| DEPARTURE
DATES (Sunday) |
RATE |
ROUTE |
| April
- 3, 10, 17, 24 |
Regular |
Amsterdam
Tulip Cruise |
| May
- 1, 8 |
Regular |
3
country, 13 nts Cruise |
| May
- 15, 22, 29 |
Regular |
Burgundy |
| June
- 5, 12, 19, 26 |
Regular |
Burgundy |
| July
- 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 |
Regular |
Burgundy |
| August
- 7, 14 |
Regular |
Burgundy |
| August
- 21, 28 |
Regular |
Champagne |
| September
- 4, 11 |
Regular |
Champagne |
| September
- 18 , 25 |
Regular |
Burgundy |
| October
- 2, 9 |
Regular |
Burgundy |
| October
- 16, 23 |
Regular |
3
country, 13 nts Cruise |
Savoir
Faire Barge Information

LUXURY MOTOR YACHT CRUISES
.
The 12-passenger Savoir Faire was built in 1932 as a Belgian transport
barge. She was converted into a hotel barge in 1979 and was substantially
refurbished for the beginning of the 2005 season. The air conditioned
interior is unique with five separate areas for passenger enjoyment,
whether for a personal retreat, a gathering at the on board piano or
all passengers together enjoying each others company. The saloon, dining
area, and bar are finished in mahogany, teak and brass and decorated
with antiques and paintings collected over the years. Two spacious sun
decks offer magnificent views of the countryside and bikes are provided
for those who wish to explore further.
Savoir Faire features six staterooms all of which are
air conditioned and have en-suite facilities. Each can
be configured with two twin beds or with one queen bed.
All cabins offer good lighting, a large number of electrical
outlets, and include 220v European standard and 110v U.S.
standard power outlets. Internet access is also available.
You will be attentively catered for by six English-speaking
crew including the captain, deck hand, master chef, tour
guide and two housekeepers.
| Cruise
Highlights |
Cuisine
Aboard |
- Evening cruise through Paris beneath the floodlit
Eiffel Tower
- Visit to Reims and its magnificent
cathedral Moet and Chandon for a tour and Champagne
tasting
- Visit the Keukenhof gardens and see the
Dutch tulips
- Visit the wine town of Chablis
- Visit to Fontainebleau
where every French monarch from Francois I to Napoleon
III left his mark
- Visit to Coulomniers, one of
the centres of Brie Cheese
- Tour the beautiful
Belgian cities of Ghent and Bruges, the "Venice
of the North"
|
Regional Specialities
Braised Beef Fillet in Juniper Berry and Red Wine Jus,
Saddle of Lamb with Eggplant Caviar
Wine Cellar
St Emilion Grand Cru, Chasagne-Montrachet les Houilleres,
Pomerol, Pouilly Fuisse
Cheese Board
Gouda, Leyden, Maasdam |
ITINERARY
-
SUNDAY - Moored in the heart of Paris at the Port Arsenal,
Bastille
Our chauffeurs collect you from your designated meeting
point in Paris and escort you to the "Savoir Faire," moored
at the Port Arsenal, Bastille, in the very heart of the
city. It is here that your adventure begins. After a
Champagne reception on deck, during which you are introduced
to your crew and the ship, you are free to settle into
your cabins before we depart for our exclusive pre-dinner
cruise through Paris. While aperitifs and canapés
are served on the upper deck, the "Savoir Faire" glides
past the magnificent church of Notre Dame, the resplendent
Louvre art gallery and the symbolic Eiffel Tower. We
then return to our mooring before your first of many
splendid dinners aboard, prepared by the master chef.
MONDAY - Cruise from Paris to Melun
We set off from the Arsenal bright and early to begin
your cruise south along the mighty Seine towards Burgundy.
Once past the reaches of Paris, the landscape begins
to unfold revealing the tranquil beauty so sought after
by busy city folk. Luxury villas and chateaus begin to
appear along the river banks, as we cruise past fishermen
patiently sitting beneath the shade of a willow tree.
Your excursion today is to the magnificent chateau of
Fontainebleau. Your tour guide escorts you around the
chateau, as to walk through Fontainebleau is to walk
through the very history of France. Every royal family
has added their architectural signature, resulting in
an unrivalled display of opulence. Afterwards you will
be able to explore the shops and boutiques of Fontainebleau
before joining your chauffeurs who will escort you back
to the "Savoir Faire". This evening we shall
be moored in the thriving market town of Melun. You will
have the opportunity to stroll along the river bank and
breathe in the fresh air before your candlelit dinner
is served.
TUESDAY - Cruise from Melun to Moret-sur-Loing
After a hearty breakfast your guide will escort you to
the medieval town of Provins where you can explore ancient
ramparts, watch a falconry show and browse around the
boutiques and shops. Provins is now listed as a UNESCO
World Heritage site and is listed amongst the most interesting
towns in France. Once back on board, we cruise to Moret,
made famous by the Impressionist painter Sisley. This
is a picture postcard town nestled alongside tree lined
riverbanks. Once moored, you will have time to enjoy
a stroll and pre-dinner cocktail before yet another delicious
meal is served.
WEDNESDAY - Cruise from Moret-sur-Loing to Sens
This morning we set off on the final stretch of the river
Seine before joining the Yonne towards our overnight
mooring in the thriving market town of Sens. After lunch
your tour guide will escort you by foot into Sens for
a private guided tour of the Cathedral of St Stephen,
the first of the great Gothic cathedrals of France. The
beauty of the exterior dominates the main square of Sens.
Begun in 1140 AD, this magnificent building houses one
of the richest treasuries in France. In addition to this
there is a tour of the museum, which is in the 13th Century
synodal palace, situated in the former archbishop's residence.
It houses a fascinating exhibition of Gallo-Roman mosaics
and works of art from the cathedral. Afterwards you will
have time to explore the charming streets of Sens before
strolling back to the "Savoir Faire."
THURSDAY - Cruise from Sens to Joigny
A tranquil cruise awaits us after breakfast towards the
riverside town of Joigny, where cobbled streets and timbered-framed
buildings take you back to a bygone era. Today is the perfect
opportunity for those who wish to cycle alongside the ship
as she glides gently by. After lunch we take a drive to
Chablis, town to some of the greatest wines in Burgundy.
We have selected the small family operation of Domaine
Laroche for an intimate tour of their cellar and an insightful
introduction to the secrets of this ancient art. A comprehensive
wine tasting rounds off this fascinating visit. Dinner
is served aboard after which you may enjoy a stroll around
the lamp lit streets of Joigny.
FRIDAY - Cruise from Gurgy to Auxerre
Our final cruise takes us along the upper reaches of the
Yonne to Auxerre, the most beautiful of all river towns
whose skyline is punctuated by church spires and its streets
lined with timbered 16th century houses. This afternoon
your tour guide is at hand to escort you through this wonderful
riverside town, with the Cathedral of Saint-Etienne dominating
the skyline. Behind its apparent simplicity lies one of
the finest examples of Gothic architecture in France. Undoubtedly
one of the prettiest towns in France, Auxerre, the capital
of Lower Burgundy, is situated in the heart of a wine growing
area most famous for its Chablis wine. The town's magnificent
monuments, which include a splendid 15th Century clock
tower, all bear witness to a remarkable historical past.
The centre, which is classified as a protected area, is
best visited on foot. 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
adorns your table with a special Farewell Dinner. Candlelit
crystal and gleaming silverware add to the romantic ambiance
of your celebration. Laughter, great times and the warmth
of friendship contribute to those "Golden Memories" that
last a lifetime.SATURDAY – Auxerre
Finally time to say farewell to the Savoir Faire and her
Captain and crew, but not before a rather special breakfast.
Bags are loaded by 9.30am and off we drive to your designated
destination in Paris.
All itineraries are subject to change.
Sunday
Guests are met at their hotel in Paris at 12 noon (Pickup
at CDG Airport can also be arranged) and driven to the
Savoir Faire for a Champagne welcome and a cruise through
the heart of the city to our overnight mooring at Bougival
and visit Malmaison, the home of Napoleon, its many rooms
lavishly furnished by Josephine. Evening cruise into Paris
and we moor in the heart of Paris, beside the Place de
la Bastille.
Monday
In the morning we visit Malmaison, the home of Napoleon,
its many rooms lavishly furnished by Josephine. Guests
rejoin the Savoir Faire for a cruise up the lovely River
Oise.
Tuesday
Our cruise today takes us to Compiegne. There are many
places to visit, including the train where the World War
I Armistice was signed, as well as the Royal Palace. Shops
galore!
Wednesday
The Savoir Faire begins her climb through the many locks
and several tunnels of the Canal du and over the Vermandois
Hills of Picardie through the many locks and several tunnels
of the Canal du Nord. The scenery is splendid and a good
towpath allows guests to walk between locks. After lunch,
we visit Amiens one of the greatest of all the Gothic cathedrals
with its powerful, towering columns.
Thursday
We cruise to Tournai, a fortified town with a magnificent
square surrounded by half timbered buildings and cafes.
Plenty of quaint boutiques.
Friday
Our destination today is the internationally popular city
of Ghent, with its fine architecture, bustling cafe life
and splendid shops.
Saturday
Today we visit the beautiful town of Bruges, known as the "Venice
of the North." The chef will pack a picnic lunch,
so there will be plenty of time to explore the many museums,
buy some of the handmade lace or take a boat trip in the
small canals that wander through the town. Please note
that a buffet style dinner will be served tonight as the
chef needs at least one evening off.
Sunday
Today we remain moored on the outskirts of the city of
Bruges for touring and shopping opportunities.
Monday
We catch the flood tide down the winding "Sea Schelde" which
takes us to the "diamond"city of Antwerp. Antwerp
is the city of Rubens, where we can take a tour of Rubens'
house, then a walk in the old quarter of this beautiful
Flemish city.
Tuesday
Today we cruise through the busy port of Antwerp, across
the Belgium/Dutch border towards the charming old fortress
harbour of Wilemstad. This town is preserved in its original
state, with windmill dykes, an old church and a 15th century
arsenal.
Wednesday
The Savoir Faire begins her cruise across the Holland's
Diep, through Rotterdam and then north towards our overnight
mooring at Delft. Today we shall visit the Royal Porcelain
Factory.
Thursday
We are now on our final leg heading north towards Haarlem.
Today we moor at the lakeside village of Oudewetering.
Our excursion takes us to Aalsmeer, the largest flower
auction in the world.
Friday
This morning we cruise takes to our final destination of
Haarlem, a medieval town lined with cobbled streets and
half timbered houses. The main square (once a venue for
jousting contests between courageous knights) lies next
to the church of St Bravos which houses the magnificent
Muller Organ which Handel and Mozart played when young
children.
Saturday
After breakfast guests are driven either to their Amsterdam
hotel or to the airport.
Note: This is a sample itinerary. Itineraries are flexible
and may be changed according to passenger requests and
local conditions. On alternative weeks the cruise is in
reverse direction
SUNDAY: Ancy-le-Franc
Your chauffeur collects you from your Paris hotel at
2.00pm for the drive to the "Savoir Faire", moored at
Ancy-le-Franc on the Burgundy Canal. Your host and Captain,
Chris, welcomes you aboard with a Champagne Reception and
an introduction to your crew and ship. After a well deserved
aperitif on deck you are served your first of many splendid
dinners aboard, prepared by your very own master chef.
MONDAY: Ancy-le-Franc to Tanlay
Fresh ground coffee and fluffy croissants and pastries
straight from the local baker - a delicious breakfast sets
us up for our gentle cruise past the beautiful 16th century
Renaissance palace and gardens of Chateau d'Ancy le Franc,
towards the picturesque village of Tanlay where we moor
overnight. There's plenty of opportunity to wander or cycle
ahead as the vessel descends through a series of quaint
hand operated locks. After a leisurely lunch we stroll
over to the 16th century Renaissance-style Chateau de Tanlay,
nestling serenely within this picturesque village, which
also boasts a challenging 9-hole golf course (advance bookings
required). The interior is luxuriously furnished and decorated
by some astonishing frescoes. Dinner on board.
TUESDAY - Tanlay to Tonnerre
After breakfast we take a short ride to the Chateau of
Ancy-le-Franc. This Renaissance jewel, set in the centre
of a large park on the banks of the canal, houses the biggest
collection of Renaissance murals in France making Ancy-le-Franc
a direct contender of Fontainebleau Palace. The immense
quadrilateral, which is a classified historic monument,
holds a rich decor attributed to some of the most celebrated
Italian, Flemish and Burgundy artists of the 16th and 17th
century. After lunch we cruise past sleepy hamlets and
cattle grazing by the canal banks. Our cruise today takes
us to Tonnerre, one of the few places along the canal where
you will find vineyards. This town is the centre of a small
wine growing area of about 60 hectares producing excellent
reds and roses under the name "Bourgogne Epineuil".
Of particular interest is La Fosse Dionne. Situated in
the centre of the old town this natural spring, the second
deepest in France, has long mystified people and is well
worth a visit. In 1758 it was converted into a "Lavoire". The
most beautiful reminder of Tonnerre's past is the old hospital,
built in 1293 by Margueritte of Burgundy. The chapel
has a magnificent entombment, a masterpiece of 15th century
Burgundian art. Dinner on board
WEDNESDAY - Tonnerre to St Florentin
An opportunity to visit the morning market before your
cruise along the Burgundy Canal. Today we visit one of
the great Cistercian monasteries of France. The Abbey of
Pontigny was founded in 1114. Charming and rather understated
on the outside, the great spaces of the interior really
are something special and not to be missed if you are in
northern Burgundy. More recently Pontigny Abbey has also
played an important role in French culture - from 1922
to 1939 there was an annual get together of the great European
intellectuals of the time at the abbey, including TS Eliot,
Thomas Mann and Jean Paul Sartre. Let's not forget the
Cistercian monks of Pontigny Abbey, who first planted vines
in the Chablis region. Dinner on board.
THURSDAY - St Florentin to Gurgy
We begin our cruise along the final stretch of the Burgundy
Canal before we join the river Yonne, which winds its way
upstream to the riverside town of Auxerre. Locks with sloping
walls and electric gates make for stark contrast to those
quaint hand operated gates on the Burgundy Canal. Before
lunch your tour guide drives you to the world famous town
of Chablis where you'll take a tour of the ancient press
and cellars of Domaine Laroche, followed by a wine tasting
of their various fine vintages. After seeing Chablis we
drive a short distance to a beautiful secluded spot where
you can enjoy a panoramic vista of the Grand Cru vineyards
and the surrounding countryside. Your chef has prepared
a surprise picnic with offerings worthy of a King's table.
Great wine, great food and the companionship of friends
and loved ones make for the perfect setting. Fully replenished
we return to the "Savoir Faire" to continue our
cruise to the sleepy riverside hamlet of Gurgy, where we
moor overnight. Dinner on board.
FRIDAY - Gurgy to Auxerre
Our cruise this morning takes us to our final destination
and 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. After
lunch your tour guide is at hand to show you around this
delightful town. 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
adorns your table with a special Farewell Dinner. Candlelit
crystal and gleaming silverware add to the romantic ambiance
of your celebration. Laughter, great times and the warmth
of friendship contribute to those "Golden Memories" that
last a lifetime.
SATURDAY - Auxerre
Finally time to say farewell to the Savoir Faire and her
Captain and crew, but not before a rather special breakfast.
Leave the barge by 9.30am and transfer to Paris.
Itinerary is subject to change. Please note that cruise
week runs in opposite direction on alternate weeks.
SUNDAY: Auxerre
You are met at your Paris hotel at 2pm for the drive
to the "Savoir Faire" moored at Auxerre, undoubtedly
one of the prettiest riverside towns in France. Your
Captain, welcomes you aboard with a Champagne Reception
and an introduction
to your crew and ship. This evening you are served your
first of many splendid dinners aboard, prepared by your
very own master chef.
MONDAY - Auxerre to Bassou
After breakfast , a walking tour of Auxerre, the capital
of lower Burgundy. Situated in the heart of a wine growing
region most famous for its Chablis wine, this thriving
town celebrates it's success with 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 and your tour guide knows
all the great spots! After lunch we begin our cruise
along the upper reaches of the river Yonne, which winds
it's way downstream to our overnight mooring at Bassou.
Locks with sloping walls and electric gates make for
stark contrast to the quaint hand operated locks we will
see
on the Burgundy Canal. Dinner on board.
TUESDAY - Bassou to St Florentin
We begin our cruise along the final stretch of the river
Yonne before we join the famous Burgundy Canal. Before
lunch your tour guide drives you to the world famous
town of Chablis where you'll take a tour of the ancient
press
and cellars of Domaine Laroche, followed by a winetasting
of their various fine vintages. After seeing Chablis
we drive a short distance to a beautiful secluded spot
where
you can enjoy a panoramic vista of the Grand Cru vineyards
and the surrounding countryside. Your chef has prepared
a surprise picnic with offerings worthy of a King's table.
Great wine, great food and the companionship of friends
and loved ones make for the perfect setting. Fully replenished
we return to the "Savoir Faire" to continue
our cruise to St Florentin, where we moor overnight.
High above
the town is the 15th century church and the Priory terrace,
with fine panoramic views of the old town. Dinner on
board.
WEDNESDAY - St Florentin to Tonnerre
After breakfast visit the morning market with your chauffeur
before rejoining your cruise along the Burgundy Canal.
Today we visit one of the great Cistercian monasteries
of France. The Abbey of Pontigny was founded in 1114.
Charming and rather understated on the outside, the great spaces
of the interior really are something special and not
to be missed if you are in northern Burgundy. More recently
Pontigny Abbey has also played an important role in French
culture - from 1922 to 1939 there was an annual get together
of the great European intellectuals of the time at the
abbey, including TS Eliot, Thomas Mann and Jean Paul
Sartre. Let's not forget the Cistercian monks of Pontigny Abbey
who first planted vines in the Chablis region. Dinner
on board.
THURSDAY - Tonnerre to Tanlay
After breakfast you may want to explore Tonnerre, the centre
of a small wine growing area of about 60 hectares producing
excellent reds and roses under the name "Bourgogne
Epineuil". Of particular interest is La Fosse Dionne.
Situated in the centre of the old town this natural spring,
the second deepest in France, has long mystified people
and is well worth a visit. In 1758 it was converted into
a "Lavoire". The most beautiful reminder of Tonnerre's
past is the old hospital, built in 1293 by Margueritte de
Burgundy. The chapel has a magnificent entombment, a
masterpiece of 15th century Burgundian art.
Later this morning we begin our gentle cruise to Tanlay.
Ropes away and onward past sleepy hamlets and cattle
grazing by the canal banks. After a leisurely lunch and
a little
more cruising we stroll over to the 16th century Renaissance-style
Chateau de Tanlay, nestling serenely within this picturesque
village, which also boasts a challenging 9-hole golf
course (advance bookings required). The interior is luxuriously
furnished and decorated by some astonishing frescos.
Afterwards
enjoy a promenade along the canal bank, a cool refreshing
drink on the upper deck or a leisurely wander into the
village before dinner.
FRIDAY - Tanlay to Ancy le Franc
Today we have a real delight in store! After a hearty
breakfast we begin our cruise to Ancy-le-Franc. Once again,
plenty of opportunity to walk and cycle between locks as
we head for our final destination. Later this afternoon
we visit the Palace of Ancy-le-Franc. This Renaissance
jewel, set in the centre of a large park on the banks of
the canal, houses the biggest collection of Renaissance
murals in France making Ancy-le-Franc a direct contender
of Fontainebleau Palace. The immense quadrilateral, which
is a classified historic monument, holds a rich decor attributed
to some of the most celebrated Italian, Flemish and Burgundy
artists of the 16th and 17th century. Relax before dinner
with a drink on the panoramic deck of the "Savoir
Faire". Tonight your chef adorns your table with a
special Farewell Dinner. Candlelit crystal and gleaming
silverware add to the romantic ambiance of your celebration.
Laughter, great times and the warmth of friendship contribute
to those "Golden Memories" that last a lifetime.
SATURDAY - Auxerre
Finally time to say farewell to the Savoir Faire and her
Captain and crew, but not before a rather special breakfast.
After all, we wouldn't want you leave hungry! Bags are
loaded by 9.30am and off we drive to your designated
destination in Paris.
On alternate weeks the cruise is in reverse direction.
All itineraries are subject to change
SUNDAY
We meet at an Amsterdam hotel in the city centre at 2pm (Schiphol Airport
pickup can also be arranged) and transfer to the barge moored in
the center of Haarlem for a Champagne welcome. We will relax for
the afternoon with a cruise to Zaandam, where we will moor for the
night and you will enjoy your first gourmet dinner on board.
MONDAY
After breakfast we will take a short drive to the Zaanse Schans to visit
a working windmill, a clog maker and a cheese maker. In the afternoon
we will cruise to Amsterdam, through the heart of the city where the
small canals and architecture will take you back to a previous century
and then along the Amstel River to Ouderkerk. Dinner on board.
TUESDAY
An early rise and drive to the colorful flower auction in Aalsmeer. Upon
return we will set off for a cruise on the canals to the cheese Mecca
of Gouda. After lunch, we will take a drive out to a local cheese farm.
Besides cheese, you will find beautiful buildings, excellent shopping
and the most magnificent stained glass windows in Holland. Dinner on
board.
WEDNESDAY
A morning cruise to Rotterdam through the center of this busy port and
then onto Delft. Visit the Delft Pottery works, where porcelain is still
handmade and painted. Spend the rest of the afternoon strolling around
this beautiful historic Dutch city. Dinner on board
THURSDAY
A morning cruise through the canals past Leiden, across the Brasemmer
Lakes to Oude Wetering. Spend the afternoon at the famous Keukenhof Gardens
with the largest display of flowers in the world. Here you will see hundreds
of varieties of tulips, hyacinths, and other beautiful bulbous plants.
Dinner on board
FRIDAY
Morning cruise to Haarlem, a picturesque town and the home of the famous
Dutch painter Frans Hals where we will tour its museum. Farewell celebration
on board and your last elegant gourmet dinner.
SATURDAY
This will be your last breakfast on board. You will then be driven to
either the Schiphol Airport or your hotel in Amsterdam.
Note: This
is a sample itinerary. Itineraries are flexible and may
be changed according to passenger
This
is a sample itinerary and is subject to change.
Sunday
Guests are met at their hotel in Amsterdam at 2pm
(Pickup at Schiphol Airport can also be arranged) and driven
to the Savoir Faire for a champagne welcome and a cruise
through the heart of the city to the quaint little town
of Ouderkerk. Captains Welcome Dinner onboard.
Monday
Morning cruise along the canals to the town of Gouda,
famous for its cheese. Afternoon visit to the Keukenhof
Gardens, the largest display of flowers in the world. Here
you will see hundreds of varieties of tulips, hyacinths
and other bulbs. After we return to the Savoir Faire there
will be time for a stroll around Gouda where we will find
the most magnificent stained glass windows in Holland.
Tuesday
A cruise out of Gouda to the river Ijssel and across
the Holland’s Diep, part of the Dutch estuaries,
to the charming old fortress town of Wilemstad. This town
is preserved in its original state, with windmill dykes,
an old church and a 15th century arsenal. There will be
an optional visit to the famous Delta Project which is
one of the greatest feats of water engineering in the world
involving damming the great estuaries.
Wednesday
Today we will leave Holland and cross the border
into Belgium and travel to Antwerp. Antwerp is the city
of Rubens, where we can take a tour of Rubens' house, then
a walk in the old quarter of this beautiful Flemish city.
Thursday
We catch the flood tide up the winding "Sea
Schelde" which takes us to the town of Ghent. You
will have plenty of time to visit this beautiful town in
the afternoon.
Friday
You cannot pass through this part of the world without
a visit to the beautiful little town of Bruges, known as
the "Venice of the North". The chef will pack
a picnic lunch, so there will be plenty of time to explore
the many museums, buy some of the handmade lace or take
a boat trip in the small canals that wander through the
town. Rejoin the Savoir Faire in late afternoon to cruise
along the river Schelde to the French/Belgian frontier.
Saturday.
Guests who have selected 6 nights will be transferred
to Brussels Airport or Ghent by about 11am. After clearing
customs at the frontier, (a simple formality), the Savoir
Faire continues along the river Schelde, through the town
of Valenciennes to the junction of Canal du Nord at the
little French village of Arleux. The cars will take guests
to Valenciennes along the way.
Sunday
The Savoir Faire begins her climb over the Vermandois
Hills of Picardie through the many locks and several tunnels
of the Canal du Nord. The scenery is splendid - rural France
at her best, and a good tow path allows guests to walk
between locks. After lunch, the cars take an excursion
to Amiens to visit what must be one of the greatest of
all the Gothic cathedrals with its powerful, towering columns.
Monday
The cruise continues along the Canal du Nord as
it drops down into the valley of the river Somme; a short
trip on the Somme before climbing over another watershed
and down to the valley of the river Oise to moor in the
riverside town of Compiegne. There are many places to visit,
including the train where the World War I Armistice was
signed, as well as the Royal Palace.
Tuesday.
As the Savoir Faire continues down the lovely
Oise River, guests are taken on an afternoon excursion
to the old Roman town of Senlis with its quaint narrow
streets, ancient churches and interesting museums, rejoining
the Savoir Faire for an evening cruise to the river town
of Pontoise.
Wednesday.
Loaded down with a picnic lunch, deck chairs
and tables, the cars take guests on a day excursion to
Giverny to visit the home and gardens of the Impressionist,
Claude Monet. The gardens should be at their best at this
time of the year, and we can visit the water lily pond
and the Japanese bridge that inspired so many of Monet's
paintings. Moor for the night in Pontoise.
Thursday
Cruise to Bougival in the morning and visit Malmaison,
the home of Napoleon, its many rooms lavishly furnished
by Josephine. Guests rejoin the Savoir Faire for an evening
cruise into Paris and we moor in the heart of Paris, beside
the Place de la Concorde.
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