The Renaissance barge cruising along Canal de Briare
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Renaissance Barge - Upper Loire & Western Burgundy Cruise
Thumbnails
The Renaissance barge cruising along Canal de Briare
Cycle along the canal's path
Renaissance barge cruising the aqueduct in Briare
Saloon of Renaissance barge
Enjoy gourmet meals and French wines aboard
Bar at Renaissance
Cabin accommodation at Renaissance
France

Renaissance Barge - Upper Loire & Western Burgundy Cruise (Tour code: 11147)

Starts and Ends
in Paris
Travel Periods
31 Mar 24 - 27 Oct 24
Experience
Travel Style
Cruise
Discover the charm and beauty of Upper Loire & Western Burgundy as you cruise along Canal de Briare and the Loire River aboard Renaissance.

Highlights

Visit to and guided tour of the magnificent Château de Fontainebleau

7-lock flight at Rogny-Les-Sept-Ecluses, a national historic monument

Cruise across the aqueduct at Briare, built by Gustave Eiffel over the River Loire

Visit Gien, home of the Faience pottery
 

Private wine tasting in Sancerre

Excellent opportunities for walking and biking

7 days
From
AUD 13,618
per person, twin share
Travelling with kids? Read more 
All services are subject to availability.

Overview

Renaissance was built in 1960 in Belgium and used to carry grain and ore. She was converted to a hotel barge in 1997 and now cruises in the waterways of Burgundy and Loire Valley. The elegant, 8-passenger

Renaissance cruises along the scenic Canal de Briare, France’s oldest canal, and the Loire River, the longest river in the country. Renaissance can accommodate up to eight passengers with four spacious suites with en-suite facilities, saloon dining room, relaxing sun deck with spa pool, small library and bicycles.

Renaissance will take you to the heart of upper Loire Valley region and western Burgundy, steeped in history, culture and breathtaking countryside. This classic cruise highlights include Château de Fontainebleau, Château de Ratilly and the charming towns of Gien and Briare.

Inclusions

6 nights onboard the Hotel Barge Renaissance in a Suite
Crew of 5 (Captain, tour guide, chef and hostesses)
Transfers by an air-conditioned minivan
Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily prepared by your chef
Captains farewell dinner on your last night
Selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
Excursions as per itinerary
Use of barge facilities

Day 1 Paris Montargis

You are met at your meeting point in Paris and transferred by private chauffeured minibus to the spacious Renaissance where a Champagne welcome with canapés awaits you and you meet the Captain and crew. Time enough for a walking tour of the pretty village of Montargis before dinner on board.

Overnight stay onboard Hotel Barge Renaissance in a Suite.

Selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages included.

Dinner
Paris → Montargis
Champagne welcome aboard Renaissance

Day 2 Montargis Montbouy

This morning, we embark on our first cruise through the Loire countryside, with great towpath walking and cycling opportunities, to moor at Montbouy. After lunch on board,our visit thisafternoon is to the splendid Château de Fontainebleau, a national museum and UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is the only royal and imperial château to have been continuously inhabited forseven centuries and every French royal family has added its own architectural style and features when in residence.We make a private tour through rooms and galleries not usually on public view, including Napoleon III’s Imperial Theatre. Dinner on board.

Overnight stay onboard Hotel Barge Renaissance in a Suite.

Selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages included.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Montargis → Montbouy
Château de Fontainebleau, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Day 3 Montbouy Rogny-les-Sept-Ecluses

This morning we visit the privately-owned Château de La Bussière, known as the ‘fishermen’s castle’, with its wonderful ornamental and vegetable gardens, where we enjoy a cooking demonstration using wild and medicinal plants. Following lunch back on board, we make an afternoon cruise to our mooring at the pretty village of Rogny-les-Sept-Ecluses, near its original 350-year-old 7 lock-flight, now disused and a national monument, from which it takes its name. A short stroll to the locks is worthwhile before dinner on board.

Overnight stay onboard Hotel Barge Renaissance in a Suite.

Selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages included.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Montbouy → Rogny-les-Sept-Ecluses
Renaissance moored in Montbouy

Day 4 Rogny-les-Sept-Ecluses La Gazonne

Today, we immerse ourselves in the world of impressionist art. We start with a short walking tour of Moret-sur-Loing, famous for its association with the Impressionist painter Alfred Sisley and see several his most famous scenes before continuing to the Chateau home of Rosa Bonheur. Rosa Bonheur was the most celebrated female artist of the 19th Century; a pioneer in a man’s world and a champion of women’s rights. Her best-known paintings are of animal scenes including one of Buffalo Bill on horseback which prompted an enduring friendship between the two. We take lunch in the private salon of the chateau before joining the present owner for a tour and to hear more about the history of this remarkable lady and view some of her works. Later, we enjoy an afternoon cruise past the Rogny lock flight to La Gazonne, a beautiful rural mooring surrounded by lakes and ponds that provide water for the workings of the Canal de Briare. Dinner on board.

Overnight stay onboard Hotel Barge Renaissance in a Suite.

Selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages included.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Rogny-les-Sept-Ecluses → La Gazonne
Rosa Bonheur

Day 5 La Gazonne Briare

A morning cruise to your mooring at the little town of Briare, site of Gustave Eiffel’s magical aqueduct across the River Loire, again with excellent walking and bicycling opportunities. Preview Friday’s crossing of this amazing 10,000 ton, 662 metre Pont Canal which was completed in September 1896. In the afternoon visit a renowned winery in Sancerre, such as Domaine Henri Bourgeois in Chavignol, for a tour and private tasting. This medieval hilltop village overlooks a vibrant region which has known viticulture since Roman times. Dinner on board.

Overnight stay onboard Hotel Barge Renaissance in a Suite.

Selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages included.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
La Gazonne → Briare
Renaissance cruising the Briare aqueduct

Day 6 Briare Châtillon-sur-Loire

This morning we visit the market in Briare with its food and fashion stalls before returning to the hotel barge for lunch and a spectacular short cruise across the Briare aqueduct with its ornate iron lampposts and railings, spanning the wide River Loire below. This afternoon, we visit the delightful Château de Ratilly and its rather unusual selection of turreted towers, construction of which began in 1270. In the castle’s workshops, we see traditional pottery being hand thrown and have the chance to try this artisanal craft for ourselves. Captain’s Farewell Dinner on board.

Overnight stay onboard Hotel Barge Renaissance in a Suite.

Selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages included.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Briare → Châtillon-sur-Loire
Ratilly Drive

Day 7 Châtillon-sur-Loire Paris

After breakfast, you are transferred by private chauffeured minibus to Paris.

Breakfast

Additional information

Official language
French
Local currency
EUR

Departure Dates and Pricing:

 
2024 Cruise Rates
Rates are for 6 nights either: per person based on double occupancy per cabin or on a whole barge charter basis. Prices below are in Euros.
Accommodation Value Regular
Suite € 7,490 € 8,690
Single Supplement € 2,800 € 3,300
Charter (Whole Barge)
Charter 6 passengers € 50,500 € 58,700
Charter 7 passengers € 52,500 € 61,100
Charter 8 passengers € 54,500 € 63,500
Departure Dates (Sunday) Rates Cruise Region
Mar 31; Apr 7, 14, 21 Value France - Upper Loire & Western Burgundy
Apr 28; May 5, 12, 19, 26; Jun 2, 9, 16, 23, 30; Jul 7, 14 Regular France - Upper Loire & Western Burgundy
Jul 21, 28; Aug 4, 11, 18 Value France - Upper Loire & Western Burgundy
Aug 25; Sep 1, 8, 15, 22, 29; Oct 6 Regular France - Upper Loire & Western Burgundy
Oct 13, 20,27 Value France - Upper Loire & Western Burgundy
  • This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change. On alternate weeks, the cruise will be in the reverse direction.
  • Burgundy & Champagne departing 28 July, 4 & 11 August (during the Paris Olympics) special pick up/drop off arrangements will apply as our drivers will not be able to access the Hotel Westminster during that time – please ask us for details. 
  • This barge is available for charter bookings and theme cruises. Contact us for more details.

Pick-up Point

  • Cabin bookings - The Hotel Westminster, Paris at 2:30 pm
  • Charter bookings - One location of the group's choice in Paris at 2:30 pm OR a TGV train station close to the barge after 4:00 pm

Drop-off Point

  • Cabin bookings - The Hotel Westminster by 12:00 noon
  • Charter bookings - One location of the group's choice in Paris by 12noon OR at a local TGV train station by 10:00 am

Booking / Payment Process

  • On our website the Barge Cruise prices are show in Euros
  • All payments will be made to us in Australian Dollars
  • The current exchange rate will be used at the time of deposit and balance
  • Our invoice will make this clear and our team is here to assist you

Supplier Booking Conditions Apply

Due to the boutique nature and limited capacity of this travel experience, under our Bookings Conditions this package classifies as “Booking Type 2 – Travel Experience where we act as agent only”. Your contract for the delivery of travel arrangements will be with the principal supplier and will be subject to their Booking Conditions. We will advise you prior to confirming your booking the full details and Booking Conditions of the principal supplier. Our responsibility to you where we sell travel arrangements as agent for the supplier is specified in the ‘Responsibility’ section of our Booking Conditions.

Blackout dates may apply during festive season.

Excluded

  • International airfares and taxes
  • Domestic airfares and taxes, unless otherwise specified in our holiday package
  • Visa expenses, processing and issuance fees
  • Meals other than as specified in our holiday package
  • Travel Insurance or expenses of a personal nature (mini-bar, phone call, laundry, etc.),
  • Tips or gratuities to guides, drivers, porters, hotel, restaurant or boat staff, etc.
  • Or any other travel expense that has not been included in our holiday package

FAQs

Who are Entire Travel Group?

Welcome to Entire Travel Group. We offer exceptional travel experiences across our extensive range of Entire Holiday Packages, Entire Group Journeys, Entire Rail Journeys, and Entire Cruise Journeys. With our industry-leading Peace of Mind Booking Plan, you can Book Now with flexibility and confidence.

Entire Travel Group is celebrating over 50 years of passionately delivering unique and memorable travel experiences. We are an Australian, family-owned, award-winning business with a friendly team ready to match your expectations to the perfect holiday experience.

Entire Travel Group used to be known by the individual brands shown in the footer of the website. The company has not changed, but we have amalgamated under one brand - Entire Travel Group.

For more details please visit - About Us | Entire Travel Group

Is Entire Travel Group Australian owned and operated?

Entire Travel Group is proudly Australian family owned and operated and as it stands today represents 50 years of experience, progress, and evolution. We proudly support the community with our long-term commitment to many important charity organisations. We were awarded the best operator in our class at the most recent National Travel Industry Awards.

Is Entire Travel Group industry accredited?

Entire Travel Group is both ATAS and CATO Accredited. ATAS is actively administered by the Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA). The Council of Australian Tour Operators (CATO) is the trade association representing the land supply sector of the Australian Travel Industry.

Does Entire Travel Group have industry awards?

Entire Travel Group was honoured at the 2023 National Travel Industry Awards with Most Oustanding Wholesaler - Product / Service.

As our team works tirelessly to deliver exceptional holiday experiences, it was exciting to have this acknowledged with the highest recognition. The award is also a testament to the quality of our partners around the globe, and we take this opportunity to thank them for their tremendous support of our customers.

Are the Entire Travel Group holiday packages exclusive?

In some cases, we are the sole representative in Australia for the overseas travel operator. In other circumstances the product developed has been exclusively built for Entire Travel Group and can’t be found elsewhere.

What’s unique about Entire Travel Group Holiday Packages?

  • They are not group tours with set departures - they are pre-designed, purpose built, independent holiday packages full of unique and memorable experiences.
  • Our holiday packages have been exclusively built for us in collaboration with our handpicked suppliers, who also offer full on-ground support for the clients.
  • We are offering unique travel experiences which cannot be found elsewhere.
  • Many packages include our “Freedom of Choice” options which allow you to tailor the holiday experience. Like a sommelier matching wine to a meal, we have used our experience to carefully select and offer the right experiences in each location.
  • They include our Peace of Mind Booking Plan.
  • A wide selection of our packages are compliant with the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) Covid Safe Travels.

Our motto for Independent Holiday Packages is start your holiday when and with who you want!

Our Independent Holiday Packages are NOT group tours with set departure dates. Group Tours have specific set departure dates, and of course, you are travelling with unknown passengers in a coach. These tours are great for certain travellers and there are many reputable tour operators providing a wide range of options around the world.

At Entire Travel Group, our focus is Independent Holiday Packages. Available daily, they are pre-designed, purpose built, packaged itineraries full of memorable experiences delivered by our hand-picked local partners.

Our holidays suit every demographic, from couples to singles, to retirees to families and everyone else in between.

Why travel with Entire Travel Group?

Of Entire Travel Group's attributes, we have settled on "When Experience Matters" as the quality we believe adds the most value to our customers. We have the experience to ensure your itinerary makes the dream holiday possible. Our continually enhanced technology allows our team to provide a quality customer service experience, and our partnerships with outstanding operators ensure we are confident of the on-ground experience for our customers.

For more details please visit - About Us | Entire Travel Group

How does the Peace of Mind Booking Plan work?

Our Peace of Mind Booking Plan allows you to book with confidence in the new international travel environment. With low deposits, a cooling off period and a flexibility period where you can cancel and rebook later, we really do have you covered.

For more details please visit - Peace of Mind Booking Plan | Entire Travel Group

Is there a cooling-off period?

Look for packages with our Peace of Mind Booking Plan logo on the website.

  • We understand that occasionally plans may change, so we give you the confidence to proceed with a cooling off period.
  • You may cancel for any reason within 7 days, where you will receive a 100% refund of your $100 per person deposit.

For more details please visit - Peace of Mind Booking Plan | Entire Travel Group

What is Freedom of Choice?

At Entire Travel Group we understand that our customers have their own personal tastes and interests - so throughout our packages look for “Freedom of Choice” which gives you the ability to tailor your holiday from the various experiences offered on selected days. Like a sommelier matching wine to a meal, we have used our experience to carefully select and offer the right experiences in each location.

The Freedom of Choice options are included in the package price, and the price remains the same regardless of the choice you make on each day.

Our Freedom of Choice program offers flexibility, by allowing you to choose from different options on pre-selected days in the itinerary.

  • Our per person price includes one tour on each Freedom of Choice day in the itinerary.
  • The price of the package remains the same regardless of the choice you make on each day.

For more details please visit - Freedom of Choice | Entire Travel Group

What is Book Now?

Book Now offers you the ability to make a reservation on our website for Holiday Packages that include our Peace of Mind Booking Plan. But it’s not just a static offer – you have complete flexibility from travel dates, passenger numbers, single supplements, room upgrades, optional extras, flexible booking terms and more.

  • Our team will contact our overseas suppliers and confirm all arrangements.
  • A Confirmation from our reservation system will be sent in the coming days.
  • The Booking Number on this confirmation supersedes the website reference.

What forms of payment can be used at Entire Travel Group?

  • To confirm a booking using our on-line Book Now process, a credit card must be used to pay the refundable deposit.
  • For additional payments on the booking, Entire Travel Group supports bank transfer, credit card, TravelPay B2B, PaymentGate.
  • For further details please visit our Payments page.

How secure is the Entire Travel Group's on-line payment portal?

  • Entire Travel Group have partnered with TravelPay to ensure secure on-line credit card payments.
  • TravelPay is a level 1 PCI DSS compliant, which gives you peace of mind that your payment card data is in safe hands.
  • Entire Travel Group does not store any credit card information.

For more details please visit - Security and Compliance - TravelPay

Can you book my international airfares?

On some Islands Holiday Packages (e.g. Fiji), it is practical to include flights, so where we have done this it is indicated by the plane icon.

However, on the majority of our Holiday Packages, we do not include international flights.

We found that many customers may prefer to:

  • Travel on a specific airline of their choice
  • Have the flexibility to book flights with Frequent Flyer points
  • Select flight dates that may be different to our Holiday Package start/end dates
  • Use a Travel Credit already held with the airline
  • Use their travel agent for this service

We are able to assist with flights on any Holiday Package, so please just notify us during the Book Now process or contact our team.

Should I take travel insurance?

Travel insurance is strongly recommended. During the Book Now process please confirm you require assistance, and our team will be in contact with you.

What should I do before travelling?

Before you travel it is your responsibility to ensure you have the appropriate documentation including visas. If you are travelling on a passport other than Australian or New Zealand, you will require a permit to re-enter Australia. It is your responsibility as the traveller and/or travel booker to meet all government entry requirements.

For more information please visit - Before you travel | Entire Travel Group

How does a Travel Agent make a booking?

Please visit the Entire Travel Group's Agent Portal. We are here to support our industry partners with a range of informative updates, marketing collateral for campaigns and a reward & recognition program.

How do I start a Booking?

  • On any page that has Book Now simply follow the booking process.
  • You must select the Travel Agent tick box and provide correct details.
  • To confirm a booking only the refundable deposit is required.
  • An agency credit card must be used for this initial payment.

How do I contact Entire Travel Group?

For more information please visit - Contact us | Entire Travel Group

When experience matters
INDUSTRY ACCREDITED
AWARD WINNING
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