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Check-in Time / Location 2:30 PM in Paris
Montargis to Chatillion-sur-Loire on the Canal de Briare
In the afternoon, you will be met by a crew member of the Renaissance at the designated meeting point. From here, relax as you are chauffeured to the barge, moored in Montargis. After a champagne welcome, enjoy a late afternoon cruise. Drinks and dinner are presented onboard.
This morning, a leisurely cruise through wooded countryside is the perfect time to sip coffee on the deck or visit your Captain in his wheelhouse. In the afternoon, visit the privately-owned Château de La Bussière, known as the "fishermen’s castle". Tour the ornamental flowerbeds and vegetable gardens, and then join your barge Chef in the Chateau's kitchen for a cooking demonstration with freshly picked produce. Return to the Renaissance for cocktails and canapes before tonight's delicious dinner is served onboard.
This morning, explore Montargis, known as the “Little Venice of the Gatinais” with its 131 bridges crossing romantic flower-laden streets. Our footsteps bring us to Mazet, confectioners renowned for their original chocolate praline recipe created over 100 years ago. Observe the baker making these pralines and enjoy a tasting of this delicious product. Then return to Renaissance and enjoy a cruise to the village of Rogny-les-Sept-Ecluses, named for the nearby 350 year old flight of locks, now a national monument. Relax in the hot tub as Chef creates another delicious dinner on board.
Begin the day in Moret-sur-Loing, home to Impressionist painter Alfred Sisley, who painted many scenes of this lovely village. Your Tour Guide then introduces the chateau home of Rosa Bonheur. She was one of the most important female painters of the 19th century, famed for her animal scenes, which included Buffalo Bill on horseback! After lunch in the private salon, join the current owner for a tour and view of Bonheur’s works. Cruise this afternoon to the idyllic rural mooring of La Gazotte, surrounded by lakes and ponds. Cocktails and dinner on board ends this delightful day.
Laze in the hot tub this morning as Renaissance cruises through idyllic scenery, or explore the passing villages on foot or by bicycle. In the afternoon, visit the renowned Sancerre winery of Hubert Brochard, which produces crisp and fragrant white wines. Sample the region’s terroir at a winetasting for a unique immersion into the world of wine pairings and flavor profiles. Back onboard, Chef is busy preparing tonight’s gourmet dinner.
Bonjour! Today, foodies and Francophiles can join the locals for an early morning market visit. This afternoon’s cruise takes us over the Loire River at Briare on the “Pont Canal”, the famous aqueduct designed by Gustave Eiffel. Upon mooring, your Tour Guide escorts you to Chateau de la Ratilly, where spectacular architecture of 13th century turreted towers awaits. The Farewell Feast tonight ends 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.
Montargis to Chatillion-sur-Loire on the Canal de Briare
Due to their nature, some activities carry a supplement and must be booked directly with the provider. All activities are subject to availability. Please contact your Cruise Coordinator to discuss your requirements.
In the afternoon, you will be met by a crew member of the Renaissance at the designated meeting point. From here, relax as you are chauffeured to the barge, moored in Montargis. A traditional champagne welcome and introduction to the crew awaits you, before your first of many gourmet dinners aboard. End the evening with a nightcap in the hot tub.
A morning cruise presents the perfect opportunity to relax on deck with a cup of coffee. In the afternoon, your Tour Guide escorts you to the Chateau of Fontainebleau, the only royal chateau to have been continuously inhabited for seven centuries. Ornately decorated and opulently furnished, your guided tour provides an unparalleled view of European history, French culture, and ornamental architecture. Return to the barge where cocktail hour precedes tonight's gourmet dinner.
This morning, your Tour Guide escorts you to the Chateau de la Bussiere, known for its gorgeous kitchen gardens, as well its unusual décor inspired by ichthyology. Return to the Renaissance for a lazy afternoon cruise. Relax on deck this afternoon or explore the towpath on foot or by bicycle as Renaissance cruises past a 350 year-old flight of seven locks, an engineering marvel of its time. Enjoy drinks and dinner onboard tonight.
This morning's excursion is to the town of Gien, the world famous center for French tableware. Visit the pottery, where designs of the original 19th century pieces were initially inspired by other European manufacturers or from those originating from the Far East. Your Tour Guide returns you to the barge for an afternoon cruise. Dinner tonight is at Auberge des Templiers, a former post house converted to an inn and restaurant. Enjoy an evening stroll on the lovely grounds of this historic property
Laze in the hot tub this morning as Renaissance cruises through idyllic scenery, or explore the passing villages on foot or by bicycle. In the afternoon, visit the vineyards of Sancerre, which produce crisp and fragrant white wines. Sample the region’s terroir at a winetasting for a unique immersion into the world of wine pairings and flavor profiles. Back onboard, Chef is busy preparing tonight’s gourmet dinner.
Bonjour! Today, foodies and Francophiles can join the locals for an early morning market visit. This afternoon’s cruise takes us over the Loire River at Briare on the “Pont Canal”, the famous aqueduct designed by Gustave Eiffel. Upon mooring, your Tour guide escorts you to Chateau de la Ratilly, where spectacular architecture of 13th century turreted towers awaits. The Captain’s Dinner tonight ends 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.
Are you ready to ply the pastoral pleasures
of the Upper Loire?
