French Barge Cruise Routes
Meanderer Barge Tours of France
Canal du Loing Canal Tour in France
(Northern Route)
Our Northern route takes us from Montargis on the Canal du Loing to Samois-sur-Seine, most recently famous for having been the home of revered guitarist Django Rheinhardt. During your barge cruise in France, you will visit towns such as Moret-sur-Loing, Nemours, Chateau Landon, and Grez-sur-Loing. Since this French barge cruise route takes us on the rivers Seine and Loing, you will experience the busy port of St. Mammes with huge laden commercial barges passing through. Our moorings are peaceful and rural with plenty of opportunities to walk, bike or simply relax and allow the crew to pamper you.
Come and join us. Savor the food and wine, and relax while touring a truly enchanting countryside.
Canal de Briare Tour in France
(Southern Route)
We carefully selected our Southern French barge cruise route which sails between Montbouy, a town with ancient Celtic origins, and Léré. As you float aboard the luxurious barge Meanderer, you will enjoy scenic views of the Upper Loire. You will also have the opportunity to visit the towns of Montcresson, Chatillon-Coligny, Rogny-Les-Sept-Excluses, Ouzouer-Sur-Trezee and the Sancerre wine region. With its rich history, glorious architecture, daily town markets, and antique shops and museums, your experience can be tailored to your preferences by our crew and hosts. These ancient waterways will take you through the region in the way once traveled back then – at a leisurely pace, in a relaxed manner and through an unforgettable countryside.
The yellow rectangle in the map below encloses the area that you will experience during one of our luxury barge cruises.
The yellow rectangle in the map below encloses the area we cruise.
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding a Barge Cruise in France
You will visit chateaux, gardens, markets, antique stores. For the avid golfers we can arrange rounds of golf. Horseback riding is also possible. Special interests? Let us know and we will do our best to arrange something for you.
No, you can stay on board relaxing on one of comfortable deck chairs and enjoy watching the countryside go by. Excursions are optional.
Yes, we have many wineries that we can visit. Our normal program allows for one winery visit but, for the avid enthusiasts, we can arrange more – from small producers to well renowned.
Our environment is relaxed. You will do quite a lot of walking so comfortable clothes and shoes are suggested. Dinners on board are as dressy or relaxed as you would like to make them. Depending upon the time of year, clothes that can be layered are a good idea, along with light rain protection.
To have your first choice of dates, the earlier the better! Most groups book at least 6-12 months in advance.
Excursions typically last 2-4 hours depending upon which one it is. If you decide to step off the boat to go for a walk while we cruise, your crew will tell you how far you will have to walk and where you can reboard the boat.
Yes. Our chef can accommodate all dietary requests except strict kosher diets. Lactose free, gluten free, vegetarian, vegan, pescatarian – all can be offered without losing any of the culinary standards and quality that we are known for. Simply be clear when you send us your information.
Yes, but it is cellular and therefore subject to fluctuations in the strength of the signal. As the barge is cruising the signal can go in and out. Some of the moorings are surrounded by trees so the signal may be affected. It will not accommodate large files but will handle simple emails, reading the news etc.