For years, The Barge Connection has been pairing adventurous world travelers with some of today’s best European barge excursions. Recently, we’ve added a new barge that really ups the ante when it comes to exploring local culinary traditions. She’s called the Savoir Vivre, and she includes nightly on-shore dining experiences that are sure to tantalize your taste buds. More importantly, those meals are all included in the fare, making the Savoir Vivre one of the most value-added barging adventures around.

Immerse Yourself in Local Culinary Traditions

From Dijon, the Savoir Vivre follows an itinerary that takes you down the Canal de Bourgogne in France’s lush Ouche Valley. Without question, the Valley of the Ouche captures the very essence of Burgundy, which is one of the most romantic and timeless places in the world; it also happens to be at the epicenter of some of France’s very best culinary traditions. What better way to celebrate those traditions than with regular onshore dining adventures?

Culinary Gems are Hand-Picked by Regional Expert

If you think that you’ll end up spending your evenings at overpriced tourist traps, think again. In order to bring you the best experience possible, we’ve fully vetted our dining destinations with the help of Francois Everson, an expert on France’s Burgundy region. You’ll rejoice in the innovative French and Irish dishes of L’Eire du Temps, where head chef Selby Clements dishes up everything from Oeufs en Meurette to beef with Guinness. Enjoy ham that’s been roasted on an open spit at Ferme de Rolle on one night and the simplicity of Coq au Vin at Auberge Saint Martin the next; on the Savoir Vivre, the culinary adventures never cease!

The Perfect Addition to a Sublime Barging Excursion

One of the things that has set our barging adventures apart from the very beginning is the unique experiences that they bring to the table. While European barge vacations are sometimes compared to traditional at-sea cruises, they are actually utterly distinct. Most significantly, you only skim the surface of local cultures while on a traditional cruise; with a barge vacation, you’re able to hop off and explore on your own by bike or walking along the towpaths or partake in one of the daily excursions with guide and driver. With the addition of onshore evening meals at top-rated local restaurants throughout Burgundy, the Savoir Vivre heightens the already amazing experience of traveling through France in this unique way.

All of the Top Benefits of Barging – and More

Onshore dinners aren’t the only notable features of a French adventure aboard the Savoir Vivre. Light, French-style breakfasts and delectable lunches are also included. All the while, you and your companions get to luxuriate in the hotel-style amenities of the finely appointed barge. For six unforgettable nights, you will be ensconced in utter comfort and elegance. The sublimely laid back experience of floating along meandering canals in Burgundy will be punctuated by guided excursions to some of the countryside’s most indelible sights. To top it all off, you’ll be treated to tastings of some of the region’s finest fare, including escargot, champagne, gourmet cheese and sumptuous chocolate. One thing’s for sure: Neither you or your taste buds will ever get bored!

The Savoir Vivre brings an experience unlike any other to today’s most discerning travelers. It’s available primarily by charter, but cabin bookings are available for certain dates and family cruises are available with the kids. At The Barge Connection, we couldn’t be more thrilled about the addition of this incredible barge; it truly changes everything, and we think that you will agree! Finally, you’ll be able to experience the real France in the way that it’s supposed to be experienced: Through breathtaking expanses of pristine countryside, picturesque medieval villages, quaint, out-of-the-way galleries and the enjoyment of the incomparable culinary traditions that helped France cement its reputation as a truly exceptional destination.