Renaissance
Cruise in the Upper Loire
Montargis to Chatillon-sur-Loire
Sunday, Day 1 Paris to Montargis
Guests are met at the meeting hotel in Paris at 1.30 pm and transferred to the spacious Renaissance where a Champagne Welcome awaits you. We enjoy an evening cruise through Little Venice, past flower-bedecked bridges and medieval watercourses joining France’s oldest canal, the Briare. Dinner aboard
Monday, Day 2 Montargis to Montbouy
Our visit this morning is to the splendid Renaissance-style Chateaux Vaux le Vicomte, which inspired Versailles, with exquisite décor and period furniture, manicured formal gardens and a collection of 19th century horse drawn carriages. Afternoon cruise through the Loiret countryside with towpath cycling. Dinner aboard.
Tuesday, Day 3 Montbouy to Rogny les-Sept-Ecluses
Today’s excursion is to Chateau-Landon. With a history going back 20,000 years to the first evidence of primitive habitation, this seldom visited, mainly medieval town was captured by Caesar in 52 BC. We have a private guided walking tour and see the 11th century Saint Severin Abbey, as well as enjoy a tasting of Loire wines. Afternoon gentle cruise to historic Rogny and its 350 year old floodlit 7 lock-flight. Dinner ashore at Auberge des Templiers in Les Bezards.
Wednesday, Day 4 Rogny les-Sept-Ecluses to Ouzouer-Trezee
After a leisurely breakfast of fresh croissants, baguettes and assorted pastries we visit Chateau de la Bussiere. This moat-encircled 18th century family owned chateau has a freshwater fishing museum full of antique rods, reels and fishing memorabilia, working gardens and interesting brick architecture. Originally built in the 11th century it was extensively modernized 600 years later and represents an interesting glimpse of Chateau lifestyle. Dinner aboard.
Thursday, Day 5 Ouzouer-Trezee to Briare
Morning cruise to Briare and Gustave Eiffel’s magical aqueduct across the River Loire with walking and biking for those that wish to do so. We preview Friday’s crossing of this amazing 10,000 ton, 662 metre Pont Canal which was completed in September 1896. Today we also visit Gien, home of the Faience pottery and hunting museums and Chateau de Gien. Dinner aboard.
Friday, Day 6 Briare to Chatillon-sur-Loire
Morning wander around fruit and vegetable, seafood, cheese and French fashion stalls in the market in Briare. Afternoon visit to a family-run vineyard in Sancerre. This medieval hilltop village overlooks a vibrant and pulsating region which has known viticulture since Roman times. Evening cruise across the River Loire on Eiffel’s aqueduct and Captain’s Farewell Dinner aboard.
Saturday, Day 7 Chatillon-sur-Loire to Paris
After breakfast we return you to the meeting point in Paris.
This is a sample itinerary. On alternative weeks the cruise is in reverse direction.
RENAISSANCE
Year 2024 Rates in US Dollars
ACCOMMODATION |
VALUE |
REGULAR |
| Charter 6 passengers | $54,900 | $62,500 |
| Charter 7 passengers | $56,700 | $65,000 |
| Charter 8 passengers | $58,500 | $67,500 |
| Suite | $7,890 | $9,190 |
| Single Supplement | $3,000 | $3,500 |
DEPARTURE DATES |
RATE |
ROUTE |
| Mar 31; Apr 7, 14, 21 | Val | France - Western Burgundy & Upper Loire |
| Apr 28; May 5, 12, 19, 26; Jun 2, 9, 16, 23, 30; Jul 7, 14 | Reg | France - Western Burgundy & Upper Loire |
| Jul 21, 28; Aug 4, 11, 18 | Val | France - Western Burgundy & Upper Loire |
| Aug 25; Sep 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 | Reg | France - Western Burgundy & Upper Loire |
| Oct 6, 13, 20 | Val | France - Western Burgundy & Upper Loire |
RENAISSANCE
Year 2025 Rates in US Dollars
ACCOMMODATION |
VALUE |
REGULAR |
| Charter 6 passengers | $62,700 | $72,400 |
| Charter 7 passengers | $65,100 | $75,200 |
| Charter 8 passengers | $67,500 | $78,000 |
| Suite | $9,090 | $10,490 |
| Single Supplement | $3,400 | $3,900 |
DEPARTURE DATES |
RATE |
ROUTE |
| Mar 30; Apr 6, 13, 20 | Val | France - Western Burgundy & Upper Loire |
| Apr 27; May 4, 11, 18, 25; Jun 1, 8, 15, 22, 29; Jul 6, 13 | Reg | France - Western Burgundy & Upper Loire |
| Jul 20, 27; Aug 3, 10, 17 | Val | France - Western Burgundy & Upper Loire |
| Aug 24, 31; Sep 7, 14, 21, 28; Oct 5, 12 | Reg | France - Western Burgundy & Upper Loire |
| Oct 19, 26 | Val | France - Western Burgundy & Upper Loire |
RENASSIANCE BARGE CRUISING THE UPPER LOIRE
FEATURES:
* Cabins : 4 twin/king beds - 220 sq. ft.* Private bath with roomy shower - 60 sq. ft.
* 8 Passengers
* 4 Crew members
* Sun deck with hot tub
* Stereo, CD
* Bicycles on board
* Air conditioning / Central Heating
* Handicap Access - NO
Good for walking and cycling, beautiful gardens area.
|
Sample Menu
Breakfast
Awake to the aroma of brewing coffee. Then enjoy a continental breakfast of fresh fruit, cold meats, crusty French bread, hot buttery croissants and pastries freshly-baked and collected from the local patisserie this morning accompanied by delicious conserves, or perhaps a cooked breakfast.
Luncheon
Luncheon may be a buffet, of imaginative salads, pâtés, quiches, meat or fish platters, or perhaps a delicious homemade soup and entrée, accompanied by a choice of local cheeses and wines – often served al fresco on the sunlit deck overlooking the countryside.
Dinner by Candlelight
On your hotel barge moored beneath the stars, dinner is a gastronomic adventure and the finale to your day’s journey of relaxation and discovery. You may be served Chèvre Chaud en Portefeuille, or Marinated Langoustines, followed by Filet d’Agneau au Basilic, Truite à la Chablisienne, or Magret de Canard au Vinaigre de Framboise – all complemented by fine wines.
Then a selection of creamy and firm cheeses such as Chaource, Époisses or Morbier, before a delicious dessert, perhaps Ile Flottante, Crème Brulée à la Vanille avec Tuiles aux amandes, Tarte Tatin avec Caramel au Beurre Salé or Fondant au Chocolat. And afterwards, of course, relax with coffee and liqueurs in the company of your fellow passengers.
