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The Savoir Vivre 2010 Itinerary...
SUNDAY: We'll Meet You in Dijon - Welcome Aboard!
Our captain will meet your party in late afternoon in Dijon - perhaps at the Rail Station (there are frequent TGV trains from Paris) or a local hotel. From there, you'll be chauffeured to Savoir Vivre at anchor in Fleury-sur-Ouche, a classic village nestled on the Canal de Bourgogne. There will be time to unpack and explore, helping you work up an appetite for your first on-shore dinner at a local and friendly restaurant – "Auberge Les Gourmands" (see restaurant guide below!).
MONDAY: Fleury-sur-Ouche to Gissey - Wine, wine, wine!
This morning begin your cruise back in time through the unhurried and authentic Valley of the Ouche. You'll float past limestone cliffs, wooded hills and enchanting villages. The Savoir Vivre ties up above the lock in Saint Marie, wander into this ancient and charming village for a stroll. After lunch on board (always freshly purchased from nearby markets and gourmet food shops), we cruise for another hour and then enjoy the first of many excursions.
Francois, your Captain, now becomes a trusted guide who will introduce you to the sights and history of Burgundy. 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 on. 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 winetasting which introduces area vintages. Return to Savoir Vivre. Later you'll be transferred to dinner at the lovely nearby restaurant of “L'Eire du Temps”.
TUESDAY: Gissey to La Bussiere - Market Day in Dijon
After breakfast on board featuring village-baked pastries just warm from the oven, 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 La Bussiere-sur-Ouche. Relax on deck or explore by bicycle - let's meet the barge at the next lock! Explore the subtle charms of La Brussiere before preparing for dinner tonight at the restaurant highly regarded “Ferme de Rolle”.
WEDNESDAY: La Bussiere to Pont D'Ouche – Beautiful Beaune
Take a moment to reflect this morning as we cruise to Pont D'ouche. 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, then relax until we drive you to the nearby delight of “Auberge Saint Martin, your restaurant for this evening.
THURSDAY: Pont d’Ouche to La Repe - You've tasted wine, now it's time to taste cheese!
After a peaceful start to your day we visit Ferme de Poisset, an authentic cheesemaker. 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 deck with a good book - as Savoir Vivre continues its journey on the historic Canal de Bourgogne to La Repe. Tonight you have a few options regarding your restaurant from the simplest auberge in magnificent Chateauneuf to the more opulent "Chateau Sainte Sabine" – it's your holiday and today is a nice day to set your own pace!
FRIDAY: La Repe to Escommes - 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. Return to Savoir Vivre for a drink on deck and then continue our cruise into the Valley of the Ouche. Your final on-shore dinner is in the charming "Hostellerie l'Auxois". Now is the time to share memories of your authentic encounters with the people, cuisine, wine and sights of Burgundy.
SATURDAY: Chateauneuf-en-Auxois to Dijon - 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. We hope to see you on Savoir Vivre again!
Please note: This cruise will be offered in the opposite direction on alternate weeks. Sightseeing and restaurant suggestions are based on availability and are subject to change. Your cruise fare does not include transportation to and from Dijon, the pickup/return city. There are several TGV trains (fast, direct service between the two cities in under two hours) daily from Paris. Your booking agent will work with Savoir Vivre to organize your train schedule and then pre-purchase tickets before your departure to France. Your cruise fare includes daily Continental breakfast on board and all lunches (whether on board or on-shore). Dinner each night will be on shore and at your expense. Savoir Vivre will organize restaurant choices based on authentic and convenient venues and transfer you as required.
What our guests say...
"One moment we'd be surrounded by vineyards and the next a lockkeeper’s house laden with flowers. What an incredible experience. Hand on heart, we have never spent a more pleasant week together (since our honeymoon of course!!!)"
"The charming, romance and humbling beauty of the villages and chateaux inspired me through their quiet, unassuming authenticity – absolutely magnificent. What a wonderful creation the Savoir Vivre is, we salute you!"
The Burgundy region offers a voyage of discovery encompassing culture, architecture, history and natural beauty.
Enjoy vineyard tours, explore ancient chateaux, browse authentic markets. Cycle along the towpaths next to your private moving boutique hotel.
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 just 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 surroundings – perhaps with a glass of wine… or two.
This is the "Savoir Vivre" way to cruise.
Click above to download our 2010 Restaurand Guide!
On the right is a sample menu to give you an idea of the type of dining experiences you will enjoy...
The aim is to provide you with authentic locations which offer typical French cuisine and relaxed environments.
Tourist traps and stuffy over-priced establishments are off the menu.
Authentic, charismatic locations are our target and, if we might say so ourselves, we're proud of our selection.
Better still, we have been welcomed by the local community for supporting these local independent establishments which are part of the fabric of rural French culture.
It's important to be clear that we receive no commission or 'kick backs' from our restaurants, we simply share a common goal with them to provide you with elegant, authentic and interesting dining experiences. If this means the odd language barrier or gamble on a new dish, then go for it! It's all part of the fun.
Savoir Vivre 2010 Restaurant Guide...
Starters
Salad of scallops dressed with raspberry oil
Delices de Bourgogne ('Delights of Burgandy' - a decadent triple-cream cheese) with garlic infusion
Aubespin salad - delicate baby leaves, smoked ham, Époisses de Bourgogne (a local famous cheese), nuts, apples
Chicken Livers en Meurette (poached in red wine)
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Fish Courses
Seared scallops in a saffron sauce
Salmon scented with Sorrel in puff pastry
Filet of Pike in a hollandaise sauce
Meat / Main Course
'Plien Coeur' of Rump Steak with morel mushroom sauce
Duck filet with a 3 pepper sauce
Medallions of chicken in a Crème de Menthe sauce
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Board of various authentic local and national cheeses
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Dessert
Red Berry Charlotte
Chocolate fondant with crème anglaise
Frozen nougat with a red berry coulis
'Aubespin' crisp (a house specialty...!)
Sorbet Aux Senteurs Alcoolisees
The Boutique Barge
French Barge Cruising, Refined.
Company
t +44 7815 795770
t 1 800 880 0071 (USA)
e info@svbarge.com
