Classic Cruise - Upper Loire & Western Burgundy

Guests are greeted at the designated meeting point in Paris and transferred by private chauffeured minibus to the spacious hotel barge Renaissance, where the Captain and crew welcome you aboard with champagne and canapés. In the afternoon, enjoy a scenic cruise through Montargis—nicknamed the ‘Venice of Gâtinais’ for its 131 bridges spanning the Canal de Briare and River Loing. Dinner is served on board.

This morning, cruise through scenic wooded countryside, passing the historic Bardin water mill, before arriving at the mooring in Montbouy. Following lunch, visit the privately-owned Château de La Bussière—often called the ‘Fishermen’s Castle’—renowned for its ornamental and kitchen gardens. Here, enjoy a cooking demonstration led by the barge chef featuring fresh seasonal ingredients. Dinner is served on board.

After breakfast, explore the town of Montargis on foot, viewing the 11th-century château before passing through the picturesque Fishermen’s Quarter; its half-timbered houses bordering the canals. Arriving at the 12th-century Church of the Madeleine, stop to admire its soaring 62-foot-high nave. Your footsteps finally bring you to Mazet, the confectioners renowned for creating the original praline recipe over one hundred years ago. Here, observe the chocolate production and enjoy a tasting of their delicious products. Later, enjoy an afternoon cruise to your mooring at the pretty village of Rogny-les-Sept-Écluses, near its 350-year-old seven-lock flight, now disused and a national monument, from which it takes its name. A short stroll to the locks is worthwhile before dinner on board.

Today, immerse yourself in the world of Impressionist art. Start with a short walking tour of Moret-sur-Loing, famous for its association with the Impressionist painter Alfred Sisley, and see several of his most famous scenes before continuing to the château home of Rosa Bonheur. Rosa Bonheur was the most celebrated female artist of the 19th century; a pioneer in a man’s world and a champion of women’s rights. Her best-known paintings are of animal scenes, including one of ‘Buffalo Bill’ Cody on horseback, which prompted an enduring friendship between the two. Take lunch in the private salon of the château before joining one of the present owners for a tour and to hear more about the history of this remarkable lady and view some of her works. Later, enjoy an afternoon cruise past the Rogny lock flight to La Gazonne, a beautiful rural mooring surrounded by lakes and ponds that provide water for the workings of the Canal de Briare. Dinner on board.

A morning cruise to your mooring at the little town of Briare, site of Gustave Eiffel’s magical aqueduct across the River Loire, again with excellent walking and cycling opportunities. Preview Friday’s crossing of this amazing 10,000-ton, 662-meter Pont Canal, which was completed in September 1896. Your afternoon visit is to the renowned Sancerre winery of Hubert Brochard. Stroll through the exceptional terroir to learn about the viticulture of the renowned Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé appellations, before heading into the winery to understand their winemaking process. Here, enjoy a private tour and tasting of some of their best vintages, complete with a sample of the critically-acclaimed Loire Valley's ‘Crottin de Chavignol’ goat cheese. A true Sancerre immersion! Dinner on board.

This morning, visit the market in Briare with its food and fashion stalls before returning to the hotel barge for lunch and a spectacular cruise across the Briare aqueduct with its ornate iron lampposts and railings, spanning the wide River Loire below. This afternoon, visit the delightful Château de Ratilly and its rather unusual selection of turreted towers, the construction of which began in 1270. In the castle’s workshops, see traditional pottery being hand thrown and have the chance to try this artisanal craft for yourself. Captain’s Farewell Dinner on board.

After breakfast, guests are transferred by private chauffeured minibus to Paris.