'Renaissance'- Upper Loire

Canal & River Cruising: Tranquil voyages along Europe's scenic canals and rivers

• Send this Trip to a Friend
• Print This Trip

Itinerary

Day 1: SUNDAY

Meet in Paris and transfer to ‘Renaissance,’ moored in Montargis. After a champagne reception, there is time to explore the lovely town with its canals and flower-bedecked bridges.

'Renaissance'   |   Meals: D

Day 2: MONDAY

Cruise to Montbouy with excellent walking and cycling opportunities. After lunch, visit Moret-sur-Loing, home of Impressionist artist Alfred Sisley. It remains an inspiration for present-day painters with its elegant Renaissance façades, colorful shops and medieval half-timbered houses.

'Renaissance'   |   Meals: B, L, D

Day 3: TUESDAY

Embark on an excursion to the remarkable fortress at Guédelon. This fascinating “castle in the making” is a modern-day effort to build a structure using the techniques and materials of the Middle Ages. The afternoon cruise is to Rogny-les-Sept-Écluses with its unique staircase of 17th-century locks. Dinner is ashore at the Auberge les Templiers.

'Renaissance'   |   Meals: B, L, D

Day 4: WEDNESDAY

Visit the fairytale Château de Sully-sur-Loire, a palatial Loire Valley residence dating from the 14th century. Return to the barge for lunch and the afternoon cruise to Ouzouer-Trezée.

'Renaissance'   |   Meals: B, L, D

Day 5: THURSDAY

Today, ‘Renaissance’ cruises to Briare with its magical aqueduct across the River Loire. Still one of the longest in the world, the aqueduct was completed in the late 19th century by Gustave Eiffel. In Gien, where high-quality French earthenware is produced, visit 15th-century Château de Gien with its international displays of hunting horns, falconers’ gear and exquisite tapestries.

'Renaissance'   |   Meals: B, L, D

Day 6: FRIDAY

This morning, wander Briare’s market stalls that sell everything from vegetables, fruit and cheese to French fashions. Then visit the charming hilltop village of Sancerre, surrounded by the vineyards of the Val de Loire. The picturesque streets are lined with beautifully preserved buildings. After a tasting at a family-run vineyard, return to ‘Renaissance’ for a gala farewell dinner.

'Renaissance'   |   Meals: B, L, D

Day 7: SATURDAY

After breakfast, transfer to Paris, where your journey ends.

Meals: B