Destinations 
- France
- Northern Burgundy
- Southern Burgundy
- Amaryllis
(8 Guests, Ultra Deluxe) - Apres Tout
(6 Guests, Deluxe) - Bonheur
(4 Guests, Casual Class) - Caprice
(21 Guests, First Class) - Fleur de Lys
(6 Guests, Ultra Deluxe) - L'Impressionniste
(12 Guests, Deluxe) - Nenuphar
(12 Guests, Ultra Deluxe) - Papillon
(4-6 Guests, Deluxe) - Prosperite
(8 Guests, Ultra Deluxe) - Savoir Vivre
(8 Guests, Casual Class) - Sojourn
(8 Guests, Deluxe) - Who Knows
(4-6 Guests, Casual Class)
- Amaryllis
- Canal Du Midi
- Provence - Carmargue
- Bordeaux
- Alsace-Lorraine
- Champagne
- Paris
- Loire Valley
- Upper Loire
- Gourmet Land Tours
SEARCH Barge Lady Cruises
Hirondelle
Cruising Upper Loire
Passengers: 8Size: 128 feet long
Last Visited: 2006
Rating: Deluxe, A/C, Families
2012 Rates
Whole-Boat Charter for 6: $36,000Whole-Boat Charter for 7: $38,500
Whole-Boat Charter for 8: $41,000
Individuals: $5,150 per person in a double occupancy cabin
Single Supplement: $2,575
2012 dates
| April 1 - 7 | May 27 - June 2 | July 22 - 28 | September 16 - 22 |
| April 8 - 14 | June 3 - 9 | July 29 - Aug 4 | September 23 - 29 |
| April 15 - 21 | June 10 - 16 | August 5 - 11 | September 30 - October 6 |
| April 22 - 28 | June 17 - 23 | August 12 - 18 | October 7 - 13 |
| April 29 - May 5 | June 24 - 30 | August 19 - 25 | October 14 - 20 |
| May 6 - 12 | July 1 - 7 | August 26 - Sept 1 | October 21 - 27 |
| May 13 - 19 | July 8 - 14 | September 2 - 8 | |
| May 20 - 26 | July 15 - 21 | September 9 - 15 |
Hirondelle moved to a marvelous new route in 2010: The Upper Loire, a very remote-in-feel region. Towns that were of great importance to commerce in days past still exist -
and still are a delight to visit for local markets and crafts. Old-fashioned homes may line the shore, while other sections of the route are wholly rural.
Into this very lovely and low-key destination, Hirondelle is a good fit. With its large deck and sky-lit salon, this barge keeps the countryside very close! The salon is also comfortable and colorful and encourages informal relaxation, while the young and dedicated crew keep things festive. We last cruised in 2006 and found this crew very enterprising. They scheduled the expected winetastings and visits - but were also looking for and finding unexpected local sights.
On the new route, there is much to choose from. Winetasting in Sancerre, shopping for china in Gien - and a plethora of chateaux, and villages. You'll cruise across the Pont Canal, Europe's longest canal bridge over a river - elegant and awe-inspiring!
Hirondelle is now wholly owned by Orient Express, operator of four other barges in France (all Ultra-Deluxe rated) and luxury travel experienced worldwide. Hirondelle remains a top choice for Deluxe rated barging.