Discover Burgundy
Finding Inspiration at Every Turn
Famed the world over for its wines, Burgundy is one of the great historic regions of France; indeed, in the Middle Ages, Burgundy was the great dukedom which rivalled in power and prestige with the kingdom of France itself. In those days it covered a large part of central eastern France, including half of modern-day Switzerland.
The Burgundy Story
The historic and modern capital of the Burgundy region is Dijon (population 150,000), a thriving administrative and cultural centre, which is also a major communications and freight-distribution hub. The city is just 1hr. 40 mins. from Paris by direct TGV high-speed train service. Dijon has a historic city centre, with old narrow streets, and houses built in the local pale honey-coloured stone; of particular interest to visitors are the Palace of the Dukes of Burgundy, and the gothic Cathedral of Saint Bénigne. The centre of old Dijon is classed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The world-famous Burgundy vineyards produce some of the most prestigious and expensive wines in the world. The top wines are mostly produced on a narrow strip of land running south from Dijon, on the western fringe of the Saône plain, in the Côtes de Nuits and the Côtes de Beaune vineyard areas. These include names such as Gevrey-Chambertin, Vosne-Romanée, Pommard, Volnay and Clos Vougeot. Many of the top vineyards, which are quite small and called "Clos" (closed areas) are protected behind stone walls and iron gates, so valuable are the grapes that they produce. They are probably the most valuable agricultural real estate in the world.
About the area...
The Burgundy region of France offers a voyage of discovery encompassing culture, architecture, history and natural beauty. Enjoy vineyard tours, explore ancient châteaux, browse authentic markets. Cycle along the towpaths next to your private moving boutique hotel.
Burgundy's wine heritage is amongst the most important and fascinating in the world. The monks of Clos de Vougeot developed and mastered the intricate and delicate process of wine making in the 12th Century. They learnt to harness the perfect surroundings they found themselves in for producing the finest wines in the world. Today the wine produced in the region is remains world leading. Burgundy and winemaking are a marriage made in heaven.
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In truth though, Burgundy's charm runs deeper than all this. Its quietly unassuming charm tickles the soul. The quaintness of the villages, the elegance of the chateaux, its gastronomic restaurants and a quietly proud and modest ways of life. These are the elements that grow on you with a cruise aboard the Savoir Vivre while you enjoy knock-out wines and gorgeous food. It's this less obvious side to Burgundy's character that we seek to share with our guests through our unique format and style.
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The Savoir Vivre route along the Ouche Valley...
The 'Canal du Bourgogne' (Burgundy canal) is fascinating. It was begun in the late 1600's and completed in 1832. It transformed the prosperity of the region from rural subsistence to trading route and partner to far off lands. In its 150 mile and 190 locks, the canal carves an elegant path through some of the most beautiful of all rural French countryside. The section we cruise, along the Ouche Valley, is arguably the most historical and interesting of the entire canal.
Please explore the map below to view the route the Savoir Vivre takes along the Ouche Valley.​
Your cruise will start either from Escommes at the western end or Fleury-sur-Ouche at the eastern end. Why not zoom out to get a better idea of where Burgundy is located in France or zoom in to explore the area in more detail.