Savoir Vivre's route runs along a beautiful and interesting stretch of the Burgundy canal. We operate 'point-to-point' so there is no turning around and seeing everything twice.

A cruise along the Burgundy canal is truly a voyage of discovery encompassing culture, architecture, history and natural beauty. In reality, this means there is always something to do. This includes enjoying private vineyard tours, exploring ancient chateaux, browsing authentic markets and cycling along the towpaths. You may wish to walk into the local village to a café in the square, balloon over divinely beautiful countryside or play a round of golf on one of the several high quality courses nearby.

Or perhaps you'd prefer to simply watch all this glide quietly by as you sip fresh coffee on deck on a balmy morning; maybe later you’ll savor the peace and calm alone while moored in idyllic suroundings – perhaps with a glass of wine… or two.

The view, of course, changes as you make progress – one moment you’ll be surrounded by vineyards and the next a lockkeeper’s house laden with flowers where you will see first hand the incredible and ingenious durability of one of Europe’s greatest pioneering transport systems. You will marvel at the charm, romance and humbling beauty which only a village or chateau dating from the 12th century can offer. They charm and inspire you through their quiet, unassuming authenticity – magnificent.


Sunday - We'll Meet You in Dijon: Welcome Aboard
Our captain will meet your party in the late afternoon, either at the Dijon Train Station or from your Dijon hotel. From there, you'll be chauffeured to Savoir Vivre at anchor in Escommes, a tranquil port area marking the highest point of 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 "Chez Camille" in the heart of nearby Arnay le Duc, a restaurant straight out of the movie 'Ratatouille'. Now is the time to begin your authentic gastronomic journey with us.

Monday - Escommes to La Repe: Beautiful Beaune
This morning begin your cruise going back in time through the unhurried and authentic Valley of the 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 La Repe. After lunch on board, sightseeing takes center stage as you head to enchanting city of 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 be time to explore the shops or visit a cafe in the square. Return to Savoir Vivre in late afternoon, then relax until we drive you to the nearby "Restaurant de l'Auxois", your restaurant for this evening.

Tuesday - La Repe 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. Over the cobblestoned streets we explore and peek into private gardens and 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! Dinner this evening at the nearby delight, "Le Spuller".

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 on the property. We learn and we taste! 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 guests 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, followed by a delicious wine tasting. Return to Savoir Vivre, dinner this evening at the local, friendly and refined restaurant, "Auberge Les Gourmands".

Friday - Gissey to Fleurey-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 Fleurey-sur-Ouche. Your final on shore dinner is at the highly regarded hilltop restaurant "Ferme de Rolle." Now is the time to share memories of your authentic encounters with the people, cuisine, wine and sights of Burgundy.

Saturday - Fleurey to Dijon: A Sad Farewell
Our guests depart Savoir Vivre between 8 and 9am for 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: On alternate weeks, cruise will be in reverse direction. This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change.