Sunday, Day 1 We'll Meet You in Dijon - Welcome Aboard!
Our captain will meet your party in late afternoon in central Dijon - at the Rail Station (there are frequent TGV trains from Paris) or local hotel. From there, you'll be chauffeured to Savoir Vivre at anchor in Escommes, a tranquil port area marking the highest point of the the Canal de Bourgogne. There will be time to unpack and explore.
Dining Venue: Dinner is at ‘Le Lassey' located in Chateau de Sainte Sabine. This elegant mansion was built in an old monastery. The Michelin-starred chef-driven cuisine focuses on the region’s abundance of fresh local produce, products, and ingredients
Monday, Day 2 Escommes to La Repe – Beautiful Beaune
This morning begin your cruise back in time through the unhurried and authentic Valley of the Ouche. Today's cruise involves a string of locks along a meandering tree lined section of the canal. The extraordinary Chateauneuf-en-Auxois comes into view as we round the corner on our way to our mooring at La Repe.
After lunch aboard, sightseeing takes center stage as you head to enchanting Beaune - wine capital of the Cote d'Or. There's much to enjoy in Beaune; most important is the immaculately preserved Hospice de Beaune, a charity hospital built in the 15th century (and which treated patients until the early 20th century!). And there will be time to explore the shops or visit a cafe in the square. Return to the barge in late afternoon before explore the exquisite Abbaye De La Bussiere and then enjoying dinner within this fabulous setting at the informal Le Bistrot des Moines.
Dining Venue: "Le Bistrot des Moines" at Abbaye De La Bussiere. From its founding in 1131 to its present re-incarnation as a luxury hotel, the Abbaye de la Bussiere has occupied a beautiful, canalside location. This fabulous setting offers our guests a dining opportunity at the informal Le Bistrot des Moines. Local ingredients play off of classic Burgundian recipes in this delightful restaurant.
Tuesday, Day 3 La Repe to Pont d’Ouche – Hilltop Medieval Village
After breakfast on board, we visit the lovely Medieval village and chateau of Chateauneuf-en-Auxois perched high on a hill overlooking the canal. Explore on cobblestoned streets, peek into private gardens, and then tour the haunting chateau. Then it's back to Savoir Vivre for lunch as we cruise through gorgeous scenery to Pont d'Ouche, a canal port where all kinds of interesting boats can normally be found. Relax on board or explore by bicycle - let's meet up with our barge at the next lock!
Dining Venue: “Le Spuller” in Sombernon...Simple, elegant, tasteful cuisine paired with spectacular views. The dining area offers panoramic views of the valley below - it is a perfect setting to enjoy a lovely dinner while afternoon turns to evening.
Wednesday, Day 4 Pont D'Ouche to La Bussiere
After a peaceful start to your day we visit Ferme de Poisset, an authentic cheese maker complete with goats. Yes, you'll learn and then you'll taste! After all, you are in France!
Return to Savoir Vivre and walk the towpath or bicycle into a nearby village - or just relax on board with a good book - as Savoir Vivre continues its journey on the historic Canal de Bourgogne to La Bussiere.
Dining Venue: Tonight you will dine at “L'Oree du Bois”, an authentic creperie (which are a French dining institution) located in the heart of Chateauneuf en Auxois. Once inside, you will be greeted with vaulted ceiling, a very pleasant central fireplace and mezzanine dining level.
Thursday, Day 5 La Bussiere to Gissey – Wine, wine, wine!
As you enjoy breakfast on board featuring village- baked pastries still warm from the oven, we we cruise through gorgeous scenery to Gissey-sur-Ouche. You will be driven south to the famed Cote d'Or wine region.
Your first visit today is to 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. Then it's back to present-day pleasures at a wine-tasting which introduces this area's vintages. Return to Savoir Vivre.
Dining Venue: You'll be transferred to dinner at the refined restaurant “Auberge Les Gourmands”. A friendly and warm welcome awaits you by restaurant owners Delphine and Christophe Faivre. Their goal is no less than “to satisfy all your desires and we will spare no effort in doing so. We want our guests enjoy quality service and we strive to offer all the comfort you deserve.”
Friday, Day 6 Gissey to Fleury-sur-Ouche - Market Day in Dijon
After breakfast, we head to Dijon to mingle with locals at the famed outdoor market. There will be time to look around the well-preserved Medieval old town and shop - think mustard! Then it's back to Savoir Vivre for lunch and an afternoon cruise through gorgeous scenery to Fleury-sur-Ouche.
Dining Venue: This evening, we visit "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.
Saturday, Day 7 A Sad Farewell
Depart between 8 and 9 am for your chauffeured transfer back to Dijon. After your final breakfast on board, it will be hard to leave Savoir Vivre! There are mid-to-late morning TGV trains from Dijon back to Paris or perhaps you'll choose to rent a car for an onward journey.
Route runs in reverse on alternate weeks and may differ on selected cruise dates.
Restaurants selection is subject to changes to accommodate public holidays, seasonal changes and closures.
Savoir Vivre
Unlike most of the other hotel barges, the 8-passenger Savoir Vivre is not a conversion of a commercial barge. She was constructed as a brand new ship and designed with hotel-like amenities. Her innovative layout makes her exceptionally space efficient and pleasant to be on, especially with the...Rates are for 6 nights (Sunday departure to following Saturday) per person and based on double occupancy per cabin unless noted as whole barge private charter
Not Available!
