Renaissance

Barging the Upper Loire

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
Regular Season dates are:
May 17 to July 25 and August 30 to October 17

Six-night cruises depart from Paris every Sunday at 2:00pm and arrive back in Paris the following Saturday between 11:00am and noon.

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.

We welcomed a wonderful party in September 2008. They wrote to Captain Donald after the cruise:

Hi Donald,
We were so relaxed, we never wrote in the guest book....please cut and paste the following note in the book!
"We've safely returned to the states with wonderful memories of our week with you and the adorable crew of 'The Renaissance'! Our week of barging was the perfect celebration of 50 years of friendship. We thank you all for making our holiday a memory to treasure! We are most appreciative of the thoughtfulness, kindness, and attention to our every whim exhibited by you, Mike, Amy, Eefy, and Syfvan. You are a unique group of extraordinary young adults!
As we reflect some of the fondest memories from our barging experience on 'The Renaissance'...Eefy's expertise and good humor navigating the locks, Amy's and Mike's friendly attitude and attention to detail, Syfvan's creative, artistic, and incredibly delicious meals, and last, but not least, your gracious enthusiasm come to mind. Each day brought a new fun opportunity to share daily life unfolding in the villages along the canal. Strolling, biking and sightseeing provided a perfect level of activity. The evening menu and butter dish were always a surprise masterpiece...waiting for the book! Our game of boules was great fun...perhaps next time!
Barging with you and the crew of 'The Renaissance' exceeded all our expectations! A thousand thanks for making our first barging trip so memorable!"
All our best,
Terry and Judy Bray
John Crissman and Jackie
Steve and Becky Smith
Steve and Laura Warner
(7 Sept - 13 Sept 2008)

Renaissance

Upper Loire Barge Cruise Itinerary

Samois-Sur-Seine to Rogny

In the Gatinais and Upper Loire

Sunday: Samois-Sur-Seine
We collect you from Paris at 2pm for the drive by private, air-conditioned minibus to Renaissance 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: Samois-Sur-Seine to Nemours
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: Nemours to Nargis
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: Nargis to Cepoy
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: Cepoy to Montbouy
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: Montbouy to Rogny-Les-Sept-Ecluses
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: Return to Paris
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. 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.

Renaissance

Guest Book

"This was our second trip on the barge Renaissance.  While we enjoyed the excursions, staying on the barge or bike riding along side it, was just as much fun.  We especially enjoyed not having to rush anywhere or dress up for dinner each night."
-Darlene and Mike Hillman, 2009

"We had a great barge cruise:  Few decisions, lots of wine and beautiful sights!"
-Dr. and Mrs. Adrian Simm, 2009

"Our week on the Renaissance far exceeded our expectations!  The layout and roominess of the barge was great.  The young, enthusiastic crew became our friends without compromising the level and professionalism of their duties."
-Steve and Becky Smith, 2008

"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.