Explore the Upper Loire aboard Renaissance as one
of only eight privileged guests. Taste local vintages at
a family-owned vineyard. Cruise on Gustave Eiffel’s
famous canal bridge, and visit Château de Ratilly with
its spectacular turreted towers.
Meet in Paris and transfer to Renaissance, moored in Montargis. After a welcome reception, there is time to settle into your spacious cabin before a gourmet dinner on board.
Day 2 - MONDAY
The morning cruise to Montbouy offers excellent opportunities for walking or cycling. Then, visit Château de la Bussière today with its formal garden designed by renowned 17th-century landscape architect André le Nôtre where you'll enjoy a cooking demonstration using wild and medicinal plants.
Day 3 - TUESDAY
Visit Montargis, known for its praline confections. Then cruise to Rogny-les-Sept-Écluses to see the impressive 350-year-old staircase of seven locks, originally built to connect the Loire and Seine rivers.
Day 4 - WEDNESDAY
At Château de Rosa Bonheur this morning, visit the studio of one of the most celebrated female artists of the 19th century with lunch ashore in her salon.
Day 5 - THURSDAY
Cruise to Briare this morning. After lunch on board the barge, visit a family-run vineyard at Sancerre for a private tour and tasting of local vintages. The picturesque village here has many old houses lining narrow streets.
Day 6 - FRIDAY
Wander the market in Briare today before Renaissance crosses the Pont-Canal de Briare, a magnificent canal bridge built in the late 19th century by Gustav Eiffel. Then visit Château de Ratilly, a charming medieval castle dating from the 13th century where you will see traditional pottery being made. Cruise to Châtillon-sur-Loire for a celebratory farewell dinner on board to end the cruise week.
Day 7 - SATURDAY
After breakfast, transfer to Paris, where your journey ends.