SUNDAY - Auxerre
 
Your chauffeurs collect you from your Paris hotel for the scenic drive to the "Savoir Faire", moored alongside half timbered houses and the mighty cathedrals of Auxerre. Your hosts 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 leisurely 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 ambiance of what promises to be the first of many memorable evenings.
 
MONDAY - Auxerre to Joigny

This morning we begin our cruise along the upper reaches of the river Yonne, which winds it's way downstream to 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.
 
Rejoin the "Savoir Faire" at its riverside setting beneath the slopes 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.
 
TUESDAY - Joigny to Sens
 
Our cruise this morning takes along both canal and river to the busy 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."

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 – Sens to St Mammes

Today we cruise along the final stretches of the river Yonne before joining the river Seine, which flows through Paris. After lunch, your tour guide will drive 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 you will have time to enjoy a stroll and pre-dinner cocktail before yet another delicious meal is served.

THURSDAY - St Mammes to Melun

We begin our cruise after breakfast to the town of Melun, past the resplendent villas once occupied by the King's courtesans.
After lunch your tour guide will drive 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.
　
FRIDAY - Melun to Paris

After breakfast 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 sanctuaries of noble kings and queens is to step back through time. Return to the "Savoir Faire" for lunch followed by your cruise into Paris.

While cocktails are served, the Savoir Faire glides past the magnificent church of Notre Dame, the resplendent Louvre art gallery, and the symbolic Eiffel Tower. After our cruise we enter the Port d'Arsenal, next to the Bastille where we moor overnight. 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. 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.
 

 

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