SAVOIR FAIRE cruises in northern Burgundy from June to September where she cruises between St Florentin and Ancy le Franc on the upper Burgundy Canal. A comfortable, spacious barge, Savoir Faire is artistically decorated exuding warmth and elegance. Plush sofas and chairs in the large salon invite conversation and relaxation. The upright piano is available for the musically inclined. The polished wood dining room provides the ideal atmosphere for gourmet dining. My favorite, the separate cocktail lounge, resembles an English pub. Together with the three sundecks and well planned queen or twin staterooms, Savoir Faire is a beautiful barge and a great value. Owner and Captain, Chris Bennett, and his crew keep Savoir Faire in the most immaculate and ship-shape condition, a testimony to his dedication to a top notch barge cruise experience for his guests.

In September, 2011, friends and I cruised on Savoir Faire. It was everything I remembered and more. Captain Chris’ artistic flair abounds from his pencil drawings which grace the rich mahogany walls to the interesting variety of objets d’art from his travels. It is such a personal reflection of his life without being imposing. All together, a very harmonious, comfortable and elegant ambiance creating the perfect setting for the week to unfold.

Cruise Highlights

Itinerary

Cruising on SAVOIR FAIRE
BURGUNDY CANAL, NORTHERN BURGUNDY
St Florentin to Ancy le France

SUNDAY - Paris to St Florentin
Your chauffeur collects you from your Paris hotel at 2.00pm for the drive to the "Savoir Faire", moored at St Florentin on the Burgundy Canal. Your host and Captain, Chris, welcomes you aboard with a Champagne Reception and an introduction to your crew and ship. Before dinner, your tour guide is at hand to introduce you to the local area and tell you about the cruise week ahead. After a well deserved aperitif on deck you are served your first of many splendid dinners aboard, prepared by your very own master chef.

MONDAY - St Florentin to Flogny la Chapelle
Fresh ground coffee and fluffy croissants and pastries straight from the local baker - a delicious breakfast sets us up for our van excursion to 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. The success of this thriving town is celebrated by 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. Returning to the Savoir Faire for a late lunch, we start our afternoon cruise to our overnight mooring near Flogny la Chapelle. A slow, gentle cruise past lock houses and sleepy hamlets. Your barging experience has now begun.

TUESDAY – Flogny la Chapelle to Tonnerre
Today we have a real delight in store! Ropes away and onward past sleepy hamlets and cattle grazing by the canal banks. Our cruise this morning takes us to Tonnerre, one of the few places along the canal where you will find vineyards. This town is 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". Also worthy of note is the old hospital, built in 1293 by Margueritte of Burgundy. After 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 wine tasting 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. A little cheese, a glass of wine - perfect!

WEDNESDAY – Tonnerre to Tanlay
Our cruise today is barging at it's best. Relaxed, gentle on the soul, every bend offering something new. Hop on, hop off - we're going nowhere fast! Feeling left out - why not help us with the locks. Great exercise and the photos will be the envy of your friends. After lunch your tour guide escorts you into Tanlay by foot to view its beautiful 16th century Renaissance-style Chateau which nestles serenely within this picturesque village. The interior is luxuriously furnished and decorated by some astonishing frescoes. Soak up some true French village atmosphere by stopping for a drink at the bar situated in front of the main gates.

THURSDAY – Tanlay to Lezinnes
A good hearty breakfast sets us up for our morning cruise. Plenty of opportunity to walk or bike – as with the whole of the Burgundy Canal. After lunch we take a short ride to the Chateau 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.

FRIDAY – Lezinnes to Ancy le Franc
Our cruise this morning takes us to our final destination of Ancy le Franc. Today, as with every day of your cruise, there's plenty of opportunity to wander or cycle ahead as the vessel descends through a series of quaint hand operated locks. After lunch we take a short drive to the renowned Fontenay Abbey, a marvelous medieval community with its cloisters, capitulary hall, dormitories and fish basins full of trout. There’s even a prison. Relax before dinner with a drink from the bar and enjoy the evening from 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 – Transfer to Paris
Finally time to say farewell to the Savoir Faire and her Captain and crew, but not before a hearty 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.

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.