Savoir Faire
Upper Loire and Burgundy Cruise
Welcome aboard for your magical journey through time, as we glide past picturesque villages and mighty Gothic towns. From the sun kissed slopes of Chablis to the inner sanctuaries of French kings and noble knights, this cruise promises golden memories with every turn you take.
The Savoir Faire with its 3 decks, includes a large sundeck, a main deck with a panoramic lounge, a separate bar area and an independent dining room finished in mahogany, teak and brass. For evening entertainment, there is an upright piano, game table, stereo, CD player and library. There are 6 twin / double ensuite cabins
Auxerre to Montargis
Sunday, Day 1 Paris to Auxerre
Your chauffeurs collect you from your Paris hotel
at 1.45pm for the scenic drive to the "Savoir Faire", moored alongside
half timbered houses and the mighty cathedrals of Auxerre. Your hosts,
Chris and Fran, welcome you aboard with a Champagne Reception and an
introduction to your crew and ship.
Once you have settled in, your tour guide is at hand to
accompany you on a liesurely walk through what is undoubtedly one of the
prettiest towns in France. Auxerre, the capital of lower Burgundy, is situated
in the heart of a wine growing region most famous for its Chablis wine. The
success of this thriving town is celebrated by architectural jewels such as
the ornately painted 15th century Clock Tower, the soaring Gothic cathedrals
of Saint Germain and Saint Stephen and an abundance of ornate Renaissance
houses bordering tree lined squares. Every street offers a golden opportunity for
the aspiring photographer.
Relax before dinner with a drink from the bar and enjoy
the best view in town from the panoramic deck of the "Savoir Faire".
Tonight your chef welcomes you to your table with the first of many
superb offerings. Candlelit crystal and gleaming silverware add to the
romantic ambience of what promises to be the first of many memorable evenings.
Round off the day with a gentle stroll along the
riverbank or for the more energetic, an optional "Son et Lumiere"
show at Saint Germain cathedral.
Monday, Day 2 Auxerre
to Joigny
Your cruise begins as we glide out of Auxerre
past the riverside villages of the Upper Yonne. Glorious flower displays
border the locksides as we wind our way towards our overnight
mooring at Joigny. There are plenty of opportunities for biking and walking
along the pathways that follow our route.
After lunch, your tour guide drives you to the world
famous town of Chablis. You are welcomed into the cellars of our friends,
who own the house of Domaine Laroche, where you are offered a tour
followed by a comprehensive wine tasting. A visit to Chablis is incomplete
without taking in the best view in town. From our vantage point
you can see the slopes of the reknowned "Grand Cru" vineyards. The
perfect spot for a glass of chilled white wine and an offering from your
chef. Our excursion then takes us through picturesque landscapes to a
typical Burgundian farm, where we sample local cheeses before returning to
the "Savoir Faire".
Your overnight mooring is the riverside setting
of Joigny, built on the terraces of Cote Saint Jaques (from
which the famous local restaurant takes its' name). Relax before dinner with
a drink from the bar, as the sun sets over the vineyards perched high
above the rooftops of this idyllic Burgundian town.
Round off the day with a gentle stroll through
floodlit cobbled streets lined with half timbered houses.
Tuesday, Day 3 Joigny
to Sens
As we set off this morning, you can see one of
the best views of Joigny from the panoramic deck of the "Savoir
Faire". Our cruise before lunch takes us along narrow
canals and gently flowing rivers towards the 15th century fortified town
of Villeneuve sur Yonne. As always, there are opportunities to cycle
alongside. Before lunch we moor near the restaurant of the famous
actress "Lesley Caron". From here we take a short walk to
view the 700 year old town gate as well as the magnificent
Church of Notre Dame, the building of which lasted from the 12th to the
16th century.
After lunch, a short drive brings you to Sens which
takes its name from one of the most courageous of Gallic tribes, the
Senons, who invaded Italy and seized Rome. Your guide accompanies you
around the Cathedral of St Etienne. Begun in 1140 and housing one of the
richest treasuries in France, this mighty Gothic cathedral is the first of
its kind in Europe. Afterwards enjoy a stroll through this popular
market town before returning to the "Savoir Faire".
Your overnight mooring is beside the floodlit
lit riverbank, five minutes from the town centre. Relax before dinner with
a drink from the bar as the swans gather round in anticipation of a
free meal. The perfect setting for the end of yet another perfect
day.
Wednesday, Day 4 Sens to Can de
Loring
Today we begin our 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 - some of which may join us in the
locks!
After lunch, your tour guide drives you to the
romantic Chateau of Vaux-le-Vicompte (setting for the film "The Man
In The Iron Mask"). Our visit includes an opportunity to explore the
magnificent formal gardens which are widely regarded as some of the best
in France. Built between 1656 and 1661 for finance minister Nicolas
Fouquet, the chateau's construction was monstrous even for those days.
Entire villages were razed and 18,000 workmen called in. Famous
architects, painters and landscapers were commissioned to reflect
Fouquet's refined tastes. So lavish was the housewarming party, that Louis
XIV threw a fit of jealousy and hurled Fouquet in jail. Just to prove who
was boss, Louis XIV began building the Palace of Versailles.
We return to the "Savoir Faire" which is
moored before the entrance to the Canal de Loing. As the sun
sets and yet another succulent temptation beckons from the
galley, we celebrate the day on deck as we watch life drift gently
by.
Thursday, Day 5 Can de Loring to
Nemours
Today is the beginning of our cruise into the
Upper Loire region, as we pass along the winding Canal de Loing. Once onto
the canal the landscape unfolds as we slowly pass open fields and forests
bordering classic French villages and towns. Affectionately known as the
"Gardens of Paris", this little known region gently reveals its
secrets as we discover a waterway teeming with wildlife and meet friendly
lock-keepers who help us on our way.
After breakfast your tour guide accompanies you for
a liesurely stroll through the medieval walled town of Moret-sur-Loing.
Known to many as the home of the famous Impressionist painter, Alfred
Sisley, this enchanting setting is an inspiration for artists to this
very day. There's time to explore the shops and visit the beautiful Church
of Our Lady, built on the site of a 12th century Roman building. We then
join the "Savoir Faire" to continue our cruise through the Upper
Loire region along the picturesque Canal de Loing to Nemours. This
is the perfect opportunity to cycle or stroll along the surfaced path that
follows the canal. Why not lend a hand at one of the many manual
locks - your crew are at hand to explain how these work and to show you
the ropes!
After yet another superb dinner, you may choose to
take a peaceful stroll through the town or just sit back and enjoy
the cozy surroundings in the company of close friends.
Friday, Day 6 Nemours to Cepoy
This morning we cruise towards our final
destination of Cepoy, a quaint mooring just outside Montargis. Once
again, this is the perfect opportunity to cycle or stroll along the
surfaced path that follows the canal and to explore the many
villages that line the canal. After lunch your tour guide drives you to
the Palace of Fontainebleau. It is often referred to as the "House
of Centuries" due to the fact that every French monarch from
Francois I to Napolean III has left his mark upon this magnificent
chateau. To walk through the splendour of the inner sancturaries of
noble kings and queens is to step back through time. Afterwards you will
have time to explore the ornate gardens and the thriving town
of Fontainebleau, before deciding upon the option to visit the artist
community of Barbizon.
We then return to the "Savoir Faire" to
celebrate our final evening aboard. Tonight your chef presents a
spectacular "Captains Dinner", hosted by the owners of
the "Savoir Faire" - Chris and Fran. Laughter, great times and
the warmth of friendship contribute to those "Golden Memories"
that last a lifetime.
Saturday, Day 7 - departure 9.30am
We end the cruise with a nourishing breakfast
and fond farewell from your crew, before your chauffeurs take you onward
to Paris.
Note : The route is run
in reverse on alternate weeks and excursion days and mooring places may change