Barge Cruise: Nymphea
Cruise In France On The Cher River In The Loire Valley On The First Class Hotel-Barge NYMPHEA
BARGE CRUISES: SEVEN DAYS/SIX NIGHTS
The-6 passenger Nymphea is a classic Dutch barge, whose shallow draft design is ideal for navigating the incredibly beautiful, yet somewhat sandy reaches of the river Cher, in the Loire valley. To date, the Nymphea is the only cruising barge navigating the fabled Loire Valley. Refitted throughout, her traditional ship's interior features a warm classic decor of rich varnished hardwoods, stained glass and a welcoming country house atmosphere. There are three charming cabins -- two with twin beds and a third that can be configured with either double bed or two twin sized beds-- provide lots of cozy comfort. The Nymphea is operated by its owner Leigh Wooten. The crew, which includes the Captain, Chef and tour guide are very knowledgeable about the history of this beautiful area, and are the perfect hosts for your cruise.
Some of the cruise highlights include: a cruise under the famed Château de Chenonceau, a visit to a Troglodyte cave dwelling and silkworm nursery, an excursion to the Château d'Amboise, private tastings at Montrichard and Civray, a visit to the château of Valençay or Blois, a visit to the colorful street markets and optional hot air ballooning. The Nymphea cruises between the second week in July through mid-October.
We have cruised on the Nymphea and visited it several times and think that it offers wonderful excursions, great cuisine and wines and a unique perpective of the Loire Valley. Gliding on the Cher River aboard Nymphea as it passes directly beneath the Chateau de Chenonceau where the Chateau spans the river is one of our lifetime best memories, a stunning experience that only the Nymphea provides.
Features
- Size of barge: 81 ft. by 14 ft.
- Number of Passengers: 6
- Number of Cabins (all with private bath): 3
- Crew: 2-3
- Air Conditioning and Central Heating: Yes
- Salon: Lower level salon has built-in seating and dining table for 6. Upper salon has picture windows and built-in seating.
- Bar: Open bar
- Deck: Sundeck with reclining chairs and a parasol
- Spa Tub: No
- Cabin Features: Chenonceau bow cabin 91 sq ft with twin beds or double with entrance from deck. Cheverny cabin 65 sq ft with twin beds, Chambord cabin 75 sq ft with twin beds, all including ensuite bathroom with shower
- Vehicle for Transfers/Excursions: 6-seater air-conditioned VW Caravelle minibus
- Accessibility: 7 steps from deck to salon. No steps from salon to 2 cabins. 7 steps from deck to bow cabin.
- Bicycles: 6 mountain bikes
- Wi-Fi: Yes (limited in some areas)
Nymphea's Deck Plan
| NYMPHEA 2021 SEASON PRICES in US DOLLARS | |
|---|---|
| TYPE | REGULAR Jun 27 thru Oct 2 |
| Cabin (per person, double occupancy) |
$4,790 |
| Single Occupancy Supplement |
$1,900 |
| Honeymoon Charter for 2 |
$20,500 |
| Charter for 4 |
$24,400 |
| Charter for 5 |
$25,800 |
| Charter for 6 |
$27,200 |
| NYMPHEA 2022 SEASON PRICES in US DOLLARS | |
|---|---|
| TYPE | REGULAR Jun 26 thru Oct 8 |
| Cabin (per person, double occupancy) |
$5,050 |
| Single Occupancy Supplement |
$2,000 |
| Honeymoon Charter for 2 |
$23,000 |
| Charter for 4 |
$25,700 |
| Charter for 5 |
$27,200 |
| Charter for 6 |
$28,700 |
What's Included
- 7 days and 6 nights on the barge, all cabins with private bath
- transfers from Tours (St Pierre des Corps TGV station) to the barge and return
- all meals beginning with dinner on Sunday through breakfast on Saturday, including one dinner at a local restaurant
- 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
- train transfers from Paris to Tours (St Pierre des Corps TGV station) and return
- suggested 5-7% gratuity for the crew, to be paid to the captain in equivalent Euros
- Trip cancellation insurance
|
Nymphea 2021 Season Cruise Schedule* |
||
|---|---|---|
| Week | Route (Or Reverse) | Season |
| Jun 27 | Montrichard-Nitray | Regular |
| Jul 4 | Nitray-Montrichard | Regular |
| Jul 11 | Montrichard-Nitray | Regular |
| Jul 18 | Nitray-Montrichard | Regular |
| Jul 25 | Montrichard-Nitray | Regular |
| Aug 1 | Nitray-Montrichard | Regular |
| Aug 8 | Montrichard-Nitray | Regular |
| Aug 15 | Nitray-Montrichard | Regular |
| Aug 22 | Montrichard-Nitray | Regular |
| Aug 29 | Nitray-Montrichard | Regular |
| Sep 5 | Montrichard-Nitray | Regular |
| Sep 12 | Nitray-Montrichard | Regular |
| Sep 19 | Montrichard-Nitray | Regular |
| Sep 26 | Nitray-Montrichard | Regular |
|
Nymphea 2022 Season Cruise Schedule* |
||
|---|---|---|
| Week | Route (Or Reverse) | Season |
| Jun 26 | Montrichard-Nitray | Regular |
| Jul 3 | Nitray-Montrichard | Regular |
| Jul 10 | Montrichard-Nitray | Regular |
| Jul 17 | Nitray-Montrichard | Regular |
| Jul 24 | Montrichard-Nitray | Regular |
| Jul 31 | Nitray-Montrichard | Regular |
| Aug 7 | Montrichard-Nitray | Regular |
| Aug 14 | Nitray-Montrichard | Regular |
| Aug 21 | Montrichard-Nitray | Regular |
| Aug 28 | Nitray-Montrichard | Regular |
| Sep 4 | Montrichard-Nitray | Regular |
| Sep 11 | Nitray-Montrichard | Regular |
| Sep 18 | Montrichard-Nitray | Regular |
| Sep 25 | Nitray-Montrichard | Regular |
| Oct 2 | Montrichard-Nitray | Regular |
*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.
SAMPLE ITINERARY*
The Loire Valley: Cher River
Moulin de Nitray to Montrichard 2023
The Loire Valley: Cher River
Moulin de Nitray to Montrichard 2023
Sunday - Moulin de Nitray
Guests are met near Tours and transferred by private chauffeured minibus to hotel barge Nymphea where the crew and a Champagne Welcome await you at our mooring opposite the 17th century Moulin de Nitray. Dinner on board.
Chateau de Villandry
Chateau du Clos Luce
Chateau Chenonceau
Chateau Valencay
Monday - Moulin de Nitray to Vallet
After breakfast we stroll up to Nitray to visit the château and rose garden. We taste their range of Touraine wine before returning to the barge and cruising up to the hamlet of Vallet. In the afternoon, we enjoy an excursion to Château de Villandry on the banks of the Loire. The château is world-renowned for its amazing array of ornamental, water, vegetable and herb gardens. Dinner on board.
Tuesday - Vallet to Civray-de-Touraine
After a short morning cruise we enjoy a pre-lunch aperitif at Bruno Curassier's Domaine de la Grange before continuing our cruise to Civray de Touraine. After lunch on board, we tour the Château d'Amboise, a royal residence of the Kings of France for 200 years. We also visit Château du Clos Lucé nearby, Leonardo Da Vinci's home for the last 3 years of his life. Dinner on board.
Wednesday - Civray-de-Touraine to Chissay-en-Touraine
This morning we cruise under the 5-arch bridge of the impressive Château de Chenonceau before mooring nearby. From here we take a short drive in the air-conditioned minibus to visit Chenonceau, often called "the ladies château", after those such as Henry II's mistress, Diane de Poitiers, who added the bridge over the River Cher and the beautiful gardens. Evening cruise to Chissay-en-Touraine and dinner ashore at a local restaurant, La Boulaye.
Thursday - Chissy-en-Touraine to Montrichard
A morning cruise takes us towards the troglodyte village of Bourré and we moor near one of the more unusual dwellings, La Magnaneraie. The Coquillat family have grown up in this hillside troglodyte habitation, which has been in turn a wine cellar, a quarry for the tuffeau stone, and lastly, a silkworm nursery. After lunch we drive to Valencay, one of the most splendid châteaux of the Loire. We then cruise to Montrichard where we moor for the night. Dinner on board.
Friday - Montrichard to Moulin de Nitray
Following breakfast, we explore the street market of Montrichard and the 11th century château overlooking the medieval town square, as well as the local vineyard of the Meriau family, to taste the regional Touraine vintages. In the afternoon, we cruise back downstream to Nitray before the Captain’s Farewell Dinner on board.
Saturday - Moulin de Nitray
After breakfast, guests are transferred by private chauffeured minibus to the drop-off point near Tours.
Dining Aboard The Nymphea:
BREAKFAST
LUNCH
DINNER
DESSERTS
SAMPLE WINE LIST
Château de Fontenay; La Reserve de Jean; Château de la Grille; Chinon; Domaine de la Renaudi; Touraine Blanc; Château de Nitray; Cabernet Franc; Les Meuriers
Fabulous! I have traveled all over the US, Central America, into South America, extensively in the UK and Ireland, France, Spain, Scandinavia, Italy, Greece, and Egypt. This was by far the most relaxing and enjoyable trip I have ever had!
M.H., OH, USA
It was a lot of fun.! Our daily trips were also everything you would want. SPT was outstanding, probably the best group I have worked with when planning a trip.
A & J F., WA, USA
Nymphea exceeded our expectations. The excursions were great fun. A little bit of exercise, a lot of history and culture, and some gorgeous sights. The crew service was beyond reproach -- elegant, friendly, entertaining. We have never felt so pampered! Meals were fantastic, gourmet fare with a wonderful variety of offerings. There was something to tickle the palate of the most discriminating diners! Our cabin was comfortable, clean, and inviting. The vase of flowers was a special and unexpected touch. To sum it up; this cruise was fun, relaxing, informative, companionable, and delicious!
P & J K., NH, USA
The Nymphea excursions were well planned and very interesting. Meals and wines were delicious. We listed the food in our journal as it was one of the high points of the trip. Caroline, our chef, was a genius in a tiny kitchen. We enjoyed the deck, upper level lounge and lower level lounge and dining area, they gave a variety of locations during the day, good for different weather conditions.
K.I., CO, USA
This page last updated December 25, 2023
Guests are met near Tours and transferred by private chauffeured minibus to hotel barge Nymphea where the crew and a Champagne Welcome await you at our mooring opposite the 17th century Moulin de Nitray. Dinner on board.
Chateau de Villandry
Chateau du Clos Luce
Chateau Chenonceau
Chateau Valencay
After breakfast we stroll up to Nitray to visit the château and rose garden. We taste their range of Touraine wine before returning to the barge and cruising up to the hamlet of Vallet. In the afternoon, we enjoy an excursion to Château de Villandry on the banks of the Loire. The château is world-renowned for its amazing array of ornamental, water, vegetable and herb gardens. Dinner on board.
Tuesday - Vallet to Civray-de-Touraine
After a short morning cruise we enjoy a pre-lunch aperitif at Bruno Curassier's Domaine de la Grange before continuing our cruise to Civray de Touraine. After lunch on board, we tour the Château d'Amboise, a royal residence of the Kings of France for 200 years. We also visit Château du Clos Lucé nearby, Leonardo Da Vinci's home for the last 3 years of his life. Dinner on board.
Wednesday - Civray-de-Touraine to Chissay-en-Touraine
This morning we cruise under the 5-arch bridge of the impressive Château de Chenonceau before mooring nearby. From here we take a short drive in the air-conditioned minibus to visit Chenonceau, often called "the ladies château", after those such as Henry II's mistress, Diane de Poitiers, who added the bridge over the River Cher and the beautiful gardens. Evening cruise to Chissay-en-Touraine and dinner ashore at a local restaurant, La Boulaye.
Thursday - Chissy-en-Touraine to Montrichard
A morning cruise takes us towards the troglodyte village of Bourré and we moor near one of the more unusual dwellings, La Magnaneraie. The Coquillat family have grown up in this hillside troglodyte habitation, which has been in turn a wine cellar, a quarry for the tuffeau stone, and lastly, a silkworm nursery. After lunch we drive to Valencay, one of the most splendid châteaux of the Loire. We then cruise to Montrichard where we moor for the night. Dinner on board.
Friday - Montrichard to Moulin de Nitray
Following breakfast, we explore the street market of Montrichard and the 11th century château overlooking the medieval town square, as well as the local vineyard of the Meriau family, to taste the regional Touraine vintages. In the afternoon, we cruise back downstream to Nitray before the Captain’s Farewell Dinner on board.
Saturday - Moulin de Nitray
After breakfast, guests are transferred by private chauffeured minibus to the drop-off point near Tours.
Dining Aboard The Nymphea:
SAMPLE MENU
BREAKFAST
- Freshly baked croissants, pastries and breads
- Cereals
- Fresh fruits
- Fresh fruit juices
- Coffee and a selection of teas
LUNCH
- Local white asparagus with crispy parmesan tuiles
- Ripe tomatoes stuffed with basil & roasted pine nuts
- Corn fed chicken breast coated with a duo of whole grain Dijon mustard
- Roasted artichokes with a garlic persillade
- Smoked salmon quiche with whole wheat pastry
- Seared quail's breasts with seasonal greens and cep mushroom vinaigrette
DINNER
- Cheese soufflé with curly chickory salad and red currants
- Roasted saddle of lamb, gratin dauphinoise potatoes and French beans with shitake mushrooms
- Onion and potato tart, seared scallops and balsamic vinaigrette
- Duck confit with roasted celeriac purée and red wine jus
- Assorted cheese board may include Chèvre de Valencay, Tomme de Savoie, Roquefort, Colommiers, Epoisses, Beaufort, Brie de Melun and Affiné au Chablis
DESSERTS
- Strawberries & crème fraîche
- Dark chocolate molten cake with white chocolate ice cream
- Apple tatin with crème Normande au Calvados
SAMPLE WINE LIST
Château de Fontenay; La Reserve de Jean; Château de la Grille; Chinon; Domaine de la Renaudi; Touraine Blanc; Château de Nitray; Cabernet Franc; Les Meuriers
Passenger Comments:
Fabulous! I have traveled all over the US, Central America, into South America, extensively in the UK and Ireland, France, Spain, Scandinavia, Italy, Greece, and Egypt. This was by far the most relaxing and enjoyable trip I have ever had!
M.H., OH, USA
It was a lot of fun.! Our daily trips were also everything you would want. SPT was outstanding, probably the best group I have worked with when planning a trip.
A & J F., WA, USA
Nymphea exceeded our expectations. The excursions were great fun. A little bit of exercise, a lot of history and culture, and some gorgeous sights. The crew service was beyond reproach -- elegant, friendly, entertaining. We have never felt so pampered! Meals were fantastic, gourmet fare with a wonderful variety of offerings. There was something to tickle the palate of the most discriminating diners! Our cabin was comfortable, clean, and inviting. The vase of flowers was a special and unexpected touch. To sum it up; this cruise was fun, relaxing, informative, companionable, and delicious!
P & J K., NH, USA
The Nymphea excursions were well planned and very interesting. Meals and wines were delicious. We listed the food in our journal as it was one of the high points of the trip. Caroline, our chef, was a genius in a tiny kitchen. We enjoyed the deck, upper level lounge and lower level lounge and dining area, they gave a variety of locations during the day, good for different weather conditions.
K.I., CO, USA
LINKS to Nymphea Information
This page last updated December 25, 2023