Paris
- Picardy Barge Cruise
The
Route of the Impressionists
Cruise
the rivers of France through the countryside around Paris, the "City of Light"
(7 days - 6 nights). This cruise will take you through Ile-de-France, the heart
of France. You will discover scenery that inspired many famous Impressionist painters,
visit sumptuous chateaus and enjoy a night cruise through Paris. This 50-passenger
barge-hotel combines the comforts of a mini-ocean liner with the charm of
a river boat. The elegant interior provides ample space to relax, seasoned wood
tones and old world charm. Large windows give all around views of the passing
scenery. The piano bar, the exercise room and outdoor hot tub add to the ambiance
of unprecedented comfort.
TYPICAL
BARGE CRUISE ITINERARY
(actual program may vary)
Day
1 - Saturday: Paris to Compiègne.
Meet at the Gare de Lyon train station in Paris at 3 pm and transfer by motor
coach to the river boat moored in Compiègne on the River Oise. After a
welcome champagne reception, settle into your cabin and perhaps stroll the charming
town before enjoying a wonderful gourmet dinner aboard the barge.
Day
2 - Sunday: Compiègne
to St Maxence. After
breakfast on the barge, take a walking tour of historic Compiègne, with
its 16th-century Hôtel de Ville and famed cloisters of the Abbey of St.
Corneille, founded by Charles the Bald in 877. Tour the expansive Château
de Compiègne, once an important royal residence, and visit the open market
before returning to the river boat for lunch. This afternoon, cruise to lovely
Pont St Maxence.
Dinner aboard the barge.
Day
3 - Monday: Chantilly, Pontoise.
Cruise along an enchanting portion of the River Oise favored by many Impressionist
painters. Visit the Château
de Chantilly, a vast estate dating from the Middle Ages and boasting an
art gallery second only to the Louvre in size and scope. Famous for breeding racehorses,
Chantilly also maintains one of the world’s finest stables. See the French
gardens designed by Le Nôtre, the Petit Parc, the Anglo-Chinese Garden,
and the English Garden. Return to the river boat for a delightful cruise on the
peaceful river to Pontoise. Dinner aboard the barge.
Day
4 - Tuesday: Giverny, Rueil Malmaison, Paris.
Begin the day with a visit to the house and gardens of Claude Monet in Giverny.
Expect some surprisingly familiar sights: the gardens are meticulously maintained
to remain exactly as they were when the artist painted them. Afterwards, return
to the river boat for lunch and a cruise to the lovely town of Rueil Malmaison,
where you can visit La Petite Malmaison. Later, browse Rueil’s exclusive
boutiques before returning to the barge to cruise into the heart of Paris. This
evening, we take an unforgettable Paris-by-night cruise along the River Seine.
Dinner aboard the barge.
Day
5 - Wednesday: Paris to Melun/Vaux le Vicomte.
Cruise south from Paris to Melun for an excursion to Château Vaux
le Vicomte. This magnificent castle was built by Fouquet, Louis XIV’s
finance minister, and served as the model for Versailles. Tour its exceptionally
furnished interior and magnificent gardens before returning to the barge for a
memorable dinner.
Day
6 - Thursday: Melun to St Mammes.
This morning, cruise a scenic stretch of the River Seine into St. Mammes and take
a short trip to Moret sur Loing, a small medieval town that was once home to Alfred
Sisley, who lived and painted here. This evening, gather for a gala farewell dinner
aboard the barge.
Day
7 - Friday: Transfer to Paris.
After breakfast on the river boat, return to the Gare de Lyon in Paris by noon
- end of cruise.
On
alternate weeks, cruise will be in the reverse direction.
This itinerary is
subject to change without notice.
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Highlights
- Historic
Compiègne - Abbey and Chateau
- Giverny
- Claude Monet’s home and gardens
- Chateau
of Chantilly
- Paris,
“City of Light” - evening cruise
- Chateau
of Vaux le Vicomte, beautiful interiors and magnificent gardens
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
- Sightseeing
tours and entrance fees as specified
- Transfers:
barge to/from Gare de Lyon in Paris
Not
Included
- Transportation
to/from Paris transfer point
- Health
and travel insurance
- Barge
crew gratuities (suggested 5% of cruise price)
- Bar
drinks on board the barge
- Personal
expenses
- Optional
activities when available
- Other
items not specifically listed under "Included" above
Barge
features
- Cabins:
23 twins/2 doubles (115/130 sq. ft.) 50 passengers
- 14
crew members
- Size:
210 ft. x 24ft.
- 3
Decks
- VCR,
stereo, piano bar, conference room
- Spa/Jacuzzi,
fitness room
- Air
conditioning and central heating
- Air-conditioned
coaches for excursions
2008
Cruise Departures
(subject to availability)
Every
Saturday from Mar 22 - May 17 and Oct 11 - Nov 8
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 Paris region in France where the
cruise takes place. See pictures from our trips:
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