Cruise rural France aboard an 8-passenger barge-hotel (7 days - 6 nights). This idyllic journey starts on the thriving and panoramic Seine River, an hour's drive south of Paris. Then it covers the entire length of the cozy Canal du Loing, as well as the most picturesque part of the Canal de Briare, one of the oldest French canals, which was built in the early 17th century. In this region known as Le Gatinais (or "the garden of Paris"), the passing countryside of open fields, the picturesque winding waterways, and the succession of classic French villages never cease to amaze on this relaxing and bucolic route.
The barge was completely refitted in 2007. It offers a sparkling fresh exterior, upgraded suites with roomy bathrooms, a shiny new galley, a roof extension over the deck for comfortable outdoor dining and an expanded "guest-friendly" wheelhouse.
Typical Itinerary: (actual program may vary)
Day 1: Sunday - Paris You will be picked up at 1:30 pm at the Hotel Ampere and taken by private minibus to the barge, which will be moored in the colorful village of Samois sur Seine. Champagne reception on board and short cruise to our first overnight in the bustling waterside village of St. Mammes. Today's cruise includes the passage through one of the biggest locks on the Seine River - capable of holding up to 8 barges at a time.
Day 2: Monday - St Mammes to Nemours. This morning we enter the Canal du Loing to begin the ascent to its summit level. Today's excursion takes us to the glorious chateau of Vaux le Vicomte, a "mini-Versailles" located near Melun. The chateau has a fascinating history dating back to Louis XIV. The visit offers the opportunity to walk the gardens, widely regarded as some of the best formal gardens in France. Mooring and overnight in Nemours.
Day 3: Tuesday - Nemours to Nargis. Morning cruise to Beau Moulin, followed by lunch. Afternoon visit to Moret Sur Loing, a medieval walled town immortalized by Alfred Sisley, the famous Impressionist painter. Our local guide will help you explore this charming place where the river Loing flows into the Seine. Our mooring tonight will be in the quite hamlet of Nargis.
Day 4: Wednesday - Nargis to Cepoy. Our day begins with a morning excursion to the hilltop medieval town of Chateau Landon with its 10th-12th century church and fortified battlements. The town is best seen from an open vehicle, so today we ride into town by horse- drawn carriage. After lunch, our cruise continues to the pretty waterside village of Cepoy, where we moor in plenty of time for a pre-dinner stroll.
Day 5: Thursday - Cepoy to Montbouy. Today the cruise continues on to Montargis where the Canal du Loing joins the Canal de Briare. A morning excursion to this bustling market town is the perfect opportunity to do some souvenir shopping, visit the world famous Mazet praline shop or simply sit around and watch the locals go about their business. On to Montbouy, one of the prettiest villages on this stretch of the canal. Our mooring tonight will be in the shadow of the splendid 12th-century church in Montbouy.
Day 6: Friday - Montbouy to Rogny-Les-Sept-Ecluses. Our final cruise takes us to one of the oldest canal villages in France: Rogny-Les-Sept-Ecluses, where a staircase of seven locks (a French National Monument) stands as a testimony to the 400-year history of the canal. Then, excursion to a privately owned Loire Valley Chateau - the Chateau de La Bussière - for a guided tour and a visit to the splendid vegetable gardens. Since we are now at the border between Burgundy and the Loire region, our visit will be rounded off by a private tasting of some popular local wines. Mooring in Rogny-Les-Sept-Ecluses with a farewell dinner hosted by the barge captain.
Day 7: Saturday - Paris. After breakfast, transfer back to Paris by noon.
On alternate weeks, cruise will be in the reverse direction.
Highlights:
- Chateau de Vaux le Vicomte
- Moret sur Loing, home of Impressionist Alfred Sisley
- Medieval town of Chateau Landon
- Chateau de La Bussière
- Sleepy little villages and picturesque waterways
Barge Features:
- 4 cabins with twin/double beds (8 passengers)
- 5 crew members
- Size: 126 ft. x 16' 6" ft.
- Air conditioning and central heating
- Air-conditioned minibus for excursions
Departures: Every Sunday subject to availability (except winter)
This barge can be chartered for groups. Various themes and dates can be arranged to fit the specific interests of each group. Extra customized trips and excursions may be added before or after the cruise.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Low season: $4750 per person double occupancy; $1750 single supplement
High season: $6000 per person double occupancy; $2250 single supplement
Included:
- Accommodations with private bath or shower
- All meals from dinner on day 1 to breakfast on day 7
- Wine with lunch and dinner and selected alcoholic beverages consumed aboard the barge
- Sightseeing tours and entrance fees as specified
- Round trip transfers from specified meeting point in Paris
Not Included:
- Transportation to and from beginning and end points
- Health and travel insurance
- Crew gratuities (suggested 5% of cruise price)
- Superior vintage wines
- Personal expenses
- Optional activities when available
- Other items not specifically listed under "Included" above
Also see tour packages in:
Europe
France
Barging
Food & Wine
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