The 12-passenger Savoir Faire was built in 1932 as a Belgian transport barge. Converted into a hotel barge in 1979, she was substantially refurbished for the beginning of the 2005 season. Her six staterooms offer luxurious accommodation for 12 passengers who are attentively catered for by 6 English-speaking crew. The salon, dining area, and bar are finished in mahogany, teak and brass, decorated with antiques and paintings. Two spacious decks offer magnificent views of the countryside.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1, Sunday: (Moored in the heart of Paris at the Port Arsenal, Bastille) Our chauffeurs collect you from Hotel Ampere in Paris at 2pm and escort you to the Savoir Faire, moored at the Port Arsenal, Bastille in the very heart of the city, for a Champagne Welcome. You will have an opportunity to explore the area before we depart for our exclusive evening cruise through Paris past the magnificent church of Notre Dame, the resplendent Louvre art gallery and the symbolic Eiffel Tower. After dinner we continue our cruise through Paris beneath the floodlit Eiffel Tower and illuminated bridges to your overnight mooring. Dinner on board
Day 2, Monday: (Cruise from Paris to Samois) We set off from the Arsenal bright and early to begin your cruise south along the mighty Seine towards Burgundy. Once past the reaches of Paris, the landscape begins to unfold revealing the tranquil beauty so sought after by busy city folk. Your excursion today is to the magnificent chateau of Fontainebleau. Every royal family has added their architectural signature, resulting in an unrivaled display of opulence. Afterwards you will be able to explore the shops and boutiques of Fontainebleau. This evening we shall be moored beneath the hilltop town of Samois, a favorite amongst painters and poets. Opportunity to stroll or cycle along the shaded river bank. Dinner on board
Day 2, Tuesday: (Cruise from Samois to Sens) We begin the day with a peaceful cruise along the last stretch of the Seine before joining the river Yonne that takes us south towards Burgundy, the land of Counts and fine wines. This morning there will be opportunities to cycle alongside the river and explore villages close by. After lunch on board, your guide will escort you to the medieval town of Provins where you can explore ancient ramparts, watch a falconry show and browse around the boutiques and shops. Provins is now listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site and is listed amongst the most interesting towns in France. Dinner on board
Day 4, Wednesday: (Cruise from Sens to Joigny) This morning we set off along the Yonne towards our overnight mooring at the riverside town of Joigny, where cobbled streets and timbered-framed buildings take you back to a bygone era. After a pleasant cruise through opening landscapes we stop at Villeneuve-sur-Yonne for lunch on board.After lunch we visit Cathedral of St Stephen, the first of the great Gothic cathedrals of France. The beauty of the exterior dominates the main square of Sens. Begun in 1140 AD, this magnificent building houses one of the richest treasuries in France. In addition to this there is a tour of the museum, which is in the 13th Century synodal palace, situated in the former archbishop's residence. It houses a fascinating exhibition of Gallo-Roman mosaics and works of art from the cathedral. Dinner on board
Day 5, Thursday: (Cruise from Joigny to Gurgy) This morning we set off on our cruise to the riverside hamlet of Gurgy. Today is the perfect opportunity for those who wish to cycle alongside the ship as she glides gently by. After lunch we take a short drive to Chablis, home to some of the greatest wines in Burgundy. We have selected the small family operation of Domaine Laroche for an intimate tour of their cellar. A comprehensive wine tasting rounds off this fascinating visit. Afterwards we drive through the wine village of Irancy and on to St Bris, where we shall visit the 12th Century underground cellars of Bersan and Fils. Dinner on board
Day 6, Friday: (Cruise from Gurgy to Auxerre) Our final cruise takes us along the upper reaches of the Yonne to Auxerre, the most beautiful of all river towns, and we arrive in time for lunch, after which you have the option of two visits. The first visit offered is to explore this Auxerre, with the Cathedral of Saint-Etienne dominating the skyline. Behind its apparent simplicity lies one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in France. Undoubtedly one of the prettiest towns in France. The town's magnificent monuments, which include a splendid 15th Century clock tower, all bear witness to a remarkable historical past.
The second visit to choose from is to the world famous hilltop town of Vezelay, forty minutes from Auxerre. Listed as a UNESCO world heritage site, Vezelay has been a place of worship since the Middle Ages and is a rallying point for the pilgrimage of Saint-Jacques de Compostelle. It is from here that the second and third crusades were launched, the latter by Richard the Lionheart. Dominating this medieval town is the Basilica Sainte-Madeleine, one of the most impressive churches in France. Streets lined with 15th Century timber-framed buildings house art galleries, boutiques and shops. Quiet parks offer panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and underground cellars the opportunity to taste the wines from the surrounding vineyards. Later your chauffeurs will escort you back to the "Savoir Faire". This evening, after pre-dinner cocktails, we present our farewell Captain's Dinner. You are joined by your hosts for what promises to be a meal to remember.
Day 7, Saturday: (Departure at 9.30 am) After a hearty breakfast you are driven by our chauffeurs to your hotel or airport in Paris.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price Includes:
- Open bar
- Free wines
- Gourmet cuisine
- Entry fees to excursions
Stateroom per person $4,600
Single supplement $2,300
Charter 8 passengers whole boat $42,000
Charter 10 passengers whole boat $44,000
Charter 12 passengers whole boat $46,000
Also see tour packages in:
Europe
France
Cultural Journey
Boating and Sailing
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