The Savoir Faire (formerly "Etoile de Champagne") dates back to 1932 when she was built as a transport barge in the Belgian estuaries. In 1979, the barge was brought to Holland where she underwent a total metamorphosis and was converted into the elegant three-decked hotel barge that she is today.
Carrying just 12 passengers and built on the largest hull that can cruise the waterways, the former "Etoile de Champagne" was substantially refurbished the beginning of the 2005 season and changed her name change to Savoir Faire, offering very high standard of excellence in cuisine, accommodations and service. As an owner-operated luxury barges, the Savoir Faire prides itself in customizing your cruise week to your desires.
Both US-style 110V outlets and plenty of European-style 220V outlets are available in each cabin. Salon:The main lounge has panoramic windows, glass doors, comfortable sofa and arm chairs, upright piano, and dining area. The aft cocktail lounge has a bar, French doors and comfortable seating. Deck:There is a forward sundeck off the main lounge as well as an observation deck on the upper deck, both with comfortable deck chairs and tables.
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.
The Savoir Faire features six staterooms. Each can be configured with two twin beds or with one queen bed. 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.
Salon & Dining Room:
In the public areas, the Savoir Faire is unique with five separate areas for passenger enjoyment - whether for a personal retreat, a quiet conversation, a small group get-together, or for all passengers to enjoy together.
The salon, dining area, and bar are finished in mahogany, teak and brass, decorated with antiques and paintings collected over the years, and with new original works of art introduced by your hosts, Chris and Fran.
The main lounge has a panoramic view, comfortable custom-made furniture, upright piano, game table, and library.
Adjacent to the lounge is an elegant dining room, large enough to double as a dance floor on festive evenings, and a writing desk in its own quiet corner.To the aft is a cozy cocktail lounge, a favorite meeting place for aperitifs or quiet conversations, with stereo and CD player.
On Deck:
Outside there are two spacious decks - a fore deck that opens directly from the main lounge, and an elevated observation deck offering a magnificent view of the passing countryside.
Off Boat:
An air-conditioned 9-seater (including driver) long wheelbase minibus with an additional minibus if there are more than 8 guests is generously provided by the Savoir Faire for the guests during excursions and transfers.
Guests are also welcome to use bicycles (12 mountain bikes) barge is carrying for passengers who love to explore beaty of the little villages on the way.
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.
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.
Chablis Cruise -From the heart of Paris to the northern slopes of Burgundy . A diverse cruise that includes a unique ' Paris by Night' cruise.
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 are charming, attentive and knowledgable hosts assisted by a crew of four including a master chef.
In their first year of operation aboard 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 of the barges in Europe .
Chris and Fran bring a warmth and charm to the Savoir Faire that is infectious. Creative and personal touches abound everywhere- reflecting their passion for the decorative arts and literature.
When not at the helm, Chris can be found with sketch pad in hand, creating one of the many drawings displayed throughout the Savoir Faire . A life time of travel and the building of several companies Chris has developed an intuitive and enthusiastic approach to everything he does.
Fran's passion for literature is evident the moment you step aboard. Personal touches such as her selection for a “mini library” for each cabin abd a flair for interior decorating have created the wonderful ambiance that is unique for Savoir Faire .
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.
APPETIZER
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
Value weeks are indicated in blue Mid weeks are in green 3 Country Cruises are in red
2008 Prices (
6 Nights / 7 Days
)
Individual Cabin Bookings
Value
Mid
Regular
Per Person (2 sharing)
$ 3,500
$ 4,200
$ 4,600
Single Person Suppl.
$ 1,750
$ 2,100
$ 2,300
Full Boat Private Charter
Value
Mid
Regular
For 8 guests
$ 31,000
$ 38,000
$ 42,000
For 10 guests
$ 33,000
$ 40,000
$ 44,000
For 12 guests
$ 35,000
$ 42,000
$ 46,000
Your Cruise Includes: 7 days and 6 nights on the barge in six cabins, each with private bath; transfers from Paris or Amsterdam (depending on cruise route) to the barge and return; all meals beginning with dinner on Sunday through breakfast on Saturday; open bar and all wines with lunches and dinners; all escorted side-excursions; use of bicycles.
2008 Prices (3 Country Cruise – 12 Nights/ 13 Days)
Individual Cabin Bookings
All Weeks
Per Person (2 sharing)
$ 7,500
Single Person Fare
$ 8,500
Full Boat Private Charter
All Weeks
For 12 guests
$65,000
Your Cruise Includes: 14 days and 13 nights on the barge in six cabins, each with private bath; transfers from Paris or Amsterdam (depending on cruise route) to the barge and return; all meals beginning with dinner on Sunday through breakfast on Saturday; open bar and all wines with lunches and dinners; all escorted side-excursions; use of bicycles.
