SEVEN DAYS / SIX NIGHTS
The 8-passenger Hirondelle has four beautifully appointed staterooms, three with twin beds and one with a double bed, each with their own private bathroom with shower. Each has large windows that open well above the waterline. There is a spacious living room/dining salon, sun deck with lounge chairs and sheltering umbrellas, stereo, games, writing desk and reading material. The Hirondelle has a minibus and bicycles are provided for excursions to local landmarks.
The Hirondelle cruises some of the most tranquil and beautiful waterways in all of Europe. In 2009 it cruises both in the Upper Loire on the Canal Lateral a la Loire and in the Southern Burgundy on the Canal de Bourgogne, the Canal du Centre, the Canal du Rhône au Rhin and the River Saône. The large windows and the sun-deck on the top deck of the boat make it easy for you to enjoy the passing scenery. One day you may decide to bicycle through the countryside to visit Roman ruins, travel in your own air-conditioned mini-bus to an out of the way vineyard, or soar over the countryside in a hot air balloon. Then, at the end of a glorious day, return to your floating "county home" where your crew has been preparing an evening feast ... an elegant five course gourmet dinner graced by fine wines and cheeses unknown outside France. A sense of comradeship seems to prevail as you share the day's adventures with friends ... reliving memories that will carry your conversations for years to come.
In Southern Burgundy you will see the vineyards, Gothic churches and abbeys, Renaissance châteaux and picturesque villages. It is a region of France in which gastronomic delights and the art of living have reigned supreme since Roman times. Excursions are arranged to places with storybook names, whether it be Beaune, the wine capital of Burgundy, the quaint town of Dole, the famous museum in Dijon, the castle in Châteauneuf or to Besançon, birthplace of Victor Hugo. In the Upper Loire you can take a short drive to Sancerre, situated on an impressive hilltop, for lunch and a private wine tasting at the fabulous 15th century Château Tracy, one of the most prestigious producers of the famous Pouilly Fume. Visit the famous Gien pottery (faience) factory and the Château of La Bussiere with its imposing setting and medicinal gardens. Or relax as the barge traverses the river Loire via the longest canal bridge in Europe connecting the Canal Lateral a la Loire to the Canal du Briare.
Fabulous. The staff (crew) we had made the trip even more special. Ollie (chef) was a wonderful cook and made some wonderful recipes. Jonathan, our cruise director selected the best wines. Vanessa our hostess picked out so many wonderful cheeses to taste from all the regions. Barge route was pretty and very relaxing. I will definitely be barging again in the future.
-- K.P., CA, USA
The barge trip was phenomenal. What we experienced was so much more than what we expected. The barge was impeccable, clean, well decorated, easy to move around in. The staff were fun, attentive and knowledgable. The food could have come from a 5 star restaurant. The route was perfect for us. We were looking to get away from it all and relax. This is the perfect route for that. The canal was small so we did not have to deal with much boat traffic or town noises. The scenery was beautiful and peaceful. This was a trip of a lifetime.
-- M.D. & J.D., San Diego, CA, USA
I just wanted to tell you how fabulous our trip was on the Hirondelle two weeks ago. I really didn't know what to expect, but I couldn't have imagined it would be so wonderful. I don't have a single complaint - only huge compliments to give about everything. The boat was beautiful and perfectly clean both inside and out every minute of the day; the food was outstanding and was presented just gorgeously; the rooms were very generous in size; the shore excursions were wonderful.
But the biggest compliment of all goes to the Hirondelle staff. All of the above things were so good because of the crew. They were absolutely perfect - professional, fun, kind, interesting, and they all did their jobs perfectly. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend a barge cruise on the Hirondelle to anyone. It was just perfect.
-- B.T., GA, USA
We enjoyed every minute and all of you made us so comfortable. Everyone is very cheerful and always smiling. We are so glad we choose the Hirondelle! Come and visit us one day!
-- Dave & Jane B.
Thank you for the most memorable week - you are now part of our extended family - as you have made us feel part of yours. Our sincere thanks to you all.
-- Joan & Graham B.
Sunday - Paris to Le Creusot. Moor in Digoin.
For those who have purchased the barge's train transfers, depart Paris, Gare de Lyon, on the TGV train in the afternoon for Le Cruesot, where you will be met by the Hirondelle guide at your rail car. Charters without transfers should meet at the prearranged location in the Le Cruesot area. Your guide will transfer you to the barge moored in Digoin for your cruise through Burgundy. Individual passengers without train transfers should meet at the barge in Digoin. A champagne reception welcomes you and gives you a chance to meet the crew. Take a brief evening cruise across the Loire River on the canal bridge which connects the Canal du Centre to the Canal Lateral a la Loire.
Monday - Visit La Clayette. Cruise to Diou
Enjoy a drive through the countryside to see La Clayette, its chateau and the specialty chocolate factory of M. Bernard Dufoux. The master himself demonstrates the art of making chocolate, followed by a private tasting. Automobile enthusiasts may tour the vintage car museum where all the vehicles are for sale.
Tuesday - Cruise to Garnat-sur-Engievre. Visit Bourbon Lancy
Today's visit is to the medieval town of Bourban Lancy. Enjoy a guided walking tour through the medieval quarter with its authentic timbered houses and 14th century belfry which houses a unique automaton. In the afternoon, relax on board as the barge continues its cruise to Garnat-sur-Engievre.
Wednesday - Cruise to Decize. Visit Chateau of St Aubin
Enjoy a full day cruising from Garnat-sur-Engievre to Decize. Take a private tour of the chateau of St Aubin, a fine example of renaissance architecture with extensive grounds and kitchen gardens.
Thursday - Cruise to Imphy. Visit Chateau d'Apremont
After breakfast your guide takes you to a "ferme des escargots" to see how this Burgundian speciality is produced. Later cruise to Imphy, a small country mooring and a quiet place to walk or bicycle. In the afternoon visit the 15th century Chateau d'Apremont followed by a wine tasting at one of our favorite vineyards in the Loire Valley.
Friday - Visit Nevers. Cruise to Pont Canal du Guetin
This morning enjoy a walking tour of Nevers, the capital of the Nivernais, with a private visit to the workshop of Mr Bernard to see the master ceramic maker at work. During the afternoon the barge cruises to Pont Canal du Guetin, the site of another "pont canal" which traverses the River Allier. Enjoy a farewell gala dinner on board.
Saturday - Pont Canal du Guetin. Nevers to Paris
After breakfast disembark the barge. Taxis from Guetin can be arranged for individual passengers without train transfers. For those who have purchased the barge's train transfers, your are escorted to the Nevers train station for your return to Paris Gare de Lyon where you are met by the barge representative who will assist you with your bags and getting a taxi. Charters without train transfers will be transferred to the prearranged location in Nevers.
Note: The day to day itinerary described below is a typical cruise. However, on any cruise the moorings may change and the places visited may vary depending on the season and guest preferences.
Sunday - Paris to Nevers. Moor in Rogny les Sept Ecluses.
For those who have purchased the barge's train transfers, depart Paris, Gare de Lyon, on the TGV train in the afternoon for Nevers, where you will be met by the Hirondelle guide at your rail car. Charters without transfers should meet at the prearranged location in Nevers. Your guide will transfer you to the barge moored in Rogny les Sept Ecluses. Individual passengers without train transfers should meet at the barge in Rogny les Sept Ecluses on the Canal de Briare. A champagne welcome is followed by an evening cruise on the canal. Enjoy your first dining experience on board.
Monday - Visit Le Jardin de Parfumers & St. Fargeau. Cruise to Chatillon-sur-Loire.
This morning, visit the lovely village of Mezilles and the Jardin de Parfumer where they still make perfume in the traditional way. Nearby is the beautiful Chateau de Saint-Fargeau with a history spanning a thousand years. Today, the barge traverses the river Loire via the longest canal bridge in Europe, connecting the Canal du Briare to the Canal Lateral a la Loire.
Tuesday - Cruise to Lere. Visit Gien and Guedelon.
After breakfast, visit a faience factory in the beautiful town of Gien. The barge cruises southward to Lere, a pleasant countryside mooring. After a lunch, visit Guedelon where for the last six years a team of engineers have been constructing a fascinating fortified chateau using 13th century techniques.
Wednesday - Cruise to Menetreol. Visit Sancerre.
This morning explore the typical French market at Cosne-sur-Loire and sample some of the local delicacies. Return to the boat for lunch and a leisurely cruise to the village of Menetreol. In the afternoon, visit Sancerre, situated on an impressive hilltop west and the goat farm of Francois Blain to see how the famous 'crottin' cheese is made. Enjoy a private wine tasting at the fabulous 15th century Chateau Tracy, one of the most prestigious producers in the Loire.
Thursday - Cruise to Passy (La Charite-sur-Loire). Visit La Charite-sur-Loire.
Take a short trip to Tharenay to taste the famous Pouilly Fume wine, a perfect aperitif before lunch! resting place for pilgrims on the road to Santiago de Compostela.
Friday - Cruise to Le Guetin. Visit Nevers and Apremont.
Enjoy a walking tour of Nevers, the capital of the Nivernais, with a private visit to the workshop of Mr. Bernard to see the master ceramic maker at work and a chance to buy some of the distinctive blue and gold faience. This afternoon take a short drive to Apremont, one of the most beautiful villages in France, to visit the private Chateau and gardens. Farewell gala dinner on board.
Saturday - Le Guetin. Nevers to Paris.
After breakfast disembark the barge. Taxis from Le Guetin can be arranged for individual passengers without train transfers. For those who have purchased the barge's train transfers, your are escorted to the Nevers train station for your return to Paris Gare de Lyon where you are met by the barge representative who will assist you with your bags and getting a taxi. Charters without train transfers will be transferred to the prearranged location in the Nevers area.
Note: The day to day itinerary described below is a typical cruise. However, on any cruise the moorings may change and the places visited may vary depending on the season and guest preferences.
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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.
| HIRONDELLE 2009 SEASON PRICES in US DOLLARS | |
|---|---|
| ACCOMMODATION | REGULAR Apr 5 thru Oct 31 |
| Cabin (per person, double occupancy) |
$5,400 |
| Single Occupancy Supplement |
$1,350 |
| Charter for 6 |
$33,400 |
| Charter for 7 |
$35,800 |
| Charter for 8 |
$38,200 |
| Optional Train Ticket (per person round trip) |
$280 |
What's Included
- 7 days and 6 nights on the barge in a cabin with private bath
- Transfers from Nevers, Le Creusot or Dijon to the barge and return, depending on cruise direction, for charters or those with train transfers.
- All meals beginning with dinner on Sunday through breakfast on Saturday
- All wines with lunches and dinners
- All escorted side-excursions
- Use of bicycles
What's Not Included
- Overseas air transportation to Paris and return
- Transportation from Paris to Nevers, Le Creusot or Dijon or return, depending on cruise direction (available at extra cost)
- Transfers and from the barge mooring for individual passengers without train transfers
- Suggested minimum 5% gratuity for the crew, to be paid to the captain in equivalent Euros
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