Elisabeth - Montargis to Sancerre
Saturday Chauffeured Transfer Paris to Montargis
A Warm Welcome Aboard!
A member of Elisabeth crew will meet you at 2:00 pm at one Paris pickup location chosen by your group, after which you will be chauffeured to the barge moored on the Canal du Loing in the enchanting town of Montargis – known as the “Venice of France” for its lovely canals and flower-laden bridges. Estimated arrival time is 4:00 pm. Your hosts Peter and Sheena Jenner will greet you with the traditional champagne welcome. Time to unpack and stroll in the center of Montargis before the first of many gourmet dinners on board.
Sunday Montargis to Montbouy
Fontainebleau, where the French kings lived
This morning begins your cruise in the Upper Loire – a land of tree-lined canals and towpaths. Relax on deck or explore by bicycle: The choice is always yours. You will moor at Montbouy, one of the prettiest villages of the region. After lunch, it’s time to go to the famed chateau of Fontainebleau, where room after ornate room testifies to the financial power of the French monarchy, Personalities such as Marie Antoinette and Napoleon also lived here and left their mark. (If you have already visited Fontainebleau, your entire party can elect to visit Chateau Vaux-le-Vicomte. This incredible property was built by the finance minister of King Louis 14th; whole villages were razed and thousands of workers utilized!) Return to Elisabeth for dinner on board.
Monday Montbouy to Rogny-Les-Sept-Ecluses
Painted Pottery with a French Accent!
Breakfast this morning (and every morning!) on pastries still warm from the village bakery. After another absolutely beautiful cruise and lunch, we will visit Gien, a town well-known for its faience, which is painted pottery with a French accent. Visit the factory and museum and then shop: Here is a great opportunity to buy gifts – or what about souvenir for yourself? Your mooring tonight is named for a seven lock staircase built in 1604. You’ll cruise right by this marvel and then can go back and explore it on foot, if you like. A reminder that you are indeed cruising on antique waterways!
Tuesday Rogny-Les-Sept-Ecluses to Briare
A well-preserved Medieval Chateau
Cruise this morning to the town of Briare, floating ever southward into the deepest countryside. This afternoon, visit Chateau de Sully-sur-Loire, owned by the same family for centuries until they sold it to the French government in 1962. Its towers testify to the fact that it was originally built as a fortress, while later inhabitants made it more livable with collections of tapestries, furniture and paintings. There is time to explore in Briare before dinner on board.
Wednesday Briare to Lere
Explore in a lovely village
This morning, Elisabeth will slip onto the Canal de Briare. This afternoon, visit the village of Aubigny-sur-Loire, with its medieval facades and floral displays.
Thursday Lere to Sancerre
Private winetasting!
After a last morning cruise with vineyards as the backdrop, Elisabeth will moor under the hilltop village of Sancerre, a romantic scene and the perfect end to your cruise! Enjoy a private tasting of red and white wines with the distinctive flavor of the region. Tonight, as always, the Jenners will offer a special farewell dinner.
Friday Sancerre to Paris
A Sad Farewell
Depart at 9:00am after breakfast for your chauffeured transfer to Paris. Estimated arrival time is 11:30 am to noon. Please make all onward travel plans today on the basis of this timing. We wish you Bon Voyage and hope to see you again on Elisabeth!