Destinations 
- France
- Northern Burgundy
- Southern Burgundy
- Amaryllis
(8 Guests, Ultra Deluxe) - Apres Tout
(6 Guests, Deluxe) - Bonheur
(4 Guests, Casual Class) - Caprice
(21 Guests, First Class) - Fleur de Lys
(6 Guests, Ultra Deluxe) - L'Impressionniste
(12 Guests, Deluxe) - Nenuphar
(12 Guests, Ultra Deluxe) - Papillon
(4-6 Guests, Deluxe) - Prosperite
(8 Guests, Ultra Deluxe) - Savoir Vivre
(8 Guests, Casual Class) - Sojourn
(8 Guests, Deluxe) - Who Knows
(4-6 Guests, Casual Class)
- Amaryllis
- Canal Du Midi
- Provence - Carmargue
- Bordeaux
- Alsace-Lorraine
- Champagne
- Paris
- Loire Valley
- Upper Loire
- Gourmet Land Tours
SEARCH Barge Lady Cruises
Upper Loire
- and the Gatinais
This entire area is known as the Loire - as the River Loire flows through it. However, barging in this area usually takes place on smaller rivers and canals This is an extremely varied destination, with much to recommend it.South and slightly west of the Loire Valley is the Gatinais, known as the "Garden of Paris." This is because the entire waterway system - starting with the Canal du Briare in the 16th century - was built to supply Paris with produce. Other waterways are the River Seine and the Canal du Loing. The route meanders from one adorable village to the other and offers such varied excursions as the Palace of Fountainebleu, the idyllic canal side village of Moret-sur-Loing, which was immortalized by the Impressionist painter Sisley and a horse-drawn excursion to the Medieval village of Chateau Landon, perched high on a cliff.
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Deeper yet into La France Profounde lies the Upper Loire. The main barging route is Montargis south to Chatillion-sur-Loire on the Canal de Briare- which is cut parallel to the River Loire. Towns of great importance to commerce are centuries-old and are still a delight to visit and enjoy the local markets and shopping. Excursions to Sancerre for wine tasting, the faience factory at Gien, and a cruise across the Pont Canal Aqueduct designed by Mr. Eiffel of Tower fame are only some of the high points. Cruising in the Upper Loire offers many opportunities to bicycle and walk, too.
Great selection on ancient waterways: This is cruising in the Loire!
HIRONDELLE - Upper Loire, France8 Guests, Deluxe
Owned and operated by Orient Express, Hirodelle is a lovely experience. The sky-lit lounge and extra-large deck let the countryside into this classic vessel.
LA NOUVELLE ETOILE - Champagne, France8 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, France6 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!
Princess - Upper Loire Valley, France8 Guests, Ultra Deluxe
The "barge built for a billionaire" cruises in the Upper Loire Valley. Highlights include the magnificent Chateau de Chambord and winetasting in Sancerre.
RENAISSANCE - Gatinais, France8 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.