The ancient Canal de Briare, the first in France specifically created to connect two major rivers, provides the perfect route to explore by barge. The charming, typically French towns and villages which grew up alongside the canal each have a character of their own and cry out to be explored and enjoyed at a leisurely pace.

Our cruise itinerary has overnight halts in the most charming spots along the canal where guests can explore on foot or by bike and visit local attractions.  Most halts have restaurant options close by, ranging in style from local auberges to Michelin accredited gastronomic delights.

Shopping for supplies is made easy too since every village has a Boulangerie for the all-important fresh daily bread and croissants, most have a small general store and the larger towns have major supermarkets within easy reach of the canal. There is also at least one opportunity to shop for supplies at the colourful local markets during each cruise.

Transferring to and from the barge at the start and finish of each cruise is also stress-free since a major rail-link to Paris runs parallel to the canal throughout its length (although never close enough to see or hear!) with the main station at Montargis never more than a 45 minute drive away from the barge. For those who wish to drive to the cruise start point, access is easy from the Autoroute network and we offer secure parking nearby or will help you move your car each day so you can keep it close to the barge at all times during the cruise.

Monday - Montargis. Arrival, welcome and check-in.
You will be collected at 4.30pm from the main railway station in Montargis and transferred to Maria, moored in the town nearby. Transfer time is approximately 15 minutes (or for those not arriving by train, the barge will be available for check-in from 4.30pm). Over a glass of the local "Cremant de Loire" your Captain will explain features of the barge and if you wish, arrange to take you to a local supermarket to buy provisions for the first few days of your stay, before leaving you to enjoy your first night aboard.

Tuesday - Montargis to Montcresson.
Our cruise itinerary begins today with a cruise to an idyllic remote mooring close to the village of Montcresson. The Canal here follows the line of the River Loing (which supplies the water for the canal) as it winds through open meadows and fields. The first cruise reveals just how peaceful and relaxing barge cruising can be as we pass several locks, float through quiet hamlets and generally escape the bustle of everyday life. At canal speed, we may not move too far in an hour, but by the end of this first day, you should feel that you have left the real world a long way behind!

Wednesday - Montcresson to Chatillon Coligny.
Today we cruise the longest section of the Canal with no locks before beginning the steeper climb through the deepest locks of the week en-route to Chatillon Coligny.  At Montbouy, the canal passes the Gallo-Roman amphitheatre which stands as a monument to the history of the region. The 11th century church here dominates the village of Montbouy and our passage may coincide with the tolling of the church bells - renowned as the loudest and most melodic in the region.  Our overnight mooring tonight will be in Chatillon Coligny where you are free to explore the town at your leisure or to walk, cycle or visit any of the nearby excursions.

Thursday - Chatillon Coligny to Rogny Les Sept Ecluses.
The cruise continues today to the village of Rogny Les Sept Ecluses, famed for it's seven "stair-case locks," built in the 17th century to allow boats to pass the summit level of the canal. The village offers restaurants, bars, shops and the all important bakery and is well placed as a base for excursions to local attractions or to venture further afield. The village "Petanque" (or Boules) pitch - scene of many local championship boules matches - is right alongside the canal where the locals can often be seen sipping a cool beer from the quay-side bar whilst disputing (in a mainly good-naturedly way!) the winner of today's match.

Friday - Rogny Les Sept Ecluses.
Rogny is the half-way point of our cruise route so today the barge remains in the port without cruising to allow a truly relaxed day of rest. There are many excursion opportunities plus great walking and biking routes or, if you prefer, take time to simply relax and watch the world go by from the comfort of Maria’s sundeck.

Saturday - Rogny to Ouzouer sur Trezee.
Today's cruise takes us over the highest point of the canal as we cross from the Loing Valley into the valley of the River Loire and begin our descent towards Ouzouer sur Trezee. Having quickly risen to the summit level via the flight of locks in Rogny, our descent is more sedate as we pass the six deep locks into the valley of the River Trezee before mooring in the oldest village on the canal.  Here you have time to explore the charming village with its narrow streets dating back to the 16th century, whilst there are also Grand Chateaux to be visited a short distance away or the regional town of Gien (a Loire River bankside town, famed for its fine china) nearby.

Sunday - Ouzouer sur Trezee to Briare and Chatillon sur Loire.
Our cruise today takes us through the heart of the town from whence the canal takes its name. In earlier times, the Merchants bringing wine and produce from the rich farming lands of the Loire Valley would transfer their wares onto boats for delivery via the canal to Paris and beyond. We still see evidence of their trade in the town with many memorials, museums and much of the canal infrastructure still operational. Briare is also home to the region's very own wine label - "Coteaux de Giennois" and several winemakers ply their trade in the town or nearby so today could be the day to discover the regional wines. The line of the canal was altered in the 1890s to allow non-stop passage across the River Loire through the creation of one of the greatest waterways landmarks in the world - the 600 metre long Pont Canal de Briare (the longest aqueduct in Europe), built by the engineer Eiffel, more renowned of course, for his famous Parisian tower. Leaving Briare we move onto the Canal Lateral à la Loire for the final leg of our cruise to the town of Chatillon sur Loire on the banks of the River Loire. As we leave the town of Briare behind us, we cross the magnificent Pont Canal de Briare which takes us to the opposite bank of the Loire River for the journey southwards to Chatillon Sur Loire. The charming town of Chatillon stands above the canal and was an important river crossing point for the commerce which traded on the river in centuries past.

Monday - Chatillon sur Loire. Departure.
Check out today is before 9.30am for the return transfer or onward travel. Those traveling by train will be returned to Montargis railway station in time to catch a train to arrive in Paris around midday.

NOTE: This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change. On alternate weeks, cruises will be in the reverse direction.

Excursions on foot, by bike and optional side trips

Maria's cruise route passes through some of the finest French countryside and villages so there is an ever changing scene to watch from the barge. However, there is much more to see and do in the region for those who wish take time away from the barge, some of which is immediately nearby the canal whilst other attractions require a bike ride or car journey to visit. Here is a selection of the visits we recommend whilst cruising aboard Maria.

1. Visits on foot:

The historic regional capital Montargis, known as "The Venice of Gâtinais" with restaurants, cafés, bars, museums, galleries and great shops for souvenirs including the world famous, 17th century Mazet Praline chocolate shop.

The pretty villages of Montbouy, Montcresson, Conflans and Ouzouer with their interesting variety of churches, willowy canal scenes, floral displays and charming architecture.  Between Montcresson and Montbouy there is also a clearly visible Gallo-Roman Amphitheatre to explore.

Rogny-les-Sept-Ecluses where the town is named after one of the canal's most famous features, the 17th century flight of seven locks (now a national historic monument).  There are also antique/bric-a-brac shops, food shops, restaurants and bars here as well a lovely walk to the hill top church with wonderful views over the valley.

Chatillon Coligny dates back to the 15th century and was once all about a vast chateau that dominated the town.  Over the centuries most of the chateau has disappeared but it still intriguingly visible in places as you stroll the narrow streets and shop for souvenirs in the old fashioned shops.  There are several bars, a museum, a great restaurant and food shops here too.

The Aqueduct at Briare is renowned as one of the greatest waterways engineering achievements in the world and the visitors who flock to see it make this a bustling market town with much to see and do.  You can explore the old port where boats used to "lock down" onto the River Loire, visit the museum of mosaics (Briare was the very first place in the world to mass produce mosaics and they are evident all over the town), explore the huge church or people watch in the square and shop for souvenirs in galleries and antique shops. You will, of course, cross the famous aqueduct on Maria as it spans the River Loire offering the most incredible views and a chance to marvel at an amazing feat of engineering created by Eiffel.

At Chatillon Sur Loire, the canal splits where it used to allow boat access onto the River Loire and here the old locks and "Mantelot" (holding basin) used by barges for centuries past is a beautiful walk from our mooring. The town too is a worthwhile visit with its narrow streets, 15th century houses, selection of curious shops, bars and restaurants.

Canal walks are one of the most simple pleasures to be enjoyed, either whilst cruising or once moored.  The towpaths are in generally good condition and each turn of the canal provides a new adventure.  You'll meet fishermen, lock-keepers (and their children, cats and dogs!), see other boats going through the locks, abundant wildlife and more pretty canal scenes than you can take in as you stroll.

2. Visits accessible by bicycle close to the cruise route:

The entire length of the cruise route has a path which can be cycled by almost anyone - it is largely flat and in great condition for most of its length. Turn off the canal path and onto the quiet roads at any point to explore the many rural villages nearby.

All of the above excursions that you can do on foot can be enhanced by doing them on a bicycle.  You can simply see more and fit more in if you go by bicycle.

3. Keen cyclists can go further afield and discover:
Chateau La Bussiere - Home of the Countess de Chasseval. A sublime private chateau set on a lake with a fascinating collection of fishing memorabilia and a wonderful kitchen garden.

Chateau de St Fargeau - Magnificent 13th century masterpiece remodeled by the Architect Vaux – now more famous for his work at Fontainebleau and Versailles.

Chateau Pont Chevron - Private estate of the Count and Countess Robert de La Rochefourcauld. Modelled on an 18th century chateau and mainly built in the 19th century with origins and some features from the middle ages.  Lovely formal gardens to explore.

Wine tasting in Ousson-sur-Loire and Briare are easily accessible by bike and provide a great opportunity to sample the local "Coteaux de Giennois," reds made from Pinot Noir/Gamay and whites made from Sauvignon Blanc. Made from the same grape and grown in the same region, these whites are tipped to become the next "Sancerre" of the Loire Valley.

Town of Gien, famed for its fine China and 12th century stone bridge across the Loire River.

Kayaking on the River Loire at Bonny-sur-Loire. Cycle there and kayak down the peaceful river.

4. Excursions by taxi, private car or in your own car 

Attraction/Destination	Distance from closest point of cruise route	Suggested visit duration including journey time	Approximate cost by Taxi or Private Tour Bus (for whole party) payable locally excluding attraction entry fees.
Palace and town of Fontainebleau	50kms	5 hours	175 euros
Chateau Vaux le Vicomte	90Kms	5 hours	225 euros
Town and Cathedral of Orleans	70kms	3/4 day	195 euros
Town and Cathedrals of Auxerre, Burgundy	60kms	3/4 day	195 euros
Chateau St Fargeau	20kms	4 hours	125 euros
Chateau La Bussiere	10kms	2 hours	80 euros
Reconstructed Medieval Castle Guedelon	35kms	1/2 day	125 euros
Gien, Loire river town and Fine China factory visit	15kms	3 hours	125 euros
Private guided tour of the Chablis wine region, Burgundy with Private wine tastings and  pre-arranged visits	90kms	Whole day	350 euros
Private guided tour of the Sancerre wine region, Loire Valley, with Private wine tastings and pre-arranged visits	40kms	1/2 day	225 euros

Sporting activities available nearby:

Golf
Swimming
Tennis
Hot air ballooning
Horse riding
Kayaking