La Nouvelle Etoile

In the afternoon, you will be met by a crew member of La Nouvelle Etoile at the designated meeting point. From here, relax as you are chauffeured to the barge, moored in the heart of the Fontainebleau Forest. After a champagne welcome, explore the medieval walled town of Moret-sur-Loing, known to many as the home of the famous Impressionist painter, Alfred Sisley. The first of many gourmet dinners is served onboard.

A morning cruise is the perfect time to relax on deck and admire the scenery drifting by. In the afternoon, your Tour Guide escorts you to the Palace of Fontainebleau, the only royal chateau to have been continuously inhabited for seven centuries. Ornately decorated and opulently furnished, your guided tour provides a glimpse into European history, French culture, and ornamental architecture. On the way back, there may be time for a visit to the artist community in the village of Barbizon. Chef serves another gourmet dinner.

This morning's cruise offers time to laze in the hot tub, take a bicycle ride on the towpath, or just relax on deck. Upon mooring, your Tour Guide takes you to the town of Montargis, revealing the timeless charm of the French countryside. Characterized by the canals which cross the town, there are 131 flower laden bridges, explaining why it is affectionately known the "Venice of the Gatinais". Visit a confectionery shop for pralines, which were created here in the time of Louis XIII. Return to the barge for cocktails and dinner.

Begin the day with a peaceful cruise. Relax on deck, or explore the towpath by bicycle or on foot. In the afternoon, your Tour Guide accompanies you to the Chateau of St. Fargeau, which dates back from the 10th century. Having undergone many additions and restorations, the present castle boasts six towers and has an unusual pentagon shape. Return to the barge and stroll around the ramparts that surround the village of Chatillon-Colligny before another gourmet dinner is served onboard.

Relax on deck this morning as La Nouvelle Etoile cruises through idyllic countryside. You’ll pass by the antique “Seven Locks of Rogny”, built in 1648 and still considered an engineering marvel today. Upon mooring, your Tour Guide escorts you to the delightful town of Gien, famous for the French tableware that is produced there. Browse the pottery shops, and then visit the immaculately restored Chateau of Gien, originally built in the 15th century. Enjoy a nightcap in the hot tub after tonight's gourmet dinner.

This morning’s cruise takes us over the Loire River on the “Pont Canal”, the famous aqueduct designed by Gustave Eiffel. In the afternoon, your Tour Guide will chauffeur you to the vineyards of Sancerre, which produce crisp and aromatic white wines. Sample and savor the region’s terroir at a private tour of a local cellar, and experience an immersion into the world of wine pairings and flavor profiles. Return to the barge and freshen up for festive cocktails and canapes before the farewell gala at the Captain's Dinner.

After breakfast, you will be chauffeured to the designated drop off point.