Barge Cruise: Renaissance
Cruise In France On The Canal de Briare and the Canal Lateral a la Loire In The Upper Loire Region On The Ultra Deluxe Hotel-Barge RENAISSANCE
BARGE CRUISES: SEVEN DAYS/SIX NIGHTS
The 8-passenger Renaissance has earned a reputation as one of the most luxurious hotel barges currently available on the rivers and canals of France. The Renaissance offers four spacious cabins that can be configured into either a king bed or two twin bed sized suites, about 235 - 265 sq ft with a private, ensuite bathroom of 60 sq ft that provides the ultimate in barging luxury. There is also a TV/DVD player in each suite. The beautifully appointed lounge has comfortable seating and the cozy bar is stocked with your favorite beverages. You will also find lots of interesting material on board with current books and periodicals and a Bose CD system for added entertainment. The large sundeck at the bow has a canopy over the dining table and sun loungers near the jacuzzi, for a cooler respite area on sunny days.
The Renaissance cruises in the Upper Loire region, primarily on the beautiful Canal de Briare. Excursions include a visit to a winery in Sancerre and the Gien faience factory, as well as a spectacular cruise over the Loire River on the Briare Pont Canal. An alternate cruise route on the Canal Lateral a la Loire between Samois-sur-Seine and Montargis is available on request.
Renaissance has an outstanding and experienced crew that continue to draw rave reviews from guests who have been lucky enough to enjoy a fabulous cruise week aboard the Renaissance. We have cruised on the Renaissance a number of times, both when it was known as La Bonne Humeur and since it became the Renaissance in 2008. We have always thought it was a beautiful barge, with wonderful French decor throughout. We visited the barge most recently in April 2017 and were impressed with the gorgeous new bar and bar stools in the salon.
Features
- Size of barge: 128 ft by 17.5 ft
- Number of Passengers: 8
- Number of Cabins (all with private bath): 4
- Crew: 5
- Air Conditioning and Central Heating: Yes
- Salon: Large salon with beautiful furnishings. Comfortable sofas and picture windows. Dining area with large table for 8
- Bar: Open bar
- Deck: Teak sundeck with covered deck area, dining table, chairs, recliners and spa pool
- Spa Tub: Yes
- Cabin Features: Bow and stern suites are 265 sq ft, mid suites are 235 sq ft, all with king bed or oversized twins and large ensuite bathrooms 60 sq ft with oversized shower. TV/DVD player in each suite
- Vehicle for Transfers/Excursions: Air-conditioned 8 seater Mercedes minivan.
- Accessibility: No steps from deck to salon, 14 steps from salon to cabins
- Bicycles: 8 touring bicycles
- Wi-Fi: Yes - limited in some areas
Renaissance Deck Plan
| RENAISSANCE 2018 SEASON PRICES in US DOLLARS | ||
|---|---|---|
| TYPE | VALUE Apr 8 thru Apr 28 Jul 22 thru Aug 25 Oct 7 thru Oct 27 |
REGULAR Apr 29 thru Jul 21 Aug 26 thru Oct 6 |
| Suite (per person, double occupancy) |
$6,750 |
$7,850 |
| Suite Single Supplement |
$2,450 |
$2,850 |
| Charter for 6 |
$47,500 |
$54,000 |
| Charter for 7 |
$49,000 |
$56,200 |
| Charter for 8 |
$50,500 |
$58,400 |
Special Offers Page
... to see potential discounts for this barge or many others.
What's Included
- 7 days and 6 nights in a cabin with private bath
- Transfers from Paris to the barge and return
- All meals beginning with dinner on Sunday, through breakfast on Saturday
- Dinner ashore at Auberge des Templiers in Les Bezards
- All wines with lunches and dinners
- Open bar stocked to your specification
- Use of bicycles
- All escorted side-excursions (hot air balloon flights, golf at additional cost)
What's Not Included
- Overseas air transportation to Paris and return
- Suggested minimum 5% gratuity for the crew, to be given to the captain in equivalent euros
|
Renaissance 2018 Season Cruise Schedule* |
||
|---|---|---|
| Week | Route (Or Reverse) | Season |
| Apr 8 | Chatillon sur Loire-Montargis | Value |
| Apr 15 | Montargis-Chatillon sur Loire | Value |
| Apr 22 | Chatillon sur Loire-Montargis | Value |
| Apr 29 | Montargis-Chatillon sur Loire | Regular |
| May 6 | Chatillon sur Loire-Montargis | Regular |
| May 13 | Montargis-Chatillon sur Loire | Regular |
| May 20 | Chatillon sur Loire-Montargis | Regular |
| May 27 | Montargis-Chatillon sur Loire | Regular |
| Jun 3 | Chatillon sur Loire-Montargis | Regular |
| Jun 10 | Montargis-Chatillon sur Loire | Regular |
| Jun 17 | Chatillon sur Loire-Montargis | Regular |
| Jun 24 | Montargis-Chatillon sur Loire | Regular |
| Jul 1 | Chatillon sur Loire-Montargis | Regular |
| Jul 8 | Montargis-Chatillon sur Loire | Regular |
| Jul 15 | Chatillon sur Loire-Montargis | Regular |
| Cruise Schedule* ... continued |
||
|---|---|---|
| Week | Route (Or Reverse) | Season |
| Jul 22 | Montargis-Chatillon sur Loire | Value |
| Jul 29 | Chatillon sur Loire-Montargis | Value |
| Aug 5 | Montargis-Chatillon sur Loire | Value |
| Aug 12 | Chatillon sur Loire-Montargis | Value |
| Aug 19 | Montargis-Chatillon sur Loire | Value |
| Aug 26 | Chatillon sur Loire-Montargis | Regular |
| Sep 2 | Montargis-Chatillon sur Loire | Regular |
| Sep 9 | Chatillon sur Loire-Montargis | Regular |
| Sep 16 | Montargis-Chatillon sur Loire | Regular |
| Sep 23 | Chatillon sur Loire-Montargis | Regular |
| Sep 30 | Montargis-Chatillon sur Loire | Regular |
| Oct 7 | Chatillon sur Loire-Montargis | Value |
| Oct 14 | Montargis-Chatillon sur Loire | Value |
| Oct 21 | Chatillon sur Loire-Montargis | Value |
|
2018 Season Cruise Schedule* |
||
|---|---|---|
| Week | Route (Or Reverse) | Season |
| Apr 8 | Chatillon sur Loire-Montargis | Value |
| Apr 15 | Montargis-Chatillon sur Loire | Value |
| Apr 22 | Chatillon sur Loire-Montargis | Value |
| Apr 29 | Montargis-Chatillon sur Loire | Regular |
| May 6 | Chatillon sur Loire-Montargis | Regular |
| May 13 | Montargis-Chatillon sur Loire | Regular |
| May 20 | Chatillon sur Loire-Montargis | Regular |
| May 27 | Montargis-Chatillon sur Loire | Regular |
| Jun 3 | Chatillon sur Loire-Montargis | Regular |
| Jun 10 | Montargis-Chatillon sur Loire | Regular |
| Jun 17 | Chatillon sur Loire-Montargis | Regular |
| Jun 24 | Montargis-Chatillon sur Loire | Regular |
| Jul 1 | Chatillon sur Loire-Montargis | Regular |
| Jul 8 | Montargis-Chatillon sur Loire | Regular |
| Jul 15 | Chatillon sur Loire-Montargis | Regular |
| Week | Route (Or Reverse) | Season |
| Jul 22 | Montargis-Chatillon sur Loire | Value |
| Jul 29 | Chatillon sur Loire-Montargis | Value |
| Aug 5 | Montargis-Chatillon sur Loire | Value |
| Aug 12 | Chatillon sur Loire-Montargis | Value |
| Aug 19 | Montargis-Chatillon sur Loire | Value |
| Aug 26 | Chatillon sur Loire-Montargis | Regular |
| Sep 2 | Montargis-Chatillon sur Loire | Regular |
| Sep 9 | Chatillon sur Loire-Montargis | Regular |
| Sep 16 | Montargis-Chatillon sur Loire | Regular |
| Sep 23 | Chatillon sur Loire-Montargis | Regular |
| Sep 30 | Montargis-Chatillon sur Loire | Regular |
| Oct 7 | Chatillon sur Loire-Montargis | Value |
| Oct 14 | Montargis-Chatillon sur Loire | Value |
| Oct 21 | Chatillon sur Loire-Montargis | Value |
*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*
RENAISSANCE
Upper Loire: Canal de Briare
Montargis to Chatillon Sur Loire 2018
RENAISSANCE
Upper Loire: Canal de Briare
Montargis to Chatillon Sur Loire 2018
Chateau de Fontainebleau
Chateau de Sully-sur-Loire
Rogny-les-Sept-Ecluse
Pont Canal de Briare
Hilltop Village of Sancerre
Sunday - Montargis
Guests are met at the designate pickup point in Paris and transferred by private chauffeured minibus to the spacious Renaissance where a Champagne welcome with canapés awaits you and you meet the Captain and crew. Time enough to explore the pretty village of Montargis on foot or bicycle, before dinner on board.
Monday - Montargis to Montbouy
This morning, we embark on our first cruise through the Loire countryside, with great towpath walking and cycling opportunities, to moor at Montbouy. After lunch on board, we visit Château de Fontainebleau, a national museum and UNESCO World Heritage Site. To walk through this magnificent palace is to walk through the history of France. It is the only royal and imperial château to have been continuously inhabited for seven centuries and every French royal family added its own architectural style and features when in residence. Dinner on board.
Tuesday - Montbouy to Rogny-les-Sept-Ecluses
This morning we visit Château de Sully-sur-Loire. The castle originally belonged to Georges de la Trémoïlle, who infuriated Joan of Arc by encouraging the Dauphin to devote himself to idle hunting in the forests around Sully. After Joan's failure to liberate Paris in 1430, de la Trémoïlle imprisoned her in the castle. In the 18th century Voltaire, exiled from Paris, also spent time at the château. Following lunch back on board, we enjoy an afternoon cruise to our mooring at the pretty village of Rogny-les-Sept-Ecluses, near its 350-year-old 7 lock-flight, which is well worth visiting on foot. Dinner on board.
Wednesday - Rogny-les-Sept-Ecluses to La Gazonne
After a leisurely breakfast of fresh croissants, baguettes and assorted pastries we visit Gien, home of the Faience pottery, renowned for its beautifully decorated and vibrant dinnerware, and also explore the town's bustling market. After lunch, we enjoy an afternoon cruise to La Gazonne, a beautiful mooring surrounded by lakes and ponds that provide water for the workings of the Canal de Briare. Dinner ashore at the Michelin-starred Auberge des Templiers in Les Bezards.
Thursday - La Gazonne to Briare
A morning cruise to our mooring at the little town of Briare, site of Gustave Eiffel's magical aqueduct across the River Loire, again with excellent walking and bicycling opportunities. We preview Friday's crossing of this amazing 10,000 ton, 662 metre Pont Canal which was completed in September 1896. This afternoon, we visit the delightful, privately-owned Château de La Bussière, known as the "fishermen’s castle", with its wonderful ornamental and vegetable gardens. Dinner on board.
Friday - Briare to Châtillon-sur-Loire
This morning we wander around fruit and vegetable, seafood, cheese and French fashion stalls in the market in Briare before returning to the hotel barge for a short cruise across the aqueduct and lunch on board. Our afternoon visit is to a renowned winery in Sancerre, such as Domaine Henri Bourgeois in Chavignol, for a tour and private tasting. This medieval hilltop village overlooks a vibrant region which has known viticulture since Roman times. Captain's Farewell Dinner on board.
Saturday - Châtillon-sur-Loire
After breakfast, guests are transferred to the designated drop off point in Paris.
Note: This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change. On alternate weeks the cruise will be in the reverse direction.
Dining Aboard The Renaissance:
SAMPLE MENU
BREAKFASTOur Continental & hot breakfast offerings include pancakes, Belgian waffles, eggs, bacon,
fresh breads, pastries, cereals, fresh fruits and yogurt.
LUNCH
- Risotto with fresh peas and prawns in saffron sauce
- Red pepper gazpacho
- Stuffed zucchini
- Cold mushroom soup with Parma ham crisp
- Assorted salads to include tomato & mozzarella salad, couscous salad,
mushrooms à La Bourguignonne,
green salad with marinated artichokes, salad niçoise - Haddock fillet served with potato scales on a bed of lentils and a beurre blanc sauce
- Quiche Lorraine
- Pesto pasta
- Prawn salad
DINNER
- Walnut crusted goat cheese salad
- Roast duck breast with a red currant sauce
- Pork fillet with Dijon mustard sauce, sauteed peppers and snow peas
- Epoisses cheese and Morvan ham napoleon
- Traditional boeuf Bourguignon
- Lamb fillet in garlic cream with ratatouille and green beans
- Smoked salmon napoleon
- Homemade foie gras and fig terrine
- Fillet of Charolais beef with au jus, mushrooms, gratin potatoes dauphinoise, fresh asparagus
- Choucroute garnie (pickled white cabbage, finely sliced and macerated)
served with a selection of salted
and smoked meats
DESSERTS
- Burgundy poached pears
- Fresh faisselle cheese with berry coulis
- Raspberry crème brulee
- Tarte tatin with salted caramel sauce and vanilla ice cream
- Chocolate molten cake with Baileys and Mazet de Montargis chocolate sauce
- Strawberry and chocolate tiramisu
SAMPLE CHEESE BOARD
Crottin de Chavignol, Comte, St Agur, Foume d'ambert, Ossau Iraty, Valencay, St Nectaire, Camembert, Tomme de Savoie, Epoisse, St Maure de Torraine and Roquefort
SAMPLE WINE LIST
Domaine Henri Bourgeois, Sancerre; Domaine Billaud Simon, Chablis Premier Cru; Domaine Bouchard Père et Fils, Meursault; Domaine Changarnier, Monthelie; Domaine Camus, Charmes Chambertin Grand Cru
Passenger Comments:
Laurent and Sarah were absolutely fantastic and helped me during a medical emergency. The level of care was amazing!
G.H., Australia, September 2012
Spectacular barge, wonderful crew!
J.C., FL, USA, July 2012
The trip was great. The food was incredible and the crew was wonderful!
P.F., CA, USA, April 2012
The trip was everything we hoped it would be and more. Great staff, incredible food and a captain who was in tune with our every need, and then some...
P.W., CA, USA, April 2012
Renaissance exceeded our expectations, it was a great experience. Meals and wines were great, the chef was outstanding. In fact, we had one meal ashore at a Michelin star restaurant and all of the passengers agreed that our meals on the barge were better than at this restaurant. Crew service were extraordinary.
S.R., NJ, USA, July 2011
We found the barge itself surprisingly spacious. Our service from the crew was excellent, lovely, caring and fun. This was our first barge cruise and we chose Renaissance based on convenience but found the route picturesque and varied. We hope to do it again on another.
J & E K., Australia July 2011
LINKS to Renaissance Information
This page last updated June 12, 2018