Ultra Deluxe | 8 Passengers | 5 Crew
- 127 Feet Long
- 4 Twin/Double Suites (Average 250sq ft incl. en suite)
- Spa Pool
- Air-Conditioned / Centrally Heated
- TV / DVD in suites
The Renaissance barge cruising along Canal de Briare
Renaissance Barge - Upper Loire & Western Burgundy Cruise
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
Overview
Originally built in 1960 in Belgium to transport grain and ore, Renaissancce was converted into a luxury hotel barge in 1997. Now cruising the scenic Canal de Briare and the Loire River, this elegant vessel accommodates up to eight guests in four spacious ensuite suites. Onboard amenities include a stylish saloon, dining room, sun deck with spa pool, library and bicycles. The journey through the Loire Valley and Burgundy features historic highlights such as Château de La Brussière, a private wine tasting at the renowned Sancerre winery of Hubert Brochard and plenty of oppurtunities for walking and biking.
Itinerary
Deck Hotel Barge Renaissance
Day 1 Paris Montargis Amilly
You are met at a 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.
Enjoy an afternoon cruise through picturesque Montargis, known as the ‘Venice of Gâtinais’ with its 131 bridges connecting the streets and crossing the Canal de Briare and the River Loing. Dinner on board.
Overnight stay onboard Hotel Barge Renaissance in a Suite.
Dinner
Champagne welcome aboard Renaissance
Day 2 Amilly Montbouy
This morning’s cruise passes through wooded countryside and by the old Bardin water mill before reaching the mooring at Montbouy. After lunch, a visit is made to the Château de La Bussière, known as the ‘Fishermen’s Castle’, with its beautiful ornamental and vegetable gardens. Here, a cooking demonstration is presented by the barge chef, showcasing seasonal produce. Dinner on board.
Overnight stay onboard Hotel Barge Renaissance in a Suite.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Renaissance moored in Montbouy
Day 3 Montbouy Rogny-les-Sept-Écluses
After breakfast, explore Montargis on foot, visiting the 11th-century château before wandering through the charming Fishermen’s Quarter, where half-timbered houses line the canals. Stop at the 12th-century Church of the Madeleine to admire its soaring 62-foot nave, then visit Mazet, famed for inventing the original praline over a century ago, to see chocolate production and enjoy a tasting. The afternoon cruise takes you to the picturesque village of Rogny-les-Sept-Écluses, near the historic seven-lock flight. A short stroll to the locks is recommended before dinner on board.
Overnight stay onboard Hotel Barge Renaissance in a Suite.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Renaissance moored in Montbouy
Day 4 Rogny-les-Sept-Écluses La Gazonne
The day focuses on Impressionist art, beginning with a walking tour of Moret-sur-Loing, famous for its connections to painter Alfred Sisley, viewing many of his iconic scenes. Next, a visit to Château Rosa Bonheur showcases the work of the pioneering 19th-century female artist, celebrated for her animal paintings, including one of Buffalo Bill Cody on horseback. Lunch is served in the château’s salon, followed by a guided tour highlighting her life and artistic achievements. In the afternoon, a cruise passes the Rogny lock flight enroute to La Gazonne, a peaceful rural mooring surrounded by lakes and ponds supporting the Canal de Briare. Dinner is served on board.
Overnight stay onboard Hotel Barge Renaissance in a Suite.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Rosa Bonheur
Day 5 La Gazonne Briare
A morning cruise brings the barge to the charming town of Briare, home to Gustave Eiffel’s remarkable aqueduct spanning the River Loire, with excellent opportunities for walking and cycling. Guests can preview Friday’s crossing of the impressive 10,000-ton, 662-metre Pont Canal, completed in September 1896. In the afternoon, there is a visit to the renowned Sancerre winery of Hubert Brochard. Stroll through the exceptional vineyards to learn about the viticulture of the Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé appellations, followed by a private tour of the winery and a tasting of fine vintages, accompanied by the acclaimed Loire Valley ‘Crottin de Chavignol’ goat cheese. Dinner is served on board.
Overnight stay onboard Hotel Barge Renaissance in a Suite.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Renaissance cruising the Briare aqueduct
Day 6 Briare Châtillon-sur-Loire
This morning begins with a visit to Briare’s market, featuring food and fashion stalls, before returning to the hotel barge for lunch. Guests then enjoy a spectacular cruise across the Briare aqueduct, adorned with ornate iron lampposts and railings, spanning the wide River Loire below. In the afternoon, the delightful Château de Ratilly is visited, with its distinctive turreted towers dating back to 1270. In the castle workshops, traditional pottery is hand thrown, and guests have the opportunity to try this artisanal craft. The day concludes with the Captain’s Farewell Dinner on board.
Overnight stay onboard Hotel Barge Renaissance in a Suite.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ratilly Drive
Day 7 Châtillon-sur-Loire Paris
After breakfast, you are transferred by private chauffeured minibus to Paris.
Breakfast
Renaissance Barge - Upper Loire & Western Burgundy Cruise
France
From AUD 13,542pp
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From AUD 13,542pp