I've had the opportunity to take in some small workshops with Scott Redstone, a Savate instructor in Toronto. The description in the link is mostly true. Savate, as a sport, relies on more kicking than punching, but Western-style boxing is a large component of it. All kicks are meant to be done with shoes (specifically with the toes), and not the shins as taught in Thai boxing. Besides the points scored with the strikes/kicks, Savate emphasizes executing the techniques with style as well. An elegant fighter is the ideal in the ring. In the street, Savate kicks are directed to the knees, thighs, hips, groin, and occasionally the head. Dirty tricks are taught, as this was meant to repel attackers with nasty intentions. In addition, unconventional attacks such as using walls to propel strikes, kicking while on the ground, and throws are taught for emergencies.
The art of La Canne, while taught alongside Savate in some schools, is considered a separate art. Again, as a ring sport, it prizes elegance as well as scoring points, and uses light, thin sticks that count only the first three inches of the tip as a valid point-scoring surface. For self-preservation, La Canne teaches the stick as a guide to improvised weapons like canes, umbrellas, 2x4's, etc. The movements can resemble saber strikes and bayonet thrusts, and are meant to stun and incapacitate the opponent.
