MEANDERER
Cruising Burgundy and Upper 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 17th 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.
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-Ecluses
During the morning we cruise to Rogny-Les-Sept-Ecluses, 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 Chateau de Sully-sur-Loire or to the busy town and spectacular palace of Fontainebleau, home to generations of French royalty or to the Chateau Vaux le Vicomte with its extensive and pristinely preserved formal gardens.Tuesday - Rogny-Les-Sept-Ecluses 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 16th century Chateau 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 Chateau de Gien. We then take a short drive to the beautiful private Chateau de La Bussiere, with its incredible 18th Century gardens. An optional visit to the UNESCO World Heritage site Village of Vazelay is highly recommended as is a private visit (by appointment) to Chateau de Buranlure.Friday - Beaulieu to Sancerre (Port of Lere)
This morning we continue along the Canal Lateral de la Loire on the way to the charming town of Lere, 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 Charite 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 - Sancerre (Port of Lere) to Paris
This morning after breakfast we depart for the return transfer to Paris.Note: Cruises run in reverse direction alternate weeks. It may be necessary to vary the itinerary from day to day according to local conditions.
MEANDERER
Year 2024 Rates in US Dollars
ACCOMODATION |
VALUE | REGULAR |
Charter 6 guests wholeboat |
$41,100 |
$43,900 |
Charter 5 guests wholeboat |
$40,100 |
$42,700 |
Charter 4 guests wholeboat |
$39,100 |
$41,500 |
DEPARTURE DATES |
RATE |
ROUTE |
April 21; Oct 13 |
Value |
Upper Loire Valley and Burgundy |
| Apr 28; May 24, 19, 26; June 2, 9,16, 23, 30; July 7, 14, 21, 28 | Regular |
Upper Loire Valley and Burgundy |
Aug 4, 11, 18, 25; Sep 1, 8, 15, 22, 29; Oct 6
|
Regular |
Upper Loire Valley and Burgundy |
MEANDERER
Year 2025 Rates in US Dollars
ACCOMODATION |
VALUE | REGULAR |
Charter 6 guests wholeboat |
$41,100 |
$43,900 |
Charter 5 guests wholeboat |
$40,100 |
$42,700 |
Charter 4 guests wholeboat |
$39,100 |
$41,500 |
DEPARTURE DATES |
RATE |
ROUTE |
April 22; Oct 12 |
Value |
Upper Loire Valley and Burgundy |
| Apr 27; May 4, 11, 18, 25; June 1, 8,15, 22, 29; July 6, 13, 20, 27 | Regular |
Upper Loire Valley and Burgundy |
Aug 3, 10, 17, 24, 31; Sep 7, 14, 21, 28; Oct 5
|
Regular |
Upper Loire Valley and Burgundy |
