let's talk about the area...
The Burgundy region of France offers a voyage of discovery encompassing culture, architecture, history and natural beauty. Enjoy vineyard tours, explore ancient châteaux, browse authentic markets. Cycle along the towpaths next to your private moving boutique hotel.
Burgundy's wine heritage is amongst the most important and fascinating in the world. The monks of Clos de Vougeot developed and mastered the intricate and delicate process of wine making in the 12th Century. They learnt to harness the perfect surroundings they found themselves in for producing the finest wines in the world. Today the wine produced in the region remains world leading. Burgundy and winemaking are a marriage made in heaven.
In truth though, Burgundy's charm runs deeper than all this. Its quietly unassuming charm tickles the soul. The quaintness of the villages, the elegance of the chateaux, its gastronomic restaurants and a quietly proud and modest way of life. These are the elements that grow on you with a cruise aboard the Savoir Vivre while you enjoy knock-out wines and gorgeous food. It's this less obvious side to Burgundy's character that we seek to share with our guests through our unique format and style.
our route along the Ouche Valley...
The 'Canal du Bourgogne' (Burgundy canal) is fascinating. It was begun in the late 1600's and completed in 1832. It transformed the prosperity of the region from rural subsistence to trading route and partner to far off lands. In its 150 mile and 190 locks, the canal carves an elegant path through some of the most beautiful of all rural French countryside. The section we cruise, along the Ouche Valley, is arguably the most historical and interesting of the entire canal.
Please explore the map below to view the route the Savoir Vivre takes along the Ouche Valley. Your cruise will start either from Escommes at the western end or Fleury-sur-Ouche at the eastern end. Why not zoom out to get a better idea of where Burgundy is located in France or zoom in to explore the area in more detail.
guest comments
“We cruised through Monet landscapes, dined sumptuously (and far too much!), drank fine wine, vodka and champagne by the cask and were regaled with history, culture and local lore by our expert captain and guide. We were cared for exquisitely, sailed smoothly through the locks along the canals and learned to appreciate all the finer things Burgundian – especially the wines. Merci beaucoup for a week that was truly 'magnifique'!”
“A marvellous time to share on the barge – wines, absolutely marvellous food – would do this again but only after fasting for a month!"
“Thank you for an extraordinary experience, one that we won't soon forget.”
SAVOIR VIVRE - ITINERARY
WEST CRUISE ROUTE : FLEURY-SUR-OUCHE to ESCOMMES
SUNDAY: We'll Meet You in Dijon - Welcome Aboard!
Our captain will meet your party late afternoon in central Dijon. This is either at the Rail Station (there are frequent and fast TGV trains from Paris) or local hotel. From there, you'll be chauffeured to Savoir Vivre moored in Fleury-sur-Ouche, a classic village nestled on the Canal de Bourgogne. There will be time to unpack and explore, helping you work up an appetite for your first on-shore dinner at the local, friendly and refined restaurant – “L'Auberge Gourmande”.
MONDAY: Fleury-sur-Ouche to Gissey - Wine, wine, wine!
This morning begin your cruise back in time through the unhurried and authentic Valley of the Ouche. You'll float past limestone cliffs, wooded hills and enchanting villages. The Savoir Vivre ties up in Gissey where you can stroll into this ancient and charming village. After lunch on board, (prepared by our private chef and delivered to the ship), you will be driven south to the famed Cote d'Or wine region. Your first visit today is to Chateau du Clos de Vougeot where wine was produced by Cistercian monks from the 12th century. Examine the ancient wine presses and learn more about winemaking and life in that long ago era. Then it's back to present- day pleasures at a wine-tasting which introduces this area's vintages. Return to Savoir Vivre. In the evening, we visit Restaurant De La Porte Guillaume, located in the heart of Dijon. The rich, comforting flavors of Burgundian cuisine are at the forefront of this bistro’s regionally-inspired menu.
TUESDAY: Gissey - La Bussiere - Magnificent Markets
After breakfast on board featuring village-baked pastries still warm from the oven, we head to Dijon to mingle with locals at the famed outdoor market. There will be time to look around the well-preserved Medieval old town and shop - think mustard! Then it's back to Savoir Vivre for lunch and an afternoon cruise through gorgeous scenery to La Bussiere-sur-Ouche. Relax on board or explore by bicycle - let's meet up with our barge at the next lock!
Later, explore the exquisite Abbaye De La Bussiere and then enjoy dinner within this fabulous setting at their excellent 'Le Bistrot des Moines'.
WEDNESDAY: La Bussiere to Pont D'Ouche – Beautiful Beaune
Take a moment to reflect this morning as we cruise to Pont D'ouche. After lunch aboard, sightseeing takes center stage as you head to enchanting Beaune - wine capital of the Cote d'Or. There's much to enjoy in Beaune; most important is the immaculately preserved Hospice de Beaune, a charity hospital built in the 15th century (and which treated patients until the early 20th century!). There will also be time to explore the shops or visit a cafe in the square. Return to the barge late afternoon, then relax until we drive you to the nearby delight of “Le Spuller”, your restaurant for this evening.
THURSDAY: Pont d’Ouche to Vandenesse-en-Auxois - Charming Cheese!
You've tasted wine, now it's time to taste cheese.
After a peaceful start to your day we visit Ferme de Poisset, an authentic cheese maker and her beautiful goats. Yes, you'll learn and then you'll taste! With wine of course. After all, you are in France.
Return to Savoir Vivre and walk the towpath or bicycle into a nearby village - or just relax on board with a good book - as Savoir Vivre continues its journey on the historic Canal de Bourgogne to Vandenesse-en-Auxois. Tonight you will dine at “L'Oree du Bois”, an authentic creperie located in the heart of Chateauneuf en Auxois. Before dinner enjoy a glass of wine at the stunning lookout point.
FRIDAY: La Repe to Escommes - Hilltop Medieval Village
After breakfast, we return to the lovely Medieval village and chateau of Chateauneuf-en-Auxois perched high on a hill overlooking the canal. Explore on cobblestoned streets, peek into private gardens, and then tour the haunting chateau. Back to Savoir Vivre for lunch as we continue our cruise into the Vallee De L'Ouche. Dinner is at ‘Hostellerie du Château, La Table de Guillaume'. This restaurant has recently been acquired by Chef Guillaume. If this name sounds familiar, it’s because he was the former chef of the Michelin starred restaurant at the Abbaye de la Bussière.
SATURDAY: Escommes to Dijon - A Sad Farewell!
Depart around 9 am for your chauffeured transfer back to Dijon. After your final breakfast on board, it will be hard to leave Savoir Vivre! There are mid-to-late morning TGV trains from Dijon back to Paris or perhaps you'll choose to rent a car for an onward journey. We hope to see you on Savoir Vivre again!
Note: This itinerary is a guide only and is subject to changes to accommodate public holidays, seasonal changes and closures.
SAVOIR VIVRE - ITINERARY
EAST CRUISE ROUTE : ESCOMMES to FLEURY-SUR-OUCHE
SUNDAY: We'll Meet You in Dijon – Welcome Aboard!
Our captain will meet your party late afternoon in central Dijon. This is either at the Rail Station (there are frequent and fast TGV trains from Paris) or a local hotel. From there, you'll be chauffeured to the Savoir Vivre moored in Escommes, a tranquil port area marking the highest point of the the Canal de Bourgogne. There will be time to unpack and explore. Dinner is at ‘Hostellerie du Château, La Table de Guillaume'. This restaurant has recently been acquired by Chef Guillaume. If this name sounds familiar, it’s because he was the former chef of the Michelin starred restaurant at the Abbaye de la Bussière.
MONDAY: Escommes to Vandenesse-en-Auxois – Beautiful Beaune
This morning begin your cruise back in time through the unhurried and authentic Vallee De L'Ouche. Today's cruise involves a string of locks along a meandering tree lined section of the canal. The extraordinary Chateauneuf-en-Auxois comes into view as we round the corner on our way to our mooring at Vandenesse-en-Auxois.
After lunch aboard, sightseeing takes center stage as you head to enchanting Beaune - wine capital of the Cote d'Or. There's much to enjoy in Beaune; most important is the immaculately preserved Hospice de Beaune, a charity hospital built in the 15th century (and which treated patients until the early 20th century!) There will also be time to explore the shops or visit a cafe in the square. Return to the barge late afternoon before exploring the exquisite Abbaye De La Bussiere and then enjoying dinner within this fabulous setting at their 'Le Bistrot des Moines'.
TUESDAY: Vandenesse-en-Auxois to Pont d’Ouche – Hilltop Medieval Village
After breakfast on board, we visit the lovely Medieval village and chateau of Chateauneuf-en-Auxois perched high on a hill overlooking the canal. Explore cobblestoned streets, peek into private gardens, and then tour the haunting chateau. Then it's back to Savoir Vivre for lunch as we cruise through gorgeous scenery to Pont d'Ouche, a canal port where all kinds of interesting boats can normally be found. Relax on board or explore by bicycle - let's meet up with our barge at the next lock! When you are ready we drive you to the nearby delight of “Le Spuller”, your restaurant for this evening.
WEDNESDAY: Pont D'Ouche to La Bussiere
After a peaceful start to your day we visit Ferme de Poisset, an authentic cheese maker complete with goats. Yes, you'll learn and then you'll taste! With wine of course. After all, you are in France.
Return to Savoir Vivre and walk the towpath or bicycle into a nearby village - or just relax on board with a good book - as Savoir Vivre continues its journey on the historic Canal de Bourgogne to La Bussiere. Tonight you will dine at “L'Oree du Bois”, an authentic creperie (which are a French dining institution) located in the heart of Chateauneuf en Auxois. Before dinner enjoy a glass of wine at the stunning lookout point.
THURSDAY: La Bussiere to Gissey – Wine, wine, wine!
As you enjoy breakfast on board featuring village baked pastries still warm from the oven, we cruise through gorgeous scenery to Gissey-sur-Ouche. You will be driven south to the famed Cote d'Or wine region.
Your first visit today is to Chateau du Clos de Vougeot where wine was produced by Cistercian monks from the 12th century. Examine the ancient wine presses and learn more about winemaking and life in that long ago era. Then it's back to present day pleasures at a wine tasting which introduces this area's vintages. Return to Savoir Vivre. Later you'll be transferred to dinner at the local, friendly and refined restaurant – “L'Auberge Gourmande”.
FRIDAY: Gissey to Fleury-sur-Ouche - Market Day in Dijon
After breakfast, we head to Dijon to mingle with locals at the famed outdoor market. There will be time to look around the well preserved Medieval old town and shop - think mustard! Then it's back to Savoir Vivre for lunch and an afternoon cruise through gorgeous scenery to Fleury-sur-Ouche. In the evening we visit Restaurant De La Porte Guillaume located in the heart of Dijon. The rich, comforting flavors of Burgundian cuisine are at the forefront of this bistro’s regionally inspired menu.
SATURDAY: Fleurey to Dijon - A Sad Farewell!
Depart around 9 am for your chauffeured transfer back to Dijon. After your final breakfast on board, it will be hard to leave the Savoir Vivre! There are mid-to-late morning TGV trains from Dijon back to Paris or perhaps you'll choose to rent a car for an onward journey. We hope to see you on the Savoir Vivre again!
Note: This itinerary is a guide only and is subject to changes to accommodate public holidays, seasonal changes and closures.