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SAVOIR FAIRE, a spacious 12 passenger deluxe barge, spends summer in Burgundy, Upper Loire and Champagne.
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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 where she cruises the rivers from Paris to Burgundy to the Upper Loire to Champagne. 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
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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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SAVOIR FAIRE offers five itineraries in France, Holland and Belgium 2008
- Springtime in Holland
March 30 - May 3
- Three Country Cruise May 4-17, Oct 19-Nov 1, 13-night cruise
- Chablis Cruise (itinerary below)
May 18-24, Aug 17-23, Sept 21-Oct 18
- Burgundy/Upper Loire (itinerary below) May 25 - August 16
- Cruise from Paris to Champagne
August 24-September 20
The Chablis 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.
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Itinerary
CHABLIS CRUISE Between Paris and Auxerre
Savoir Faire will cruise between Burgundy and Paris on a route rich in treasures, including a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage town of Vezelay: a tour of Fountainebleau, palace of French Kings; and the Gothic Cathedral at Sens.There is ample opportunity to walk and bicycle along the route.
Sunday You are met at the hotel and driven to the Savoir Faire which is docked in Paris on the Left Bank. After a champagne welcome and a tour of the "Savoir Faire", we leave our mooring to position ourselves for a floodlit cruise of Paris", where the city's floodlit monuments and the Eiffel Tower unfold from a privileged perch on the panoramic deck.
Monday Morning cruise along the Seine river, followed by an afternoon visit to Fontainebleau. To walk through Fontainebleau is to walk through the history of France. Every royal family has added its architectural signature. Rejoin the "Savoir Faire" at its mooring.
Tuesday A pleasant cruise along the beautiful river Yonne to Sens, the oldest town in France. Visit the Unesco World Heritage town of Provins with its spectacular "Birds of Prey" show.Time afterwards to stroll around the town.
Wednesday Set off on the canal in the morning, stopping in the Roman style town of Villeneuve. Time to stroll around the town before exploring Sens, home to the first of the great Gothic cathedrals, a magnificent building that dominates the main square. Time to shop, visit the museum or stroll again around town. Moor for the night in the pretty riverside town of Joigny. Its narrow cobbled streets winding their way up to churches perched on top take you back to a bygone era.
Thursday Gentle morning cruise to Gurgy. After lunch take a drive to the world famous wine town of Chablis where we have arranged a tour of a reknowned wine cellar, followed by a wine tasting! Weather permitting, we then take a short walk to view the "Grand Cru" vineyards perched against surrounding hillsides.
Friday Cruise along the upper reaches of the Yonne to Auxerre, the most beautiful of all river towns whose skyline is punctuated by church spires and its streets lined with timbered 16th century houses. Time for shopping, visiting the old port, or the 15th century clock tower. Farewell dinner on board.
Saturday After breakfast you are driven to your Paris hotel or the airport.
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.

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THE BEST OF BURGUNDY and the UPPER LOIRE Between Auxerre to Montargis
Sunday You will be picked up at 1:45 PM from your Paris hotel and chauffeured to the SAVOIR FAIRE, moored in Auxerre. Your hosts, Chris and Fran, welcome you aboard with a Champagne Reception and an introduction to your crew and ship. Once you have settled in, your tour guide will accompany you on a leisurely walk through what is one of the prettiest towns in France. Auxerre, the capital of lower Burgundy, is situated in the heart of a wine growing region most famous for its Chablis wine. Tonight your chef welcomes you to your table with the first of many superb offerings. Round off the day with a gentle stroll along the riverbank or the "Son et Lumiere" show at Saint Germain cathedral.
Monday Your cruise begins as we glide out of Auxerre past the riverside villages of the Upper Yonne. Glorious flower displays border the locksides as we wind our way towards our overnight mooring at Joigny. There are plenty of opportunities for biking and walking along the pathways. After lunch, visit Domaine Laroche, where you are offered a tour followed by a comprehensive wine tasting. Our excursion then takes us through picturesque landscapes to a typical Burgundian farm, to sample local cheeses before returning to the "Savoir Faire". Your overnight mooring is the riverside setting of Joigny. Dinner on board.
Tuesday Our cruise before lunch takes us along narrow canals and gently flowing rivers towards the 15th century fortified town of Villeneuve sur Yonne. As always, there are opportunities to cycle alongside. Before lunch we moor near the restaurant of the famous actress "Leslie Caron". Take a short walk to view the 700 year old town gate as well as the magnificent Church of Notre Dame. Your guide accompanies you around the Cathedral of St Etienne. Afterwards enjoy a stroll through this popular market town before returning to the Savoir Faire. Your overnight mooring is beside the floodlit lit riverbank, five minutes from the town centre. Dinner onboard.
Wednesday Today we begin our cruise past the town of Pont-sur-Yonne and enter the narrow canal section of Courlon, built to facilitate the transport of wines and other prized goods to Paris. After lunch, tour the romantic Chateau of Vaux-le-Vicompte (setting for the film "The Man In The Iron Mask"). Our visit includes the magnificent formal gardens which are widely regarded as some of the best in France. We return to the Savoir Faire which is moored before the entrance to the Canal de Loing. Dinner onboard.
Thursday Today is the beginning of our cruise into the Upper Loire region, as we pass along the winding Canal de Loing. Affectionately known as the "Gardens of Paris", this little known region gently reveals its secrets as we discover a waterway teeming with wildlife and friendly lock-keepers. After breakfast your tour guide accompanies you to the medieval walled town of Moret-sur-Loing. Known as the home of Impressionist painter, Alfred Sisley, this enchanting setting is an inspiration for artists to this very day. There's time to explore the shops and visit the beautiful Church of Our Lady, built on the site of a 12th century Roman building. Join the Savoir Faire to continue through the Upper Loire region along the picturesque Canal de Loing to Nemours. This is the perfect opportunity to cycle or stroll along the surfaced path that follows the canal. Dinner onboard.
Friday This morning we cruise towards our final destination of Cepoy, an quaint mooring just outside Montargis. Once again, this is the perfect opportunity to cycle or stroll along the surfaced path that follows the canal and to explore the many villages that line the canal. After lunch you'll drive to the Palace of Fontainebleau. It is often referred to as the "House of Centuries" due to the fact that every French monarch from Francois I to Napoleon III has left his mark upon this magnificent chateau. Afterwards you will have time to explore the ornate gardens and the thriving town of Fontainebleau. Tonight the chef presents a spectacular"Captains Dinner", hosted by the owners of the Savoir Faire - Chris and Fran.
Saturday After breakfast you are driven to your hotel or the airport.
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.
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Floor Plan
Savoir Faire has 6 twin or queen cabins at 116-142 sq. ft.
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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 Three Country Cruise - 13 nights |
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Cruise Rates 2008 |
| SEE SPECIAL OFFERS for July and August charters |
Value Season Departures Mar 30, Apr 6, 13, 20, 27 October 5, 12, 19, 26 |
| Per Person Double 0ccupancy |
$3,500 |
| Single Supplement |
$1,750 |
Mid Season Departures May 4, 11; July 20, 27; Aug 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 |
| Per Person Double Occupancy |
$4,200 |
| Single Supplement |
$2,100 |
Regular Season Departures May 18, 25; June 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 July 6, 13; Sept 7, 14, 21, 28 |
| Per Person Double Occupancy |
$4,600 |
| Single Supplement |
$2,300 |
Six-night charter for 8 |
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| Value Season |
$31,000 |
| Mid Season |
$38,000 |
| Regular Season |
$42,000 |
| Six-night charter for 10 |
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| Value Season |
$33,000 |
| Mid Season |
$40,000 |
| Regular Season |
$44,000 |
| Six-night charter for 12 |
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| Value Season |
$35,000 |
| Mid Season |
$42,000 |
| Regular Season |
$46,000 |
13 night, 3 Country Cruise Per Person, Double Occupancy |
$7,500 |
| 13 night, 3 Country Cruise Single Supplement |
$1,000 |
| 13 night, 3 Country Cruise Charter up to 12 passengers |
$65,000 | |
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, 2 sundecks, separate bar lounge opening to aft deck, large lounge with piano opening to front deck, panoramic observation deck, polished mahogany interior Email Access: No TV/DVD/CD: CD Sound System Electricity: 220V, 110V for electric shavers |
Cruise Features |
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Cruising Region: France, Holland, Belgium Cruising Season: April - October Length of Cruise: 6 nights & 13 night Three Country Cruise 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, Golfing, Three Country Cruise |

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