Destinations

• France
  • Northern Burgundy
    • C'est la Vie
      (8 Guests, Ultra Deluxe)
    • Elisabeth
      (6 Guests, First Class)
    • La Belle Epoque
      (12 Guests, Deluxe)
    • L'Art De Vivre
      (8 Guests, First Class)
    • Luciole
      (14 Guests, First Class)
    • Nenuphar
      (12 Guests, Ultra Deluxe)
    • Randle
      (4 Guests, Charming Class)
    • Savoir Faire
      (12 Guests, Deluxe)
  • Southern Burgundy
    • Absoluut2
      (8 Guests, Deluxe)
    • Adrienne
      (12 Guests, Ultra Deluxe)
    • Amaryllis
      (8 Guests, Ultra Deluxe)
    • Apres Tout
      (6 Guests, Deluxe)
    • Bonheur
      (4 Guests, Charming Class)
    • Caprice
      (21 Guests, First Class)
    • Fleur de Lys
      (6 Guests, Ultra Deluxe)
    • Hirondelle
      (8 Guests, Deluxe)
    • L'Impressionniste
      (12 Guests, Deluxe)
    • Papillon
      (4-6 Guests, Deluxe)
    • Papillon Bike & Barge
      (4-6 Guests, Deluxe)
    • Prosperite
      (8 Guests, Ultra Deluxe)
    • Savoir Vivre
      (8 Guests, Charming Class)
    • Who Knows
      (4-6 Guests, Charming Class)
  • Canal Du Midi
    • Alegria
      (4 Guests, Deluxe)
    • Alouette
      (4 Guests, Ultra Deluxe)
    • Anjodi
      (8 Guests, First Class)
    • Athos
      (10 Guests, First Class)
    • Colibri
      (4 Guests, Deluxe)
    • Emma
      (6 Guests, First Class)
    • Enchante
      (8 Guests, Deluxe)
    • Fandango
      (4-6 Guests, Deluxe)
    • Roi Soleil
      (6 Guests, Ultra Deluxe)
    • Tango
      (6-8 Guests, Deluxe)
  • Provence - Camargue
    • Le Phenicien
      (18 Guests, First Class)
    • Napoleon
      (12 Guests, Ultra Deluxe)
  • Gascony
    • Saint Louis
      (6 Guests, Deluxe)
  • Alsace-Lorraine
    • La Nouvelle Etoile
      (8 Guests, Ultra Deluxe)
    • Panache
      (12 Guests, Deluxe)
    • Princess
      (8 Guests, Ultra Deluxe)
  • Champagne
    • C'est la Vie
      (8 Guests, Ultra Deluxe)
    • La Nouvelle Etoile
      (8 Guests, Ultra Deluxe)
    • Princess
      (8 Guests, Ultra Deluxe)
    • Savoir Faire
      (12 Guests, Deluxe)
    • Who Knows
      (4-6 Guests, Charming Class)
  • Paris to Burgundy
    • La Nouvelle Etoile
      (8 Guests, Ultra Deluxe)
    • Savoir Faire
      (12 Guests, Deluxe)
  • Loire Valley
    • Nymphea
      (6 Guests, First Class)
  • Upper Loire
    • Horizon II
      (8 Guests, Ultra Deluxe)
    • La Nouvelle Etoile
      (8 Guests, Ultra Deluxe)
    • Meanderer
      (6 Guests, Deluxe)
    • Renaissance
      (8 Guests, Ultra Deluxe)
  • Gourmet Land Tours
    • La Ferme de Lochere
      (8 Guests, Burgundy)
    • Domaine la Veronique
      (6 Guests, Languedoc)

• Ireland
  • Shannon Princess
    (10 Guests, Deluxe)
  • Golf Cruise on Shannon Princess
    (10 Guests, Deluxe)
• England
  • Magna Carta
    (8 Guests, Deluxe)
• Holland/Belgium
  • Absoluut 2
    (8 Guests, Deluxe)
  • La Nouvelle Etoile
    (8 Guests, Ultra Deluxe)
  • Savoir Faire
    (12 Guests, Deluxe)
• Germany
  • La Nouvelle Etoile
    (8 Guests, Ultra Deluxe)
• Scotland
  • Scottish Highlander
    (8 Guests, Deluxe)
• *Special Offers*

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  Home > Barge Cruises > France > Upper Loire

Upper Loire and the Gatinais Cruises

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LOCATION: Upper Loire lies very close to Paris – within a two hour car ride to most barges – but might be a million miles away in terms of ambiance. All of the vessels in Upper Loire provide chauffeured transfers, so it is very easy to choose to barge here.

UPPER LOIRE CANALS & WATERWAYS:
The major waterway is the River Loire, but the barges cruise on the intimate Canal de Briare and Canal du Loing.

WHY BARGE IN THE UPPER LOIRE?
Also known as the Gatinais, this area has long been known as the “Garden of Paris.” This is because the entire waterway system, starting with the Canal de Briare in the 16th century, was built to supply produce to Paris. The route still meanders through farmland, unspoiled villages, and romantic scenery. This is a cruise for lovers of atmosphere, culture, and those who like to go “off the beaten track.”

SIGHTSEEING HIGHLIGHTS: Several small and family owned chateaux. Winetasting in the village of Sancerre, perched on a hill high over the vineyards. Moret-sur-Loing, home to Impressionist painter Alfred Sisley – where exact scenes he painted can still be viewed. The flower-bedecked town of Montargis, where you can taste the local pralines. Cruise across an aqueduct designed by Eiffel of Tower fame. Fountainebleau, hunting chateau of the French kings.

UPPER LOIRE BARGES: There is a barge trip for almost everyone in Upper Loire! Great selection on ancient waterways: This is cruising in the Loire!


HORIZON II - Upper Loire, France
8 Guests, Ultra Deluxe
The classic Horizon II now cruises in Upper Loire. Highlights include the magnificent Chateau de Chambord and winetasting in Sancerre.

LA NOUVELLE ETOILE - Upper Loire, France
8 Guests, Ultra Deluxe
Owners Jan and Diana Meijer offer one of the most luxurious cruises. Explore this incredible region on a top barge.


MEANDERER - Upper Loire, France
6 Guests, Deluxe
Floating deep in especially idyllic countryside, the modern and spacious Meanderer offers a top program. New owners George and Susan Kovalick bring an international background and many talents. Lots of biking and walking, too!


RENAISSANCE - Gatinais, France
8 Guests, Ultra Deluxe
This Renassance is one of the most beautiful and spacious on the canals of France. The very interesting route is located within easy driving distance from Paris.