SEVEN DAYS / SIX NIGHTS
The 50-passenger Anacoluthe follows the path of the Impressionists in France, including a private visit to Monet's house. In the spring and fall, the M.S. Anacoluthe travels down the Oise River and the legendary Seine River from Compiegne and Giverny, passing through Paris, City of Light, towards Burgundy, ending our cruise in St. Mammes. The cruise takes us to medieval towns and through delightful countryside on Europe’s most romantic rivers. We visit the region’s most famous artistic sites including the village of Giverny where Monet lived, and explore buildings representing a variety of architectural periods.
During the rest of the season, the Anacoluthe changes its route to cruise between St. Mammes and Les Andelys in Normandy with excursions to Honfleur and Rouen, and also includes a visit to Giverny as well as a Paris by night cruise.
A cruise on the Anacoluthe combines the comforts of a mini ocean liner with the charm of a river steamer. The interior provides ample space to relax in traditional surroundings of seasoned wood and elegant furnishings. Large windows give all round views of the passing scenery. There are 25 comfortable twin-bedded cabins (and two with double beds) on the lower deck, all with ensuite bathrooms. The piano bar and outdoor jacuzzi complete the charm of the Anacoluthe.
The whole trip was like a beautiful dream. Even the weather was perfect. I felt very special and very pampered.
-- B.J.
The service was excellent. The crew aimed to please. Since this was my first ever "Barge" experience, I can say I really enjoyed it and the traveling companions. I would suggest this trip to any one of my friends.
-- H.D., MI, USA
I enjoyed it all. The service was excellent. It appeared everyone pitched in and did a bit of everything. The crew appeared to be enjoying what they are doing and were always helpful and friendly. All the meals were very good. Loved the lunches - with their variety of salads. There was a good variety for breakfast - for all appetites. The dinners were always delicious. Wonderful variety of cheeses and the various wines to go with the courses. A great choice of excursions - with choice of activities - and in most instances we could go at our own pace. Loved the visit to Giverny - home of Claude Monet. The tour guide, Marie, was excellent with the history of the excursions.
-- P.R., CA, USA
There were many memorable aspects of the journey. The Anacoluthe experience far surpassed my expectations. The excellent and cheerful service, the superb food and bottomless glasses of good wine, the tranquil cruising and scenery along the river. We had interesting tours to the various villages/towns - Joigny/Villeneuve / Auxerre / Sens / the chateau of Vaux le Vicomte / Moret sur Loing / Barbizon / Conflans / Auvers sur Oise and Giverny. What interesting guides we enjoyed, interesting craft persons on the boat, and interesting sites.
-- G.Y., OK, USA
Superb crew, outstanding food/drinks, well planned excursions. Loved the meal presentations!
-- D.B., CA, USA
Saturday - Paris to St.Mammes
We meet at the Hotel Regina, 192 Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris at 15.00 (3pm) and transfer to Anacoluthe moored in the small town of St Mammes at the junction of the rivers Seine and Loing. After a champagne welcome aboard, you will have time to settle into your cabin and perhaps take a stroll before dinner is served at 7.30pm
Sunday - St Mammes to Melun
After breakfast on board, a short drive to Moret sur Loing, a small medieval town, once home to Alfred Sisley, the Impressionist painter. You may recognize some of his paintings in the unchanged landscape. We return to Anacoluthe and begin cruising to Melun as we enjoy lunch.
Monday - Melun to Paris
This morning, coach excursion to Vaux le Vicomte, constructed by Fouquet, the finance minister of the Sun King and the model for Versailles. There is an exceptionally well furnished interior and the gardens were designed by Le Notre. As we begin lunch on board, we cast off and cruise towards Paris. After dinner we will enjoy an unforgettable Paris by Night cruise before mooring for the night.
Tuesday - Paris to Chatou
We cruise this morning to the town of Chatou, arriving around lunchtime. In the afternoon, an excursion to the legendary city of St Germain en Laye, famous for its castle, birthplace of Louis XIV. It dominates the place General de Gaulle. We will visit the gardens, designed by Le Notre. Return to Anacoluthe moored for the night in the Ile des Impressionnists, across from the Maison Fournaise and shopping possible in Rueil.
Wednesday - Chatou to Pont St Maxence
This morning, after a breakfast cruise to Conflans, we leave the boat for a visit to Giverny, the home and gardens of Claude Monet, the most famous of all the Impressionist painters. Discover the inspiration for his masterpiece 'The Water Lilies', see the Japanese Bridge. The French government spends in excess of $2 million each year to keep the gardens exactly as they were before Monet died in 1926. The simplicity of his house is surprising. After joining the boat in Auvers sur Oise for lunch we cruise on the river Oise to the delightful riverside town of Pont St Maxence where we find the 14th century royal abbey of Moncel.
Thursday - Pont St Maxence to Compiegne
After breakfast, a visit to the Chateau of Chantilly, situated in the heart of 7,800 hectares (about 20,000 acres) of land surrounded by a large forest. The chateau dates from the middle ages and has an art gallery of 1,000 paintings, 2,500 designs and 2,500 engravings, second only to the Louvre museum. It is also very famous for racehorse breeding and has one of the world's finest stables. The French gardens were designed by Le Notre, there is also Le Petit Parc, the Anglo-Chinese garden and the English garden, making this the most beautiful of settings. We return to Anacoluthe for lunch and a cruise to Compiegne. Here we can have a guided walking tour of the historic town, the Hotel de Ville dates from the 16th century, the cloisters of the Abbey St Corneille from 877 AD. The chateau here is a magnificent example of French classical architecture with richly decorated "appartments" from the 18th century. This was one of the three royal residences in France along with Versailles and Fontainebleau. We return to Anacoluthe and tonight our gala farewell dinner will be served at 8pm.
Friday - Compiegne to Paris
This morning, after breakfast, we return to Paris and the Regina Hotel, arriving before noon.
Note: Alternate cruise weeks are in the reverse direction. Itineraries are subject to change without notice due to floods, navigation problems, etc.
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*Note: Cruise directions and sample itineraries may be in reverse and are subject to change and may depend on bookings and local navigation conditions. Alternate excursions of equal appeal are substituted when needed. For charter cruises special itineraries can be arranged.
| ANACOLUTHE 2008 SEASON PRICES in US DOLLARS | ||
|---|---|---|
| ACCOMMODATION | LOW Mar 8 thru May 2 Oct 25 thru Nov 14 |
HIGH May 3 thru Oct 24 |
| Cabin (per person, double occupancy) |
$1,915 |
$2,115 |
| Single Occupancy Supplement |
$500 |
$500 |
| Charter for up to 50 |
$88,090 |
$97,290 |
What's Included
- 7 days and 6 nights on the barge in a cabin with private bath
- Transfers from Paris to the barge and return
- All meals beginning with dinner on Saturday through breakfast on Friday
- All wines with lunches and dinners
- All escorted side-excursions
What's Not Included
- Overseas air transportation to Paris and return
- Bar drinks: beer & wine 3 Euros, mixed drinks & champagne 5 Euros, cognac & Armagnac 6 Euros, soft drinks 2 Euros (payable on board by cash or credit card). For charters only, an optional bar package can be purchased in advance for all passengers for $150 per person.
- Suggested gratuity for the crew (barge suggests 100 Euros per passenger, to be given to the barge manager)
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