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SAVOIR FAIRE, a 12 passenger deluxe barge, cruises from Paris to Champagne in September.
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SAVOIR FAIRE cruises the Champagne region of France on the Seine and Marne rivers in September. This is an area of unsurpassed beauty and sophistication with abundant vineyards and a rich history strewn with World War I landmarks. A elegantly decorated barge known for comfort and space, Savoir Faire is a delight with her experienced crew and owner Chris Bennett on board as captain and host extraordinaire. |
Cruise Highlights
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Typical Cuisine on Board * Braised Beef Filet in Juniper Berry and Red Wine Jus * Saddle of Lamb with Eggplant Caviar Wine Cellar *St. Emilion Grand Cru (Chateau Gaillard) * Chassagne-Montrachet les Houilleres * Pomerol (Chateau des Jacobins)

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The Champagne Cruise (itinerary below) is different from many others. It begins or ends in PARIS! and features a private and exclusive "Paris by Night" cruise aboard the SAVOIR FAIRE, where the city's floodlit monuments and the Eiffel Tower unfold from a privileged perch on the panoramic deck.
2012 SAVOIR FAIRE itineraries in France, Holland and Belgium
- Springtime and Tulips in Holland
Departures March 25; April 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
- Haarlem (Amsterdam) to Bruges, Belgium and reverse
Contact Us for itinerary May 6-12; Oct 28 - Nov 3
- Bruges to Paris and reverse
May 13 - 24; October 14-25 (11 nights)
- Burgundy - St Florentin to Ancy-le-Franc
June 3, 10, 17, 24; July 1, 8, 15, 22, 29; August 5, 12, 19
- Paris to St Florentin or Paris to Villeneuve
Contact Us for itineraries May 27; August 26, September 30, October 7
- Champagne - Itinerary below
September 2, 9, 16, 23

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Itinerary
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Champagne & Brie Cruise Epernay to Paris
SUNDAY (Cumieres) You are transferred by air-conditioned minivan from your Paris hotel at 2pm and driven directly to the Savoir Faire, moored at Cumieres, 2km from the heart of Epernay. After an introduction to your ship, you are given time to settle in to your cabin before joining your captain and crew for our welcoming champagne reception. 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 (Cruise Cumieres to Damery) This morning, after breakfast, we visit Reims and its magnificent cathedral. We then join the "Savoir Faire" for lunch and a short cruise to the delightful little town of Damery, with its 13th century church, which was part of a former Benedictine priory. Later this afternoon we visit the Abbey of Hautvilliers where the monk Dom Perignon first made Champagne. Dinner aboard.
TUESDAY (Cruise Damery to Chateau Thierry) You are now entering the true Champagne region. Your hosts have arranged 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, were we shall moor for the night. This pretty town offers a promenade along the original walls of the town with views over the Marne valley. 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, the monument keeps alive the memory of the American troops who fought in WWI. Optional visit to Belleau Wood battlefield and the American cemetery. Dinner aboard.
WEDNESDAY (Cruise Chateau Thierry to La Ferte) Your cruise today will take you through picturesque landscapes so loved by both the French and visitors abroad. Today we have arranged a tour of some of our favorite places and a selection of visits to small family-run vineyards so that you can try their fine selection of champagnes. Our mooring for the night is at La Ferte, which offers beautiful, refreshing promenades along the river. Dinner aboard.
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. Nearby, on the route to Soissons, stands a monument that commemorates the 5th September 1914, the extreme point of advance of the German troops and the date of the French counter-attack. We visit 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. Our cruise will take us past Coupvray, the birthplace of Louis Braille, the inventor of the alphabet for the blind. At St Maur des Fosses we pass through the tunnel, which enables us to bypass the shallow waters of the Marne Loop. Today we visit the magnificent Chateau of Vaux-le-Vicomte. The wonderfully-proportioned chateau and its exquisite gardens are the highlight of this visit. Built between 1656 and 1661 for finance minister Nicolas Fouquet.
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". Pass beneath the Eiffel Tower and the floodlit bridges. Our final berth for the night is in the Arsenal, a stone's throw from the lively district of the Bastille.
SATURDAY (Departure 9.30am) After a hearty breakfast, our chauffeurs will drive you to your hotel or airport in Paris.
Note: This is a sample itinerary. Itineraries are flexible and may be changed according to passenger requests and local conditions. The itinerary is in the reverse direction every other cruise week. |
Floor Plan
Savoir Faire has 6 twin or queen cabins and elegant furnishings.
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This is a barge you will love |
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SAVOIR FAIRE Deluxe, 12 passengers Sunday to Saturday - 6 nights Bruges (Belgium) to Paris - 11 nights |
Cruise Rates 2012
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2012 Value Season Departures
Holland and Tulip Cruises: March 25; April 1, 8, 15, 22, 29; Oct 28 Holland to Bruges, Belgium: May 6 Burgundy, France Cruises: July 22, 29; August 5, 12, 19; October 7 |
| Per Person Double Occupancy |
$4,500 |
| Single Supplement |
$1,900 |
| Six-night charter up to 10 |
$43,900 |
Six-night charter up to 12
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$50,600 |
2012 Regular Season Departures
Burgundy, France Cruises: June 10, 17, 24; July 1, 8, 15; August 26; Paris to Champagne September 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 |
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Per person double occupancy |
$4,800 |
| Single supplement |
$2,000 |
| Six-night charter up to 10 |
$47,000 |
Six-night charter up to 12
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$54,000 |
Bruges (Belgium) to Paris May 13 - 24, 11 nights |
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| Per person double occupancy |
$10,500 |
| Single Supplement |
$4,000 |
| Charter up to 12 passengers |
$64,500 |
Paris to Bruges October 14 - 25, 11 nights |
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| Per person double occupancy |
$10,500 |
| Single supplement |
$4,000 |
| Charter up to 12 |
$64,500 |
Cabin bookings: $1,000 non-refundable deposit; balance due 90 days prior to departure Charter bookings: 25% non-refundable deposit; balance due 120 days prior to departure. | |
Included in Cruise Price |
- Transportation between designated meeting point and the barge
- Six nights accommodation in private cabin with ensuite bath
- All meals, wine and drinks on board
- Open bar
- Daily escorted excursions by air-conditioned van
- All barge amenities including bicycles
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Barge Features |
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Passengers: 12 Crew: 7 Barge Size: 132 ft x 17 ft Cabins: 6 Cabin Size: 5 @ 116 sq ft, 1 @ 142 sq ft Accommodations: 6 twin or queen with dual wardrobes, writing desk and chair Heat & Air: Central heat and air Laundry: Not available Amenities: Hairdryers, bathroom toiletries, library, 12 bicycles, 3 sundecks, separate bar lounge opening to aft deck, large lounge with piano opening to front deck, panoramic observation deck, polished mahogany interior Email Access: Yes, when reception available TV/DVD/CD: CD Sound System, DVD player in each cabin with 2 headphones Electricity: 220V, 110V for electric shavers |
Cruise Features |
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Cruising Region: France, Holland, Belgium Cruising Season: end of March - October Length of Cruise: 6 nights, 11 night Bruges to Paris, 11 night Paris to Bruges Departure Day: Sunday Pick-up Time: Varies with Itinerary Pick-up Location: Paris for France cruises; Amsterdam for Holland cruises |
Theme Cruises Available |
| Family, Biking, Walking, Tulip Cruises, Two and Three Country Cruises |
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