Meanderer

Day 1 – 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.

Day 2 – Monday: Montbouy to Rogny-Les-Sept-Écluses

During the morning, we cruise to Rogny-Les-Sept-Écluses, 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 Château de Sully-sur-Loire or to the busy town and spectacular palace of Fontainebleau, home to generations of French royalty or to the Château Vaux le Vicomte with its extensive and pristinely preserved formal gardens.

Day 3 – Tuesday: Rogny-Les-Sept-Écluses 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.

Day 4 – Wednesday: La Gazonne to Briare

We start with a morning visit to the splendid 16th century Château 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).

Day 5 – 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 Château de Gien. We then take a short drive to the beautiful private Château de La Bussière, with its incredible 18th Century gardens. An optional visit to the UNESCO World Heritage site Village of Vézelayis highly recommended as is a private visit (by appointment) to Château de Buranlure.

Day 6 – Friday: Beaulieu to Léré

This morning we continue along the Canal Latéral de la Loire on the way to the charming town of Léré, 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 Charité-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-Fumé.

Day 7 – Saturday: Léré to Paris

This morning, after breakfast, we depart for the return transfer to Paris.

• Barge and Biking

Guided biking tours of all levels (from laid back rides following the canal bike-paths to 80 miles plus daily trips) are offered with the current itineraries. George, the owner, is guiding all biking tours. The rides are designed to supplement current activities, allow for riding bikes (rather than the bus) to certain excursions by all or some of the guests, and replace some excursions or even all of them with biking tours. 6 high quality bikes are available for the guests. Avid cyclists may bring their own bikes. High-end road bikes are also available for rentals. The biking options are available to all or individual guests on any given day and custom designed in accordance with biking skills and level of comfort. Maps, GPS, water bottles, helmets and essential spare parts are available. Cyclists can also bring their own shoes and clip-on pedals.

• Barge and Golf

Golf is an integral part of our programs and is offered to our guests as a full Golf Charter (5 outings on different to level courses) or as a flexible option program, allowing limited golf for all or some of the guests for any number of outings. Guests are welcome to bring their own clubs (we have plenty of storage) or we shall arrange for club rentals. Green fees are included.

• Multiple Excursions Options

2 vehicles are available to give the passengers the option to split into 2 different excursions. This concept allows wine lovers to take in another winery while golfers might take in a round at the same time, families might split to visit market and historic villages while kids enjoy Guedelon medieval site or a swim in the lake, avid cyclists could take a half a day ride while others visit a historic château. While others may choose shorter excursions, day trips to the Châteaux de la Loire (Chambord, Chenonceau, Blois,etc.) with lunch included are another option.