Itineraries

Barge Meanderer – Detailed Cruise Itineraries

Southern Route

CANAL DE BRIARE Upper Loire Cruise Itinerary –
Montargis to Sancerre (Montbouy to Léré)

Welcome to the magnificent countryside of France. Our cruise itinerary is based in the fascinating region of the Upper Loire. Originally the River Loire carried commercial barges but the constantly changing conditions rendered it unsafe for navigation, leading to the building of the Canal de Briare and later the Canal Lateral à la Loire.

We cruise the full length of the Canal de Briare, the first connecting canal built in France. Construction began in 1604 during the reign of Henry IV (who instigated the Louvre in Paris) and was completed in 1634. The Canal was built to enable produce from the Burgundy and Loire regions to be taken to Paris.

The Loire region is often referred to as the “Garden of France,” a typically French landscape with peaceful, rolling countryside. Our cruise begins at Montbouy, the northern end of the Canal de Briare close to the regional capital of Montargis. The picturesque town of Montargis welcomes visitors with fabulous floral displays. The canal, once the lifeblood of the capital, winds through the heart of the town passing 17^th century buildings and crossing the many smaller waterways which dissect the narrow streets.

The section of the canal beyond Montargis follows the course of the River Loing through villages and hamlets, many of which pre-date the canal. At Montbouy, the remains of the Roman Baths and Amphitheatre are clearly visible as a testimony to the heritage of this prosperous region. In Chatillon-Coligny the original riverside washhouses make way for the imposing feudal castle, once home to the Counts of Champagne. Although almost destroyed during the French revolution, the labyrinth of tunnels, chambers and the imposing keep still remain.

The original flight of seven locks at Rogny-les-Sept-Écluses (the highest point of the canal) is now preserved as a National Historic Monument. The new course of the canal takes us via a shorter flight of locks to the village of Rogny itself, considered by many to be the most unspoilt village of the region. The magnificent lakes of the Puisaye at the summit of the canal supplied the water for the canal before modern pumping stations were installed to allow uninterrupted use of the locks. The Puisaye is famous for the clay used by local tradesmen to produce some of the finest pottery in Europe.

A gentle descent to the town of Briare takes us through majestic woodland and open farmland to the most famous waterway landmark in France. The 700 yard long aqueduct, which carries the canal across the River Loire at Briare, was built by the great engineer Eiffel (better known for the famous Parisian tower) to replace the original crossing. Our cruise comes to a close in the town of Léré on the Canal Lateral a la Loire on the banks of the imposing River Loire.

Some possible excursions include:

The royal palace of Fontainebleau – Napoleon’s favorite and final home before being sent to live in exile.
The Château of Vaux-le-Vicomte – beautiful gardens designed by the famous Louis XIV gardener Andre Le Notre.
The Château of La Bussiere – home of the Countess de Chasseval, with an incredible 18th Century fruit and vegetable garden.
The Château of St. Fargeau – 1000 years of history in this privately held chateau.
Guédelon – a reconstruction project of a medieval castle using only the tools and methods of the time.
Ferrieres-en-Gatinais – a charming town with a gorgeous church and remarkable Abbaye.
Sancerre wine country – visit a winery and tour and taste the exceptional wines of the region.

Cruise Itinerary 2020 – Southern Route

Our cruise itinerary is designed to allow as much flexibility as possible. The following is an example of the tour itinerary but we will always try to accommodate any specific group requirements. A typical itinerary includes:

Sunday – Paris to Montbouy
We collect you from your Paris hotel after lunch for transfer by private mini-coach to Meanderer moored in the quiet and picturesque village of Montbouy (just a few miles from the regional capital of Montargis). After a champagne reception we take an early evening cruise to the village of Montcresson and back. Relax on deck and watch the town and people pass by. Your first dinner on board.

Monday – Montbouy to Rogny-Les-Sept-Écluses During the morning we cruise to Rogny-Les-Sept-Écluses, a historical home of an ancient seven-stage staircase lock, considered to this day a marvel of engineering. After lunch, the excursion program begins with a visit to the magnificent Château de Sully-sur-Loire or to the busy town and spectacular palace of Fontainebleau, home to generations of French royalty or to the Château Vaux le Vicomte with its extensive and pristinely preserved formal gardens.

Tuesday – Rogny-Les-Sept-Écluses to La Gazonne This morning we visit the regional capital town of Montargis, the week’s best opportunity to explore a busy market town. People-watch or shop for souvenirs and exquisitely packaged confectionary from the famous Mazet Praline shop. On return to the barge, our afternoon cruise through six locks, which replaced the historical seven staircase lock of Rogny, brings us to the overnight remote mooring at La Gazonne, in the middle of a magnificent nature preserve.

Wednesday – La Gazonne to Briare We start with a morning visit to the splendid 16^th century Château of St. Fargeau, offering a surprising and unique discovery of the rich history of this castle. An alternative excursion is available to the Medieval Village of Guedelon, an extraordinary and unique experience to observe this 25 year project recreating a defensive medieval castle, which is being built with materials, tools and techniques of this ancient period. Our afternoon cruise takes us through some of the most beautiful and rural parts of the canal to the spectacular town of Briare on the bank of the Loire River and the entrance to the extraordinary Briare Aqueduct (Pont Canal).

Thursday – Briare to Beaulieu-sur-Loire We shall cruise in the morning over the Pont Canal. The daily excursion program continues with a visit the town of Gien.Set on the banks of the River Loire, the pretty town holds many attractions including the famous Faience Boutique, the Hunting Museum and the Château de Gien. We then take a short drive to the beautiful private Château de La Bussière,with its incredible 18^th Century gardens. An optional visit to the UNESCO World Heritage site Village of Vézelay is highly recommended as is a private visit (by appointment) to Château de Buranlure.

Friday – Beaulieu to Léré This morning we continue along the Canal Lateral de la Loire on the way to the charming town of Léré, our final mooring port. The scenery of flat fields and pastures slowly changes to the hills of the vineyards. Afternoon excursion takes us to the world famous wine region of Sancerre with the opportunity to sample the local wines and explore the charming hill-top village. A visit to the extraordinary town of La Charité sur Loire, surrounded on all sides by the Loire River is a special treat. For early risers the best market visit of the region at Cosne-sur-Loire with our chef is an option. The real wine aficionados have the option to visit 2 wineries that afternoon; Sancerre as well as Pouilly Fume.

Saturday – Léré to Paris This morning after breakfast we depart for the return transfer to Paris.

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Note: Cruises run in reverse direction alternate weeks. It may be necessary to vary the itinerary from day to day according to local conditions.

Northern Route

CANAL DU LOING Upper Loire Cruise Itinerary –
Montargis to Samois sur Seine

Welcome to the magnificent countryside of France. Our cruise itinerary is based in the fascinating region of the Upper Loire. Originally the River Loire carried commercial barges but the constantly changing conditions rendered it unsafe for navigation, leading to the building of the Canal de Briare, later the Canal Lateral à la Loire and the Canal du Loing. The Loire region is often referred to as the “Garden of France”, a typically French landscape with peaceful, rolling countryside.

We cruise part of the Canal de Briare and the full length of the Canal de Loing; the first connecting canals built in France. Construction began in 1604 during the reign of Henry IV (who instigated the Louvre in Paris) and was completed in 1634. The Canals were built to enable produce from the Burgundy and Loire regions to be taken to Paris.

We start in the picturesque town of Montargis, known as the “Little Venice of the Gâtinais”, and complete the week with our arrival, via the Seine river, in the exquisite town of Samois-sur-Seine, once the home of Django Rheinhardt.

Along the way we will visit the extraordinary wine region of Sancerre, enjoy a walking tour of Montargis, visit the town of Barbizon, famous for all the impressionists who practiced their “plein-air” painting. We will also visit Moret-sur-Loing which boasts fascinating historical buildings as well as picturesque spots also enjoyed by the impressionists such as Alfred Sisley. We will end the week with the Royal Palace of Fontainebleau. It should be noted that this itinerary boasts some of the best biking routes anywhere so it is a perfect route for the avid or casual biker.

Cruise Itinerary 2020 – Northern Route

Sunday – Paris to Montargis
We collect you from your Paris hotel after lunch for transfer by private luxury bus to Meanderer moored at the capital city of the Loiret, Montargis. A champagne reception and introduction to the crew and your week ahead.

Monday – Montargis to Nargis
A morning cruise followed by an afternoon excursion to Sancerre. We will visit the hilltop town of Sancerre followed by a visit to a famous winery and experience a wonderful wine tasting program. Return to the barge for relaxing cocktails on deck and dinner.

Tuesday – Nargis to Neronville
This morning’s cruise takes us to a picturesque mooring at the village of Neronville. From there, after lunch, we visit the town of Montargis. We will take a walking tour of the town, famous for its beautiful floral displays, its magnificent church, delicious pralines and fascinating history. A chance to shop the fun boutiques after the tour.

Wednesday –Neronville to Nemours
Todays excursion takes us to the town of Barbizon, home to so many of the young impressionists. We will visit the famous Auberge Ganne, explore this immaculately maintained spot and if you are feeling energetic we might even take a walk in the forest where the painters practiced their skills. We can also visit Milly-La-Forêt, once the home of Jean Cocteau.

Thursday – Nemours to Moret sur Loing
In the afternoon we visit Moret-sur-Loing, the spectacular village at the end of Canal du Loing and home of Alfred Sisley and inspiration to many famous impressionist painters. Our afternoon visit to the town includes a guided walking tour, a chance to sample the famous candy of the town – “Sucre D’Orge” and a walk by the river to view the exquisite scenery.

Friday – Moret sur Loing to Samois sur Seine
Today’s cruise takes us out of the Canal and onto the River Seine to Samois sur Seine, home of legendary guitarist Django Reinhardt. After lunch, the excursion program ends with a visit to the busy town and spectacular palace of Fontainebleau, home to generations of French royalty, or Vaux-le-Vicomte, site of the movie “Man in the Iron Mask”.

Saturday – Samois-sur-Seine to Paris
This morning after breakfast we depart at 9am for the return transfer to Paris.

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Cruises run in reverse direction alternate weeks. It may be necessary to vary the itinerary from day to day according to local conditions.