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.
Itinerary
Deck Hotel Barge Renaissance
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
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.
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.
After lunch on board, your visit this afternoon 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. Have 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Day 7 Châtillon-sur-Loire Paris
After breakfast, you are transferred by private chauffeured minibus to Paris.
