Meanderer
Barging in Upper Loire

Passengers: 6
Last Visited: 2008
Rating: Deluxe, A/C, Families

2009 Prices

Whole Boat Charter
6 Guests - $25,290 - Value Season
6 Guests - $29,900 - Regular Season

5 Guests - $24,200- Value Season
5 Guests - $27,600 - Regular Season

4 Guests - $23,100 - Value Season
4 Guests - $25,290 - Regular Season

Individual Cabin Bookings
$4,400 - Per Person - Value Season
$5,175 - Per Person - Regular Season
Value Season Dates: April 19 - April 25, April 26 to May 2, Oct 18 - Oct 24 and Oct 25 to Oct 31
Regular Season Dates: May 3 - October 17


MEANDERER was purchased in Fall, 2007 by George and Susan Kovalick and we were delighted to be their first guests aboard in April, 2008. The barge was moored in the delightful hamlet of Rogny-les-Sept-Ecluses, which has become the Kovalick's headquarters in France. Since our visit, the Kovalicks went on to a supremely successful 2008 season.

This sophisticated and personable couple bring extensive professional experience in the hospitality, travel planning and retail service industries. They said. "We both understand what wonderful service is - and plan to provide it to Meanderer guests." As well, their personal backgrounds - he grew up in Paris, she in London - and interests in bicycling, hiking, boating, the arts and cuisine - match them well to the interests of barge guests. "I'd love to lead some long-distance bicycling excursions," said George. Of course those not biking can always relax on MEANDERER'S canopied deck!

The barge itself has always been elegant - but at the same time cozy. Needed upgrades such as wood flooring on the deck, internet access and flat-screen TV's in the cabins has only improved this already lovely vessel. Newly renovated baths add a great deal to the comfortable cabins. Antique accent pieces, gorgeous flower arrangements and carefully chosen artwork make the interiors come alive.

Meanderer cruises the full length of the Canal de Briare, an historic waterway on which construction began in 1604. The canal was built to enable produce to be shipped to Paris. The Canal de Briare winds its way through the Upper Loire, an area of idyllic countryside, unspoiled villages and beautiful vistas - and perfect for bicycling and walking.

Meanderer also offers an optional "Chocolate and Wine" cruise!

Meanderer

Upper Loire Barge Cruise Itinerary

Upper Loire Cruise

Montargis to Chatillion -sur- Loire
Sunday: Montargis
You will be met at your hotel at 2pm for transfer by private mini coach to Meanderer moored near Montargis. A Champagne reception and an early evening cruise await you. Dinner on board.

Monday: Montargis to Montcresson
After a leisurely breakfast, we cruise to Montcresson. After lunch, we visit the spectacular palace of Fontainbleau, famed for its Italian Renaissance architecture and home to almost thirty kings of France for nearly eight centuries from Louis IV to Napoleon I. Dinner on board.

Tuesday: Montcresson to Chatillon-Coligny
After breakfast, today’s excursion takes us back to Montargis with the week’s best opportunity to explore a busy market town, people-watch or shop for souvenirs. After lunch we cruise to the charming village of Chatillon-Coligny. Dinner on board.

Wednesday: Chatillon-Coligny to Rogny-les-Sept-Ecluses
After breakfast, we’ll visit the re-created 16th- century working farm and splendid Chateau of St. Fargeau. On return to the barge, our afternoon cruise to Rogny-les-Sept-Ecluses includes a walk to the ancient “staircase” of locks which stands as a monument to the old canal. Dinner on board.

Thursday: Rogny-les-Sept-Ecluses to Ouzouer-sur-Trezee
After breakfast, visit the town of Gien. Set on the banks of the River Loire, the pretty town holds many attractions including the famous Faience Factory Museum and Boutique, the Hunting Museum and the Chateau de Gien. We return to the barge for lunch and a cruise to Ouzouer-sur-Trezee. Dinner on board.

Friday: Ouzouer-sur-Trezee to Chatillon-sur-Loire
Our morning is spent moored in Briare. Explore this busy market town and learn about the fascinating history of the canal. Our tour visits a private family-run vineyard in Sancerre to sample the wines and cheeses for which this region is renowned. Today’s cruise is reserved until sundown - to take in the splendor of floating across the River Loire on the elegant Pont Canal Aqueduct, designed by Eiffel of Tower fame. You final destination is Chatillon-sur-Loire. The Captains Dinner ends the week in style!

Saturday: Return to Paris
This morning after breakfast we depart for the return transfer to Paris arriving approximately 11-12pm.

---

Chocolate and wine cruise

Montargis to Chatillion -sur- Loire, in the Upper Loire
Sunday: Paris
We collect you from your Paris hotel at 3pm and then transfer you by private mini-coach to Meanderer. A Champagne reception and dinner capped by a delicious chocolate dessert await you.

Monday: Montargis to Montcresson
During the morning we cruise to Montcresson. After lunch, the excursion program begins with a visit to the spectacular palace of Fontainbleau, home to generations of French royalty. On our way back to the barge we stop in the town of Nemours for a visit to the famous Des Lis Chocolate Factory and Museum where we have a demonstration on the making of handmade chocolates and the chance to choose this evening's after dinner chocolate selection. Des Lis are famed for their wonderfully high quality chocolate and huge selection of fillings, including the locally grown "coquelicot" or poppy flavoured chocolates!

Tuesday: Montcresson to Chatillon Coligny
Today's excursion takes us to Montargis (where the praline was invented in the 17th Century by the Duc de Praline) with the week's best opportunity to explore a busy market town, people-watch or shop for souvenirs and exquisitely packaged confectionery from the world famous Mazet Praline shop. As part of our special Chocolate and Wine itinerary we sample a range of Mazet Pralines and Chocolates in a private room at the sublime Mazet shop that dates back to the 17th Century. Our afternoon cruise takes us to the charming village of Chatillon Coligny.

Wednesday: Chatillon Coligny to Rogny-les-Sept-Ecluses
Today we start our cruise early and enjoy a leisurely brunch before setting off for a long afternoon out in Northern Burgundy visiting the wine regions of Chablis, Irancy, St. Bris and the Caves de Bailly (12th century mines now used to age famous Champagnes and local wines). We return before dinner to join the barge in the picturesque village of Rogny-les-Sept-Ecluses.

Thursday: Rogny-les-Sept-Ecluses to Ouzouer-sur-Trezee
The daily excursion program continues with a visit to the town of Gien. Set on the banks of the River Loire, the pretty town holds many attractions including the famous Faience Factory Museum and a wonderful artisan Chocolatier. We return to the barge for lunch and a cruise to Ouzouer-sur-Trezee. During the cruise our Chef will host a demonstration and lesson on how to make the ultimate chocolate dessert.

Friday: Ouzouer-sur-Trezee
The afternoon excursion takes us to the world famous wine region of Sancerre with the opportunity to sample local wine and explore the charming hill top village. Today's cruise takes in the delightful spendor of the world's longest aqueduct, crossing the River Loire. The Captain's Dinner ends your cruise in style - and with another chocolate dessert.

Saturday: Return to Paris
This morning after breakfast we depart for the return transfer to 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 on the canals and waterways of France Or call us toll free at (800) 880-0071.

Meanderer

Guest Book

"Cabin, cuisine and service were outstanding.  Thank you for a great vacation!"
-John and Marian Saunders, 2008

"Just great!  Owners and staff were interesting and very accomodating.  Food was superb and wines complemented the foods wonderfully.  The common areas and accomodations were very comfortable and nicely appointed.  Overall a wonderful experience."
-Glenn and Christine Kelly, 2008

"We felt like kings being served and waited on by our own private chef, hostess, chauffeur and captain."
-Miranda Moss, 2008

Meanderer Floor Plan

128 Feet long
-One cabin at 140 square feet
-Two cabins at 125 square feet
-Lovely tiled baths with shower and L'Occitane bath products
-Choice of Queen or Twin Beds
-Flat screen televisions and DVDs in the cabins
-Appealing decor in salon/dining area with large windows
-Teak wood sundeck with canopy and hot tub