French Hotel Barge SAVOIR VIVRE: Experience Local Restaurants

SAMPLE A DIFFERENT CHEF EVERY NIGHT ON THE BURGUNDY BARGE THAT HAS FOODIES BUZZING

French Hotel Barge SAVOIR VIVRE - Barging cruises in Burgundy, France

Guests on the all inclusive, Burgundy barge Savoir Vivre will eat every dinner at authentic and charming bistros! Savoir Vivre is the only barge in Burgundy that offers guest the opportunity to sample a different chef every night – and the cost of dinner and wine is included in the cruise price!

Savoir Vivre says that the memories you take away are about the good times spent together, the epic scenery, the quietly cultured and proud ways of rural France, the wine, the food, and of lazily cycling beside the ship as she quietly plies along.

The shift in emphasis begins with the barge itself. It is modern, chic, and flexible. Not a square foot is wasted although everything one needs is available. The lounge converts to a dining room in minutes, while the kitchen is “hidden” until needed! The cabins are cleverly designed. Although while not large, they are stylish with lots of things done right, such as excellent storage, efficient reading lights, deluxe bedding and bathrobes hanging ready-to-use. The fore and aft decks are also designed for flexible use with a selection of recliners, chairs and pillows. Lounging is decidedly casual but comfortable.

Sightseeing is extensive but emphasizes the villages, the markets, and the wine and food producers. The high point is the half-day spent in Beaune, the wine capital of the Cote d’Or. Tour the immaculately-preserved Medieval hospice and browse in the colorful pedestrian shopping street.

MEET THE CREW

Laura - Richard - Jo

Captain Richard Megret hails from a prominent French “barging family,” members of which have been crewing in this industry for generations. He has worked on the canals since 1989, serving as pilot or chef on many top vessels. Captain Megret has done a great job with Savoir Vivre guests and is ready to showcase his knowledge of area’s history and wines. Savoir Vivre's 2011 guests adored his professional and personable style,  combined with his charm and sense of humor.

Laura (your expert guide) has been exploring French life and culture on hotel barges since she was 20 years old. Her background in history and a deep love affair with France led her to become a Tour Guide with a reputation which others struggle to match. A glance at her CV demonstrates this with guiding roles on deluxe and ultra-deluxe barges. Following a break from barging to start a family she decided to return to the fold to re-ignite her Guiding passions.

Jo (your hostess & housekeeper) has had a life rich of adventure (avid skier and traveler), culinary cunningness (chef) and a steadfast devotion to friends, family and fun! Her early years were spent in the French Alps as the manager and chef of high-end ski chalets. This is where she met her best friend Laura (see above). 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 a delightful, capable, warm and authentic crew member.

Breakfast and lunches are served aboard Savoir Vivre and reflect local ingredients, such as oven-baked croissants brought warm from the village each day, while the luncheon buffets offer a selection of salads, patés, cheeses, and quiches. The on-board "floating wine cellar" is stocked with vintages which tend to be distributed only within France, allowing for guests to make pleasurable discoveries.

Burgundy abounds in authentic, independently-owned auberges where locals out number tourists! Savoir Vivre has carefully selected six such venues, each differing slightly in setting and menu. Your Captain makes the reservation, chauffeurs you to the restaurant, and once there, introduces your party to the proprietor, reviews the menu and orders your wine.

Dinner venues include:

• Auberge les Gourmands - A petite venue where the chef has trained at Guy Savoy and Girardet and is geared for greater acclaim.
• Le Spuller - Located hillside in an enchanting wine village, diners enjoy panoramic views of the valley below while savoring delicious dishes like roast trout with Emmental and ginger cream  A 2011 guest favorite.
• La Ferme de Rolle - Hearty traditional fare where the entrees are roasted on an open spit.
• L'Oree du Bois - An authentic creperie housed in an elegant 17th century mansion.
• Chez Camille - Local fare and a dining room set under a canopy of trees. Menu highlights range from traditional Burgundian favorites such as Coq au Vin and Boeuf Bourguignon to exciting deserts like the delicious caramelized pineapple and vanilla zabaglione with gingerbread and rum sorbet

2012 RATES & AVAILABILITY:

Savoir Vivre has only five weeks open in the 2011 barging season (as of May 30, 2012):

• July 15-21: Regular season
• July 22-28: Regular season
• July 29-August 18: Regular season
• August 19-25: Regular season
• October 28-November 3: Value season

Rates, 6-night charter:

Regular season:

• 4 guests: $24,000
• 6 guests: $26,000
• 8 guests: $28,000

Value season:

• 6 guests: $24,000
• 8 guests: $26,000

2013 SEASON...

• Regular season: April 21 - October 12
• Value season: March 31 - April 20 and October 13-26

2013 RATES: currently the same as 2012 (as of May 30, 2012)

Looking forward to your inquiries!

SAVOIR VIVRE: Ability to live life well and with intelligent enjoyment, meeting every situation with poise, good manners, and elegance. Etymology: French, to know (how) to live.

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Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters to book SAVOIR VIVRE 
View Savoir Vivre's online brochure
Visit our website for more info on our barges and barging: www.BargeCharters.com