Facts About the Barge Savoir Vivre
Savoir Vivre is a purpose-built barge which has a modern, stylish, and flexible design. Not a square foot is wasted, although everything one needs is available. The salon converts to a dining room in minutes.
Top: Salon layout
Bottom: Dining layout
SPECIFICATIONS:
80 feet long x 16 feet wide
3 crew: captain, tour guide, hostess
8 passengers maximum
4 guest cabins that can be configured as queen or twins.
Air conditioning & central heating throughout
Ceiling height ranges from 6'6" to 7 feet
Salon with sofa, lounge chairs, and side tables that convert to dining table
Open bar and guest refrigerator with drinks and snacks
WiFi (subject to local reception). Onboard laptop.
Two outside decks, fore and aft, with chairs and loungers. You may also join the Captain in the wheelhouse.
8 bicycles
Air conditioned, 9-seater minibus
GUEST CABINS
All 4 guest cabins can be configured as a either a queen or two single beds. Cabins are identical, approximately 110 ft², each with ensuite, tiled bathrooms with WC, sink, and shower stall. Guest cabins have electrically adjustable orthopaedic beds, deluxe bedding, ample storage, excellent reading lamps, full-length mirrors, large windows, bathrobes, and dressing table & chair. All cabins have a minimum of 6'6" (2m) headroom.
Private en-suite bathrooms include heated towel rails/mirrors, zero step wet floor showers with glass enclosures and storage.
SALON & DINING
Savoir Vivre takes a innovative approach to her layout which makes her exceptionally space efficient and pleasant to be on. For example:
- The salon opens out onto the foredeck by means of unique quad-opening front doors which gives a wonderful open plan of inside/outside space.
- One wall of the salon conceals a beautiful solid cherry wood kitchen with Siemens/Miele appliances. When not it use it is closed giving the appearance of wood panelling. Guests are at liberty to help themselves to anything in the kitchen, anytime.
- Private catering chefs prepare freshly-made meals on shore and bring them to the barge, hence no space-wasting commercial galley is necessary.
- The salon area converts in moments to a wonderful dining space. This means that a dedicated dining room doesn't lay wasted when not in use. With the front of the ship opened up onto to the foredeck, it creates a spacious area to enjoy lunch.
FOOD & DRINK
Breakfast selections consist of freshly baked breads, croissants, and pastries from a local village boulangerie, along with fruit, cereal, yogurt, cheese, coffee, tea, and juice. Catered lunches showcase local ingredients to create regionally and seasonally inspired menus. Lunch is typically a light buffet featuring hearty salads and savory entrees with lovely table settings. Wine pairings feature a red and a white from area vineyards, along with a cheese platter of artisanal favorites. For dinner, you will experience "real France" dining experiences at a different authentic local restaurant each night of your cruise.
ACCESSIBILITY:
The Savoir Vivre is designed to be more accessible for children and those who are less mobile. Everything is mostly on one level.
- Once aboard (two steps) all main areas of the ship are on one level. There are three steep treads up to the wheelhouse which must be used at one mooring.
- Savoir Vivre's gangway is the shortest of any barge as her unique V-shaped hull means that they can always moor directly next to the canal side.
- Her low foredeck makes the barge very safe to board in locks as you simply step on/off the barge when it is stationary and before the lock is operated.
CREW:
Richard - Captain of the Savoir Vivre
Richard Megret - Captain, expert barge pilot, comedian, engineer, host, hero. Richard's professional skills, personable style, incredible wit and inimitable charm make him a popular character on the canals of France. We've never met anyone who doesn't like the guy - in fact we can't think of anyone who doesn't respect the heck out of him.
Richard has a career spanning over 20 years and his resume reads like a Who's Who of luxury barges. Before becoming Captain of the Savoir Vivre, he held a variety of different roles aboard the Horizon II, Princess, Nenuphar, Adrienne, Fleur de Lys and Hirondelle II. With his extensive experience, he really knows what works to ensure that everything about the Savoir Vivre cruise experience is perfectly balanced to produce idyllic and memorable barge cruise experiences. "Laughter" features heavily in our guest book!
Simon - Savoir Vivre's expert guide
Simon and his wife, Laura, have been exploring French life and culture for, more or less, their entire careers. Between them, they have delivered world class tours for us for over 10 years! This year, Simon will be our principle guide. He has the sort of energy, quick wit, knowledge of history and a deep love for France that earns his reputation. In addition, Simon previously worked in Puligny Montrachet, so he has extensive knowledge and connections within the Burgundy wine industry.
Luckily for us, the Savoir Vivre's cruise program, location and operations are a perfect fit for them. To quote Simon: "I have been guiding on and off here for 25 years. For me there is nothing better than knowing that the passengers have enjoyed visiting the area and listened to a tale or two that has a human interest element to it. I'm excited to look after Savoir Vivre's guests this year!"
Linzi - Savoir Vivre's charming hostess
Linzi is a British-born expat who has made a career in luxury barge cruising over many years. Her resume includes several "ultra-deluxe" class vessels. These include the Amaryllis, Prosperité, and Fleur-de-Lys amongst others.
Living in the the Ouche Valley, she is a local with extensive knowledge including where to source the very best local produce. (Wait until you experience her croissants at breakfast!) Linzi is a natural and charming expert who, above all, is exceptionally fun to be around. She also has a meticulous eye for detail.
To quote Linzi, "As a local with a love for barging, I am delighted to support the Savoir Vivre and its unique format. I'm friends with many of the local restaurants her passengers visit. Having worked on many beautiful barges; the Savoir Vivre's uniqueness is special to me and the region I love."
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