We will use our unique
in-depth experience
to find you your
perfect barge cruise
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Summary
Hotel Barge Renaissance accommodates just eight guests in elegant, country-house style where fine furniture and fabrics ooze luxury. Beautifully appointed, she reflects an a timeless ambience of taste and culture.
Relax on the spacious sun deck as you cruise the delightful waterways of the Upper Loire on the Canal de Briare. Steeped in history, this peaceful region provides beautiful scenery, small country villages and is famed for its châteaux and the wonderful white wines of Sancerre.
Key Features
- Grand Luxe class (5*)
- Canal de Briare, Upper Loire
- Charter and cabin bookings, 6 nights, 7 days, April to October
- 8 guests / 4 suites
- Classic and golf cruises
- Individually controlled air conditioning and heating
- Full board, on-board dining
- Spacious sun deck with spa pool
The Classic Cruise — Renaissance
Classic Cruise Itinerary
| Route | Between Chatillon-sur-Loire and Montargis, Canal de Briare |
| Pick-up | Paris, Hotel Westminster 2:15pm |
| Dining | All inclusive | 6 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 5 dinners on board. One dinner at local Michelin restaurant |
Cruise Highlights
- Excursion to the Château de Fontainebleau
- Special visit to the privately-owned Château de la Bussière
- Historic 7-lock flight at Rogny-Les-Sept-Ecluses
- Visit to Château de Sully-sur-Loire, an historic moated fortress
- Cruise across Gustave Eiffel’s aqueduct over the River Loire at Briare
- Delicious wine tasting in Sancerre
- Explore the town of Gien, home of Faience pottery
- Michelin-starred dinner ashore
- Excellent tow-path for walking and cycling, and Biking Plus option
Renaissance Golf Cruise
Known for its outstanding wines and aristocratic estates, the Loire Valley also offers some of France’s most picturesque golf courses. Renaissance, cruising between Chatillon-sur-Lore and Montargis, offers Golf de Fontainebleau and Golf du Château de Cely to charter guests.
Another popular venue is Golf du Sanserrois, located on the banks of the River Loire and set among centuries-old trees and natural water hazards. Alternate activities such as wine tastings and châteaux tours can be easily arranged for those on the cruise not wishing to play golf.
Please enquire.
Day 1 — Sunday
Depart from Paris
Meet your guide at the Hotel Westminster in Paris for a private chauffeured transfer to the Renaissance moored at Chatillon-sur-Loire. A refreshing glass of Champagne welcomes you aboard where you’ll meet the crew and settle in. Then get going straight-away with a short evening cruise to the important town of Briare, crossing Gustave Eiffel’s magical aqueduct over the Loire river There may even be time for a walk or cycle ride before dinner on board.
Day 2 — Monday
Cruise to La Gazonne | Excursion to Sancerre
After breakfast today, there’s a morning visit to a renowned winery in Sancerre, such as Domaine Henry Bourgeois, for a tour and private tasting. Nearby is the village of Chavignol, which gave its name to the delicious goat cheese, Crottin de Chavignol. The afternoon’s cruise is to La Gazonne, a beautiful mooring surrounded by lakes and ponds that provide water for the Canal de Briare.
Day 3 — Tuesday
Cruise to Rogny-les-Sept-Ecluses | Excursion to Château de La Bussière
A morning cruise with plenty of opportunities for walking or cycling along the tow-path. You might like to go further afield with the Biking Plus option and meet the barge moored at Rogny-les-Sept-Ecluses near its 350-year-old 7 lock staircase. After lunch on board, a visit to the privately-owned Château de La Bussière, or ‘fishermen’s castle’ for a fascinating afternoon immersed in a bygone era.
Day 4 — Wednesday
Cruise to Montbouy | Excursion to Gien | Michelin-starred dinner
Today’s visit is to Gien, home of the famous Faience pottery, renowned for its beautifully decorated and vibrant dinnerware. There’s time to explore the town’s bustling market before returning for lunch back on board. A relaxing afternoon cruise to the charming village of Montbouy precedes dinner ashore at the Michelin-starred Auberge des Templiers in Les Bezards.
Day 5 — Thursday
Cruise to Montcresson | Excursion to Château Sully-sur-Loire
A gentle cruise this morning to Montcresson, with marvellous views over the lush green countryside. Take lunch on board and then a visit Château Sully-sur-Loire in the afternoon. The castle originally belonged to Georges de la Trémoïlle, who imprisoned Joan of Arc here, and in the 18th century, Voltaire, exiled from Paris, also spent time at the château.
Day 6 — Friday
Cruise to Montargis | Excursion to Château de Fontainebleau
A morning cruise to Montargis, France’s little Venice, cross-crossed with medieval watercourses on their way to join the canal. In the afternoon a visit 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 for seven centuries – to walk through this palace is to walk through the history of France. Tonight it’s your farewell dinner on board.
Day 7 — Saturday
Departure from Montargis
After breakfast, your transfer awaits back to the Hotel Westminster in Paris.
This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change. On alternate weeks the cruise will be in the reverse direction.
We holiday in Europe each year and this trip has been one of the best – with a sensational start aboard Renaissance. To claim that our six days on board far exceeded our expectations is a massive understatement. Each of the eight of us enjoyed the experience immensely, from the moment we met at the Westminster, until safely deposited at Gare de Lyon.
Accommodations and Facilities
- Dimensions: 128ft (39m) x 17ft 6″ (5.3m)
- Two suites are approx 265 sq ft; two suites are approx 235 sq ft, including 60 sq ft en-suite bathrooms
- King-size double or single bed configurations
- All cabins are individually air conditioned and centrally heated
Other items on board:
- Professional English-speaking crew of 5 – captain/pilot, tour guide/ deckhand, chef, housekeeper, hostess.
- A small library of books, maps and board games
- Fishing rods and Nordic walking sticks
- Bose Hi-fi system with an iPod docking station and radio. Selection of CDs
- Guest iPods can be connected to the Hi-Fi system
- Wifi (limited in some places)
- 8 person spa pool
- 8 new bicycles and Biking Plus
- Air-conditioned minibuses for transfers and excursions
Facilities At A Glance
Fine Wines — Fine Dining
All meals on board are freshly prepared by your chef and most meals are a set-menu . However, vegetarian, pescatarian and vegan dishes, and non-allergenic dishes, can be served given at least 8 weeks notice prior to your departure date.
Regional Specialities
Filet Mignon de Charolais; Medallion d’Agneau Farci; Filet de Sole Chablisienne; Canard au Petits Navets
Cheese Board
Aisy Cendré; Bouton de Culotte; Epoisses; Ami du Chambertin
.
Breakfast: wholesome and balanced variety of breakfast foods, along with fresh breads & pastries, freshly-squeezed orange juice and hot beverages.
Lunch: regional specialities, accompanied by a selection of quality wines.
Dinner: a candlelit four-course gourmet experience.
Captain’s farewell dinner is held on the last night. Guests may choose to dress slightly formal.
Sample Cuisine
Your personal chef creates exciting menus, using the freshest locally grown produce, matched perfectly with a carefully chosen wine. You’ll be delighted by the range of delicious dishes served by candlelight, either in the saloon or under the stars.
Wine Cellar
Domaine Henri Bourgeois, Sancerre; Domaine Billaud Simon, Chablis Premier Cru; Domaine Bouchard Père et Fils, Meursault; Domaine Changarnier, Monthelie; Domaine Camus, Charmes Chambertin Grand Cru
Photo Gallery
Hotel barge Renaissance cruises in the Loire region
Wonderful Gatinais-Loire Places
Classic cruise rates and dates
All rates and prices will be confirmed at time of booking. Special Offers are available from time to time – contact us
What’s included:
6 nights’ accommodation
Return transfers Hotel Westminster, Paris
All meals and drinks on board
Excursion fees and associated transport
What’s not included:
Air fares to France and travel to the pick-up
Travel, medical and cancellation insurance
Crew gratuities (5-10% suggested)
Personal expenses
2023
Charter and Cabin bookings
Sunday to Saturday
Rates and dates
Value rate weeks:
April 2, 9, 16, 23
July 16, 23, 30
August 6, 13, 20
October 8, 15, 22
6 guest charter: 54,900 USD
7 guest charter: 56,700 USD
8 guest charter: 58,500 USD
Per Cabin bookings
Double Cabin: 7,890 USD per person
Single Occupancy Supplement: 3,000 USD
Regular rate weeks:
April 30
May 7, 14, 21, 28
June 4, 11, 18, 25
July 2, 9
August 27
September 3, 10, 17, 24
October 1
6 guest charter: 62,500 USD
7 guest charter: 65,000 USD
8 guest charter: 67,500 USD
Per Cabin bookings
Double Cabin: 9,190 USD per person
Single Occupancy Supplement: 3,500 USD
These USD prices are for US and Canadian residents only.
Pricing is available in GBP for UK residents only, and in EUR for residents from all other countries.
Please enquire.
All rates and prices will be confirmed at time of booking. Special Offers are available from time to time – contact us
2024
Charter and Cabin bookings
Sunday to Saturday
Rates and dates
Value rate weeks:
March 31
April 7, 14, 21
July 21, 28
August 4, 11, 18
October 13, 20, 27
6 guest charter: 58,700 USD
7 guest charter: 61,100 USD
8 guest charter: 63,500 USD
Per Cabin bookings
Double Cabin: 8,550 USD per person
Single Occupancy Supplement: 3,300 USD
Regular rate weeks:
April 28
May 5, 12, 19, 26
June 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
July 7, 14
August 25
September 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
October 6
6 guest charter: 67,900 USD
7 guest charter: 70,700 USD
8 guest charter: 73,500 USD
Per Cabin bookings
Double Cabin: 9,950 USD per person
Single Occupancy Supplement: 3,800 USD
These USD prices are for US and Canadian residents only.
Pricing is available in GBP for UK residents only, and in EUR for residents from all other countries.
Please enquire.
All rates and prices will be confirmed at time of booking. Special Offers are available from time to time – contact us
Hotel Barge Enquiry
Booking a luxury barge vacation isn’t the kind of thing one does with just a mouse-click or two. It takes a little research, thought and understanding, and we hope that our pages have provided you with all the information and inspiration you need to take this next step.
Why should you book with us? Because…
We’ve explored the waterways of France on our own boat since 2003 and know each of the barges and their routes.
We’re independent, impartial and enthusiastic – and we are the only France cruising specialist that can offer you the benefits of our own in-depth cruising knowledge and experience.
We love France, we love the rivers and canals of France, we love hotel barging – and we love talking about all three!
There’s nothing like speaking to a friendly expert to help you see the wood for the trees and to make the best possible decision about the vacation cruise of a lifetime. Get in touch – we’re here to help.
We will use our unique
in-depth experience
to find you your
perfect barge cruise
