The 6-passenger Meanderer offers you a chance to restore mind and body with a luxury barge vacation in the Upper Loire region. Like the fine wines and produce of France, this historic countryside of France is best savored slowly, and there is simply no better way to enjoy France than to glide aboard the luxury barge Meanderer. Visit magical chateaux, savor great cuisine, discover vineyards and galleries -- a Meanderer voyage lets you have the French dream vacation on your terms. Cruise aboard the Meanderer and connect with a time and place where life moves a little more slowly and elegantly. The barge will tailor the experience that’s perfect for you -- whether you prefer to bicycle or walk down country lanes, or simply lounge on board the Meanderer with your favorite vintage wine and watch one of the world’s greatest landscapes go by.
Many experienced travelers are discovering canal barge cruises. France is one of the most popular destinations for this kind of adventure and the Hotel-Barge Meanderer is a perfect choice for this unique vacation. Essentially a floating luxury hotel, you view gorgeous vistas and make enchanting day trips while being pampered by the Meanderer's courteous, gifted and knowledgeable crew. The canals weave charmingly through small towns and countryside creating a perfect barge vacation. Gourmet meals are served daily by a renowned Chef, and a wide selection of regional wines and cheeses make this one of the best barges in France.
The Meanderer boasts three deluxe cabins for a total of 6 passengers. Each cabin can be configured into a king or two twin sized bed suite (your choice), and each has its own private, en-suite bathroom with shower, high windows that open and skylights to bring the enchanting outdoors inside. You will never sleep better than in these beautiful accommodations. The gentle and soothing sounds of the moving water is audible through the open windows.
The cabins, lounge and dining area are all spacious and decorated to complement discriminating tastes. An outdoor sundeck in teak is a perfect spot to watch the world go by, and an onboard spa pool adds to your relaxation and enjoyment. Nothing compares to a barge vacation for a total luxury experience, so we hope that you will make this your year to meander through the French countryside!
The Meanderer is owner-operated by George and Susan Kovalik. They offer two cruise routes -- either its traditional itinerary on the picturesque Canal de Briare, east of the Loire Valley between Chatillon-sur Loire and Montargis, or its equally picturesque northern itinerary from Montargis to Samois-sur-Seine on the Canal de Briare and Canal du Loing, upon request. They also offer a guiding biking tour for all levels, as well as a golf program (see itineraries below), along with other themed cruises that can also be arranged.
The trip could not have been better, extremely picturesque...we enjoyed every aspect of the trip. The food was great, the staff was wonderful and George and Susan took every effort to make our trip the best vacation ever, and the rest of the staff anticipated our every need. The trip was A+!
As good a writer as I think I am, I don't have the vocabulary to adequately describe the wonderfulness of our cruise on The Meanderer. Service was the best I've experienced in any hospitality setting. This is not an exaggeration. I'd thought Meanderer would be a nice canal cruise through rural France with a chef on board. It turned out to be a gastronomic tour de force taking place on a boat. After the first meal the canal became almost a distraction. The wine, the cheeses, the food, the presentation, the table service, the dining facility (the boat's salon) were all of the highest quality. Meals and wines were clearly the highlight of the experience -- unexpectedly so in my case. Our cabin accommodations was excellent in every respect. In fact, larger than I had expected. Plenty of closet and storage space. Great flat screen TV. Very comfortable bed. Good lighting and well located switches. The route was very well chosen to avoid the intrusions of this 21st Century. The route kept to the rural, small towns, and even wild parts of the canal. At no time were we confronted with reminders that there was a speed faster than walking.
Meanderer is superior! The barge was beautiful, sparkling clean, hosts George and Susan unbelievable. Food A+. A flawless vacation. Both the barge and our cabin surpassed expectations; extremely clean, great bed, real shower, all amenities. The cabin was as big as my Paris hotel room, but much more pleasant! The cruise route was great, lovely scenery and towns. Interesting excursions with just enough time off the barge. I didn't want a lot of excursions and was very happy reading on deck - a real vacation for me. Everything superb!
Meanderer is perfection. I would not change one thing. The boat and crew and experience exceeded expectations by 1000%. Crew service could not have been better. All went above and beyond to make our experience enjoyable. Our cabin was clean and comfortable with lots of attention to detail. We felt very pampered. On excursions we didn't feel like tourists, we saw interesting things that we knew we wouldn't have seen without the Meanderer experience. We loved the cruise route, charming was a word that was constantly said. Going through locks never ceased to amaze. The crew was an integral part of making the experience wonderful. The Meanderer certainly stands alone as a beautiful and welcoming barge but it's crew make it a place that you don't want to leave. Best vacation of my life!
My cruise with Meanderer was very relaxing and enjoyable. Cabins are comfortable and very clean. Service was excellent. Meals were excellent, especially the wines and cheeses. The route offered very pretty towns and peaceful country.
Meanderer is A++++. Cabin accommodations are excellent, clean, spacious and modern. Better than a cruse ship. Meals and wines were outstanding. The chef is a gourmet chef and creative. The food is often sourced fresh from local markets or known butchers. Susan was like a personal guide, she knows her stuff, and she is flexible and unflappable. We were chauffeured every where. Often the drives included explanations along the way. When we arrived at destination Susan offered excellent direction on what to do.
NOTE: Meanderer offers two itinerary options for full boat charters: The
southern "Canal de Briare Cruise" between Montargis and Chatillon-sur-Loire
or the northern "Canal de Loing Cruise" between Montargis and
Samois-sur-Seine. Availability of each route depends on the cruise weeks
already booked.
Welcome to the magnificent countryside of France. Our cruise itinerary is based in the fascinating region of the Upper Loire. Originally the River Loire carried commercial barges but the constantly changing conditions rendered it unsafe for navigation, leading to the building of the Canal de Briare and later the Canal Lateral a la Loire. We cruise the full length of the Canal de Briare, the first connecting canal built in France. Construction began in 1604 during the reign of Henry IV (who instigated the Louvre in Paris) and was completed in 1634. The Canal was built to enable produce from the Burgundy and Loire regions to be taken to Paris.
The Loire region is often referred to as the "Garden of France," a typically French landscape with peaceful, rolling countryside. Our cruise begins at the northern end of the Canal de Briare close to the regional capital of Montargis. The picturesque town of Montargis welcomes visitors with fabulous floral displays. The canal, once the lifeblood of the capital, winds through the heart of the town passing 17th century buildings and crossing the many smaller waterways which dissect the narrow streets. The section of the canal beyond Montargis follows the course of the River Loing through villages and hamlets, many of which pre-date the canal.
At Montbouy, the remains of the Roman Baths and Amphitheatre are clearly visible as a testimony to the heritage of this prosperous region. In Chatillon-Coligny the original riverside washhouses make way for the imposing feudal castle, once home to the Counts of Champagne. Although almost destroyed during the French revolution, the labyrinth of tunnels, chambers and the imposing keep still remain.
The original flight of seven locks at Rogny-les-Sept-Ecluses (the highest point of the canal) is now preserved as a National Historic Monument. The new course of the canal takes us via a shorter flight of locks to the village of Rogny itself, considered by many to be the most unspoilt village of the region. The magnificent lakes of the Puisaye at the summit of the canal supplied the water for the canal before modern pumping stations were installed to allow uninterrupted use of the locks. The Puisaye is famous for the clay used by local tradesmen to produce some of the finest pottery in Europe.
A gentle descent to the town of Briare takes us through majestic woodland and open farmland to the most famous waterway landmark in France. The 700 yard long aqueduct, which carries the canal across the River Loire at Briare, was built by the great engineer Eiffel (better known for the famous Parisian tower) to replace the original crossing. Our cruise comes to a close in the town of Chatillon-sur-Loire on the Canal Lateral a la Loire on the banks of the imposing River Loire.
The cruise itinerary is designed to allow as much flexibility as possible. The following is an example of the tour itinerary but we will always try to accommodate any specific group requirements.
A typical itinerary includes:
Sunday - Montargis to Amilly
We collect you from your Paris hotel after lunch for transfer by private mini-coach to Meanderer moored in Montargis. A champagne reception and early evening cruise to our first overnight mooring in Amilly follow.
Monday - Amilly to Montbouy
During the morning we cruise to Montbouy. After lunch, the excursion program begins with a visit to the busy town and spectacular palace of Fontainebleau, home to generations of French royalty.
Tuesday - Montbouy to Chatillon-Coligny
Today's excursion takes us to Montargis with the week's best opportunity to explore a busy market town, people-watch or shop for souvenirs and exquisitely packaged confectionary from the famous Mazet Praline shop. Our afternoon cruise takes us the charming village of Chatillon-Coligny.
Wednesday - Chatillon-Coligny to Rogny-Les-Sept-Ecluses
This morning's excursion takes us to the splendid 16th Century Chateau of St. Fargeau. On return to the barge, our afternoon cruise to Rogny-les-Sept-Ecluses includes a chance to walk the ancient "staircase" of locks, which stand as a monument to the old canal.
Thursday - Rogny-Les-Sept-Ecluses to La Gazonne
The daily excursion program continues with a visit to the beautiful private Chateau of La Bussiere, with its incredible 18th Century garden or Chateau de Sully s/Loire, a magnificent classic chateau of the Loire Valley. As an alternative we can visit the town of Gien. Set on the banks of the River Loire, the pretty town holds many attractions including the famous Faience Boutique, the Hunting Museum and the Chateau de Gien We return to the barge for lunch and a cruise to an exquisite nature mooring at La Gazonne.
Friday - La Gazonne to Chatillon sur Loire
The morning cruise takes us to a beautiful village of Briare where we cross the world’s longest aqueduct over the River Loire. Afternoon excursion takes us to the world famous wine region of Sancerre with the opportunity to sample the local wines and explore the charming hill-top village. For early risers a market visit in Briare with our chef is an option. That evening we cruise to our final mooring in a wonderful town of Chatillon sur Loire.
Saturday
This morning after breakfast we depart for the return transfer to Paris.
Note: Cruises run in reverse direction alternate weeks. It may be necessary to vary the itinerary from day to day according to local conditions.
SAMPLE ITINERARY
Upper Loire: "Canal du Loing Cruise" (Northern Itinerary)*
Canal de Loing & Canal de Briare:
Samois-sur-Seine to Montargis 2013
Welcome to the magnificent countryside of France. Our cruise itinerary is based in the fascinating region of the Upper Loire. Originally the River Loire carried commercial barges but the constantly changing conditions rendered it unsafe for navigation, leading to the building of the Canal du Loing, Canal de Briare and later the Canal Lateral a la Loire. We cruise the full length of the Canal de Loing and part of the Canal de Briare, the first connecting canals built in France. Construction began in 1604 during the reign of Henry IV (who instigated the Louvre in Paris) and was completed in 1634. The Canals were built to enable produce from the Burgundy and Loire regions to be taken to Paris.
The Loire region is often referred to as the "Garden of France," a typically French landscape with peaceful, rolling countryside. Our cruise begins at the northern end of the Canal du Loing, at the historical village of Samois-Sur-Seine, home of the famous guitar player Django Rheinhardt, and continues through the Canal de Briare to the regional capital of Montargis. On the way we visit Moret-sur-Loing, the splendid hilltop town of Chateau Landon, a charming isolated village of Ferrieres-en-Gatinais and finally are welcome at the picturesque town of Montargis with fabulous floral displays. The canal, once the lifeblood of the capital, winds through the heart of the town passing 17th century buildings and crossing the many smaller waterways which dissect the narrow streets.
Some excursion possibilities include:
- The royal palace of Fontainebleau - Napoleon's favorite and final home before being sent to live in exile.
- The Château of Vaux-le-Vicomte - beautiful gardens designed by the famous Louis XIV gardener Andre Le Notre.
- In Moret we take you on walking tour of the town. Moret, famous for its history, and once home to the impressionist painter Alfred Sisley.
- Château Landon has a remarkable history dating from the 5th century. Our knowledgeable guide will amaze you with the town's heritage.
- Grez-sur-Loing. An option to visit this town and hear about the many impressionist painters who made it their home. The church is remarkable for its gothic details. French royalty visited the church as evidenced by the royal symbol in the floor tiles.
- Ferrieres-en-Gatinais, a charming town with a gorgeous church and remarkable Abbaye.
- Glass blowing factory in Soisy Sur Ecole where we see the craftsmen at work plying their century old skills.
- Chocolate Factory in the Nemours region.
Our cruise comes to a close in the town of Montargis. A walk through the old town allows for some great shopping and magnificent sights of old canals weaving their way through the center of town. Stepping over the canals through many beautiful bridges (some built by Gustav Eiffel) is certainly a treat.
Our cruise itinerary is designed to allow as much flexibility as possible. The following is an example of the tour itinerary but we will always try to accommodate any specific group requirements.
A typical itinerary includes:
Sunday - Samois s/Seine to St. Mammes
We collect you from your Paris hotel after lunch for transfer by private mini-coach to Meanderer moored at the riverside village of Samois-sur-Seine, home of Django Rheinhart. A champagne reception and early evening cruise to a busy waterside town of St. Mammes await you.
Monday - St. Mammes to Episy
During the morning we cruise to Episy, we sail past Moret-sur-Loing. After lunch, the excursion program begins with a visit to the busy town and spectacular palace of Fontainebleau, home to generations of French royalty, or Vaux-le-Vicomte, site of the movie "Man in the Iron Mask."
Tuesday - Episy to Nemours
Today's excursion takes us to Moret-sur-Loing and a guided walking tour of this spectacular village, home of Alfred Sisley and inspiration to many famous impressionist painters. Our afternoon cruise takes us to the charming town of Nemours, with its impressive church and beautiful 12th century castle.
Wednesday - Nemours to Neronville
This morning's cruise takes us to a picturesque mooring at the village of Neronville. From there, after lunch, we visit the hilltop town of Chateau Landon. Many options are available, including a horse-drawn carriage visit of the town (additional fee) or a very interesting guided walking tour. The cruise itself takes us through an industrial section of the canal followed by a contrasting quiet, rural and picturesque section before arriving at Neronville.
Thursday - Neronville to Nargis (Retourne)
The daily excursion program continues with a visit to the village of Grez sur Loing. An optional excursion to Barbizon is available. That afternoon we shall cruise to another beautiful, secluded mooring in the village of Nargis.
Friday - Nargis to Montargis
In the morning our cruise will continue to our final overnight mooring at the regional capital, Montargis. For those interested in wine tasting, we offer a trip to the Sancerre wine region including tasting and winery visit. An optional trip to visit the beautiful Chateau de la Bussiere with its 18th century garden or Chateau de St. Fargeau with its unique history and present role in the life of local community. We can, time allowing, include a stopover and a walk over the Briare's Pont Canal - the famous 700 yard aqueduct over the Loire River built in 1896 by Gustav Eiffel. For early risers a visit with the chef to the farmer's market in Ferrieres en Gatinais is an option.
Saturday
This morning after breakfast we depart for the return transfer to Paris.
Note: Cruises run in reverse direction alternate weeks. It may be necessary to vary the itinerary from day to day according to local conditions.
SAMPLE ITINERARY*
Upper Loire:
Golf Charter Cruise 2013
Golf Charter cruises in Upper Loire
For charter cruise weeks, each golf course has been chosen for location (traveling time from the barge has been kept to the shortest possible) as well as the quality of the course itself.
All of the courses have been played by previous guests who reported favorably on their quality, variety and condition. We will personally visit all of the courses again before the start of the season to ensure they still meet the expected standards and to check any specific arrangements.
Non-golfing partners of golfing guests need not worry about having nothing to do as we have researched specific additional excursions and visits which are completely compatible with a golf charter.
Each day we will organise tee-times for either the morning or afternoon leaving us free to cruise for the other half of the day. Guests will be delivered to and collected from each course by private mini-bus with a member of our crew to help them through the registration process at each course and ensure a trouble-free start to their game.
The courses have been selected to provide a suitable challenge for experienced golfers. Some courses have facilities for less experienced players and we will happily enquire about course suitability for specific groups. Handicap certificates are not usually required to play in France although it is a good idea to carry them if possible.
Hire equipment is not at all reliable in France and often unavailable or very limited so we strongly advise guests to bring their own clubs. There is room on board the Meanderer to store them and we can easily carry them in the mini-bus.
Course details
Note: All fees are only rough estimates that are based on data from prior seasons and are expected to be higher for the 2010 season.
COURSE: Les Bordes, Orleans: 18 holes, par 72, 6256m; and 9 holes, par 35, 2870m.
Rated among the top 5 championship courses in France, the picturesque course offer a strong challenge to even the most experienced player. The evergreen fairways feature densely wooded boundaries and large natural water features. Fees per player: from €75
Reference:
http://www.lesbordes.com/
COURSE: Fontainebleau: 18 holes par 72, 6074m. Regarded by many as the best golf course within the southern Paris region, this all weather course is deep in the private forest of the Fontainebleau estate. Fees per player: €50 - €70 and up.
Reference:
http://www.golfdefontainebleau.org/EngPages/engindex.php
COURSE: Domaine de Vougaurd, Montargis: 18 holes par 72, 5914m. The “Golfe de Montargis” championship course is described as an “American” style course. Situated in a wooded valley, the course includes small man made water features and natural lakes. Fees per player: €35 - €65 and up.
Reference:
http://www.vaugouard.com/
COURSE: Roncemay Golf and Country Club, Joigny: 18 holes par 72, 6401m. This international standard course, designed by Jean GARAIALDE in 1991 has hosted many of Frances famous competitions. Overlooked by the Chateau on whose grounds the course has been developed, the length and technical nature of the course offer a challenge to even the most advanced player. Fees per player: €36 - €45 and up.
Reference:
http://www.roncemay.com/
COURSE: Sancerrois, Sancerre: 18 holes par 72, 5828m. The course holds a lovely position set on the banks of the River Loire within sight of the famous vineyard village of Sancerre. A mainly flat, man-made course usually in fine condition. Fees per player: €40 and up.
Reference:
http://www.sancerre.net/golf/En/index_en.htm
SUGGESTED ITINERARY with Recommended Golf courses (with traveling time by road shown in parentheses)
Sunday
At 2pm we collect you from your Paris hotel or pick-up point and transfer you to the barge for an early evening cruise.
Monday
Moored overnight at Amilly, Montargis. Recommended Golf Course: Les Bordes (50mins). Alternate, non-golfing visit: City of Orleans or Chateau Sully
Tuesday
Moored overnight at Montbouy. Recommended Golf Course: Fontainebleau (50mins). Alternate, non-golfing visit: Palais de Fontainbleau.
Wednesday
Moored overnight at Chatillon-Coligny. Recommended Golf Course: Domaine de Vougaurd (30mins). Alternate, non-golfing visit: Montargis walking tour.
Thursday
Moored overnight at Rogny les Sept Ecluses. Recommended Golf Course: Roncemay (50mins). Alternate, non-golfing visit: Chateau de St Fargeau or Auxerre walking tour.
Friday
Moored overnight at Chatillon-sur-Loire. Recommended Golf Course: Sancerrois (35 mins). Alternate, non-golfing visit: Sancerre vineyard and village tour.
Saturday
After breakfast we take you back to Paris
Note: Since we cruise in the opposite direction on alternate weeks, the golf charter schedule will be reversed on those weeks.
SAMPLE ITINERARY*
Upper Loire: Canal de Briare
Montargis to Chatillon-sur-Loire Cycling Itinerary 2013
Sunday - Paris to Montargis
We collect you from your Paris hotel after lunch for transfer by private mini-coach to Meanderer moored in Montargis. A champagne reception and early evening cruise through the historic downtown of Montargis await you. Relax on deck and watch the town and people pass by. Your first dinner on board.
Biking:
Bike allocation and fitting.
Monday - Montargis to Montbouy
During the morning we cruise to Montbouy. After lunch, the excursion program begins with a visit to the busy town and spectacular palace of Fontainebleau, home to generations of French royalty.
Biking:
- Beginners/Leisure Bikers - Bike on your own along the canal and rejoin the barge anytime at one of subsequent locks. Ride through Montcresson and Dammarie. Map and instructions. Flat or mild elevation - 2 to 10 miles.
- Intermediate Enthusiasts - Guided morning ride of 25-45 miles (2-3.5 hrs). Rejoin the barge upstream. Pass through villages of Château Renard and La Chapelle. Light elevation.
- High Experience/Conditioned - Guided ride 55-85 plus miles (3-5 hrs). Skip cruising or visit. Route will include historic villages of Château Landon and Ferrières en Gâtinais. Medium elevation.
Tuesday - Montbouy to Rogny-Les-Sept-Ecluses
This morning we visit the regional capital town of Montargis, the week's best opportunity to explore a busy market town, people-watch or shop for souvenirs and exquisitely packaged confectionary from the famous Mazet Praline shop. On return to the barge, our afternoon cruise to Rogny-les-Sept-Ecluses includes a chance to walk the ancient "staircase" of locks, which stand as a monument to the old canal.
Biking:
- Beginners/Leisure Bikers - Bike on your own along the canal and rejoin the barge anytime at one of subsequent locks. Stop in Chatillon Coligny and have a cool drink at the café in the square. Map and instructions. Flat or mild elevation - 2 to 10 miles.
- Intermediate Enthusiasts - Guided afternoon ride of 25-45 miles (2-3.5 hrs). Rejoin the barge upstream. Pass through villages of Chatillon Coligny and Aillant sur Milleron. Light elevation.
- High Experience/Conditioned - Guided ride 55-85 plus miles (3-5 hrs). Skip cruising or visit. Route will include historic villages of Saint Maurice sur Aveyron, Saint Martin sur Ouanne, Champignelles and Le Charme. Medium elevation.
Wednesday - Rogny-les-Sept-Ecluses to La Gazonne
We start with a morning visit to the splendid 16th Century Château of St. Fargeau which offers a surprising and unique discovery of the rich history of this castle. An alternative excursion is available to the Medieval Village of Guedelon, an extraordinary and unique experience to observe this 25 years project recreating a defensive medieval castle being built with materials, tools and techniques of this ancient period. The afternoon cruise takes us to the nature preserve of La Gazonne, surrounded by multiple lakes for our overnight mooring.
Biking:
- Beginners/Leisure Bikers - Bike on your own along the canal and rejoin the barge anytime at one of subsequent locks. Ride through Rogny-les-Sept-Ecluses, up to the 7 locks and the historical church (Medium grade). Map and instructions. Flat or mild elevation - 2 to 10 miles.
- Intermediate Enthusiasts - Guided morning ride of 25-45 miles (2-3.5 hrs). Start and end in Rogny Les Sept Ecluses. Pass through villages of Adon, La Bussiere, Les Marches and Boismorand. Light elevation.
-High Experience/Conditioned - Guided ride 55-85 plus miles (3-5 hrs). Skip cruising or visit. Route will include historic villages of La Bussiere, Gien, Dampierre en Burly, Ouzouer sur Loire, Sully sur Loire, Saint Martin sur Ocre and return via Briare. Medium elevation.
Thursday - La Gazonne to Briare
We shall cruise in the morning to the beautiful town of Briare; our last mooring before crossing the extraordinary aqueduct over the Loire River, the Pont Canal of Briare (Canal Bridge). The daily excursion program continues with a visit to the beautiful private Château of La Bussière, with its incredible 18th Century garden or Chateau de Sully s/Loire, a magnificent classic château of the Loire Valley. As an alternative we can visit the town of Gien. Set on the banks of the River Loire, the pretty town holds many attractions including the famous Faience Boutique, the Hunting Museum at the Chateau de Gien.
Biking:
- Beginners/Leisure Bikers - Bike on your own along canal and rejoin the barge anytime at one of subsequent locks. Ride through Ouzouer sur Trezee. Map and instructions. Flat or mild elevation - 2 to 10 miles.
- Intermediate Enthusiasts - Guided afternoon ride of 25-45 miles (2-3.5 hrs). Rejoin the barge upstream. Pass through villages of Ouzouer sur Trezee, Bleneau, Dammarie en Puissay. Light elevation.
- High Experience/Conditioned - Guided ride 55-85 plus miles (3-5 hrs). Skip cruising or visit. Route will include historic villages of Ouzouer sur Trezee, Damarie en Puissay, Bleneau, Les Mezilles and Toucy. Medium elevation.
Friday - Briare to Chatillon sur Loire
This morning we cross the world’s longest aqueduct over the River Loire on the way to the charming town of Chatillon sur Loire, our final mooring. Afternoon excursion takes us to the world famous wine region of Sancerre with the opportunity to sample the local wines and explore the charming hill-top village. For early risers a market visit in Briare with our chef is an option
Biking:
-Beginners/Leisure Bikers - After the crossing of Pont Canal, bike all the way to the final mooring at Chatillon sur Loire. Map and instructions. Flat or mild elevation - 2 to 10 miles.
-Intermediate Enthusiasts - Guided morning ride of 25-45 miles (2-3.5 hrs). Rejoin the barge at Chatillon sur Loire.. Pass through villages of Briare, Saint Firmin sur Loire, Ousson and Chatillon sur Loire. Light elevation.
-High Experience/Conditioned - Guided ride 55-85 plus miles (3-5 hrs). Skip cruising or visit. Briare to Sancerre, depending on distance. Medium elevation.
Saturday - Chatillon sur Loire to Paris
This morning after breakfast we depart for the return transfer to Paris.
Note: The biking program is designed to allow as much flexibility as possible. The above is an example of the biking tour itinerary and options and we shall always try to accommodate any specific group and individual preferences. However, there is only one guide available and therefore majority rules (GPS is available). Cruises run in the reverse direction alternate weeks. It may be necessary to vary the itinerary from day to day according to local conditions.
Meanderer
2013 Season Cruise Schedule* |
| Week |
Route |
Season |
| * Apr 7 |
Paris-Montargis |
Special Cruise
|
| Apr 21 |
Chatillon sur Loire-Montargis |
Value
|
| Apr 28 |
Montargis-Chatillon sur Loire |
Value
|
| May 5 |
Chatillon sur Loire-Montargis |
Value
|
| May 12 |
Montargis-Chatillon sur Loire |
Regular
|
| May 19 |
Chatillon sur Loire-Montargis |
Regular
|
| May 26 |
Montargis-Chatillon sur Loire |
Regular
|
| Jun 2 |
Chatillon sur Loire-Montargis |
Regular
|
| Jun 9 |
Montargis-Chatillon sur Loire |
Regular
|
| Jun 16 |
Montargis-Paris |
Regular
|
| Jun 23 |
Paris-Chatillon sur Loire |
Regular
|
| Jun 30 |
Chatillon sur Loire-Montargis |
Regular
|
| Jul 7 |
Montargis-Chatillon sur Loire |
Regular
|
| Jul 14 |
Chatillon sur Loire-Montargis |
Regular
|
|
| Cruise Schedule* ... continued |
| Week |
Route |
Season |
| Jul 21 |
Montargis-Chatillon sur Loire |
Regular
|
| Jul 28 |
Chatillon sur Loire-Montargis |
Regular
|
| Aug 4 |
Montargis-Chatillon sur Loire |
Regular
|
| Aug 11 |
Chatillon sur Loire-Montargis |
Regular
|
| Aug 18 |
Montargis-Chatillon sur Loire |
Regular
|
| Aug 25 |
Chatillon sur Loire-Montargis |
Regular
|
| Sep 1 |
Montargis-Chatillon sur Loire |
Regular
|
| Sep 8 |
Chatillon sur Loire-Montargis |
Regular
|
| Sep 15 |
Montargis-Chatillon sur Loire |
Regular
|
| Sep 22 |
Chatillon sur Loire-Montargis |
Regular
|
| Sep 29 |
Montargis-Paris |
Regular
|
| Oct 6 |
Paris-Sens |
Regular
|
| Oct 13 |
Sens-Auxerre |
Regular
|
| ** Oct 20 |
Auxerre-Rogny |
Special Cruise
|
|
* The special cruise offer for April 7, 2013 is SOLD OUT.
** This end of season special offers nine days priced at the VALUE rate of one week for a charter for 4,5 or 6 passengers
at $27,900, $28,400 and $28,900 respectively. Two extra, full service days are included at no charge.
* NOTE: Meanderer offers two itinerary options for full boat charters: The
southern "Canal de Briare Cruise" between Montargis and Chatillon-sur-Loire
or the northern "Canal de Loing Cruise" between Montargis and
Samois-sur-Seine. Availability of each route depends on the cruise weeks
already booked.
Hotel Barge Meanderer's cruise route, highlighting the northern Samois-sur-Seine to Montargis route on the Canal du Loing, and the southern Montargis to Chatillon-sur-Loire route on the Canal de Briare. For a more detailed look at the cruise route, view our map of the Canal de Briare .
*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.
MEANDERER
2013 SEASON PRICES in US DOLLARS |
| ACCOMMODATION |
SPECIAL CRUISE PARIS-MONTARGIS *
Apr 7 thru Apr 13 |
VALUE
Apr 21 thru May 11 |
REGULAR
May 12 thru Oct 19 |
SPECIAL 9-DAY CRUISE AUXERRE-ROGNY *
Oct 20 thru Oct 26 |
|
Cabin (per person, double occupancy) |
NA |
$4,950 |
$5,430 |
NA |
|
Single Occupancy Supplement |
NA |
$4,950 |
$5,430 |
NA |
|
Charter for 4 |
$27,900 |
$27,900 |
$29,800 |
$27,900 |
|
Charter for 5 |
$27,900 |
$28,400 |
$30,600 |
$28,400 |
|
Charter for 6 |
$27,900 |
$28,900 |
$31,400 |
$28,900 |
| * April 7, 2013 Special Cruise is SOLD OUT
|
What's Included
- 7 days and 6 nights on the barge in cabins with private bath
- Transfers from Paris to the barge and return
- All meals beginning with dinner on Sunday through breakfast on Saturday
- All wines with lunches and dinners
- Open bar
- All escorted side-excursions (hot air ballooning, golf, etc. at additional cost)
- Use of bicycles
What's Not Included
- Overseas air transportation to Paris and return
- Suggested 5-7% gratuity for the crew, to be paid in equivalent Euros to the captain
* NOTE: Contact us for what is included and not included in Meanderer's "Special Cruise" itineraries.
| Please visit our Special Offers page to see potential discounts for this barge or many others. |
 |
Special Places Travel, LLC
"Barges in France (and the rest of Europe) ... for the experience of a lifetime!" ™
For booking information,
Phone (toll-free): 1-877-64-BARGE (1-877-642-2743)
Outside of the U.S.: 001.443.321.3614
or E-mail: info@specialplacestravel.com
|
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Last Update: March 28, 2013
Barges in France, A Division of Special Places Travel, LLC.
Barges in Europe, A Division of Special Places Travel, LLC.
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