Destinations 
- France
- Northern Burgundy
- Southern Burgundy
- Amaryllis
(8 Guests, Ultra Deluxe) - Bonheur
(4 Guests, Casual Class) - Caprice
(21 Guests, First Class) - Fandango
(4-6 Guests, Deluxe) - 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) - Who Knows
(4-6 Guests, Casual Class)
- Amaryllis
- Canal Du Midi
- Provence - Carmargue
- Bordeaux
- Alsace-Lorraine
- Champagne
- Paris
- Loire Valley
- Upper Loire
SEARCH Barge Lady Cruises
Hirondelle
Cruising Upper Loire
Passengers: 8Size: 128 feet long
Last Visited: 2006
Rating: Deluxe, A/C, Families
2011 rates
Whole Boat Charter for 6: $35,100Whole Boat Charter for 7: $37,550
Whole Boat Charter for 8: $40,000
Individuals: $5,000 per person
in a Double occupancy cabin
Single Supplement: $1,400
The cruise fare does not include transfers to and from the route in the Upper Loire. We can book and ticket well before departure TGV train transfers to and from Nevers.
2011 dates
| April 3 - 9 | May 29 - June 4 | July 24 - 30 | September 18 - 24 |
| April 10 - 16 | June 5 - 11 | July 31 - Aug 6 | September 25 - Oct 1 |
| April 17 - 23 | June 12 - 18 | August 7 - 13 | October 2 - 8 |
| April 24 - 30 | June 19 - 25 | August 14 - 20 | October 9 - 15 |
| May 1 - 7 | June 26 - July 2 | August 21 - 27 | October 16 - 22 |
| May 8 - 14 | July 3 - 9 | August 28 - Sept 3 | October 23 - 29 |
| May 15 - 21 | July 10 - 16 | September 4 - 10 | |
| May 22 - 28 | July 17 - 23 | September 11 - 17 |
Hirondelle is moving 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. We hope to revisit in 2010 in the Upper Loire!