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French Hotel Barge SAVOIR FAIRE
Paris to St Florentin, FRANCE From the Kings of France to the
jewels of Burgundy, this splendid cruise includes some of the greatest
sites in France.
SUNDAY - Moored in the heart of ParisOur chauffeurs collect you from your designated meeting point in Paris and escort you to the "Savoir Faire," moored in the Port d'Arsenal adjacent to the Bastille. 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 canapes 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 your own master chef. MONDAY - 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 - Melun to Moret-sur-Loing After a hearty breakfast your guide will escort you to the delightful Chateau of Vaux la Vicomte, the location of the filming for "The Man in the Iron Mask". 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 - 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 - 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. 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 - Joigny to St Florentin Our final cruise takes us onto the famous Burgundy Canal. Our excursion today is 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. 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 center, which is classified as a protected area, is best visited on foot.Afterwards join the barge and relax before dinner with a drink from the bar. 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 - St Florentin Finally time to say farewell to the Savoir Faire and her Captain and crew, but not before a hearty 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. Note: This is a sample itinerary. Itineraries are flexible and subject to change. SAVOIR FAIRE HOME > ITINERARIES > France: Paris to St Florentin |