Princess
Barging in Upper Loire

Passengers: 8
Size: 128 feet long
Rating: Ultra Deluxe, A/C

2012 shoulder season rates

Whole-Boat Charter for 8: $43,160
Double Suite: $5,495
per person double occupancy
Grand Double Suite: $5,695
per person double occupancy
Single Supplement: $1,795

2012 shoulder season Dates

April 1 - 7	April 15 - 21	October 21 - 27
April 8 - 14	April 22 - 28	October 28 - November 3

2012 Value season rates

Whole-Boat Charter for 8: $46,360
Double Suite: $5,995 per person double occupancy
Grand Double Suite: $6,195 per person double occupancy
Single Supplement: $1,795

2012 Value season Dates

April 29 - 5	July 15 - 21	August 5 - 11
May 6 - 12	July 22 - 28	August 12 - 18
July 8 - 14	July 29 - Aug 4	October 14 - 20

2012 high season Rates

Whole-Boat Charter for 8: $49,560
Double Suite: $6,495 per person double occupancy
Grand Double Suite: $6,695 per person double occupancy
Single Supplement: $1,795

2012 high season Dates

May 13 - 19	June 10 - 16	August 19 - 25
May 20 - 26	June 17 - 23	August 28 - Sept 3
May 27 - June 2	June 24 - 30
June 3 - 9	July 1 - 7

2012 Prime season rates

Whole-Boat Charter for 8: $52,760
Double Suite: $6,495 per person double occupancy
Grand Double Suite: $6,695 per person double occupancy
Single Supplement: $1,795

2012 Prime season Dates

September 2 - 8	September 16 - 22	Sept 30 - October 6
September 9 - 15	September 23 - 29	October 7 - 13

“The barge built for a billionaire” moves to the unique Upper Loire area in 2011! The Princess was owned by shipping magnate Daniel K. Ludwig before being acquired by French Country Waterways, owner-operators of other Ultra-Deluxe rated French barges. Known for its complete devotion to quality in every aspect of its operations, French Country Waterways is the right inheritor of this classic barge and its storied history.

PRINCESS is one of the most spacious vessels in France - its ambiance is more like a floating home than a boat. Public areas consist of a lovely covered deck, a salon, separate dining area and cozy library. The bathroom on the upper level is a great "extra." Below are large staterooms (average of 180 square feet), each with generous storage and a choice of king or double beds. Princess is operated with five senior crew members and offers the finest in traditional service and cuisine.

The Upper Loire route is very local in feel and cruises through charming villages. Bicycling and walking opportunities are abundant. Added to this idyllic cruise is really exceptional sightseeing - the most anticipated of which is an all day excursion to Chateau de Chambord, the largest of the Loire Valley chateaux! Other highlights includes tasting right in the famed wine village of Sancerre (with vineyards spread out before you), shopping for French faience pottery in Gien, and most memorably, floating over the river on an elegant aqueduct designed by Eiffel of Tower of fame.

As on all of the French Country Waterways barges, once dinner is enjoyed on shore at a Michelin rated restaurant. Princess guests have much to anticipate at Auberge des Templiers, located in an enchanting half-timbered former posthouse - now a Relais et Chateaux hotel.

Princess

Upper Loire Valley Barge Cruise

ChatilLon-sur-Loire to Montargis

In the Upper Loire Valley

This picturesque region has it all - idyllic cruising, adorable villages, winetasting at Sancerre - even an all day visit to Chateau de Chambord, the largest chateau of the Loire Valley. Enjoy it all in luxury on the Princess, "the barge built for a billionaire."

Sunday: Paris to Chatillon-sur-Loire


Welcome Aboard!
Meet mid-afternoon in Paris at the elegant Hotel Regina, well-located on the Right Bank near to the Louvre.  You will be chauffeured via private motor coach where the barge is moored in Châtillon-sur-Loire. Once on board, you'll be treated to the traditional Champagne welcome and introduction to the crew. Enjoy the first of many gourmet dinners on board.



Monday: Chatillon-sur-Loire to Ouzoer-sur-Trezee
You've seen the Tower, Now Cruise the Aqueduct, both Designed by Eiffel!
Princess begins to cruise - but not before the Chef brings back the village-baked pastries to grace the breakfast buffet! Enjoy a cruising high point this morning - Float right over a river on France's longest aqueduct, Pont Canal, pictured at left. This tres elegant structure was designed by Gustave Eiffel. After lunch on board, drive to the cobblestoned wine village of Sancerre, perched high over the vineyards. Enjoy the view and also taste local vintages as part of a private cellar tour.  Return to Princess and re-live the day at dinner on-board.

Tuesday: Ouzoer-sur-Trezee to Rogny-les-Sept-Ecluses
French Faience in Gien
Another leisurely morning begins as Princess casts off. Why not bicycle into the next village, walk the towpath - or just sit on deck and watch this idyllic region slip by! Our mooring is the charming ville of Rogny-les-Sept-Ecluses, named in the set of the 16th century locks still in view. Today, its off to Gien, a larger town with a Medieval core and home to the famed Gien China Factory. Shop and stroll before going back to the Princess for dinner on board.

Wednesday: Moored in Rogny-les-Sept-Ecluses
A Gorgeous Loire Valley Chateau
After breakfast, depart Princess for a day trip to the magnificent 16th century Château de Chambord, pictured below. Chambord was commissioned by Francois I as a hunting lodge in 1518 - although in his entire reign he only spent 42 days there! It is the largest of the Loire Valley chateaux - a confection built in the 16th century Rennaissance style - which still exudes beauty and harmony. Many personalities are associated with Chambord, including Leonardo da Vinci. Enjoy lunch at an auberge overlooking the chateau and grounds. You will return to Princess for dinner on board.

Thursday: Rogny-les-Sept-Ecluses to Montbouy
Dine in a Michelin-starred Restaurant
Morning visit to the village and chateau of St. Fargeau. Tour the 15th century château, once home to Anne-Marie-Louise d'Orléans, cousin of Louis XIV. Afternoon cruise to the village of Montbouy. Dine ashore tonight at the Michelin-starred Auberge des Templiers, located in an enchanting half-timbered former posthouse - now a Relais et Chateaux hotel.

Friday: Montbouy to Montargis
Montargis: Is this town the Venice of France?
Take a last idyllic cruise to our final mooring in Montargis - a town criss-crossed by flower-bedecked canals! Walk the town and visit Sainte Madeleine's Church with its impressive stained-glass window designed by master craftsman, Leopold Lobin. There's chocolate prailines! We'll taste these tasty bites at Mazet de Montargis. Return to PRINCESS for the Captain's Farewell Dinner on board.

Saturday
A Sad Farewell
After breakfast, depart PRINCESS at 9:30 AM via private transfer back to Paris at the Hotel Regina, arriving approximately 11:00 AM.  Please make all onward travel plans based on this timing.  We hope to see you back on another French Country Waterways barge - what about cruising in Burgundy next time?

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 and river cruises in France. Or call us toll free at (800) 880-0071.

Princess Guest Book

“You definitely need a higher number than ten – Every crew member was beyond excellent!! Kudos to Captain Joanne, Gaetan, Oliver, Teresa, Melanie and super-chef, Stefan!”
- K.D. September 2007

“P.S. Would you please forward at least 4 copies of your latest brochures to distribute among our friends? Thank you for our most memorable vacation ever!”
- J.Y. June 2007

“I don’t usually like to give 10’s, but this trip was exceptional!”
- R.B. October 2007

Princess Floor Plan

128 Feet long
-Two grand double suites, One double suite, One twin suite
  (averaging 183 sq ft).
-Large living room, library with private bath, separate dining room
-Sundeck with canopy.