Loire
- Chenonceau Barge Cruise
Magnificent
Renaissance chateaus at every turn!
Cruise
the Cher River in the Loire River valley of France aboard a 6-passenger barge-hotel
(7 days - 6 nights). This small river boat is a classic Dutch design with shallow
draft and is ideal for navigating the incredibly beautiful yet somewhat sandy
reaches of the river. Refitted throughout, her traditional interior features a
warm classic decor of rich varnished hardwoods, stained glass and a welcoming
country home atmosphere.
TYPICAL
BARGE CRUISE ITINERARY
(actual program may vary)
Day
1 - Sunday: Moulin de Nitray.
You are met at 4:30 pm at the TGV (high-speed train) station at St. Pierre des
Corps outside Tours and taken to the boat, where a champagne welcome awaits you
at our river mooring opposite the 17th century Moulin de Nitray. Dinner on the
barge.
Day
2 - Monday: Moulin de Nitray to Larcay. A
morning cruise through two locks takes us to the quaint town of Larcay, where
the barge moors for lunch. Afternoon excursion to the Chateau de Villandry with
its world-renowned Renaissance gardens. Dinner
on the barge.
Day
3 - Tuesday: Larcay to Vallet.
After a morning cruise passing no less than six private chateaus, we tie up opposite
the hamlet of Vallet, a cluster of classic Tourangeau architecture grouped around
an 18th-century mill. From there we travel by minibus to the chateau of Amboise
on the banks of the River Loire. There we visit this magnificent royal chateau
and the Clos Luce, Leonardo Da Vinci's home. Dinner on the barge.
Day
4 - Wednesday: Vallet to Chisseaux.
Morning cruise, then lunch on the river boat while moored in Blere. In the
afternoon we cruise under the five-arch bridge of the impressive Chateau de Chenonceau
(a sight to remember forever) and moor at Chisseaux. From there we depart by minibus
for a visit of the chateau. Tonight we have dinner in one of the local restaurants
specializing in regional cuisine.
Day
5 - Thursday: Chisseaux to Montrichard. Morning
cruise
to the cave-dweller hamlet of Bourrée. After lunch we drive east to Valencay,
one of the most splendid chateaus of the Loire River valley and the home of Talleyrand,
Napoleon's foreign minister. A short walk from the next lock takes us to one of
the most unusual dwellings in the area, La Magnaneraie. The Coquillat family have
grown up in this hillside cave dwelling, which has been in turn wine cellar, limestone
quarry, and most recently a silkworm nursery. Returning to the river boat, we
cruise to Montrichard, where we moor for the night. Dinner on the barge.
Day
6 - Friday: Montrichard to Nitray.
Following breakfast, a short stroll takes us to the heart of Montrichard, into
the midst of one of the largest weekly street markets in Touraine. There is much
to explore at the 12th century Chateau of Foulques Nerra overlooking the medieval
town square. After an early lunch, the boat travels back down the river for another
passage under Chenonceau and arrives at the hamlet of Nitray in time to visit
the chateau and rose garden. Enjoy a dinner aperitif from their vineyards. Captain's
farewell dinner on board the barge.
Day
7 - Saturday: End of cruise.
After breakfast leave the barge and transfer by minibus to St Pierre des Corps
train station in time for the 9:30 am TGV to Paris.
This
itinerary is subject to change without notice.
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Highlights
-
Chateau and gardens in Villandry
- Chateau
of Chenonceau
- Chateau
of Clos Luce, Leonardo Da Vinci's home
- Chateau
of Amboise
- Optional
hot-air ballooning
Included
- Accommodations
with private bath or shower and all meals from dinner on day 1 to breakfast on
day 7
- Wine
with lunch and dinner and selected alcoholic beverages consumed aboard the barge
- Sightseeing
tours and entrance fees as specified
Not
Included
- Transportation
to and from beginning and end points.
- Health
and travel insurance
- Barge
crew gratuities (suggested 5% of cruise price)
- Personal
expenses
- Optional
activities when available
- Other
items not specifically listed under "Included" above
Barge
Features
- Cabins:
2 twins/1 can be set up as twin or double (6 passengers)
- 3
crew members
- Size:
81 ft. x 14 ft.
- Sundeck
- Air
conditioning and central heating
- Air-conditioned
coaches for excursions
Cruise
Departures
Every
Sunday subject to availability (except winter)
This
river boat can be chartered for groups. Various themes and dates can be arranged
to fit the specific interests of each group.
| |
Standard/Individuals |
Charters/Groups |
We
have personally visited this river boat and the region of France where the cruise
takes place. See pictures from our trips:
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