SAVOIR FAIRE starts her barge cruise season in Holland to partake in the springtime celebration of tulips and flowers. With passengers on board for a Three Country Cruise, she then heads to France for the summer and fall where she cruises from Auxerre to Ancy le France on the Yonne River and upper Burgundy Canal. A comfortable, spacious barge, Savoir Faire is a delight with her experienced crew and owners Chris and Fran Bennett on board as hosts extraordinaire.

Cruise Highlights

Itinerary

Sample Itinerary
Auxerre to Ancy le France
Northern Burgundy

SUNDAY: Auxerre
You are met at your Paris hotel at 2pm for the drive to the "Savoir Faire" moored at Auxerre, undoubtedly one of the prettiest riverside towns in France. Your Captain welcomes you aboard with a Champagne Reception and an introduction to your crew and ship. This evening you are served your first of many splendid dinners aboard, prepared by your very own master chef.

MONDAY - Auxerre to Bassou
After breakfast, a walking tour of Auxerre, the capital of lower Burgundy. Situated in the heart of a wine growing region most famous for its Chablis wine, this thriving town celebrates it's success with architectural jewels such as the ornately painted 15th century Clock Tower, the soaring Gothic cathedrals of Saint Germain and Saint Stephen and an abundance of ornate Renaissance houses bordering tree lined squares. Every street offers a golden opportunity for the aspiring photographer and your tour guide knows all the great spots! After lunch we begin our cruise along the upper reaches of the river Yonne, which winds it's way downstream to our overnight mooring at Bassou. Locks with sloping walls and electric gates make for stark contrast to the quaint hand operated locks we will see on the Burgundy Canal. Dinner on board.

TUESDAY - Bassou to St Florentin
We begin our cruise along the final stretch of the river Yonne before we join the famous Burgundy Canal. Before lunch your tour guide drives you to the world famous town of Chablis where you'll take a tour of the ancient press and cellars of Domaine Laroche, followed by a winetasting of their various fine vintages. After seeing Chablis we drive a short distance to a beautiful secluded spot where you can enjoy a panoramic vista of the Grand Cru vineyards and the surrounding countryside. Your chef has prepared a surprise picnic with offerings worthy of a King's table. Great wine, great food and the companionship of friends and loved ones make for the perfect setting. Fully replenished we return to the "Savoir Faire" to continue our cruise to St Florentin, where we moor overnight. High above the town is the 15th century church and the Priory terrace, with fine panoramic views of the old town. Dinner on board.

WEDNESDAY - St Florentin to Tonnerre
After breakfast visit the morning market with your chauffeur before rejoining your cruise along the Burgundy Canal. Today we visit one of the great Cistercian monasteries of France. The Abbey of Pontigny was founded in 1114. Charming and rather understated on the outside, the great spaces of the interior really are something special and not to be missed if you are in northern Burgundy. More recently Pontigny Abbey has also played an important role in French culture - from 1922 to 1939 there was an annual get together of the great European intellectuals of the time at the abbey, including TS Eliot, Thomas Mann and Jean Paul Sartre. Let's not forget the Cistercian monks of Pontigny Abbey who first planted vines in the Chablis region. Dinner on board.

THURSDAY - Tonnerre to Tanlay
After breakfast you may want to explore Tonnerre, the centre of a small wine growing area of about 60 hectares producing excellent reds and roses under the name "Bourgogne Epineuil". Of particular interest is La Fosse Dionne. Situated in the centre of the old town this natural spring, the second deepest in France, has long mystified people and is well worth a visit. In 1758 it was converted into a "Lavoire". The most beautiful reminder of Tonnerre's past is the old hospital, built in 1293 by Margueritte de Burgundy. The chapel has a magnificent entombment, a masterpiece of 15th century Burgundian art.

Later this morning we begin our gentle cruise to Tanlay. Ropes away and onward past sleepy hamlets and cattle grazing by the canal banks. After a leisurely lunch and a little more cruising we stroll over to the 16th century Renaissance-style Chateau de Tanlay, nestling serenely within this picturesque village, which also boasts a challenging 9-hole golf course (advance bookings required). The interior is luxuriously furnished and decorated by some astonishing frescos. Afterwards enjoy a promenade along the canal bank, a cool refreshing drink on the upper deck or a leisurely wander into the village before dinner.

FRIDAY - Tanlay to Ancy le Franc
Today we have a real delight in store! After a hearty breakfast we begin our cruise to Ancy-le-Franc. Once again, plenty of opportunity to walk and cycle between locks as we head for our final destination. Later this afternoon we visit the Palace of Ancy-le-Franc. This Renaissance jewel, set in the centre of a large park on the banks of the canal, houses the biggest collection of Renaissance murals in France making Ancy-le-Franc a direct contender of Fontainebleau Palace. The immense quadrilateral, which is a classified historic monument, holds a rich decor attributed to some of the most celebrated Italian, Flemish and Burgundy artists of the 16th and 17th century. Relax before dinner with a drink on the panoramic deck of the "Savoir Faire". Tonight your chef adorns your table with a special Farewell Dinner. Candlelit crystal and gleaming silverware add to the romantic ambiance of your celebration. Laughter, great times and the warmth of friendship contribute to those "Golden Memories" that last a lifetime.

SATURDAY - Auxerre
Finally time to say farewell to the Savoir Faire and her Captain and crew, but not before a rather special breakfast. After all, we wouldn't want you leave hungry! Bags are loaded by 9.30am and off we drive to your designated destination in Paris.

Please note that cruise week runs in opposite direction on alternate weeks. All itineraries are subject to change.

Floor Plan

 
Savoir Faire has 6 twin or queen cabins at 116-142 sq. ft.

This is a barge you will love for its elegance and comfort.