; the setting is spectacular with rolling hills, farmland, pastures, vineyards, small villages, and forests. All in all, we had a fabulous time and highly recommend the Savoir Vivre for travelers who want a fun, relaxing, and educational experience. Thanks for recommending this cruise!"
-Anita Yagjian, cruised October, 2011

"The barge was so beautifully decorated. The mattress was comfortable and the shower had plenty of hot water. And, we had great food-better than expected! The crew was so funny, obliging and always thoughtful. Francoise, our sightseeing guide, was knowledgeable and we missed nothing! I will recommend this boat to my friends!"
-Mary Brecount, cruised September 2011

“The cabin was clean and tastefully decorated with a nice bathroom complete with good shower head and lots of hot water. Our guide was informative with a slant that brought information to life. The visit to the goat cheese farm was my favorite outing; it was fun to meet the owner. Savoir Vivre is a wonderful venue with excellent crew and fabulous food. We have very fond memories of our cruise.”
- Judy Wells Warner cruised September, 2011

"Our cruise was fantastic! The food was superb, the crew were friendly and competent and the scenery was wonderful. The barge was very comfortable as well (the beds were comfortable and bathrooms were a very good size). Even the weather cooperated to make a memorable trip. We enjoyed our excursions to the fullest. Our guide was excellent with plenty of local knowledge and historical information. We can't think of any downside to our trip!"

-Stuart and Rhoda Sexton, cruised August 2011

"Prior to the cruise, we stayed at Hotel Le Senat, recommended by The Barge Lady, which was in a beautiful location next to the Luxembourg Gardens and we loved walking through - and of course very close to St. Germain.

We took the TGV together to Dijon - could not have been easier and our Captain - Richard - was waiting right on the platform outside our train car to assist with luggage and take us right to the boat! Savoir Vivre was really lovely - essentially a brand new barge with all creature comforts even laptop computer with internet connection - believe me, we did not use it much! There were fresh flowers in our rooms and in the living/dining area as well as on the outside deck. The bathrooms offered lovely toiletries including shampoo and conditioner, and shower had great water pressure and lots of hot water! Hairdryers of course.

I cannot say enough about the fabulous cuisine we had on board - Richard would get up every morning at 6AM to be first at the local boulangerie to get fresh hot croissants and pastries - different pastries every morning - can you imagine - along with fresh fruit, and juices, yogurts, and excellent coffee - even eggs any style if we wanted. Luncheons on board were a huge hit - always different fresh salads, lots of vegetables, and different quiches every day! Always a different local wine was served.

We visited a working cheese farm where we learned the art of cheesemaking - this farm makes small amounts of artisanal cheeses and sells to local restaurants and gourmet food shops. The owner had us in to his home following the tour where we tasted a variety of cheeses - delicious and very interesting. Most historic points of interest were located in Beaune and Dijon. The other half of each day was spent either biking or walking along the canal or relaxing on board with good conversation or a good book. We loved the fact that there was always snacks or beverages available to us if we wished. I hope to return!"
- Ellie Tsurdinis, cruised July, 2011

"The cruise was fabulous! We loved meeting locals and the market visits were fantastic. The food was superb and plentiful, and the cabins were neat and clean with comfortable beds. Our guide was friendly, competent and knowledgeable. The leisurely and informal experience, the unhurried pace, wonderful crew, and great guide created the perfect 40th anniversary cruise with our family. It exceeded our expectations, and my family calls it 'the trip of a lifetime'. We left wanting to return!
- Arthur and Ann Sajecki Family, Cruised June, 2011

"Our week on the Savoir Vivre was so very special. First, the food was....delicious, gourmet, freshly prepared, richly flavored, divine! Our captain, Francois, carefully chose wines for us at each lunch and dinner. Speaking of Francois, he and his first mate, June, were completely delightful throughout the journey. He is knowledgeable, skilled, and experienced. She is funny and the perfect hostess. They worked to make us feel pampered and cared for, accommodating our requests for Vodka Tonics or the perfectly paired wine for a lighter dinner one night. Walking or biking along the canal were easy to do and provoked some much needed calorie burning. We were also fascinated by the workings of each lock as we made our way slowly to our destination each day. The countryside and tiny villages of Burgundy were charming and delightful...it was such a treat to see and experience this side of France after staying in Paris. We chose a "casual class" barge because of the costs and never once regretted our decision. The service and overall experience were "deluxe", indeed"
- Rudolph and Louise Shappee, 2010

"The barge was excellent. The cabin had a nice layout, and the bathroom was larger than expected. Bathrobes and slippers were a nice touch. The common areas worked well for our group. We all looked forward to lunch as the selections were delicious and varied. There was also an abundant selection of beverages. Captain (Sir) Francois and June really made this trip super due to their hard work. We thank them and The Barge Lady for everything."
-Bruce and Lorraine Skelton, 2010

"This vacation provided me with fantastic memories of a lifetime! The best parts were the charming countryside, the picturesque views, abundant history of the area, and the day of wine tasting."
- Joe and Linda Lewkowicz, 2010