Elisabeth - Sens to Montargis
Saturday Private Chauffeured Transfer to Elisabeth in Sens
A warm welcome aboard!
A member of Elisabeth crew will meet your party at 2:00 pm in one agreed-upon Paris location and chauffeur you to the barge moored in Sens. Estimated driving time is two hours. Your hosts Peter and Sheena Jenner will welcome you with the traditional champagne reception ad introduction of crew. Sens is a lively town and it is an easy walk to the Place de la Republique to join the locals for a drink or browse the shops. Back on board, enjoy the first of many gourmet dinners in your “floating home away from home.”
Sunday Sens to Missy-sur-Yonne
Visit the oldest Gothic cathedral in France
This morning, it is up and off the barge to tour one of the cruise high points: the Cathedral of St. Etienne, the first great Gothic cathedral of France. Started in 1135, it was not entirely complete until 1622 – and it is well known for its glorious stained glass windows. Then it’s back to Elisabeth for lunch and casting off for your cruise on scenic waterways. Relax or walk the towpath on the River Yonne as the barge makes its way to Missy-sur-Yonne.
Monday Missy-sur-Yonne to Moret-sur-Loing
Impressionist painter town and scenes
Slip onto the River Seine this morning. One of the great treats in barging is breakfast pastry fresh from the village baker. Indulge and relax today on the way to the idyllic mooring at Moret-sur-Loing, home of the Impressionist painter Alfred Sisley. Scenes he painted in town are still there for visitors to see. Earlier, Sisley was a friend of Renoir and Monet. Tour this delightful town and then enjoy cocktails on deck as the sun sets over the weeping willows and mansard roofs.
Tuesday Moret-sur-Loing to Nemours
Fontainebleau, home to French kings
This morning you’ll experience a lovely cruise to Nemours. After lunch, drive a short distance to the famed Chateau of Fontainebleau, home to many French kings, each of whom left his mark on this gigantic palace and gardens. Among the many personalities associated with Fontainebleau are Napoleon and Marie Antoinette. Discuss this stimulating day over dinner on board.
Wednesday Nemours to Nerronville
Carriage ride to an old fashioned village
This morning it is up and out to meet your horse-drawn carriage that will take up to the hilltop village of Chateau Landon. Now a quiet village, Chateau Landon was once the seat of a royal residence and a religious center with 17 churches. Then return to Elisabeth to cruise this afternoon and while away the day on the cruise to Nerronville. Walk the towpath or explore by bicycle in the gorgeous French countryside!
Thursday Nerronville to Montargis
“The French Venice” beguiles with chocolate and canals!
Your final morning cruise takes you ever deeper into beautiful scenery and passing petite villages. You’ll end up on Montargis, a pleasant town crisscrossed by canals and flower- bedecked bridges. A big draw today is chocolate tasting at one of the many gourmet candy makers on the town square. Here is a place also to shop for that perfect souvenir to take home – or what about something for yourself! Back on board, your chef is busy preparing a really special gourmet dinner to end your cruise in style.
Friday Montargis to Paris
A sad farewell!
You’ll depart after breakfast at 9:00am and for your chauffeured transfer back to Paris. Estimated arrival time is 11:00am. Please make further travel plans today on the basis of this timing. We wish you Bon Voyage and hope to see you again on Elisabeth!