HIRONDELLE, a deluxe canal barge cruise, carries 8 passengers in contemporary style in the Upper Loire region of France

HIRONDELLE is a lovely, graceful barge decorated in contemporary French elegance. Cruising on the canals of France for many years, this canal barge cruise is the ultimate in caring service, gourmet dining and fine wines. The ambiance of the Upper Loire region is tranquil with the canal winding through pastoral countryside and quiet villages. Excursions are rich in local culture and history.

Passenger, Stacy F, took her parents and says: "This trip was truly fantastic. My dad, at 84, said this was one of his 3 best trips ever, and they have been around the world in style."

Cruise Highlights


Gourmet fare and fine wines grace each meal on HIRONDELLE

Sample Dinner Menu
Regional Specialities
Filet d'Agneau au Basilic
Magret de Canard
Poulet à L'Estragon
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Wine Cellar
Meursault, St Romaine,
Pouilly Fuisse, Pouilly Fume
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Cheese Board
Aisy Cendre, Bouton de Culotte, Epoisses, Ami du Chambertin
 The comfortable interior of HIRONDELLE, a deluxe 8 passenger canal barge cruise on the Upper Loire, France

 

 

Highlights of a
Week on HIRONDELLE
Upper Loire

  • Apremont, one of the most beautiful villages in FranceCanal side market town of Montargis, famous for its pralines.
  • Walking tour of Nevers, the capital of the Nivernais
  • La Charité-sur-Loire, an important site of Burgundian Romanesque art
  • Visit a goat cheese farm for a tour and tasting
  • The wine village of Sancerre and its surrounding vineyards. Lunch at the restaurant 'La Tour'.
  • The riverside town of Gien, famous for its colorful pottery and imposing 15th century chateau. Visit to the pottery factory and Chateau La Bussiere
  • Cruise over the Eiffel canal bridge and visit to pretty St. Fargeau
  • Plenty of opportunity for walking and biking

A spacious teck deck for relaxing and enjoying the views while cruising on Hirondelle

Itinerary


Canal Cruise Itinerary on the Upper Loire in France
Le Guétin to Rogny

Sunday - Transfer to Barge
Board the barge moored at Plagny on the Canal Latéral à la Loire. A champagne reception is followed by an evening cruise on the canal and over the spectacular canal bridge of Le Guétin, where the canal crosses the river Loire offering fabulous views. Enjoy your first dining experience on board the boat.

Hirondelle cruise the Upper Loire Valley regionMonday - Plagny to Marseille les Aubigny
This morning take a short drive to Apremont, one of the most beautiful villages in France, to visit the private Château and gardens. Back to the boat to cruise and have your first delicious lunch. In the afternoon take a walking tour of Nevers, the capital of the Nivernais.




Tuesday - Marseille les Aubigny to Ménétréol
A morning visit to La Charité-sur-Loire, an important site of Burgundian Romanesque art, and a renowned resting place for pilgrims on the road to Santiago de Compostela. Enjoy a walking tour of the remains of the 10th century religious site and see the charming 'House of the dwarf!'. In the afternoon, the barge continues cruising from La Charité to tonight's mooring at Ménétréol. From Menetreol you will be taken to visit a goat's cheese farm for a tour and tasting of their excellent goat's cheese.

Visit the impressive hilltop town of SancerreWednesday - Ménétréol to Chatillon sur Loire
After a relaxing morning's cruise, we take a drive to the charming town of Chavignol, where most of the famous Sancerre and Pouilly fumé wines are produced. We see the vineyards and have a tasting with one of the local wine-makers. We then drive up to Sancerre, situated on an impressive hilltop where we Lunch at the restaurant 'La Tour', followed by a stroll around the town, and the chance to take photos of the surrounding vineyards.

Thursday - Chatillon sur Loire to Ouzouer
This morning relax as you continue cruising on the canal towards Châtillon-sur-Loire. After lunch we drive to the picturesque town of Gien, famous throughout France for its colourful pottery and imposing 15th century chateau. We visit a faïence factory in the town, followed by an excursion to the Château of La Bussière with its imposing setting and medicinal gardens.

The wonderous Briare acqueduct, designed by Gustave Eiffel in 1890Friday - Ouzouer to Briare
On your last day of cruising, the barge traverses the river Loire via the longest canal bridge in Europe connecting the Canal Latéral à la Loire to the Canal de Briare, built by the famous engineer Eiffel. After lunch we leave the barge for our final excursion to the pretty town of Saint Fargeau with a history spanning a thousand years. Meanwhile the chef is busy preparing for the farewell gala dinner on board.



Saturday - Transfer to TGV
After breakfast disembark the barge for your onward travel arrangements.

Note this is a sample itinerary and is subject to change. On alternate weeks, cruises will be in reverse direction.

Floor Plan

1 queen cabin and 3 twin cabins on Hirondelle are 123-140 sq. ft.

 1 queen cabin and 3 twin cabins are airy and comfortable with plenty of storage.

For an elegant and comfortable canal cruise, Hirondelle is an excellent choice.