THE BARGE: Newly constructed in 2009 as a hotel barge Measures 80 ft. long by 16 ft. wide Four (4) onboard cabin accommodations Eight (8) passenger capacity Onboard climate control PERSONNEL: Two (2) to three (3) crew members who speak both English and French (some may speak other languages, as well). PUBLIC ROOMS: Salon/Dining Room Terrace ONBOARD LEISURE AND ENTERTAINMENT: LCD entertainment system with surround sound CD and iPod playback capability Boulevard cruiser bicycles with single speed MOBILITY RESTRICTIONS: Savoir Vivre has a V-shaped hull which means she is able to moor very close to the bank.  This means the gangplank used to board her is kept short, allowing easy access for the very young, old, and physically unstable.  Since there is only one deck on Savoir Vivre, steps are minimal; however, there are narrow passageways that may be difficult to navigate for those with extremely limited mobility. DECK PLAN: A modern, efficient and beautiful purpose built ship specifically designed to cater for eight sophisticated, adventurous, comfort seeking travelers.

CABINS: There are four (4) Laura Ashley designed cabins on board Savoir Vivre, each decorated with sumptuous contemporary decor. All air-conditioned and with en suite facilities, these cabins - like the entire ship - were designed with a modern elegance and comfort in mind. In each cabin, guests will find a side table & chair, wardrobes with full-length mirrors, and eye-level shelving with plenty of hanging space. In addition to the digitally-controlled individual thermostat, the cabins also have fresh-air fans. For those who like to sleep in a bit, the windows are dressed in custom-made "blackout" blinds with magnetic retainers. CABIN SIZE: On average, each cabin measures approximately 100 sq. ft. including adjoining bathroom area, more than enough private space to comfortably navigate BEDDING CONFIGURATION & SIZE: Each cabin may be configured either as two (2) twin beds or one (1) double bed. When the cabins are in twin configuration, the beds will be parallel to each other with a space in between them. BATHROOMS: The Italian-style en suite bathroom in each cabin is finished in cream with contemporary chrome fittings. Custom glass enclosures house the roomy thermostatic shower (a hot water loop ensures instant hot water flow). The large bathroom mirror is heated to eliminate fog-up, and the towel rails are heated as well for colder seasons. AMENITIES: Digital climate control Fresh-Air Fan Hairdryer Storage Space Heated Towel Rails Anti-Fog Bathroom Mirror Electricity (220V, French two pin plugs)

Twin Configuration Double Configuration En Suite Bathroom

SALON/DINING ROOM: The Salon/Dining Room is a clever multi-use space including contemporary designer furnishings.  Quad opening front doors open out onto the foredeck creating a large indoor/outdoor public area.  A drop leaf table positions in moments to provide comfortable seating for eight (8).   For entertainment, an LCD TV with surround sound offers playback of DVDs, slideshows, CDs and iPods. Guests may also help themselves to an elegant open bar with glass shelving for drinks during conversation. The Dining Room is a unique hidden kitchen concept which changes the feel of the room depending on its use, so a dining table will not actually occupy precious Salon space unless absolutely necessary. Custom-made designer Roman blinds cover the large windows in the Salon/Dining Room which is fitted with Siemens appliances throughout. ON DECK: While foregoing a traditional Sun Deck, Savoir Vivre does contain two (2) separate outdoor terraces to allow for maximum guest space.  Additionally, the separate outdoor decks ensure the best view and/or sun direction any time of the day.  The two (2) decks are distinguished as follows: Foredeck Fantail The Foredeck features a hardwood bar with easy-to-access bicycles stored beneath.  The Salon's quad doors open onto this portion of the boat and a varnished drop leaf table opens to provide space for "al fresco" dining. The Fantail area is accessed via double opening doors at the rear of the ship.  Here, guests will find another outdoor drop leaf table as well as a canvas canopy. 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). Savoir Vivre's unique boulevard cruiser bicycles are single-speed and have an easy step-over ideal for the rusty rider. An air-conditioned vehicle is also available for transfers and shore excursions.

Salon/Dining Room LCD Entertainment Screen Foredeck Terrace Off Boat Experiences

A cruise along the Burgundy canal is a voyage of discovery encompassing culture, architecture, history and natural beauty. In reality this means there is always something to do. Enjoy vineyard tours, explore ancient chateaux, browse authentic markets perhaps cycle along the towpaths. You may wish to walk into the local village to a café in the square, balloon over divinely beautiful countryside or play a round of golf on one of the several high quality courses nearby. Or perhaps you'd prefer to simply watch all this glide quietly by as you sip fresh coffee on deck on a balmy morning; maybe later savor the peace and calm alone while moored in idyllic suroundings – perhaps with a glass of wine… or two. This really is an epically, elegantly beautiful and interesting place with the most charming and typical rural scenery in all of France. The view, of course, changes as you make progress – one moment you’ll be surrounded by vineyards and the next a lockkeeper’s house laden with flowers seeing first hand the incredible and ingenious durability of one of Europe’s greatest pioneering transport systems. You will marvel at the charm, romance and humbling beauty which only a village or chateau dating from the 12th century can offer. They charm and inspire you through their quiet, unassuming authenticity – magnificent. Click below for Sample Itinerary: Dijon-Chateauneuf en Auxois

Highlights: Examine ancient wine presses and learn about winemaking on a visit to Chateau du Clos de Vougeot Visit the immaculately preserved Hospice de Beaune Discover the world of cheesemaking on a visit to Ferme de Poisset Explore the medieval town of Chateauneuf-en-Auxois Multiple onshore dining spots in authentic French restaurants

The founder of Savoir Vivre, James Waggott, is by no means new to barge cruising.  James is the the son of one of the Partners of Prosperite, an ultra-deluxe 8 passenger barge with an enviable reputation throughout the inland waterways of France.  It was during cruises aboard Prosperite that the seed of an idea was planted, which developed into James' own unique vision. James is not shy when it comes to challenges.  Following a succesful career in Marketing, he has since enjoyed forays into restaurateuring and property development & investment. This was followed by an MBA at the world ranking Leeds University Business School, where he gained Distinction honors and a formalized plan for Savoir Vivre.

Our captain, Francois Everson, is one of the most experienced pilots and guides on the French canals. He started way back in 1986 on the Virginia Anne and from 1995 co-owned the very successful Saint Louis. He has lived and worked in Burgundy since 1990 and knows the area as well, if not better, than most natives. Semi-retired since 2006, we are delighted to have tempted him back for the launch of the Savoir Vivre. In his own words: “The concept of a less formal approach to barging really appealed to me. My love of the canals, especially these here in Burgundy, has never diminished nor has my enjoyment of showing visitors the best that this region has to offer. All in all, the Savoir Vivre appealed so much to me that it didn’t take a lot to persuade me to join the project.”

Savoir Vivre's unique "dine-around" eating experience is the first barge ever designed to specifically cater to this format. This means no wasted space on board and a handy "on-stage" galley format when necessary. Guests on board Savoir Vivre should feel like it's their personal vessel. The 16ft. Salon can be converted into a fully-functioning Dining Room in moments; however, this is primarily ideal for the delicatessen-style lunches guests will be having while drifting on the canal. The true French dining experience is derived from daily interactions at authentic local French restaurants. With a special combination of on- and off-board dining, the days of 'is-it-or-isn’t-it-a-tourist-trap' decisions followed by unfathomable menus are over! The restaurants are carefully chosen, know what Savoir Vivre's customers expect, and most have English menus and/or English-speaking staff. Savoir Vivre's staff is not associated with these independent, ‘chef-patron’ restaurants other than as valued, appreciative customers. Savoir Vivre is a deluxe barge to which her passengers should not feel confined.  Guests are encouraged to explore France at their own pace, and delve into one of the world's most celebrated art forms:  French cuisine.

Click here for 2011 DATES/RATES

2010 SCHEDULE

2010 PRICING

Price includes:

A 7-day/6-night cruise in a cabin on board Savoir Vivre
Transfers from Dijon to barge & return
Breakfast & lunch
Open bar & refrigerator
All escorted excursions
All entrance fees to places visited as outlined in itinerary
Use of bicycles

Price does not include:

Flight to Paris & return
Transportation from Paris to Dijon & return
Gratuities
Evening meals aboard or ashore
All expenses associated with optional golf
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JOINING AND LEAVING THE CRUISE