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Check-in Time / Location 3:00 PM in Paris
Travel from Chatillon sur Loire to Montargis on the Canal de Briare
In the afternoon, you will be met by a crew member of the C'est la Vie at the designated meeting point. From here, relax as you are chauffeured to the barge, awaiting you at the charming mooring of Chatillon sur Loire. A traditional champagne welcome and introduction to the crew awaits you, before your first of many gourmet dinners onboard.
C’est la Vie begins her morning journey by languidly gliding along the canal. Relax on deck or explore the towpath with a gentle pedal or leisurely stroll. This afternoon, your Tour Guide chauffeures you to Sancerre, a Medieval town, that was once a fortress and is perched high over the River Loire’s vineyards. A private wine tasting then introduces local vintages, while revealing the refined world of spirit pairings and flavor profiles. Back onboard, aperitifs and appetizers await, preceding a sumptuous multi-course dinner.
This morning, the C’est la Vie crosses the River Loire via the Pont Canal, an aqueduct designed by Gustav Eiffel. Guests can explore the aqueduct by foot alongside the barge, or enjoy the scenery from front row seating on deck. Upon mooring, your Tour Guide escorts you to the 10th century Chateau of St. Fargeau. Having undergone many additions and restorations, the chateau boasts six towers and has an unusual shape of a pentagon. Socialize in the salon with canapes and cocktails while Chef is putting the final touches on tonight's dinner party.
Start the day with a visit to the of Gien, famous for its exquisite French tableware and handmade pottery. Your Tour Guide will accompany you to the Gien factory, where artists are perfecting their craft by creating and painting the tableware. Watch them in action, and then shop and stroll your way through this town brimming with authentic French life. After a thorough visit, an afternoon cruise awaits, and you will pass the remains of seven remarkable canal locks dating from the 16th century. Drinks and dinner served onboard round out the day.
During this morning's lazy cruise, relax on deck and admire the bucolic scenery gently drifting by, or explore the towpath by bicycle or on foot. Upon mooring, you Tour Guide will chauffeur you to Chateau de la Bussiere, a romantic 12th century chateau originally built as a fortress. Inside is an extensive collection of art illustrating the theme of fishing, while outside we may encounter the Countess working in her expansive vegetable and flower gardens. Return to the barge to freshen up before a special dinner ashore at the Michelin starred Auberge des Templiers.
Enjoy one last leisurely bicycle ride or stroll along the towpath while C’est la Vie completes her final journey into the colorful town of Montargis. Characterized by the charming canals which cross the town, Montargis boasts 131 flower laden bridges, explaining why it is affectionately known the "Venice of the Gatinais". Visit a confectionery shop for pralines, which were first created here in the time of Louis XIII. Return to the barge and freshen up before tonight's celebratory Captain’s Dinner, ending your cruise in style.
After breakfast, you will be chauffeured to the designated drop off point.
Please note: this is a sample itinerary which may be subject to change depending on local conditions.
Travel from Sancerre to Montargis on the Canal de Briare
Please contact us for more information about the inclusions and exclusions pertaining to this cruise
In the afternoon, you will be met by a crew member of the C'est la Vie at the designated meeting point. From here, relax as you are chauffeured to the barge, moored in the delightful town of Sancerre. A traditional champagne welcome and introduction to the crew awaits you, before your first of many gourmet dinners onboard.
C’est la Vie begins her morning journey by languidly gliding along the canal. Relax on deck with a cup of coffee before exploring the towpath with a leisurely bicycle ride or brisk stroll. This afternoon, visit Sancerre, a Medieval town, once a fortress and perched high over the surrounding vineyards. Then, taste the local vintages at Chavignol, immersing into the rarefied world of wine pairings and flavor profiles. Back onboard, aperitifs and cocktails await, preceding a sumptuous multi-course dinner.
This morning, cross the River Loire on the amazing Pont Canal, an aqueduct designed by Eiffel of Tower fame. In the afternoon, golfers will enjoy a leisurely round at Golf de Sancerre, a picturesque riverside course against the banks of the Loire. Those who wish to sightsee will visit the 10th century Chateau of St. Fargeau. Having undergone many additions and restorations, the chateau boasts six towers and has an unusual shape of a pentagon. Back onboard, enjoy aperitifs and appetizers as Chef is putting the final touches on tonight's dinner.
Explore the charming village of Gien this morning, famous for its exquisite French tableware and handmade pottery. Your Tour Guide will accompany you to the Gien factory, where artists are perfecting their craft by creating and painting the tableware. Watch them in action, and then shop and stroll your way through this town brimming with authentic French life. Return to the barge for an afternoon cruise. Lounge on deck with friends both old and new while anticipating tonight's gastronomic dinner ashore at Michelin starred La Cote St. Jacques.
A morning cruise continues the glamourous golfing adventure. This afternoon, golfers will be chauffeured to the Domaine de Vaugouard, a lovely course with rolling green hills and beautifully manicured fairways. Those looking for more culture will be escorted to the Chateau de la Bussiere, a preserved 12th century estate. Inside is an extensive collection of art illustrating the theme of fishing, while outside we may encounter the Countess working in her vegetable and flower gardens! Cocktails and canapes onboard precede tonight's delicious dinner
Your final cruise takes you through scenes of country life. Traverse the towpath with a gentle pedal or leisurely stroll before visiting your Captain in his wheelhouse. In afternoon, explore the picturesque town of Montargis. Characterized by the charming canals which cross the town, Montargis boasts 131 flower-laden bridges, explaining why it is affectionately known the "Venice of the Gatinais". Visit a confectionery shop for pralines, which were first created here in the time of Louis XIII. Return to C’est la Vie for a grand Captain’s Dinner, celebrating your week onboard with authentic French style!
After breakfast, you will be chauffeured to the designated drop off point.
This is a sample itinerary which may change depending on local conditions or the availability of the individual courses. On request, the golf courses of Sully sur Loire and Roncemay may also be added. Golf fees (not included) are paid directly at the courses, please ask for pricing if interested. This itinerary operates in the reverse direction every other week.
“We had an exceptionally good time on the C’est la Vie! We were delighted with the quality of the service provided on the barge. What an amazing crew! The cuisine was very, very good and we were pleased to see how accommodating Chef was with our specific dietary needs and requests. The daily excursions were well planned and overall just excellent, especially the visits to the wineries. Cabins were excellent — vast and spacious. We will definitely recommend the C’est la Vie to anyone and everyone interested in a canal cruise!”
Marie Anne C, C’est la Vie
Are you ready to ply the pastoral pleasures
of the Upper Loire?
