Classic France Cruise – Upper Loire & Western Burgundy

Description

France is unquestionably the homeland of luxury barge cruising. The beautiful European country has a plethora of waterways that pass through the breathtaking countryside and many of the country’s historic towns & cities. Burgundy, located in the east-central region of France may not be the most popular destination in the country, however, that does not make it any less spectacular. We can assure you that Burgundy will not disappoint.
The Burgundy Region is known to be home to some of the finest wines in the world. And with a total of 33 Grand Cru vineyards in Burgundy. The glorious waterways such as the Canal du Centre and the Canal de Bourgogne run through the 60,000 acres of vineyards to create some of the most picturesque scenery in Europe. En route, you will also wind through medieval towns, elegant chateaus, UNESCO sites, magnificent cathedrals, The old capital of the Dukes of Burgundy Dijon and so many more fantastic sightseeing opportunities.
We offer barge cruises across the whole of burgundy, with each divide offering its own uniqueness and charm. Our burgundy cruises are the perfect place to take in glorious scenery and offer you the opportunity to explore the cuisines and wine that the region has to offer.
Burgundy Barge Cruise Highlights
Our Burgundy barge cruises pass through many of the vast waterways of the beautiful east-central region of France. The region is full of historic towns and cities that you will have the chance to explore and experience. The area truly does have some of the most beautiful scenery that France has to offer.
Taking a barge cruise down the waterways of burgundy is truly an unforgettable experience. The area boasts some of the most impressive vineyards in the world and the magical waterways flow straight through them, offering a hugely unique glimpse at the vast vineyards.
Our barge cruises travel to every corner of the region stopping at the many mediaeval towns, elegant chateaux, stunning cathedrals, picturesque villages and local markets to give you the full burgundy experience. We do not doubt that you will fall into the love story that is Burgundy.

Trip Name

Classic France Cruise – Upper Loire & Western Burgundy

Days

Overview

Vessel Type: Hotel Barge Length: 127 feet Passenger Capacity: 8 Renaissance has been designed to carry her guests in ultimate luxury along the Canal de Briare, France’s oldest canal and steeped in history on a cruise route that features elegant chateaux, small countryside villages and the famed wine-growing region of Sancerre. She is a very spacious hotel barge and the beautifully-appointed saloon with its wooden beams, classic dining furniture and artworks, invokes the atmosphere of a classic French manor house. The comfortable leather sofas and hand-built bar where you can enjoy your pre-dinner aperitif, add to the feeling of onboard opulence. The ‘Renaissance mood’ extends to the four very generously-sized twin or double bedded bedroom suites, (approx. 265sq ft including en suite), each one fully air-conditioned and complemented by a large en suite bathroom. Outside, the large forward deck includes a covered roof extension with a circular table for alfresco dining, comfortable hardwood sun loungers and a heated spa pool. With her refined onboard ambience, Renaissance is the perfect vessel on which to cruise a historic canal and experience the splendour of landmarks en route, including Gustav’s Eiffels’s aqueduct across the mighty River Loire.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Sunday, Day 1 Montargis to Amilly

Guests are met at our meeting point in Paris and transferred by private chauffeured minibus to the spacious Renaissance where a champagne welcome with canapés awaits and you meet the Captain and crew. We enjoy an afternoon cruise through the picturesque “little Venice of Gâtinais” with its 131 bridges connecting the streets and crossing the Canal de Briare and the River Loing. Dinner on board.

Day 2 - Monday, Day 2 Amilly to Montbouy

This morning we cruise through wooded countryside and past the old Bardin water mill, to reach our mooring in Montbouy. After lunch, we visit the privately-owned Château de La Bussière, known as the ‘Fishermen’s Castle’, with its wonderful ornamental and vegetable gardens, where we enjoy a cooking demonstration with the barge chef using seasonal produce. Dinner on board.

Day 3 - Tuesday, Day 3 Montbouy to Rogny-Les-Sept-Écluses

After breakfast we explore the town of Montargis on foot, viewing the 11th century chateau before passing through the picturesque Fishermen’s Quarter; its half-timbered houses bordering the canals. Arriving at the 12th century Church of the Madeleine, we stop to admire its soaring 75-foot-high nave. Our footsteps finally bring us to Mazet, the confectioners renowned for creating the original praline recipe over one hundred years ago. Here, we observe the chocolate production and enjoy a tasting of their delicious products. Later, we enjoy an afternoon cruise to our mooring at the pretty village of Rogny-Les-Sept-Écluses, near its 350-year-old 7 lock-flight, now disused and a national monument, from which it takes its name. A short stroll to the locks is worthwhile before dinner on board.

Day 4 - Wednesday, Day 4 Rogny-Les-Sept-Écluses to La Gazonne

Today we immerse ourselves in the world of Impressionist art. We start with a short walking tour of Moret-sur-Loing, famous for its association with the Impressionist painter Alfred Sisley and see several of his most famous scenes before continuing to the Chateau home of Rosa Bonheur. Rosa Bonheur was the most celebrated female artist of the 19th Century; a pioneer in a man’s world and a champion of women’s rights. Her best-known paintings are of animal scenes including one of Buffalo Bill on horseback which prompted an enduring friendship between the two. We take lunch in the private salon of the chateau before joining the present owner for a tour and to hear more about the history of this remarkable lady and view some of her works. Later, we enjoy an afternoon cruise past the Rogny lock flight to La Gazonne, a beautiful rural mooring surrounded by lakes and ponds that provide water for the workings of the Canal de Briare. Dinner on board.

Day 5 - Thursday, Day 5 La Gazonne to Briare

A morning cruise to our mooring at the little town of Briare, site of Gustave Eiffel’s magical aqueduct across the River Loire, again with excellent walking and cycling opportunities. We preview Friday’s crossing of this amazing 10,000-ton, 662 metre Pont Canal which was completed in September 1896. Our afternoon visit is to the renowned Sancerre winery of La Perriere. Having stopped to view the vineyards and learn something about viticulture, we then visit the winery, with its operations and cellars all set spectacularly inside huge natural caves. We enjoy a private tour and a tasting of some of their best vintages before we return to the barge. Dinner on board.

Day 6 - Friday, Day 6 Briare to Châtillon-sur-Loire

This morning we visit the market in Briare with its food and fashion stalls before returning to the hotel barge for lunch and a spectacular cruise across the Briare aqueduct with its ornate iron lampposts and railings, spanning the wide River Loire below. This afternoon, we visit the delightful Château de Ratilly and its rather unusual selection of turreted towers, construction of which began in 1270. In the castle’s workshops, we see traditional pottery being hand thrown and have the chance to try this artisanal craft for ourselves. Captain’s Farewell Dinner on board.

Day 7 - Saturday, Day 7 Châtillon-sur-Loire

After breakfast, guests are transferred by private chauffeured minibus to Paris.

Day 8 - Please Note:

This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change.On alternate weeks, the cruise will be in the reverse direction.

Trip Dates

Start	End	Price From	Room Type

Inclusions

Cruise through the stunning Burgundian vineyards that the Region is famous for.
Navigate the stunning French waterways passing stunning chateaux, cathedrals, and gorgeous villages and market towns.
Indulge in the local food and wine freshly prepared and cooked by your onboard private chef.