Savoir Vivre  barge cruise

Savoir Vivre

Luxury barge cruises

Enjoy Boutique Gastronomic Cruising in Burgundy

Book your 2023 cruise now to save 20%!

Contact us about the offers

Cruising on the Burgundy canal

Cruise highlights

8 passengers
★★★★ 4 star rating

Highlights

  • Visit the Clos de Vougeot, home to wine-producing since the 12th century, to view the vineyards, the wooden presses and to enjoy a tasting
  • Dijon: Explore the delightful market selling fresh local produce, and the old town, including boutiques selling mustard and cassis
  • Visit Beaune, with its magnificent Hotel Dieu Hospice dating from the 15th century, and lovely town centre
  • Discover the art of cheese making in a local farm
  • Enjoy spectacular views from the medieval hilltop village of Chateauneuf-en-Auxois; visit local galleries and enjoy a cool, refreshing drink
  • Unique Dine Around cruise: Discover local restaurants and bistro each day

Savoir Vivre cruise route & itinerary

From Dijon to Escommes
Burgundy Canal

Download the information pack(s) for Savoir Vivre

Brochure ↓

Savoir Vivre cruise file

Prices

  • From 3750 USD per person
  • Charters from 28,000 USD

Boat size

  • Length 98′5″ ft (30.00 metres)
  • Width 16′5″ ft (5.00 metres)

Specifications

  • Crew members : 3
  • Up to 8 guests
  • Double cabins : 4

Also

  • Central heating
  • Air-conditioning
  • Wifi
  • Dining ashore each evening
  • Bicycles : 8

Guests have awarded
★★★★

Comments

We especially liked Savoir Vivre because they arranged dinner at local restaurants rather than all meals on board as the other Burgundy barges had. Captain Richard had been a chef so he knew the restaurant staff and arranged excellent menus for us.

Susan M; July 2022

Hello Emma, Just want to Thank You for your assistance with our trip. Jackie, Graham, Brian and I had a great River Cruise. It was fun, delicious and enjoyable. We met two other couples from the west coast. The Captain and his staff were the best. Would recommend the cruise to anyone.

Thank you again. Elizabeth Heverin

Heverin and Every, USA; August 2018

I had no preconceived notions about the barge. I saw the photos online and it looked okay for a week. It turned out to be better laid out and outfitted than I imagined.
The very best part of the boat are the people that came along with it - Richard, Marie and Laura. They were all very knowledgeable, friendly and welcoming.
I rate the boat 10++ In addition to the wonderful crew we never ran out of wonderful things to eat, drink and look at. Even the weather was 10++
The cruise was even better than expected. The scenery was lovely as we cruised; I could easily keep up walking with the barge; and the excursions were all very different, very local, and the people we met along the way were all gracious.
The specific route wasn't that much of a draw for me as wherever I went outside of Paris would have been new and different. What appealed to me was the opportunity to explore a new area, visit some local, mainly non-commercial venues and experience some different, local cuisine.
Hotels Afloat: Again, you are 10++. Everything was so well thought out, planned and implemented. I've been recommending you to all my friends!
Yes, Emma was very easy to reach and very responsive.
Can't think of anything to add. Well, if there's a way to offer samples of the meals ...
I will definitely book again with Hotels Afloat, Yes!
The trip was fantastic! And I do plan to post a comment on... not Facebook because I don't go there. What site would you suggest?

Barbara Sager, USA; October 2016
We especially liked Savoir Vivre because they arranged dinner at local restaurants rather than all meals on board as the other Burgundy barges had. Captain Richard had been a chef so he knew the restaurant staff and arranged excellent menus for us.
METZ ★★★★★

About Savoir Vivre barge cruises

Luxury barge Savoir Vivre

The Savoir Vivre is a modern, efficient and purpose-built boat, which displays the traditional lines of a barge.
She is the ONLY barge offering a Dine-Around cruise.

Each day a continental breakfast will be served, while later a substantial lunch will be provided by a local chef using fresh, seasonal and authentically French ingredients.
Evening meals, including your selection from the menu and half a bottle of wine per person, are taken in a variety of enjoyable, carefully chosen restaurants where the food and service go beyond expectation.

Aboard the Savoir Vivre, up-to-date technology includes digitally controlled air-conditioning, instant hot water, power showers and electrically adjustable beds.
All areas of the ship are common areas.
If you prefer to be inside, the salon offers the perfect setting to relax and watch the world drift by.
Outside, the two sun decks, which are a feature unique to the Savoir Vivre, ensure both a shady haven and a glorious suntrap throughout the day.
So much space makes sure that a quiet moment is always possible.

Each day, discover more of the beautiful Burgundy region with guided excursions to local points of interest in the dedicated minivan.
All entrance fees are included.
Alternatively, take one of the bikes and head off on your adventure!

After a day's barging, you will be ready to sleep soundly!
Each of the four cabins can be arranged with a queen-size bed or twins.
Enjoy the adjustable beds, ample storage, digital climate control, fresh air fans, full-height mirrors and desks for writing your postcards or cruise diary.
All of the full-size windows are above water level making the cabins a delightful place to relax during the day.
The en-suite bathrooms contain wet-room showers with no steps, glass enclosures and heated towel rails, all of which add to your comfort.

We offer a relaxed holiday and take charge of everything, including transfers from Dijon TGV railway station.
The Savoir Vivre offers a chic, fun and 'ever-so-slightly adventurous' barging experience unlike any other, and her unique Dine Around cruise has proved very popular.
So, if you have a free spirit, come and join us for the holiday of a lifetime.


Videos of the hotel barge

Tasting the Region, Savoir Vivre

A Taste of Wine, Savoir Vivre

Your home away from home

Everything about the Savoir Vivre

Double-tap the video to view fullscreen

Savoir Vivre deck and cabin plans

Savoir Vivre deck plan

Savoir Vivre photo gallery

Click any photo to zoom

Savoir Vivre cruise route & itinerary

From Dijon to Escommes map

From Dijon to Escommes

Burgundy Canal

Rates

Sunday:  Burgundy

We will meet you in Dijon at 4.30 pm for your private chauffeured journey to the Savoir Vivre, anchored in Fleurey-sur-Ouche, a classic village nestled on the Canal du Bourgogne.
There will be time to unpack and explore, helping you to work up an appetite for your first on-shore dining experience at a local, friendly and refined restaurant "Auberge les Gourmands"
We recommend the train which leaves Paris at 14h51, arriving in Dijon Ville at 4.30pm

Monday: Fleury sur Ouche - Gissey

Wine, wine, wine!
This morning we begin your cruise back in time through the unhurried and authentic Valley of the Ouche.
Float past limestone cliffs, wooded hills and enchanting villages.
We moor above the lock at Gissey, from where you can stroll into this ancient, charming village.
After lunch on board, we cruise for another hour and then enjoy the first of many excursions.
You will be driven south to the famed Cote d'Or wine region to visit the Chateau du Clos de Vougeot where wine was produced by Cistercian monks in the 12th century.
Examine the ancient wine presses and learn more about winemaking and life in that era.
Return to the present day with a wine tasting of this regions vintages.
We return to the barge for some free time to unwind before the evening meal at the nearby restaurant " O Petit Repere du Gout".

Tuesday: Gissey- La Bussiere

Market day in Dijon!
After breakfast on board including village-baked pastries, we head to Dijon to mingle with locals at the famed outdoor market.
There will be time to look around the well-preserved old town and shop - think mustard and Cassis!
Then back to Savoir Vivre for lunch and an afternoon cruise through gorgeous scenery to La Bussiere sur Ouche.
Relax on board or take bicycles along the towpath - race us to the next lock... You are sure to win!
Explore the subtle charms of La Bussiere before preparing for dinner, which will be at the highly regarded hilltop restaurant "Ferme de Rolle."

Wednesday: La Bussiere - Pont D'Ouche

Beautiful Beaune!
Take a moment to reflect this morning as we cruise to Pont d'Ouche.
After lunch aboard, sightseeing takes centre stage as we head to enchanting Beaune -the wine capital of the Cote d'Or.
There is much to enjoy here, the most important being the immaculately preserved Hospice de Beaune, a charity hospital built in the early 15th century, and which treated patients until the 20th!
There will be time to explore the shops or visit one of the many cafes in the square.
We will return to the barge in the late afternoon, with time to relax and prepare for dinner which this evening will be at the nearby delight "Le Spuller".

Thursday: Pont d'Ouche - La Repe

Today is all about cheese!
The wonderful Burgundy wines often accompany our local cheeses so today we will take you to discover some delightful local produce at the Ferme de Poisset, an authentic cheesemaker.
Learn how cheese is made, have a go, and then enjoy!
Return to Savoir Vivre and either stay on board, cycle or walk as we continue our journey on the historic Burgundy canal, to La Repe.
Tonight enjoy a pre-dinner drink from the viewing point at Chateauneuf en Auxois before dining in the local creperie, (a french institution!) "L'Oree de Bois"

Friday: La Repe - Escommes

After breakfast, we return to the lovely Medieval village of Chateauneuf en Anxois perched high on the hill overlooking the canal.
Explore on cobblestoned streets, peek into private gardens, and then tour the haunting chateau.
Back to the barge for lunch as we continue our cruise into the Valley of Ouche.
Your final on-shore dinner is straight out of Ratatouille, "Chez Camille" in the heart of nearby Arnay le Duc.
Now is the time to share memories of your authentic encounters with the people, cuisine, wine and sights of Burgundy.

Saturday: Escommes to Dijon

A sad farewell!
Depart between 8.30 am and 9 am for your chauffeured transfer back to Dijon 
We hope to see you aboard again.

Savoir Vivre Bistro & Restaurants

Auberge Gourmand

L’AUBERGE GOURMANDE

L’Auberge Gourmand, the "Greedy Inn" is in the village of Velar-sur-Ouch. Chef Christophe has mastered his cooking skills in restaurants such as the Guy Savoy in Paris, Hotel Negresco in Nice and Restaurant Fredy Giradet in Switzerland. As the reputation of this restaurant is growing and has a very promising future we believe this is the “Savoir Vivre” time to visit.

Abbaye de la Bussiere

LE BISTROT DES MOINES AT ABBAYE DE LA BUSSIERE

The once Cistercian abbey built in 1131 has been transformed into a luxury Relais et Chateau hotel. The Abbaye de la Bussiere is only a couple of hundred metres from the Canal and set in a magnificent park. This setting is perfect for our guests and a dining opportunity in the informal "Le Bistrot des Moines" will have fabulous results from the local ingredients and delicious classic Burgundy recipes.

Hotel du Nord, Dijon

RESTAURANT DE LA PORTE GUILLAUME IN THE HOTEL DU NORD

Located in the old city centre of Dijon, the Hotel du Nord serves up French fare with flair! The rich, comforting flavours of Burgundy cuisine are featured in such rich dishes such as butter-drizzled escargot, duck with mushroom soufflé and of course the classic Beef Bourguignon. Cheese fiends will adore the after-dinner menu with a dozen cheese selected from the local area including the very special creamy Epoisse.

Spuller, Sombernon

LE SPULLER IN THE HOTEL DE SPULLER

Le Spuller is located in Sombernon, a village set high in the hills and overlooks the forests and valleys of the Burgundy countryside towards Dijon and Beaune. The combination of setting, quality of cuisine, and exceptionally friendly service hits all the marks.

L’Oree du Bois, Chateauneuf-en-Auxois

L’OREE DU BOIS

Chateauneuf-en-Auxois is one of France's most picturesque villages, set on the hilltops and overlooking the heart of Burgundy the canal. The sunsets light up the sky to offer stunning panoramas. Within the fortified walls, the half-timbered L’Oree du Bois is a very special French “creperie.” With a large choice of authentic crepes from savoury to sweet treats, each made with skill and attention using local ingredients there is a dish for you.

Le Lassey, Sainte Sabine

LE LASSEY AT CHATEAU DE SAINTE SABINE

Chateau de Sabine is a beautifully presented chateau-hotel with views across the Auxois plain and the high hills. The Michelin featured cuisine combines traditional dishes with a modern touch which adds a twist, full of flavour and stylish finesse. The exquisite presentation of dishes and quality service is enhanced by the elegant dining room décor.

From Dijon to Escommes rates

2023 USD, for American and Canadian residents High season Regular season Low season
Whole boat charter for 8 36, 000 USD 34, 000 USD 32, 000 USD
Whole boat charter for 7 35, 000 USD 33, 000 USD 31, 000 USD
Whole boat charter for 6 34, 000 USD 32, 000 USD 30, 000 USD
Price per person, based on double occupancy 4, 500 USD 4, 250 USD 4, 000 USD
Single person supplement 1, 750 USD 1, 750 USD 1, 750 USD

2023:
High season: Departures from 27th August to 24th September
Regular season: Departures from 30th April to 20th August;  From 1st October to 8th October 
Low season: Departures from 9th April to 23rd April; From 15th October  to 22nd October 

2024:
High season: Departures from 1st September to 22nd September
Regular season: Departures from 28th April to 25th August;  From 29th September to 6th October 
Low season: Departures from 7th April to 21st April; From 13th October  to 20th October 


Availability for Savoir Vivre

Special offers and discounts

Enjoy Boutique Gastronomic Cruising in Burgundy

Book your 2023 cruise now to save 20%!

Contact us about the offers

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