La Nouvelle Etoile

Upper Loire Cruise

Passengers: 8	Your Hosts: Jan and Diana Meijer
Size: 128 feet long	English Speaking Crew of: 5
Last Visited: 2012	Bicycles: 8
Rating: Ultra Deluxe	Air Conditioned: Yes

Cruise Rate Includes: 6 nights/7 days in a cabin with a private bath, chauffeured transfers from Paris to the barge & return, all meals, from dinner the first night to breakfast the last morning, all wines with lunch & dinner, open bar, daily escorted excursions and use of onboard bicycles.

Cruise Rate Does NOT Include: Airfare to and from France, cancellation insurance and crew gratuity (suggested minimum amount is 5% of the cruise price)

2014 Regular Season rates

Whole-Boat Charter: $55,900
Individuals: $7,290 per person in a double occupancy cabin
Single Supplement: $3,645

2014 Regular Season Dates in upper Loire

June 8 - 14	Auxerre to Moret-sur-Loing
June 15 - 21	Moret-sur-Loing to Briare
June 22 - 28	Briare to Moret-sur-Loing
June 29 - July 5	Moret-sur-Loing to Briare
July 6 - 12	Briare to Moret-sur-Loing
July 13 - 19	Moret-sur-Loing to Auxerre

LA NOUVELLE ETIOLE opened a new route in 2010, 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

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
Fountainebleau- 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
10th 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 10th 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.

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Briare to Moret-sur-Loing Itinerary

Sunday: Paris to Briare
Cruise on a Bridge Designed by Eiffel
You’re met by our driver at your Paris hotel and driven to La Nouvelle Etoile moored in the peaceful village of Briare. After a Champagne welcome, we will start with an evening cruise crossing the Loire valley on a canal Bridge. This magnificent structure was designed by Gustav Eiffel in 1890.Tonight you can enjoy your first of many gourmet meals on board.

Monday: Briare to Rogny
Antique Staircase of Locks
Today our cruise will take us through a number of locks in the upper Loire area till we 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. 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.

Tuesday: Rogny to Chatillon Coligny
10th Century Chateau
This morning,we will set off for a leisure cruise to the charming village of Chatillon Coligny. After another gorgeous lunch, we will take a drive out to the splendid 10th century Chateau Fargeau. 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 with ramparts surrounded village of Chatillon-Colligny

Wednesday: Chatillon Coligny to Montargis
Walk, Bicycle, Relax: Float deep in the French Countryside
After breakfast, we will take a short drive out to the beautiful town of Gien, build on the river banks of the Loire. Gien is famous for it’s faïence earthenware and we will visit the faïence factory and museum. Upon return, we will cruise on the canal to Montargis with plenty of opportunity to bike or walk along the side of the canal.

Thursday: Montargis
Explore Montargis
This morning, we will visit Montargis also called “Little Venice of the Gatinais” because it’s numerous canals. Visit one off the many museums or shop at the famous Mazet Praline shop with it’s exquisitely packaged delicacies.

Friday: Cruise to Moret sur Loing
Fountainbleau- Where French King's Lived!
This morning, our last section of the cruise will take us to Moret sur Loing where the canal meets the river Seine. After lunch, we visit the Palace of Fontainebleau. To walk through this palace is to walk through the history of France. Every royal family has added its own architectural style. On your way back to the ship you can take a stroll through the medieval walled town of Moret-sur-Loing, known to many as the home of the famous impressionist painter, Alfred Sisley. Tonight will be your farewell dinner on board.


Saturday: Return to Paris
A Sad Farewell
After your last elegant breakfast you will be driven back to your hotel in Paris.

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

"Our trip on the Nouvelle Etoile was wonderful. We had high expectations, but this exceeded them. Jan and Diana were most gracious and tireless hosts. It soon became clear that Jan had thought of everything for the comfort of his guests. Frank was most knowledgeable about the places we visited, an excellent tour guide. In addition he entertained us in the evenings with his piano playing, and some of us even danced. As to Chef Richard - what can we say! Any five star restaurant would be happy to have him as their chef. We loved Diana's wine and cheese explanations. Also, her flowers on deck were so beautiful. The cabin facilities and deck were extremely comfortable, and reflected the great care Jan had given to outfitting the Nouvelle Etoile. We hope to take another trip on the Nouvelle Etoile next year."
- Dorit and Gerald Paul, cruised June, 2012

"The La Nouvelle Etoile cruise exceeded our expectations! It was a "top shelf", and Ultra deluxe experience. The cabin was so spacious with lots of storage. We could not believe how large the bathrooms were - even double sinks! Each cabin had a computer, and this was a nice feature. The cuisine was excellent, and was 5-star restaurant quality. The crew was superb, friendly, helpful, and welcoming. We had a lot of fun with the crew, and they each did his/her job extremely well. The excursions were well organized. We were very, very pleased from beginning to end, and hope to go on another barge trip"
- Barri and David Drury, cruised April, 2012

"Jan and Diana are fabulous hosts. What can one say about Chef Richard? His cuisine has probably ruined us for anyone else! Each meal was gourmet quality and outstanding. The cabins ere beyond expectations. They were much roomier than previous barge cabins we have been in. The fresh flowers were a nice touch - loved it! Overall, our group a wonderful experience. No one felt hurried, and the meals were on time and delicious. Everything was done exceptionally well! We were the only ones in our charter group who had barged before and everyone loved the experience. It is the best way to travel...we hope to repeat the trip again."
- Judy and Gary Jorgensen (repeat guests), cruised April, 2012

"The crew was excellent! They were very friendly, professional, and did everything they could to ensure we were enjoying ourselves. Richard is a gourmet chef, and every meal was terrific! We ate all three meals and enjoyed every one of them. The wine selection was outstanding! Our cabin was much nicer than we anticipated - lots of room, large bathroom and very clean. Overall, Nouvelle Etoile was absolutely fabulous! It was a Five Star experience! We would definitely cruise again on the Nouvelle Etoile.

- Mary and Carl Strohmaier, cruised April, 2012

"La Nouvelle Etoile could NOT have been better!! Jan and Diana and their team of Richard, Franc and Marta were absolutely topnotch...the barge was entirely elegant and comfortable, the meals fabulous, and the daily activities well planned and enjoyable. La Nouvelle Etoile was just lovely...our accommodations were great...the food was beyond belief, I mean that chef was an ARTIST!! My charter of 6 had such a fun, relaxing and altogether memorable time on this our first (but not last!!) barge experience! We will definitely be back and we would join Jan and Diana without hesitation... Thank you very much and kudos to Jan and Diana!"
- Joan Perlow Family, cruised June, 2011

"Our barge trip was a true vacation. You can't help but slow down and enjoy the wonderful experience of food, scenery and history."
-Allan and Nancy Miner, 2010

"Thank you Ellen for arranging another wonderful trip for us! We received a very warm welcome from Jan and Diana and their crew. The care and attention that they have given to their barge and to making the trip a perfect experience for their guests is evident. Thoughtful extras such as the use of laundry facilities and being able to keep in touch with friends and family by email were appreciated. We were extremely comfortable and our room (I refuse to call it a cabin as this was a proper room!) and shower room were truly spacious. The food was beautifully balanced and accompanied by an interesting selection of wines. I adore Champagne and I certainly got my share on this trip, both on and off the barge! It was fascinating to visit both a major Champagne House and a smaller, family run, business; the two visits were quite different but together provided a wealth of information about the production and storage of my favorite drink. The daily trips were very well chosen and, perhaps surprisingly, one which stood out for us was a thought provoking visit to Belleau woods and cemeteries near Château Thierry where US and German troops, who fought and died in June1918 during a strategically important engagement of World War I, are buried or commemorated. We can't wait for next summer and our return to La Nouvelle Etoile for our Nancy/Strasbourg trip!"
-Margaret Harding and Paul Hewitt, 2010

"The cruise was deluxe and better than anything we expected. The Meijers were not only superb operators, they are delightful, cheerful, entertaining people. Richard the Chef was over the top wonderful. I would follow him on any barge. Every effort was made to accommodate all wishes. We got off and walked - much needed as food and wine was abundant at meals. I would do the trip again but lose at least 5 pounds before departure!"
-Deborah and Richard Kessler, 2010

La Nouvelle Etoile

Floor Plan

128 feet long
Four suites over 200 sq ft
-One queen or two twin beds
-TV, internet access, picture windows
-Brand new touch-screen computer in each cabin
-Ensuite bathroom with shower and double sinks
-One suite wheelchair accessible
In the Public Areas
-Beautiful, elegant salon/dining area with picture windows
-Lovely piano in the salon
-Elevator
-Washer/dryer for guest use
-Exercise room with treadmill, home trainer bicycle, free weights and step
-Large screen satellite television (hidden behind a sofa in the salon)
-Sun deck with retractable canopy for shade
-Jacuzzi on deck
-Wifi on board
8 Bicycles
Batavus Weekend model. Four are women’s with a frame height of 48 inches, Four are men’s with a frame height of 53 inches. Features include: 8 gears, adjustable handle bars and seats, front/back shock absorbers and a bell.