THE BOUTIQUE BARGE
Company
french barge cruising, refined.
crew
© 2011 All Rights Reserved
The new type of luxury barge cruise for lovers of fun, food, wine and culture.
Richard - your Captain
It is no exaggeration to say that Richard Megret has become the 'face' of Savoir Vivre! Our 2011 guests adored his professonal and personable style combined with hilarious sense of humour and inimitable charm. If you look at our guestbook, you'll notice 'laughter' features consistently - Richard makes the Savoir Vivre one of the most pleasurable barges to be on anywhere.
His 20-year barge resume reads like a who's who of Ultra-Deluxe barges including chef and other crew roles aboard the Horizon II, Princess, Nenuphar, Adrienne, Fleur de Lys and most recently as Pilot for the Hirondelle II.
"This barge is EVERY BIT as beautiful as pictured. What is impossible to anticipate is the breezy and casual elegance of the public spaces and how well-designed are the cabins and bathrooms. For instance, there is plenty of storage space and the right lighting! This kind of attention to detail permeates the whole program." Ellen Sack, Feb 2010.
In the words of Ellen Sack, leading broker of European canal barge vacations...
Introducing Richard, Laura and Jo; the highly experienced keystone members of our fabulous crew!
In addition to Richard, Laura and Jo, each cruise is supported by full hosting and housekeeping services as well as private chef prepared lunches and, of course, the dedicated service you will receive at each of our restaurants.
The founder of Savoir Vivre, James Waggott, developed his unique vision of a new more chic, casual and authentic gastronomic French barge cruising experience over several years while cruising these same waterways.
The essence of James' 'Savoir Vivre way' is to pluck the finest elements of Ultra-Deluxe barge cruising (such as whole boat charter exclusivity), do away with superfluous elements, and then layer in enriching experiences (such as local restaurant dining). At the same time he is able to offer industry leading value for guests. James' love of the cuisine and culture of France is what drives this concept.
James is not shy when it comes to challenges. He is a serial adventurer encompassing extreme travel adventures, public speaking, social enterprise and, as he puts it, "getting stuck into the adventure that life is".
He reflects:
"The Savoir Vivre has earned herself an enviable reputation in this fabulous industry. The guest book quotes you see dotted around this site are our most treasured possessions - I'm very proud of what we've all created."
James Waggott
James with Ellen Sack, broker of European canal barge vacations. She is an enthusiastic supporter of his new take on the industry she helped create.
Richard Megret
Captain
Laura - your expert Guide
Laura has been exploring French life and culture on hotel barges since she was 20 years old. Her background in history and a deep (and ever-deepening) love affair with France led her to become became a Tour Guide with a reputation which others struggle to match. Guiding roles on deluxe and ultra-deluxe barges including the Hironedelle, Alouette, Fleur de Lys, Le Premier and Napoleon demonstrate this.
Following a break from barging to start a family she decided to return to the fold to re-ignite her Guiding passions.
Laura reflects: “I was so pleased to learn of the Savoir Vivre, their new format is exactly in keeping with what I find guests are increasingly interested in – authenticity, adventure, quality and elegance. Less stuffy formalities and more ‘real France’ experiences. I didn’t hesitate when I learned of an opportunity to join the team. Burgundy is a hidden gem of France and I look forward to sharing this with our passengers aboard Savoir Vivre.”
Laura
Expert Guide
Jo - your charming Hostess
Jo has had a life rich of adventure (as an avid skier and traveler), culinary cunningness (she’s a chef) and a steadfast devotion to friends, family and fun!
Her ‘stripe earning’ years were spent in the French Alps as the manager and chef of high-end ski chalets. These years spent in the crisp air and mountains produced more than well sorted skiing skills - she gained a life-long friend in our guide Laura - yes they are best friends!
After a period in Ireland she and her husband moved to Burgundy where she re-connected with the French lifestyle of fine food, wonderful wines and living life with a sense of ‘savoir vivre’. She is such a wonderful fit for what drives us – a delightful, capable, warm and authentic team member.
Jo
Hostess
