We will use our unique
in-depth experience
to find you your
perfect barge cruise
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Summary
Live life to the full aboard barge Savoir Vivre; she knows how to provide eight guests with a wonderful vacation that’s a ‘chic, relaxed, fun, authentic and an ever-so-slightly adventurous gastronomic cruise experience’. She is purpose built for stylish cruising.
Aboard Savoir Vivre discover the gorgeous Burgundy canal, its spectacular and charming scenery, and, uniquely, dine out every evening at a local restaurant for that real French cuisine experience.
Richard Megret, your host, is one of the famous Megret barging family and is renowned for a great sense of humour and lashings of charm. He has over 20 years’ experience in various roles, including chef, aboard some of the most prestigious hotel barges in France.
Key Features
Premier Class (3*)
Canal de Bourgogne, Burgundy
Charter and cabin bookings, 6 nights, 7 days, April to October
8 guests / 4 cabins with ensuite bathrooms
Dine-around: 5 lunches by visiting chef, 6 dinners off-board
Air-conditioning and heating throughout
Fore and smaller aft sun-decks
The Classic Cruise — Savoir Vivre
Classic Cruise Itinerary
| Route | Fleurey-sur-Ouche to Escommes on the Canal de Bourgogne, Burgundy |
| Pick-up | Pick-up at: Dijon 4:30pm |
| Dining | 6 breakfasts and 5 lunches on board | 6 dinners at local restaurants | all included in price |
Classic Cruise Highlights
- Explore the major towns of the region, Dijon and Beaune
- Visit a local market, chateau and pretty villages
- Wine tastings and viticulture tours
- Cheese making and tasting tour
- Dine out every evening in a different local auberge, bistro or restaurant
Day 1 — Sunday
Arrival in Dijon
Our captain will meet your party late afternoon in central Dijon. This is either at the train station (there are frequent and fast TGV trains from Paris) or local hotel. From there, you’ll be chauffeured to Savoir Vivre moored in Fleurey-sur-Ouche, a typical Burgundian village nestled on the banks of the canal. There will be time to unpack and explore, helping you work up an appetite for your first on-shore dinner at the local, friendly and refined restaurant, L’Auberge Gourmande.
Day 2 — Monday
Cruise to Gissey-sur-Ouche | Excursion to Chateau Clos de Vougeot and wine-tasting
This morning, begin your cruise through limestone cliffs, wooded hills and enchanting villages, and moor up in Gissey, where you can stroll into this ancient and charming village. After lunch on board, (prepared by our private chef and delivered to the ship), Your excursion this afternoon is to the famed Cote d’Or wine region and the 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 winemaking and life in that long ago era, before a delicious wine-tasting which introduces this area’s vintages. Dining this evening is at the Restaurant de La Porte Guillaume, located in the heart of Dijon. The rich, comforting flavors of Burgundian cuisine are at the forefront of this bistro’s regionally-inspired menu.
Day 3 — Tuesday
Cruise to La Bussière-sur-Ouche | Excursion to Dijon
After breakfast on board featuring village-baked pastries still warm from the oven, we head to Dijon to mingle with locals at the famed indoor market, with time to look around the well-preserved Medieval old town and shop – think mustard! After lunch on board we cruise through gorgeous scenery to La Bussière-sur-Ouche with opportunities to walk or cycle the tow path.
Later, explore the exquisite Abbaye de La Bussière and then enjoy dinner within this fabulous setting at their excellent Bistrot des Moines.
Day 4 — Wednesday
Cruise to Pont d'Ouche | Excursion to Hautes Côtes de Beaune
Relax on deck with cup of freshly brewed coffee this morning as we cruise to Pont d’Ouche.and after lunch aboard, sightseeing takes center stage as you head to the enchanting medieval town of Beaune – the wine capital of the Cote d’Or. There’s much to enjoy in Beaune; the immaculately preserved Hospice de Beaune, a charity hospital built in the 15th century and the many shops and cafes in the square. This evening we sample the delights of Le Spuller, your restaurant for this evening.
Day 5 — Thursday
Cruise to Vandenesse-en-Auxois | Excursion to a goat farm and cheese tasting
You’ve tasted wine, now it’s time to taste cheese. After a peaceful start to your day we visit the Ferme de Poisset, to meet an authentic cheese maker and her beautiful goats. Learn about making goat’s cheeses and enjoy a tasting with matched wines Walk the towpath or bicycle into a nearby village – or just relax on board with a good book as Savoir Vivre continues her journey on the historic Canal de Bourgogne to Vandenesse-en-Auxois. Tonight you will dine at L’Oree du Bois, an authentic creperie located in the heart of Châteauneuf en Auxois. Before dinner enjoy a glass of wine at the stunning lookout point.
Day 6 — Friday
Cruise to Éscommes | Excursion to Chateauneuf-en-Auxois
After breakfast, we return to the lovely medieval village and castle of Châteauneuf-en-Auxois, perched high on a hill overlooking the canal. Explore the cobblestoned streets, peek into private gardens and then tour the haunting chateau. Back to Savoir Vivre for lunch as we continue our cruise into the Vallée de l’Ouche. Dinner is at Hostellerie du Château, La Table de Guillaume. Chef Guillaume.is the former chef at the Michelin starred restaurant at the Abbaye de la Bussière.
Day 7 — Saturday
Departure from Éscommes
After breakfast on board, depart at 09:00 for chauffeured transfer to Dijon and onward journey.
This is a sample itinerary and subject to change and runs in the reverse direction on alternate weeks.
“For me and my wife, our September cruise aboard the Savoir Vivre was the second in just over a year. That alone should be evidence of how much we enjoyed this delightful and delicious exploration of the Burgundy region. In fact, we were so enthusiastic that three friends decided to join us this time around…and were also delighted with their experience.
Taking everything into account, the included tours, delicious meals, free-flowing wine and the open bar, the Savoir Vivre Burgundy canal cruise is a thoroughly enjoyable bargain. My wife and I are enthusiastic fans and recommend it highly.”
JC, USA, Sept 2023
“I can say with ease that it was one of the most relaxing and refreshing holidays we’ve ever experienced! It was exactly what we needed at this point in our lives…
We can’t say enough about Richard, Linzi and Simon. Without question they are in a league of their own and their triple dose of kindness, attentiveness, graciousness, warmth and humor is decidedly what makes this week an exceptional experience….They are three very fine human beings…I can’t imagine any other excursion that would match the richness of what they offered.
Thanks to you, too, Christina, for all your assistance I requested along the way as we prepared for our trip.”
AC and party, USA, June 2023
“Hi Christina,
It was great! we had an absolutely brilliant time, from the moment we stepped on to the Savoir Vivre to the moment we got off….We got on really well with our fellow passengers as well, we laughed every day. There is nothing I could suggest that could make this holiday any better…We have come back refreshed and replenished and can only thank Richard, Lyndsay and Simon for that, so much so that we are looking to repeat the experience again and with the same crew.”
DC, USA, May 2023
Accommodations and Facilities
- Dimensions: 80ft x 16ft
- Four suites, 110 ft², Ceiling Height 6’10, Bed length 6’3″
- Salon Ceiling Height 6’11
- Orthopaedic queen-size or twin beds with deluxe bedding and furnishings
- Bathrooms have vanitory basin, toilet, full size wet-floor shower, heated towel rail, bath robes, slippers and a hair-dryer. Toilettries supplied by Aromatherapy Associates.
- Climate control and fresh-air fan
- Picture window
- Dressing table/desk and chair
- Ample storage in wardrobe and large drawers underneath the beds
Other items on board
- Crew of 3: Captain, hostess and tour guide
- ‘Hidden’ kitchen with Siemens appliances & cherry cabinets
- Saloon converts into the dining area for breakfasts and lunches
- All main areas on one-level
- Open refrigerator and bar
- Flat-screen TV & DVD
- Guest laptop with 3G Wifi Internet access (restricted in some areas)
- Outdoor lounge style and sit-up chairs
- 8 all-terrain touring bicycles
- Hot-air ballooning and golfing as extras
- Air-conditioned minibus for transfers and excursions
Facilities At A Glance
Fine Wines — Fine Dining
Breakfasts are enjoyed in the traditional French way, lightly and unhurriedly – a continental breakfast is served, sometimes taken whilst gliding through calm waters.
Lunch is provided via the services of a private chef who meets Savoir Vivre en route. This provides high quality, casual and lighter style lunchtime eating.
In the evening, explore real French dining in carefully selected local restaurants along the route, including the ultra-deluxe bistro at the Abbaye de la Bussière.
This style of dining – where every evening meal is provided at authentic French restaurants – is unique to Savoir Vivre, and guests love it!
Photo Gallery
Savoir Vivre cruises in the Burgundy region
– [below] In the region: Besancon, River Saone, Canal de Bourgogne, Vandenesse-en-Auxois, Burgundy Route des Vins, Dijon, Macon –
Besancon ©M Akpovi | Beaune ©Michael Evans | Tasting ©bringingburgundytoyou.com| Others ©FW, wikimedia, n/a
Classic cruise rates and dates
All rates and prices will be confirmed at time of booking. Special Offers are available from time to time – contact us
What’s included
6 nights’ accommodation
Return transfers to Dijon
All breakfasts and lunches aboard, and dinners off board, and drinks
Excursions, tour guide and associated transport
What’s not included
Flights and travel to the pick-up
Travel, medical and cancellation insurance
Crew gratuities (5 – 10% of the cruise price is usual)
Personal expenses
2023
Charter and Cabin bookings
Sunday to Saturday
Rates and dates
Low rate weeks
Payment can be made in EUR at the exchange rate current at the time of booking and deposit payment. It will then be fixed at that rate for the subsequent balance payment.
April 9, 16, 23
October 15, 22
6 guest charter: 30,000 USD
7 guest charter: 31,000 USD
8 guest charter: 32,000 USD
Per Cabin bookings
Double Cabin: 4,000 USD per person sharing a double cabin
Single occupancy supplement: 1,750 USD
Regular rate weeks
April 30
May 7, 14, 21, 28
June 4, 11, 18, 25
July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
August 6, 13, 20
October 1, 8
6 guest charter: 32,000 USD
7 guest charter: 33,000 USD
8 guest charter: 34,000 USD
Per Cabin bookings
Double Cabin: 4,250 USD per person sharing a double cabin
Single occupancy supplement: 1,750 USD
High rate weeks
August 27
September 3, 10, 17, 24
6 guest charter: 34,000 USD / 31,160 EUR
7 guest charter: 35,000 USD / 32,070 EUR
8 guest charter: 36,000 USD / 32,990 EUR
Per Cabin bookings
Double Cabin: 4,500 USD / 4,125 EUR per person sharing a double cabin
Single occupancy supplement: 1,750 USD
2024
Charter and Cabin bookings
Sunday to Saturday
Rates and dates
Low rate weeks
Payment can be made in EUR at the exchange rate current at the time of booking/deposit payment. It will then be fixed at that rate for the subsequent balance payment.
April 7, 14, 21
October 13, 20
6 guest charter: 30,000 USD
7 guest charter: 31,000 USD
8 guest charter: 32,000 USD
Per Cabin bookings
Double Cabin: 4,000 USD per person sharing a double cabin
Single occupancy supplement: 1,750 USD
Regular rate weeks
April 28
May 5, 12, 19, 26
June 2, 9, 16, 23
July 7, 14, 21, 28
August 4, 11, 18
October 6
6 guest charter: 32,000 USD
7 guest charter: 33,000 USD
8 guest charter: 34,000 USD
Per Cabin bookings
Double Cabin: 4,250 USD per person sharing a double cabin
Single occupancy supplement: 1,750 USD
High season weeks
August 25
September 1, 8, 15, 23, 30
6 guest charter: 34,000 USD / 31,160 EUR
7 guest charter: 35,000 USD / 32,070 EUR
8 guest charter: 36,000 USD / 32,990 EUR
Per Cabin bookings
Double Cabin: 4,500 USD / 4,125 EUR per person sharing a double cabin
Single occupancy supplement: 1,750 USD
Hotel Barge Enquiry
Booking a luxury barge vacation isn’t the kind of thing one does with just a mouse-click or two. It takes a little research, thought and understanding, and we hope that our pages have provided you with all the information and inspiration you need to take this next step.
Why should you book with us? Because…
We’ve explored the waterways of France on our own boat since 2003 and know each of the barges and their routes.
We’re independent, impartial and enthusiastic – and we are the only France cruising specialist that can offer you the benefits of our own in-depth cruising knowledge and experience.
We love France, we love the rivers and canals of France, we love hotel barging – and we love talking about all three!
There’s nothing like speaking to a friendly expert to help you see the wood for the trees and to make the best possible decision about the vacation cruise of a lifetime. Get in touch – we’re here to help.
We will use our unique
in-depth experience
to find you your
perfect barge cruise
