Renaissance

Barging the Upper Loire

(Formerly La Bonne Humeur)

Passengers: 8
Size: 126 feet long
Last Visited: 2008
Rating: Ultra Deluxe, A/C, Families

2009 Prices
Whole Boat Charter of 8
$41,500 - Value Season
$49,000 - Regular Season
Individuals:
$5,450 - Value Season
$6,490 - Regular Season
Value Season dates are:  March 29-may 16, July 26-August 29
and October 18-November 14

In April, 2008, we boarded Renaissance moored in Rogny-les-Sept-Ecluses, an adorable village lying south of the regular route. Renaissance has French Provincial-style ambiance in the gorgeous salon and cabins. The bathrooms are huge and beautiful. Guests may gather in the elegant kitchen to watch the chef or laze in the hot tub. Recent technical upgrades included Satellite TV/DVD in the cabins and internet connection terminals.

Renaissance cruises on a new itinerary between Samois-sur-Seine and Rogny-Les-Sept-Ecluses, taking in the best and most scenic parts of the Gatinais and Upper Loire regions. Lying but a short drive from Paris, this route meanders from one adorable village to the next. Sightseeing includes the major Chateaux of Fountainebleau and Vaux-le-Vicomte; Moret-sur Loing, immortalized by Impressionist painter Sisley; wine tasting in Chablis; and local artisans and markets.

Renaissance (the former La Bonne Humeur) is now owned and operated by Go Barging/European Waterways.

Renaissance Barge Cruise Itinerary

samois - sur - seine to rogny

In the Gatinais and Upper Loire

Sunday
We collect you from Paris at 2pm for the drive by private, air-conditioned minibus to La Bonne Humeur moored in the colorful river-side village of Samois-Sur-Seine on the peaceful wide reaches of the River Seine. A champagne reception awaits you before a short cruise on the river takes us to our first overnight mooring in the bustling waterside village of St. Mammes. The cruise today includes the passage through one of the mighty River locks on the Seine – capable of holding up to 8 barges the size of Renaissance at a time.

Monday
Our cruise schedule continues this morning as we enter the Canal de Loing to begin the ascent of the locks which lead up to the summit level of the canal. Our excursion today is to the glorious Chateau Vaux le Vicomte – setting for the film “The Man In The Iron Mask”. The chateau has a fascinating history - which provided the inspiration for the film made there – and the visit includes a chance to walk in the gardens which are widely regarded as some of the best formal gardens in France. Our mooring tonight is in the town of Nemours on the Canal de Loing.

Tuesday
A morning cruise takes us to an idyllic mooring at Beau Moulins where we pause for lunch before visiting the town of Moret Sur Loing – the medieval walled city famed as the home of the impressionist painter Sisley. Our local guide will help you explore the charming town where the River Loing flows into the River Seine. The church here inspired the style of the Cathedral de Notre Dame in Paris and the scenery of the many authentic town houses and narrow streets are an inspiration for painters to this day. Our mooring tonight will be in the quite hamlet of Nargis on the Canal de Loing.

Wednesday
Our day begins with a morning excursion to the hill-top medieval town of Chateau Landon with its c10th-12th church and fortified battlements. The town is best seen from an open vehicle so today, we ride into town by horse drawn carriage before stopping in the town centre to explore the narrow alleyways and reinforced battlements of the city. After lunch, our cruise continues to the pretty waterside village of Cepoy on the Canal de Loing where we moor in plenty of time for a pre-dinner stroll or cycle.

Thursday
Today we join the Canal de Briare at Montargis – regional capital of “the Gatinais” – with its flower bedecked bridges and a network of miniature canals which once fed the walled city with produce. A morning excursion to the town is the perfect opportunity to take in a little souvenir shopping in this bustling market town, to visit the world famed “Mazet” Praslines shop or simply to sit and watch the locals going about their business. Our cruise today takes us past the town of Montargis and on to the village on Montbouy – renowned as one of the prettiest villages on this stretch of the canal. Our mooring tonight will be in the shadow of the splendid c12th village church in Montbouy on the Canal de Briare.

Friday
An early start is in store for those who would like to see a traditional country market, since Chef will be off the barge early today to pick up freshly grown vegetables and local cheeses for this evenings farewell dinner. Our final cruise takes us to one of the oldest canal side villages in the region, Rogny-Les-Sept-Ecluses, where a staircase of seven locks (now adopted as a French National Monument) stand as a testimony to the 500 year history of the canal. Our final excursion takes us to a privately owned Loire Valley Chateau – the Chateau de La Bussiere – for a guided tour and a visit to the splendid vegetable gardens (which supplies the vegetables for the local Michelin starred restaurant). Since we are also now moored on the borders of the Burgundy and Loire regions, our visit to the chateau will be rounded off with a private tasting of some of the regions best known and most popular wines. Our mooring tonight will be in the village of Rogny-Les-Sept-Ecluses on the Canal de Briare where we enjoy a celebration farewell dinner hosted by your barge Captain.

Saturday
After breakfast, we return to a central Paris drop off location. You should expect to arrive in Paris before midday.

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.

Renaissance

Guest Book

"A wonderful, relaxing no stress holiday in the French countryside.  No worries.  No packing and unpacking, lots of fun.  ELLEN IS THE BEST!"
-Mr. and Mrs. Charles Haskell, 2008

"Phillip, Silva, Amy and Michael were really fantastic.  Phillip was French, charming, knowledgeable and helpful in every way.  The beautiful French accent made everything he said so very, very French and made us love France more!  Silva's beautiful meals (delicious) and presentations were the very best. (We have toured the world, and he is right up there with the best.)  I will never forget Amy's smile which was only outdone by Michael - they were the BEST - in every way.  It was the most enjoyable journey through France's countryside we will never forget.  The service was outstanding!  I would and will recommend this trip to all.  "
-Mr. and Mrs. John Kaunas, 2008

"A week aboard Renaissance is a week to relax to the max. The pace can be whatever you want it to be - with plenty of great off-ship options. The crew's friendly professionalism made the trip a "10"."
-Mr. and Mrs. Robert Zielsdorf, 2007

"This is a trip for the rich and famous feeling. You are pampered from morning to night!. All the excursions were excellent. We hated to leave!"
-Chuck and Laura Woods, 2007

"It truly was one of our very best vacations. If you want to relax, visit the French countryside and be wined and dined in a five star atmosphere, Renaissance is just the trip."
-Helen Passano, 2007

Renaissance Floor Plan

126 Feet long
-Two suites with king bed or twins, Two with king bed, all 280 sqare feet with large bath.
-Satellite flat screen TV, DVD and CD player in all cabins.
-Beautiful furnishings, fabrics and china.
-Salon/dining area with large picture windows.
-Laptop computer with free Internet access available for passenger use.
-Sundeck with jacuzzi and dining table with large canopy for shade.