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Renaissance Aqueduct

Private Charter - European Classic Cruise - Upper Loire & Western Burgundy

Example 7 Day Cruise aboard Renaissance
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Embark on a 7-day private cruise through the rivers and canals of France aboard the luxury hotel barge Renaissance. Visit the delightful, privately-owned Château de La Bussière, known as the 'fishermen's castle,' with its wonderful ornamental and vegetable gardens. Take a leisurely breakfast of fresh croissants, baguettes, and assorted pastries as you visit Gien, home of the Faience pottery, renowned for its beautifully decorated and vibrant dinnerware. Cruise over Gustav Eiffel's famous aqueduct spanning the Loire River. Take some time to explore the beautiful village and canals of Montargis either on foot or by bicycle.
Sully Sur LoireRognyBraireSancerreCruisingMontbuoyRenaissance SceneryRenaissance Aqueduct
Highlights
  • Enjoy wine tasting in Sancerre with your private group of up to 8 guests
  • Visit Gien, home of the Faience pottery
  • Tour the privately-owned Château de la Bussière
  • Cruise across the aqueduct built by Gustave Eiffel over the River Loire
Places Visited
  • Europe
  • France
  • Loire River
  • Briare
  • Châtillon-sur-Loire
  • European Union
  • Franche-Comté
  • La Gazonne
  • Montargis
  • Montbouy
  • Rogny-les-Sept-Ecluses
Activity Level: Variable
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Montargis | Embark

Guests are met at our meeting point in Paris** and transferred by private chauffeured minibus to the spacious Renaissance where a champagne welcome with canapés awaits and you meet the Captain and crew. We enjoy an afternoon cruise through the picturesque “little Venice of Gâtinais” with its 131 bridges connecting the streets and crossing the Canal de Briare and the River Loing. Dinner on board.

Day 2: Amilly to Montbouy

This morning we cruise through wooded countryside and past the old Bardin water mill, to reach our mooring in Montbouy. After lunch, we visit the privately-owned Château de La Bussière, known as the ‘Fishermen’s Castle’, with its wonderful ornamental and vegetable gardens, where we enjoy a cooking demonstration with the barge chef using seasonal produce from the gardens. Dinner on board.

Day 3: Montbouy to Rogny-les-Sept-Ecluses

After breakfast we explore the town of Montargis on foot, viewing the 11th century chateau before passing through the picturesque Fishermen’s Quarter; its half-timbered houses bordering the canals. Arriving at the 12th century Church of the Madeleine, we stop to admire its soaring 75-foot-high nave. Our footsteps finally bring us to Mazet, the confectioners renowned for creating the original praline recipe over one hundred years ago. Here, we observe the chocolate production and enjoy a tasting of their delicious products. Later, we enjoy an afternoon cruise to our mooring at the pretty village of Rogny-les-Sept-Ecluses, near its 350-year-old 7 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.

Day 4: Rogny-les-Sept-Ecluses to La Gazonne

Today immerse yourselves 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 Chateau 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 on horseback which prompted an enduring friendship between the two. We take lunch in the private salon of the chateau before joining the present owner for a tour and to hear more about the history of this remarkable lady and view some of her works. Later, we 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.

Day 5: La Gazonne to Briare

A morning cruise to our 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. We preview Friday’s crossing of this amazing 10,000-ton, 662 metre Pont Canal which was completed in September 1896. Our afternoon visit is to the renowned Sancerre winery of La Perriere. Having stopped to view the vineyards and learn something about viticulture, we then visit the winery, with its operations and cellars all set spectacularly inside huge natural caves. We enjoy a private tour and a tasting of some of their best vintages before we return to the barge. Dinner on board.

Day 6: Briare to Châtillon-sur-Loire

This morning we 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, we visit the delightful Château de Ratilly and its rather unusual selection of turreted towers, construction of which began in 1270. In the castle’s workshops, we see traditional pottery being hand thrown and have the chance to try this artisanal craft for ourselves. Captain’s Farewell Dinner on board.

Day 7: Châtillon-sur-Loire | Disembark

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

Ship/Hotel

Renaissance

Renaissance Champagne
Renaissance Salon
Renaissance Salon/Dining

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Crewed Charter Price starting at
$63,500
or $7,938 per person based on 8 max passengers
Rates are subject to change without notice. Book early to get the best rate.
Renaissance Cabin
Suite
250 sq ft featuring 4 Twin/Double Suites, ensuite bathrooms, central heat and air conditioning, including TV/DVD, CD Player/iPod Dock, and WiFi (Subject to local reception)

Notes

- All children under the age of 18 years accepted onboard qualify for a discount of $300 per child per week.
Included
  • 6 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 6 Dinners
  • 6 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Good regional wines served throughout the cruise
  • Complimentary use of bicycles
  • Guided sightseeing
  • An open bar with a large selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks
  • Local transfers to your barge
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Passport or Visa fees

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Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!
Meyer Smolen
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