Nymphea
Cruising the
Loire Valley

Passengers: 6
Size: 80 feet long
Rating: First Class, Families, A/C

2009 Prices

Whole Boat Charter - $21,800
Individual - $3,800

Barging history was made in 1997 when the Nymphea was transferred overland from Burgundy to the River Cher - which winds all through the Loire Valley and thus opened a new and desirable route for barging. Nymphea is perfect for families or small parties who want extremely interesting sightseeing. The Loire Valley (France's Valley of Kings) is well known for its divinely oppulent and historic chateaux. Nymphea focuses on this aspect. Guests will visit the chateaux of Chenanceau, Amboise, Villandry, Valency and Foulques Nerra - not to mention winetasting, gardens, markets and the home of Leonardo da Vinci!

Nymphea is traditional in style and cozy in feeling. Decor features rich wood paneling, stained glass and nautical memorabilia. A crew of three takes good care of the guests and the chef offers top regional cuisine.

Nymphea

Barge Cruise Itinerary

Moulin to Nitray in the Loire Valley

Sunday
MOULIN DE NITRAY
You are met at 4.30 pm at the TGV railway station at St Pierre des Corps and transferred to Nymphea where a Champagne Welcome awaits you at our mooring opposite the 17th century Moulin de Nitray. Dinner aboard.

Monday
MOULIN DE NITRAY TO LARCAY
A morning cruise through two locks takes us to the quaint town of Larcay where we moor under the weeping willows for lunch. Afternoon excursion to Chateau de Villandry, with its world-renowned renaissance gardens. Dinner aboard.

Tuesday
LARCAY TO VALLET
After a morning cruise past no less that six private chateaux, we tie up opposite the hamlet of Vallet, a cluster of classic Tourangeau architecture grouped around its 18th century mill. From there we leave for our excursion by minibus to Amboise on the banks of the Loire, where we visit the Royal Chateau D'Amboise and the Clos Luce, Leonardo Da Vinci's home. Dinner aboard.

Wednesday
VALLET TO CHISSEAUX
While cruising in the morning we may pull in to the tiny landing stage next to Domaine de Fontenay. A two-minute walk brings us to their courtyard where we can taste their range of Touraine wines as an aperitif before lunch moored at Blere. In the afternoon we cruise under the 5 arch bridge of the impressive Chateau de Chenonceau and moor at Chisseaux. From there we depart by minibus to visit the Chateau. We take dinner tonight in one of the local restaurants specializing in regional cooking.

Thursday
CHISSEAUX TO MONTRICHARD
A morning cruise takes us towards the troglodyte village of Bourre. After lunch we drive east to Valencay, one of the most splendid chateaux of the Loire and the home of Napoleon's foreign minister, Talleyrand. One back on board we cruise to the next lock, a short walk from which is one of the more unusual dwellings in the Loire Valley, La Magnaneraie. The Coquillat family have grown up in this hillside troglodyte habitation, which has been in turn wine cellar, quarry for the tuffeau stone, and lastly a silkworm nursery. Returning to the barge we cruise to Montrichard where we moor for the night. Dinner aboard.

Friday
MONTRICHARD TO NITRAY
Following breakfast, a short stroll takes us to the heart of Montrichard, into the midst of one of the largest weekly street markets in Touraine. There is much to explore at the 12th Century Chateau of Foulques Nerra overlooking the mediaeval town square. Before lunch we can visit the local vineyard of the Meriau family, to taste the regional Touraine vintages. After an early lunch, Nymphea sets off downstream again, for another passage under Chenonceau and arrives at the hamlet of Nitray in time to visit the Chateau and rose garden of Nitray. Enjoy a pre-Captain's dinner aperitif from their vineyards. Captain's Farewell Dinner aboard.

Saturday
NITRAY TO TOURS
After breakfast disembark and transfer by minibus to St Pierre des Corps Station in time for the 09.30 TGV 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.

Nymphea

Guest Book

"We had a wonderful time on Nymphea. We couldn't have been more pleased with the experience. The staff was excellent. Captain Leigh was professional and entertaining - and an excellent guide. Christine and Petrus made us feel like old friends from the first day. In fact, the most wonderful thing about the trip was that it felt like old friends showing you around their favorite haunts. The food was beyond excellent and the pace unhurried and relaxing."
- 2006 Guests

Nymphea Floor Plan

72 Feet Square
-Two cabins reachable from the salon with twin beds, 172 square feet and 84 square feet
-Bow cabin reachable from the deck at 107 square feet with beds that can be configured two twin or one queen
-Upper salon with large viewing windows
-Lower salon in which to dine
Most amazing: Nymphea cruises right under the chateau at Chenonceau!