MEANDERER, a lovely 6 passenger deluxe barge, cruises on the Briare Canal in the Upper Loire region of France.

MEANDERER is adding even more amenities to her already deluxe barge cruise ranking. In 2008, she'll have flat screen TV's in each cabin, email access in the salon and a new teak deck for your lounging pleasure. With three ensuite cabins each measuring in excess of 125 square feet, large lounge and dining areas, a spacious covered sun-deck and an outdoor heated spa-pool, she is the perfect vessel for exploring the Upper Loire in style.

Cruise Highlights


Each dish on board Meanderer is as delicious as it looks!

Dining on freshly prepared local food is a daily pleasure on Meanderer

  • Breakfast is French style with a selection of fresh bread and croissants, homemade jam, yoghurt and fruit.
  • Lunch, served on deck weather permitting, typically includes charcuterie, local pates, freshly prepared salads and seasonal dishes served with chilled regional wines.
  • Dinner is a four-course gourmet feast and the highlight of the day. Paired with fine wines and delicious cheeses, you'll dine well and learn about the history and culture of each delectable bite.

 

 

Highlights of a
Week on MEANDERER
Upper Loire

  • The spectacular palace of Fontainebleau, home to generations of French royalty
  • Canal side market town of Montargis, famous for its pralines.
  • 16th century Chateau of St. Fargeau
  • Riverside Gien with its famous ceramic factory and store - just perfect for finding treasures
  • Charming hilltop wine village of Sancerre
  • The Gustav Eiffel aqueduct spanning the Loire River at Briare - an engineering marvel

Yummy lunch on deck of Meanderer with scenery abounding!

 

Itinerary


Upper Loire in France
Montargis to Chatillon-sur-Loire

Our cruise itinerary is designed to allow as much flexibility as possible. The following is an example of the tour itinerary, but any specific group requirements can be accommodated for charter bookings.

Sunday Day 1
We collect you from your Paris hotel for transfer by private mini-bus to Meanderer. A Champagne reception and early evening cruise await you.

Monday Day 2
During the morning we cruise to Montcresson. After lunch, the excursion program begins with a visit to the spectacular palace of Fontainebleau, home to generations of French royalty.

Tuesday Day 3
Today's excursion takes us to Montargis with the week's best opportunity to explore a busy market town, people-watch or shop for souvenirs and exquisitely packaged confectionery from the famous Mazet Praline shop. Our afternoon cruise takes us to the charming village of Chatillon Coligny.

Wednesday Day 4
This morning we visit the splendid 16th century Chateau of St. Fargeau. On return to the barge, our afternoon cruise to Rogny-les-Sept-Ecluses includes a chance to walk the ancient "staircase" of locks which stand as a monument to the old canal.

Thursday Day 5
The daily excursion program continues with a visit to the town of Gien. Set on the banks of the Loire river, the town holds many attractions including the famous Faience (fine china) Factory Museum and Boutique, the Hunting Museum and the Chateau de Gien. We return to the barge for lunch and a cruise to Ouzouer-sur-Trezee.

Friday Day 6
The afternoon excursion takes us to the world famous wine region of Sancerre with the opportunity to sample the local wine and explore the charming hilltop village. Today's cruise takes in the delightful splendor of the world's longest aqueduct, crossing the River Loire.

Saturday Day 7
This morning, after breakfast, we depart for the return transfer to Paris.

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

Floor Plan

What a comfortable, open and airy barge is Meanderer. 
3 spacious cabins can be made up as twins or queens.

Light and spacious, Meanderer is ideal for a laid back yet elegant barge vacation.