Our itinerary covers the entire length of the Canal de Loing (a canal built specifically to join the Loire river to the River Seine and Paris) as well as some of the most picturesque parts of the Canal de Briare - one of France's first canals, built in the early 16th century.

Additionally, the route covers a short section of the River Seine between St Mammes and Samois-sur-Seine, a part of the river which even today, plays a major part in the thriving river barge transportation system in France.

The river section (limited to around 2 hours cruising only per week) passes some of the prettiest villages on the entire River Seine where wealthy Parisian professionals have made their homes for centuries. At St Mammes (the junction of the river and the Canal de Loing) we see a wide variety of river craft carrying produce towards the capital.

Once onto the canal, the countryside changes as we pass open fields, classic French villages and towns. We frequently still see the occasional barge loading with grain or aggregate at a loading dock - a testimony to the continuing importance of the canal in this region.

As we progress deeper into this little known region (referred to by the French as the "Gatinais" and often affectionately called the "Garden of Paris") we see changing architectural styles reflecting the use of local materials in the buildings and pass some of the oldest villages and towns in the region - many of which owe their heritage to the history of the canal.

The canal follows the valley of the River Loing - an important feeder river for the Seine which flows into Paris from the region - so the canal has a wonderfully relaxed feel to it - and rarely follows a straight course.

The waterways are teeming with wildlife which always seem to know when to show themselves as the barges moves slowly past. The locals too, are always happy to acknowledge and greet us as we pass the open front doors of their waterside properties.

In total the route covers some 65 miles and passes through almost 40 locks - many of which still have friendly lock-keepers who wish us well on our voyage.

Our excursion schedule offers a varied and diverse mixture of the best visits in the region with no overly-long drives to see the attractions. For those who wish to walk or cycle, the route boasts a surfaced path alongside the canal for almost all of its length together with many opportunities to explore nearby villages on foot or by bike as the barge cruises slowly along.

The daily itinerary schedule is as follows:

Sunday - Samois sur Seine to St. Mammes
Guests are met at the appointed pick up hotel at 1.30 pm and transferred to Renaissance moored in the colorful river-side village of Samois-Sur-Seine on the River Seine. A Champagne Welcome awaits you before a short cruise takes us to the bustling waterside village of St. Mammes. The cruise today includes the passage through one of the mighty River locks on the Seine. Dinner aboard.

Monday - St. Mammes to Nemours
We enter the Canal de Loing to begin the gradual ascent up to the summit level of the canal. Our excursion today is the glorious Chateau Vaux le Vicomte, inspiration for Versaille and setting for "The Man in the Iron Mask". This 17th century chateau has a fascinating history and includes a walk in the most graceful formal gardens in France. Our mooring tonight is in the town of Nemours. Dinner aboard.

Tuesday - Nemours to Nargis
Our morning cruise takes us to an idyllic mooring at Beau Moulins for lunch before visiting the town of Moret Sur Loing - the medieval walled city famed as the home of Sisley. Our local guide will help you explore the charming town where the River Loing flows into the River Seine. The church here inspired the style of Notre Dame and the many authentic town houses and narrow streets are an inspiration for painters today. We overnight in Nargis. Dinner aboard.

Wednesday - Nargis to Cepoy
Morning excursion to the hill-top medieval town of Chateau Landon with its 11th century church and fortified battlements. The town is best seen from an open vehicle, so today we ride into town by horsedrawn carriage before stopping in the town centre to explore the narrow alleyways and reinforced battlements of the city. After lunch, our cruise continues to Cepoy and perhaps enjoy a pre-dinner stroll or cycle. Dinner ashore.

Thursday - Cepoy to Montbouy
Today we join the 17th century Canal de Briare at Montargis - capital of "the Gatinais" - flower bedecked bridges and a network of miniature canals create a Venetian atmosphere. Morning shopping in this bustling market town and a visit to the "Mazet" Pralines shop. Passing Montargis we make for the village of Montbouy - one of the prettiest villages on this canal. Our mooring will be in the shadow of the splendid 12th century church in Montbouy. Dinner aboard.

Friday - Montbouy to Rogny les Sept Ecluses
An early start to see a traditional country market. Chef will be off the barge to pick up freshly grown vegetables and local cheeses for the Captain’s Dinner this evening. Our final cruise takes us to one of the oldest canalside villages in Burgundy, Rogny-Les-Sept-Ecluses, where a staircase of seven locks are now a French National Monument, testimony to the canal’s 500 year history. Our final excursion takes us to a privately owned Loire Valley Chateau - the Chateau de La Bussiere - for a guided tour and a visit to the splendid vegetable gardens (which supplies the vegetables for the local Michelin starred restaurant). Since we are also now moored on the borders of the Burgundy and Loire regions, our visit to the chateau will be rounded off with a private tasting of some of the regions best known and most popular wines. Our mooring tonight will be in the village of Rogny-Les-Sept-Ecluses on the Canal de Briare where we enjoy a celebration farewell dinner hosted by your barge Captain.

Saturday - Rogny les Sept Ecluses
After breakfast, we return to the central Paris meeting point. You should expect to arrive in Paris by midday.

Please note: this is a sample itinerary which may be subject to change depending on local conditions. The route will run in reverse on alternate weeks.