Savoir Vivre on France's Burgundy Canal
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Cruising through France
Step back in time as you journey along the peaceful Canal de Bourgogne, a 242 km waterway connecting the Yonne to the Saône, with 189 charming locks still manually operated, much as they were 250 years ago. As your barge makes its slow and graceful way through the French countryside, you’ll pass moss-covered locks, storybook villages, and scenic stretches of wheat and mustard seed fields. Hop off for a walk or bike ride—your barge will catch up at the next lock, where friendly lock keepers still travel by scooter to greet the boat and guide it along. With stone churches, quirky lock houses, and the gentle rhythm of the water as your backdrop, this cruise invites you to unplug, unwind, and savor the slow beauty of Burgundy with gourmet meals, good company, and the simple joy of watching the world drift by. The term "Savoir Vivre" reflects a deep appreciation for the art of living well—a philosophy embodied by Captain Megret, who has piloted and cooked on these canals since 1989. With his extensive knowledge of the region’s history and wines, he ensures each voyage is fun, enriching, and comfortable.
About this UnTour Cruise
Itinerary Highlights: Fleurey-sur-Ouche, Clos de Vougeot wine tasting, Dijon’s Les Halles food market, meeting local cheesemaker Laure Plait, Chateauneuf-en-Auxois castle tour, Valley of the Ouche cruise, Beaune’s Hospice de Beaune, incredible dining along the way
Please note: This cruise will be offered in the opposite direction on alternate weeks.
Food is a special part of this journey
Each morning starts with freshly baked breads, croissants, and pastries from a village boulangerie, alongside fruit, yogurt, cheese, and more. Lunches feature local ingredients with seasonal menus—think hearty salads, savory entrées, and a curated cheese platter with wines from nearby vineyards. For dinner, you’ll enjoy charming Burgundy restaurants, with reservations and transport handled by your Captain, all included in the cruise.
Air Options
We recommend flying in and out of Paris. There are good TGV rail connections to Dijon from Paris. While we have no specific air deals on this cruise, please call 1-888-868-6871 if you would like us to assist with your airfare or train tickets.
What's included
- Six nights/seven days in your cabin with private bathroom
- All meals and wines with lunch and dinner
- Open bar
- Dinners onshore each night in local restaurants or auberges (local inns)
- Transportation to and from dine-around in Burgundy restaurants
- Daily escorted excursions
- Use of onboard bicycles
- Private chauffeured transfers between Dijon and the barge in Burgundy
Itinerary
Day 1 (Sunday): Welcome aboard and meet your crew!
In the afternoon, a friendly crew member from the Savoir Vivre will greet you at the meeting point. You’ll then be whisked away to the barge, docked in the charming village of Fleurey-sur-Ouche. Once aboard, you'll receive a warm welcome with a glass of traditional champagne and meet your dedicated crew. Your culinary adventure begins this evening with a delightful chauffeured trip to your first onshore dinner, setting the stage for an unforgettable gastronomic journey.
Day 2 (Monday): Fleury-sur-Ouche to Gissey-sur-Ouche
Today, wine tasting takes center stage. Ease into the morning with a tranquil stroll or gentle bike ride along the towpath as the barge glides peacefully onward. This afternoon, your UnGuide escorts you to Clos de Vougeot, where Cistercian monks began crafting wine back in the 12th century. Now the headquarters of the famed Chevaliers du Tastevin wine society, this historic site preserves the original wine presses that produced the region's iconic wines. Following an informal tasting in the vineyards, you'll enjoy dinner at a charming local bistro.
Day 3 (Tuesday): Gissey-sur-Ouche to La Bussiere-sur-Ouche
The lively town of Dijon offers a pleasurable assault of the senses. "Les Halles”, the covered food market, presents a panorama of colorful produce, enticing pastries and boutiques of cheerful displays. Relax in green spaces and lively public squares that define this charming city. Mingle with the locals as you shop, stroll, and sip your way through this vibrant city brimming with authentic French life. Your Tour Guide returns you to the barge for an afternoon cruise. Freshen up a bit in anticipation of another memorable dinner served ashore.
Day 4 (Wednesday): La Bussiere-sur-Ouche to Pont d'Ouche
Today your UnGuide introduces you to farm owner and goat expert Laure Plait. Undoubtedly, her small herd of lively goats will also extends a friendly welcome! Laure's gourmet food boutique is then opened for generous samplings of the handcrafted goat cheeses and boutique wines produced on her family's farm. Return to the Savoir Vivre for an afternoon cruise, providing the perfect time to enjoy a leisurely stroll or a gentle pedal on the towpath. Your Captain chauffeurs you to another brasserie for tonight's dinner ashore.
Day 5 (Thursday): Pont d'Ouche to La Repe
Are you ready to explore a medieval castle? Visit Chateauneuf-en-Auxois, a majestic village perched atop a hill overlooking the canal. Chateauneuf's imposing position refers to its fascinating history as a 15th century fortress. A private tour of the Chateau reveals architectural details and timeworn relics which speak to the deprivations and decadence so prevalent in France’s history. Upon returning to the Savoir Vivre, cruise through the Valley of the Ouche, where a plethora of charming lockhouses abound. Tonight, enjoy another dinner ashore.
Day 6 (Friday): La Repe to Escommes
Prepare yourself for the best of Burgundy in Beaune. Begin the day with a final morning cruise to Escommes, and explore the flora and fauna of the towpath with a leisurely stroll or gentle pedal. Your UnGuide chauffeurs you to the charming town of Beaune, the region's wine capital, for a guided visit to the Hospice de Beaune, an immaculately preserved Medieval hospital built in the 15th century. Afterwards, browse the boutiques, galleries, and cafes lining the pedestrian area, or enjoy a coffee in the town square. Tonight is special, as Captain Richard joins you for the Farewell Dinner ashore.
Day 7 (Saturday): Escommes to Dijon and a fond adieu
After breakfast, you will be chauffeured back to the designated drop off point. We hope that your cruise on Savoir Vivre has created memories to last a lifetime!
Excursions
Included. Please see Itinerary.
Post-Cruise Options
The Canal de Bourgogne Cruise links well with our UnTours in Alsace, Paris and Provence. There may be a few gap days between cruise and UnTour. Inquire for details.
Ship
Savoir Vivre
The Savoir Vivre is a sleek and adaptable barge that makes the most of every inch and has everything one needs. The lounge converts to a dining room in minutes, while the kitchen is "hidden" until needed! The cabins are ingenious. Although not large, they are chic - and with lots of things done right.
Ship Features
- Four identical, 110 sq ft cabins with ensuite tiled shower bath
- Ceiling height from 6'6" to 7 feet
- Designed to be accessible for children and those who are less mobile
- "Hidden" Kitchen
- Cherry wood cabinets
- Open refrigerator and bar
- Two decks, fore and aft
- Aft deck fully shade
- Lounge chairs and sit-up chairs
- Flat-screen TV - DVD
- Laptop with 3G internet access(where available)
- 8 "Dutch Cruiser" bicycles
Stateroom Amenities
- Twin or queen bed convertibility
- Electrically adjustable orthopedic beds
- Wardrobe
- Digital climate control and fans * hairdryer, full-length mirror, desk & chair
- Private bathrooms with walk-in shower & heated towel rails
- Full size windows - the bedrooms are all above water making them a great place to relax during the day.
Reviews
Here's what our guests have to say
J. Bissell
"We wended our way at breakneck speed (2 kilometers/hour) through the beautiful French countryside… enjoyed fantastic cuisine and local wines… explored historic sites, wineries and farms… and quickly made friends with our amiable fellow travelers. Richard Megret, our captain, served as outstanding host, organizer, French ambassador, and friend. Along with Laura, our superb tour director and Justine, our wonderful hostess, this trio of professionals turned out to be essential partners in making this trip so memorable."
K. Jones
"Everything was remarkable, and we've been on two very good cruises before this one. We've now taken four UnTours apartment stays, in addition to the barge trip, and would continue to recommend you".
Disclaimer
Our staff have inspected this cruise and the above description and photographs reflect what they saw at that time. It is possible that the supplier has made changes to the cruise without our knowledge. While we do our best to keep up with any changes or improvements made to our cruises, we cannot guarantee that everything in the above description will be accurate.
May 4, 2025 to May 10, 2025
May 11, 2025 to May 17, 2025
Jun 29, 2025 to Jul 5, 2025
Aug 3, 2025 to Aug 9, 2025
Aug 10, 2025 to Aug 16, 2025
Aug 17, 2025 to Aug 23, 2025
Aug 24, 2025 to Aug 30, 2025
Aug 31, 2025 to Sep 6, 2025
Oct 19, 2025 to Oct 25, 2025
- Accommodation
- All meals
- Daily escorted excursions and activities
- Private chauffeured transfers between Dijon and the barge in Burgundy
- Airfare to and from France
- Transportation to Dijon meeting point
- Crew gratuity (suggested minimum amount is 5% of the cruise price)
- Travel Insurance