Savoir Vivre – Southern Burgundy
Escommes to Fleury-Sur-Ouche
Maximum Capacity: 8 Guests
Available April through October
Savoir Vivre accommodates up to eight guests, providing a stylish, relaxed, and immersive experience into the rural life, culture, gastronomy, wine-making, and history of France.
The Savoir Vivre features a distinctive dine-around program that showcases the culinary delights of authentic French cuisine. Guests have the option to charter the entire boat for exclusive use or reserve as many cabins as needed, allowing for connections with fellow travelers along the way. Savoir Vivre is a great option to book as a full charter of 8-guests or for booking as individual cabins and making new friends.
As they navigate one of France’s most picturesque canals, the Canal du Bourgogne, guests will be captivated by the stunning and charming landscapes. Each day, they disembark and venture into the surrounding countryside in a comfortable, air-conditioned minivan to discover some of Burgundy’s hidden treasures, experiencing the essence of rural France while delving into its rich history, wine, and culture, all guided by Simon, their local expert.
In the evenings, guests are enchanted by the flavors of ‘real France’ as they dine at a selection of authentic local restaurants along the route. Lunch is provided by a private chef who joins them daily.
All meals, including a comprehensive Burgundy wine program and a generous open bar, are included in the cruise package. The crew is among the most seasoned in the industry. Captain Richard Megret brings over 20 years of experience working on barges, transforming a ‘vacation’ into a ‘lasting memory!’ His relaxed yet professional demeanor, coupled with his delightful humor, truly embodies the spirit of ‘Savoir Vivre.’
Day 1: SUNDAY
We’ll Meet You in Dijon – Welcome Aboard!
Our captain will meet your party late afternoon in central Dijon. This is either at the Rail Station (there are frequent and fast TGV trains from Paris) or a local hotel. From there, you’ll be chauffeured to the Savoir Vivre moored in Escommes, a tranquil port area marking the highest point of the the Canal de Bourgogne. There will be time to unpack and explore. Dinner is at ‘Hostellerie du Château, La Table de Guillaume’. This restaurant has recently been acquired by Chef Guillaume. If this name sounds familiar, it’s because he was the former chef of the Michelin starred restaurant at the Abbaye de la Bussière.
Day 2: MONDAY
Escommes to Vandenesse-en-Auxois – Beautiful Beaune
This morning begin your cruise back in time through the unhurried and authentic Vallee De L’Ouche. Today’s cruise involves a string of locks along a meandering tree lined section of the canal. The extraordinary Chateauneuf-en-Auxois comes into view as we round the corner on our way to our mooring at Vandenesse-en-Auxois. 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!) There will also be time to explore the shops or visit a cafe in the square. Return to the barge late afternoon before exploring the exquisite Abbaye De La Bussiere and then enjoying dinner within this fabulous setting at their ‘Le Bistrot des Moines’.
Day 3: TUESDAY
Vandenesse-en-Auxois to Pont d’Ouche – 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 cobblestoned streets, peek into private gardens, and then tour the haunting chateau. Then it’s back to Savoir Vivre for lunch as we cruise through gorgeous scenery to Pont d’Ouche, a canal port where all kinds of interesting boats can normally be found. Relax on board or explore by bicycle – let’s meet up with our barge at the next lock! When you are ready we drive you to the nearby delight of “Le Spuller”, your restaurant for this evening.
Day 4: WEDNESDAY
Pont D’Ouche to La Bussiere
After a peaceful start to your day we visit Ferme de Poisset, an authentic cheese maker complete with goats. Yes, you’ll learn and then you’ll taste! With wine of course. After all, you are in France. Return to Savoir Vivre and walk the towpath or bicycle into a nearby village – or just relax on board with a good book – as Savoir Vivre continues its journey on the historic Canal de Bourgogne to La Bussiere. Tonight you will dine at “L’Oree du Bois”, an authentic creperie (which are a French dining institution) located in the heart of Chateauneuf en Auxois. Before dinner enjoy a glass of wine at the stunning lookout point.
Day 5: THURSDAY
La Bussiere to Gissey – Wine, wine, wine!
As you enjoy breakfast on board featuring village baked pastries still warm from the oven, we cruise through gorgeous scenery to Gissey-sur-Ouche. 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. 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 wine tasting which introduces this area’s vintages. Return to Savoir Vivre. Later you’ll be transferred to dinner at the local, friendly and refined restaurant – “L’Auberge Gourmande”.
Day 6: FRIDAY
Gissey to Fleury-sur-Ouche – Market Day in Dijon
After breakfast, 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 Fleury-sur-Ouche. In the evening we visit Restaurant De La Porte Guillaume located in the heart of Dijon. The rich, comforting flavors of Burgundian cuisine are at the forefront of this bistro’s regionally inspired menu.
Day 7: SATURDAY
Fleurey to Dijon – A Sad Farewell!
Depart around 9 am for your chauffeured transfer back to Dijon. After your final breakfast on board, it will be hard to leave the 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 the Savoir Vivre again!
Note: This itinerary is a guide only and is subject to changes to accommodate public holidays, seasonal changes and closures.
| Savoir Vivre - 2025 | ||
| US Pricing | ||
| Value | Regular | |
| Stateroom Per Person | $ 4,225 | $ 4,475 |
| Single Supplement | $ 1,900 | $ 1,900 |
| Charter for 6 passengers | $ 31,800 | $ 33,800 |
| Charter for 7 passengers | $ 32,800 | $ 34,800 |
| Charter for 8 passengers | $ 33,800 | $ 35,800 |
| *Value Season is April 6-26, October 12-25 |
Price includes:
- Pick up and drop off in Dijon to/from Savoir Vivre.
- A dedicated crew consisting of a Captain, Tour Guide, and Hostess.
- A continental breakfast buffet is served every morning including village-baked croissants and breads, cereals, fruit, meats, cheese etc., with fresh ground coffee, tea and fruit juices.
- Local chef prepared lunches including a fantastic selection of salads, quiches, pates, cheese and desserts as well as a daily “pièce de résistance”. All fare is fresh and, most importantly to us, seasonal and authentic.
- Daily dinners off the barge at a different authentic local This includes your selection from the ‘Menu’ carte and 1⁄2 bottle wine per person selected by the crew. You will be accompanied and settled in the restaurant and then collected later.
- A complimentary ‘Open Bar and Refrigerator’ stocked with soft drinks, wines, beers, house selected spirits and a selection of snacks.
- Daily chauffeured and guided excursions (entrance fees included) to local places of interest in the dedicated minivan.
- Use of on board Bike helmets are available.
Not included:
-
- Travel to the agreed pick-up point and return, normally Dijon Ville train
- Highly recommended medical/trip cancellation insurance
- Optional crew Suggested minimum amount is 5% of the cruise price. The gratuity is given in one sum (Euros or US Dollars) to the Captain, who distributes it to the crew.
- Requests for specific spirits. If there is a specific brand you would like, please bring it with you.
- Upgraded wine selection at onshore dinners.
- All expenses associated with optional golfing opportunities. Please arrange at the time of booking.
