THE BARGE: Constructed in 1932 as a Belgian transport barge Converted into a hotel barge in 1979 Measures 130 ft. long by 17 ft. wide Six (6) onboard cabin accommodations Twelve (12) passenger capacity Onboard climate control PERSONNEL: Six (6) crew members who speak both English and French (some may speak other languages, as well). PUBLIC ROOMS: Salon Dining Room Cocktail Lounge Observation Deck Sun Deck ONBOARD LEISURE AND ENTERTAINMENT: HI FI system with CD player Twelve (12) touring bikes Upright piano Flat screen TV with DVD player Board games Small library of books MOBILITY RESTRICTIONS: Savoir Faire has no wheelchair access. There are several decks with steps leading to and from each as well as narrow passageways which may be difficult to navigate for those with extremely limited mobility. DECK PLAN: The Savoir Faire has truly set the standard of excellence in European canal barging. The sleek vessel welcomes its guests with warm interiors, elegant furnishings, spacious public areas and comfortable staterooms.

CABINS: The Savoir Faire features six (6) staterooms, all on the lower deck (Deck C). Stateroom 1 has a large bathroom with shower. Staterooms 2 through 6 each have a separate toilet and shower. All cabins offer good lighting, a large number of electrical outlets, and include 220v European standard and 110v U.S. standard power outlets. They also feature a full height wardrobe cabinet, with shelves on the right and a full height space on the left for hanging longer clothing and a half-height wardrobe cabinet, with shelves on the right and space on the left for hanging coats and shorter items of clothing. In each stateroom you will find a flat screen TV with DVD player, large movie selection,, remote control and earphones (2 sets). In the interest of guest privacy, sound is only available via headsets. CABIN SIZE: All cabins are similarly furnished, equally comfortable, and adequately sized, from 120 to 140 square feet. BEDDING CONFIGURATION & SIZE: All cabins can be configured either as two (2) twin beds or one (1) queen bed. When the cabins are in twin configuration, the beds will be parallel to each other with a space in between. BATHROOMS: All cabins have fully private bathroom facilities. Cabin 1 has a combined shower/toilet area while Cabins 2 through 6 have a shower stall separate from the toilet compartment. All are well-stocked with towels and bath products. AMENITIES: Climate Control Hairdryer Storage Space Flat Screen TV with DVD Player Electricity (220V, French two pin plugs)

Twin Configuration Double Configuration Cabin 1 Bathroom

SALON/DINING ROOM: The Salon, like the Dining Room and Cocktail Lounge, is fininshed in mahogany, teak, and brass. The height of leisurely entertainment on board Savoir Faire, the Salon offers guests plenty of seating and a multitude of activities with which to pass the time. The relaxing Salon features: 2 Sofas 2 Coffee tables 2 Armchairs Wrap-around bench seating Upright piano Game table Encapsulated by several large windows, the Salon is bright, spacious, and airy. DINING ROOM: The Dining Room is elegantly decorated, its main focus a long banquet-style dining table with seating for all guests at once. There is also a beautiful wine bureau featuring the best of the region to accompany all meals. COCKTAIL LOUNGE: The Cocktail Lounge has a large well-stocked bar with barstools and additional seating for guests who wish to enjoy a refreshing beverage while on board. Guests here may wish to share a moment with friends, or reflect thoughtfully on the day's experiences. OBSERVATION DECK: The Observation Deck, located on the vessel's uppermost deck, is a great place to watch sweeping views indoors should weather not permit pleasant outdoor seating.  Just behind the Wheelhouse, this lounge area has plenty of seating and tables for guests. ON DECK: With two (2) outdoor areas on board Savoir Faire, guests are certain to enjoy fresh air and sunlight without overcrowding. The Foredeck, just beyond the Salon, hosts an "al fresco" table with a handful of seating The Aft Deck, onto which the Cocktail Lounge opens, has more open-air space for guests to step outside and share a romantic moment, or watch France melt into beautiful memories. OFF BOAT: Passengers are welcome to walk or cycle using the onboard bicycles as often as they like.  Most People choose to disembark the barge at a lock to visit local villages, then return to the canal and meet the barge further along (the barge travels slowly; therefore, this is not a problem). An air-conditioned minibus is also available for transfers and on shore excursions.

Salon Dining Room Cocktail Lounge Deck

Privately owned and excellently managed, the Savoir Faire merits her fine reputation established over a number of years. In the respected Andrew Harper's Hideaway Report, this much loved ship was rated 'Best European Barge- the luxurious ultra spacious Savoir Faire plying the inland waterways of Holland and France'. Leave your worries behind for a while and step aboard for a week of sheer bliss. Captain/owners Chris and Fran Bennett and their attentive crew are dedicated to ensuring that this cruise will be among the best that you can hope to experience. Diverse cruise routes are offered aboard -- Please contact us for current availability and cruise route possible on a specific date. Click Below for Sample Itineraries: Loire-Burgundy Paris-Epernay Holland Tulip Cruise Three Country Cruise

Highlights: “The Best of Upper Loire & Burgundy” Cruise - From the sun kissed slopes of Chablis to the inner sanctuaries of French kings and noble knights, this cruise promises golden memories with every turn you take Champagne Cruise - Paris to the cathedral at Reims . A favorite for landscapes and champagne; Includes ' Paris by Night' cruise Holland Tulip Cruise - Holland at it's best- windmills, Delft porcelain, tulips at Keukenhof plus a cruise through the heart of Amsterdam Three Countries Cruise - A "once-in-a-lifetime" 14 day voyage from Paris to Amsterdam via France , Belgium and Holland

Chris and Fran Bennett have been captain and owners since the end of 2004. Their extensive experience on the waterways of France has included operating a successful barge in Burgundy that received rave reviews from their passengers, setting the stage for their operations aboard the Savoir Faire. They now celebrate their 10th year afloat. They are charming, attentive and knowledgable hosts assisted by a crew of four including a master chef. Since their first year of operation aboard the Savoir Faire - the 2005 season - they have received exceptional reviews from each charter and individual cabin cruise week, achieving some of the highest guest satisfaction levels of any luxury barge in Europe.

Each day, the chef combines fresh ingredients drawn from local markets to create the most incredible cuisine you have ever experienced. The menus you will experience aboard will always be unique, and tailored to your specific needs. The following menu selections are typical, but cuisine aboard will be different - and is sure to surprise and delight you! Breakfast: Continental breakfast with freshly baked pastries and breads, cereals, fruit, yogurt and eggs made to order. Lunch: Pan fried fois gras, served on warm brioche, with an assortment of fresh salads Souffle of Parmesan and Marrow, served on warm roast vegetables in olive oil (vegetarian). Dinner: Typically includes an entree, main course, cheese course, dessert, and coffee, followed by aperitifs and chocolates served in the main salon. A grand selection of fine regional wines accompanies lunch and dinner, complementing the superb cuisine.

APPETIZERS Steak tartare with roquette salad Cream of Mussel and Saffron soup Oeuf en Meurette - poached egg in a Bourgignon sauce Tartare of Salmon, capers and dill, topped with a fresh quail’s egg Smoked duck and poached pear salad, with blue cheese dressing Feuillete of roast avocado and Brie with a walnut dressed salad (vegetarian) MAIN COURSE Poulet de Bresse a la crème with gratin Dauphinois Fillet of Shark served in a tarragon butter sauce Braised beef fillet in juniper berry and red wine jus Rosette of pork filet with a Dijon mustard sauce and Gratin Dauphinois Cumin roasted saddle of Lamb with a Caviar of Aubergines Roasted duck breast with a Grillottes sauce, Duchess potatoes Tarragon Pancake filled with spinach mousse with a roquefot glaze (vegetarian) DESSERT Tart Amandine with Crème Anglaise  Lemon Posset with Langue du chat biscuits  Homemade nougat glace with a fresh fruit coulis Dark Chocolate Soufflé with a white chocolate sauce  Strawberry Meringue Roulade with a Summer Fruit Coulis Paris Brest, with Crème Anglaise

Click here for 2011 DATES/RATES

2010 SCHEDULE

2010 PRICING

Price includes:

A 7-day/6-night cruise in a cabin on board Savoir Faire
(3 Country Cruise is 12 days departing Sunday and concluding Saturday)
Transfers from Paris or Amsterdam (depending on cruise direction) to barge & return
All meals
All wines with lunch & dinner
Open bar
All escorted excursions
Use of bicycles

Price does not include:

Flight to Paris or Amsterdam & return
Hot air ballooning option
Gratuities
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JOINING AND LEAVING THE CRUISE

Cruise Passenger Meeting Point Champagne, Loire, Burgundy: Hotel of your choice in Paris - 2pm Holland: Hotel of your choice in Amsterdam - 2pm Champagne, Loire, Burgundy: To begin the cruise, passengers will be picked up from hotel in Paris at 2pm on Sunday. If you would like to stay in Paris prior to your cruise, please contact our Reservations Team for more information. At the end of your cruise, you will be transferred back to hotel in Paris after breakfast.

Holland: To begin the cruise, passengers will be picked up from hotel in Amsterdam at 2pm on Sunday. If you would like to stay in Amsterdam prior to your cruise, please contact our Reservations Team for more information. At the end of your cruise, you will be transferred back to hotel in Amsterdam after breakfast. If you are chartering the whole vessel, alternative local transfer points can also be arranged.