HIGHLIGHTS

Barging in the

Upper Loire

length: 118 feet

width: 17 feet

3 spacious staterooms with ensuite bathrooms; twin or queen beds

air-conditioned

jacuzzi spa

mini-bus for trips ashore

touring bicycles on board

 

MEANDERER

Magical Chateaux, historical treasures, gourmet cuisine, renowned vineyards, enchanting waterways, mild climate, pastoral landscapes ... All of this awaits you on the waterways of France! Like the fine wines and food produced here, this historic country should be savoured slowly and there is simply no better way to enjoy France than to float through the very heart of it aboard a luxury barge.  To travel along France's ancient waterways is to make contact with an era when life was altogether less frenetic.  Making your journey aboard the comfortable and welcoming Meanderer helps to ensure a stress-free and fun-filled voyage.

Originally a Belgian "Spitz", The Meanderer was recently converted to her current specification.  With three ensuite cabins measuring in excess of 125 square feet each and an outdoor heated spa-pool, she is a well-suited vessel for exploring the Upper Loire. Meanderer's Captain, an experienced host, and a crew of three ensure your enjoyment while cruising along France's oldest canal.  The flexible twin or double bed arrangement and newly decorated, air-conditioned cabins and saloon complement the spacious sundeck.

 

Upper Loire Cruise Itinerary

The cruise itinerary is designed to allow as much flexibility as possible. The following is an example of

the tour itinerary, but your hosts are happy to accommodate any specific group requirements for charter bookings.

Sunday, Day 1
You are collected from your Paris hotel for transfer by private mini-bus to Meanderer.  A Champagne reception and early evening cruise await you.

Monday, Day 2
During the morning you cruise to Montcresson.  After lunch the excursion program begins with a visit to the busy town and spectacular palace of Fontainbleau, home to generations of French royalty.

Tuesday, Day 3
Today's excursion takes you to Montargis with the week's best opportunity to explore a busy market town, people-watch or shop for souvenirs and exquisitely packaged confectionery from the famous Mazet Praline shop.  The afternoon cruise takes you to the charming village of Chatillon Coligny.

Wednesday, Day 4
This morning's excursion takes in the splendid 16th century Chateau of St. Fargeau.  On return to the barge, the afternoon cruise to Rogny-les-Sept-Ecluses includes a chance to walk the ancient 'staircase' of locks, which stand as a monument to the old canal.

Thursday, Day 5
The daily excursion program continues with a visit to the town of Gien.  Set on the banks of the Loire river, the town holds many attractions including the famous Faience Factory Museum and Boutique, the Hunting Museum and the Chateau de Gien.  You return to the barge for lunch and a cruise to Ouzouer-sur-Trezee.

Friday, Day 6
The afternoon excursion takes you to the world famous wine region of Sancerre with the opportunity to sample the local wine and explore the charming hill top village.  Today's cruise takes in the delightful splendor of the world's longest aqueduct, crossing the River Loire.

Saturday, Day 7
This morning, after breakfast, you depart for the return transfer to Paris.

NOTE: This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change. On alternate weeks, cruises will be in reverse direction.

Deck Plan

(Larger view)

Meeting Point

For groups chartering the barge, we collect you from your hotel in Paris.  For individual cabin bookings we will specify a Paris hotel for the pick up.  Pick up is always at 2pm on Sunday.

Included in price

Cruise and cabin accommodations for six nights (from Sunday evening dinner through Saturday morning breakfast), transfers from the barge pick up point in Paris and return, all meals, wines, open bar, use of bicycles, and escorted side excursions.

Not included in price

Cost of air transportation to Paris, items of a personal nature, a suggested 5-7% gratuity for the crew, and trip cancellation insurance (strongly recommended).

 

 

OnBoard@connoisseurstravel.com

 


OUR FEATURED

CANALS & BARGES

 

BURGUNDY

 

UPPER LOIRE

  • Meanderer

 

CANAL DU MIDI/

PROVENCE