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 Fontainebleau, Château de Ratilly, and the picturesque towns of Gien and Briare.
Itinerary
Deck Hotel Barge Renaissance
Day 1 Paris Montargis Amilly
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.
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.
Selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages included.
Dinner
Champagne welcome aboard Renaissance
Day 2 Amilly Montbouy
This morning, embark on your first cruise through the Loire countryside, with great towpath walking and cycling opportunities, to moor at Montbouy.
This morning, cruise through wooded countryside and past the old Bardin water mill, to reach your mooring in Montbouy. After lunch, visit the privately-owned Château de La Bussière, known as the ‘Fishermen’s Castle’, with its wonderful ornamental and vegetable gardens, where you enjoy a cooking demonstration with the barge chef using seasonal produce. Dinner on board.
Overnight stay onboard Hotel Barge Renaissance in a Suite.
Selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages included.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Renaissance moored in Montbouy
Day 3 Montbouy Rogny-les-Sept-Ecluses
After breakfast, explore the town of Montargis on foot, viewing the 11th century château before passing through the picturesque Fishermen’s Quarter; its half-timbered houses bordering the canals. Arriving at the 12th century Church of the Madeleine, stop to admire its soaring 62-foot-high nave. Your footsteps finally bring you to Mazet, the confectioners renowned for creating the original praline recipe over one hundred years ago. Here, you will observe the chocolate production and enjoy a tasting of their delicious products.
Later, enjoy an afternoon cruise to your mooring at the pretty village of Rogny-les-Sept-Écluses, near its 350-year-old seven 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
Renaissance moored in Montbouy
Day 4 Rogny-les-Sept-Ecluses La Gazonne
Toda, immerse yourself in the world of Impressionist art. Start with a short walking tour of Moret-sur-Loing, famous for its association with the Impressionist painter Alfred Sisley and see several of his most famous scenes before continuing to the château 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’ Cody on horseback which prompted an enduring friendship between the two.
Take lunch in the private salon of the château before joining one of the present owners for a tour and to hear more about the history of this remarkable lady and view some of her works.
Later, 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
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 cycling opportunities. Preview Friday’s crossing of this amazing 10,000-ton, 662 metre Pont Canal which was completed in September 1896.
Your afternoon visit is to the renowned Sancerre winery of Hubert Brochard. Stroll through the exceptional terroir to learn about the viticulture of the renowned Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé appellations, before heading into the winery to understand their winemaking process. Here, you’ll enjoy a private tour and tasting of some of their best vintages, complete with a sample of the critically-acclaimed Loire Valley ‘Crottin de Chavignol’ goat cheese. A true Sancerre immersion! Dinner on board.
Overnight stay onboard Hotel Barge Renaissance in a Suite.
Selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages included.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Renaissance cruising the Briare aqueduct
Day 6 Briare Châtillon-sur-Loire
This morning you will visit the market in Briare with its food and fashion stalls before returning to the hotel barge for lunch and a spectacular cruise across the Briare aqueduct with its ornate iron lampposts and railings, spanning the wide River Loire below.
In the afternoon, 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, 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
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