La Nouvelle Etoile

Upper Loire Cruise

Passengers: 8
Size: 128 feet long
Last Visited: 2007 in Holland, 2008 in France
Rating: Ultra Deluxe, A/C

2010 rates

Whole-Boat Charter for 8: $52,900
Individuals: $6,900 per person
in a double occupancy cabin

2010 Dates

June 6-12 Auxerre to Moret-sur-Loing
June 13-19 Moret-sur-Loing to Briare
June 20-26 Briare to Moret-sur-Loing
June 27-July 3 Moret-sur-Loing to Briare
July 4-10 Briare to Moret-sur-Loing

LA NOUVELLE ETIOLE opens an entirely new route for the 2010 season: The Upper Loire. This is a route of many contrasts - from the magnificance of the royal chateau at Fountainbleau to the quiet villages and landmarks dating from hundreds of years ago. Flower bedecked towns such as Montargis and Moret-sur-Loing provide a glimpse into the talent of the French people for creating beauty  everywhere.

Into this lovely and authentic area, NOUVELLE ETOILE provides the most luxorious possible "floating hotel" experience. Owners Jan and Diana Meijer run one of the most accomplished and congenial operations in barging - beginning with the vessel itself. NOUVELLE ETOILE boasts a long list of innovations: an elevator, a handicap access cabin, computers in every cabin (with e-mail and a navigational system that the passengers can access), an exercise room, a washer and dryer for the guests and sput poles that allow the barge to stop anywhere without tying up.

NOUVELLE ETOILE ("New Star") is the dream barge of Captain Meijer, who was born into a Dutch shipping familly - and thus knows more than the average barge captain about design and navigation. But not at the expense of elegance and comfort!

The spacious suites boast oversized showers, double sinks and rich interiors design. The salon-dining room is designed for socializing. Guests congregate at the gorgeous bar. There is lots of good seating - even a piano for those so inclined.

The Meijers run a top operation - one defined by divine cuisine, the depth and breadth of the wine selection, and extremely literate sightseeing. This attractive couple is front and center; tending bar, pouring champagne, and creating a lighthearted on-board ambiance.

The Barge Lady and her husband Monsieur Le Barge Lady criused in summer, 2008. Please go to The Barge Lady Blog for my day to day diary of this fabulous trip! We now understand due to our own first-hand experience why Jan and Diana have so many repeat guests!

La Nouvelle Etoile
Upper Loire Cruise

2010 Upper Loire Dates
June 6 - 12
June 13 - 19
June 20 - 26
June 27 - July 3
July 4 - 10

Moret-sur-Loing to Briare Itinerary
Sunday: Paris to Moret-sur-Loing
Impressionist Painter's Village
You will be met by our driver at your Paris hotel and driven to La Nouvelle Etoile moored in St. Mammes in the heart of the Fontainebleau forest. After a Champagne welcome you can take a stroll though the medieval walled town of Moret-sur Loing, known to many as the home of the famous Impressionist painter, Alfred Sisley. Tonight you can enjoy your first of many gourmet meals on board.

Monday:Moret-sur-Loing to Nemours
Fountainbleau- Where French King's Lived!
Today, we begin our cruise into the Upper Loire region, affectionately known as the “Garden of Paris”, this little known region gently reveals its secrets. After lunch, we visit the Palace of Fontainebleau, pictured at left, to walk through this palace is to walk through the history of France. Every royal family has added its own architectural style. On our drive back to the barge it may be possible to visit the artist community of Barbizon. We will moor for the night in Nemours.

Tuesday: Nemours to Montargis
Walk, Bicycle, Relax: Float deep in the French Countryside
Today, we will have a full day cruise on the canal to Montargis with plenty of opportunity to bike or walk along the side of the canal. After lunch we will visit Montargis also called “Little Venice of the Gatinais” because of it’s numerous canals. Visit one off the many museums or shop at the famous Mazet Praline shop with its exquisitely packaged delicacies.

Wednesday: Montargis to Chatillon Coligny
16th Century Chateau
After breakfast, we will set off for a leisure cruise to the charming village of Chatillon Coligny. This afternoon, we will take a drive out to the splendid 16th century Chateau Fargeau, pictured at right below. The chateau is over a thousand years old and the most important history place of Puisaye Forterre. In the evening there is time to stroll around the ramparts that surrounded the village of Chatillon-Colligny.

Thursday: Chatillon Coligny to Rogny-les-sept-Ecluses
Antique Staircase of Locks
Continuing our cruise up-hill we will reach Rogny-les-sept-Ecluses (the seven locks of Rogny). This “staircase” of seven locks was build in 1648 and an impressive tribute to the engineers of the past. After another gorgeous lunch we will take a short drive out to the beautiful town of Gien, built on the river banks of the Loire. Gien is famous for its faïence earthenware and we will visit the faïence factory and museum.

Friday: Rogny-les-sept-Ecluses to Briare
Cruise on a Bridge Designed by Eiffel
After passing the locks of Rogny, we have reached the highest summit of the canal and we will now start to descent down towards the river Loire. In Briare, we will cross the Loire valley on a canal bridge, pictured at left. This magnificent structure was designed by Gustav Eiffel in 1890. This afternoon we will take the opportunity to drive out to the Sancerre wine region to sample some of this delicious wine and maybe taste some of the local Crottin de Chavignol cheese on our way back to the ship. Tonight will be your farewell dinner on board.

Saturday: Return to Paris
A Sad Farewell
This will be your last elegant breakfast on board and then you will be driven back to your hotel in Paris. Estimated arrival time in Paris is noon. We hope to see you again on LA NOUVELLE ETIOLE.

Please note:This is a sample itinerary which may be subject to change depending on local conditions. The route will run in reverse on alternate weeks. Contact The Barge Lady for reservations and more information about Barging the canals and waterways of France Or call us toll free at(800) 880-0071.

La Nouvelle Etoile

Guest Book

"It was by far the most luxurious trip we've taken.  The personal attention, excellent cuisine (I can't just use the word "food"), fabulous wines, relaxed and friendly atmosphere - we just had such a great time!  We made new friends with the other passengers and felt like we were leaving family when we had to say good bye to Jan and Diana!  The whole crew was so gracious and professional.  The ship (again, I can't just call it a "barge") was spotless, beautifully appointed and very comfortable. I tell my friends we were on a luxurious yacht!"
-Thomas and Kathy Coyle, 2009

"The most upscale barge I have been on and I have been on at least two dozen barges and river boats.  Can you believe an elevator on a two-deck barge?  Hope to do it in the Champagne area next year."
-Ada and Erik Paulsen, 2008

"As our friends summed it up, you hit a Home Run.  Jan and Diana couldn't have been better host and hostess - they provide everything you need and then some.  The tours in Ireland and Germany were great - What's next?"
-Robert and Judy Drotman, 2008

"We have taken many barge trips and this was among the best - due to the staff and service provided.  We loved Captain Jan Meijer!"
Robert and Eugenia Mills, 2008

"What a glorious trip! This barge exceeded our expectations - none of our 4 previous barge trips was quite this grand!  The barge, captain and crew, food, side trips - all superb.  One thing that really impressed me was the quietness of the cabins - we never heard from anyone else.  I would highly recommend La Nouvelle Etoile to anyone.  Thanks, Ellen for the great job you did for us."
-Henry and Diana Moog, 2008

"The service by the staff was 5 star or higher.  This was the most intimate and relaxing vacation we have ever taken.  If you enjoy good conversation, beautiful sights, excellent wine, superb food, quality accomodations and relaxation, this is the trip for you!"
-Larry and Frances Anne Collmann, 2008

"A wonderful week filled with great scenery, food and service.  We are looking forward to our next trip.  The week was terrific for 3 generations making the trip together covering ages from 14 to 85."
-The Leeds Family, 2008

"Our barge cruise was quite enjoyable. Not only were the accommodations delightful but the staff was very pleasant and informative.  We had such a restful and relaxing cruise.  We can't forget to mention the wonderful meals and abundance of adult beverages.  Bloody-Marys have become a favorite past time on the weekends now that we are home.  We hope to book another trip in the near future."
-Gail Kodosky, 2008

"The barge trip was magical.  It was like taking a road trip through the beautiful French countryside without any noise or traffic.  The birds even sang happier tunes!  We felt "at home" on the barge the entire week."
-Marilyn Rogers, 2008

"Totally relaxing, low-key luxury.  Charming hosts, delicious food, and remarkably comfortable cabins"
- William Weaver and Frona Daskal 2008

"First rate.  Jan and Diana made us feel at home and treated us royally.  We will go back again next year."
-Ron and Hannah Rogers, 2008

"It was terrific. We loved the ship. The owners and staff were exceptionally friendly and helpful. The food and drink were excellent. They met my husband's food issues without a hitch and the chef made is sound as if Mike was getting the better of the meals. Everyone was so gracious and were our friends rather than people there to take care of us. We can't wait to go again."
-Michael and Christine Harris, 2007

"As owner/operators, Jan and Diana Meijer take great pride in their barge - and it shows! Everything about the trip exceeded our expectations. Our only complaint was that the trip had to end."
-Steve and Anna Duff, 2007

"The crew of the Nouvelle Etoile were all both professional and personal. We enjoyed them as much as our fellow travelers. They spared nothing in pampering us beyond our wildest expectations. I don't believe that you could find a better travel experience on a barge, but thanks to this marvelous crew, we will be back for more."
-Gordon and Meredith Burns, 2007

La Nouvelle Etoile
Floor Plan

128 feet long
-Four suites over 200 sq ft with twins or queen beds,
 TV, internet access, picture windows
-Beautiful, elegant salon/dining area with picture windows.
-Lovely piano in the salon.
-Elevator. One suite wheelchair accessible.
-Washer/dryer for guest use.
-Jacuzzi on deck.
-Exercize Room with machines and free weights.