Elisabeth - Auxerre to Moret sur Loing
Saturday Chauffeured transfer from Paris to Auxerre
A warm welcome aboard!
A member of Elisabeth crew will meet your party at 2:00 pm at the one designated Paris pickup hotel and will chauffeur you to the barge moored at Auxerre. Estimated arrival time is 5:00 pm. Elisabeth is moored on the Quai, with the medieval buildings rising above. It is a spectacular sight when the sun sets! You are welcomed by your hosts Peter and Sheena Jenner with the traditional champagne reception, followed by the first of many gourmet dinners on board.
Sunday Auxerre to Gurgy
Tour of Auxerre, with buildings of many periods
Morning tour of this once - thriving trade hub, with many old mansions and lovely squares testifying to the wealth of this town. Most important is the Cathedral of St. Etienne, which dominates the skyline. Then it’s back to Elisabeth as she casts off on the River Yonne. Here is why you chose to barge: Slow cruising through the idyllic French countryside with you relaxing on deck, walking the towpath or even exploring by bicycle. Arrive at the hamlet of Gurgy by late afternoon.
Monday Gurgy to Joigny
Winetasting amidst hills of vines
Wake up to fresh croissants, warm from the baker’s ovens. Then relax as Elisabeth cruises this morning to Joigny. Once there, you will be driven to the Chablis winetasting region. Taste wine in an ancient cellar and enjoy a glorious drive through the vineyards. Then it is back to Elisabeth, where more wines of the region may well be consumed at dinner!
Tuesday Joigny to Sens
The first Gothic cathedral in France
Cruising further this morning on the River Yonne to the lively town of Sens. Your mooring is very handy to the Place de la Republique, where you can join locals for a café and browse the shops in the surrounding streets. Sens is dominated by its cathedral, the first in France in the Gothic style. It is magnificent, with incredible stained glass windows.
Wednesday Joigny to Missy-sur-Yonne
Fontainebleau, where French kings lived
Elisabeth continues to cruise amidst lovely scenes on the way to Missy-sur-Yonne. After lunch it’s a short drive to the famed chateau of Fontainebleau, an opulent palace which is a testament to the wealth of the French monarchy. Many personalities lived at Fontainebleau, including Napoleon and Marie Antoinette. Review this exciting day over dinner on board.
Thursday Missy-sur-Yonne to Moret-sur-Loing
French Impressionist painter’s town
Moving on to the River Seine for your final cruise today, Elisabeth leaves Burgundy for the Upper Loire region. Our final port is Moret-sur-Loing, an enchanting town that was the home to Impressionist painter Alfred Sisley. Before Sisley came here, he was a friend to Monet and Renoir. Streets and houses that he painted are still on view, as well as scenes from the river. The mooring is very romantic, a perfect location for tonight’s special gourmet dinner to mark your last night on board.
Friday Moret-sur-Loing to Paris
A sad farewell
Depart after breakfast at 9:00am for your drive back to one location in Paris. Estimated arrival tie is 11:00am. Please make all ongoing travel plans today on the basis of this timing. We wish you Bon Voyage and hope to see you again on Elisabeth!
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