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: Auxerre
Your chauffeurs collect you from your Paris hotel at 1.45 pm for the scenic drive to Savoir Faire, moored in Auxerre. After a Champagne Reception your tour guide is at hand to accompany you on a leisurely walk through what is undoubtedly one of the prettiest towns in France. Dinner aboard
Day 2, Monday: Auxerre to Joigny
Cruise past the riverside villages of the Upper Yonne towards our overnight mooring at Joigny. There are plenty of opportunities for biking and walking along the pathways that follow our route. After lunch, tour the world famous town of Chablis and Domaine Laroche cellars, with a comprehensive wine tasting. Continue through picturesque landscapes to a typical Burgundian farm, where we sample local cheeses. Dinner aboard
Day 3, Tuesday: Joigny to Sens
Our morning cruise before lunch takes us along narrow canals and gently flowing rivers towards the 15th century fortified town of Villeneuve sur Yonne. We moor near the restaurant of the famous actress Lesley Caron and enjoy a trip into town. After lunch, we visit Sens, with its treasured 12th century Cathedral of St Etienne. Stroll through this popular market town before returning to the barge. Our overnight mooring is beside the floodlit riverbank, five minutes from the town centre. Dinner aboard
Day 4, Wednesday: Sens to Canal de Loing
Cruise past the photogenic town of Pont sur Yonne and enter the narrow canal section of Courlon, built to facilitate the transport of wines and other prized goods to Paris. The importance of this waterway is evident by the presence of commercial barges. After lunch, we visit the romantic Chateau of Vaux-le-Vicomte (setting for the film "The Man In The Iron Mask") with an opportunity to explore the magnificent formal gardens. We moor overnight before the entrance to the Canal de Loing. Dinner on board
Day 5, Thursday: Canal de Loing to Nemours
Here we begin our cruise into the Upper Loire region. Affectionately known as the "Gardens of Paris", this little known region gently reveals its secrets as we discover a waterway teeming with wildlife. After breakfast we take a leisurely stroll through the medieval walled town of Moret-sur-Loing, known to many as the home of the famous Impressionist painter, Alfred Sisley. There's time to explore the shops and visit the beautiful Church of Our Lady, before continuing our cruise to Nemours. This is the perfect opportunity to cycle or stroll along the surfaced path that follows the canal. Dinner aboard
Day 6, Friday: Nemours to Cepoy
This morning we cruise towards Cepoy, a quaint mooring just outside Montargis. After lunch we visit the Palace of Fontainebleau, where every French monarch from Francois I to Napoleon III left his mark. Explore the ornate gardens and the town. It may be possible to visit the artist community of Barbizon before returning to the "Savoir Faire" for Captain’s Dinner.
Day 7, Saturday: Paris
After breakfast and a fond farewell from your crew, your chauffeurs take you to Paris, departing the barge at 9.30 am.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price Includes:
- Open bar
- Free wines
- Gourmet cuisine
- Entry fees to excursions
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
Boating and Sailing
Cultural Journey
Email it to a friend:
Click here to email this vacation to a friend
|
