ROGNY LES SEPT ÉCLUSES TO PONT CANAL DE GUETIN
Sunday – Paris to Nevers. Moor in Rogny les Sept Écluses.
Depart
Paris, Gare de Lyon, on the TGV train. On arrival at Nevers station you
are met by a representative of HIRONDELLE who transfers you to the
barge at Rogny les Sept Écluses on the Canal de Briare. A champagne
welcome is followed by an evening cruise on the canal. Enjoy your first
dining experience on board.
Monday - Visit Le Jardin de Parfumers & St. Fargeau. Cruise to Châtillon-sur-Loire.
This
morning, visit the lovely village of Mezilles and the Jardin de
Parfumer where they still make perfume in the traditional way. Nearby
is the beautiful Château de Saint-Fargeau with a history spanning a
thousand years. Today, the barge traverses the river Loire via the
longest canal bridge in Europe, connecting the Canal du Briare to the
Canal Latéral à la Loire.
Tuesday - Cruise to Léré. Visit Gien and Guédelon.
After
breakfast, visit a faïence factory in the beautiful town of Gien. The
barge cruises southward to Léré, a pleasant countryside mooring. After
a lunch, visit Guédelon where for the last six years a team of
engineers have been constructing a fortified château using 13th century
techniques - fascinating for all.
Wednesday - Cruise to Ménétréol. Visit Sancerre.
This
morning explore the typical French market at Cosne-sur-Loire and sample
some of the local delicacies. Return to the boat for lunch and a
leisurely cruise to the village of Ménétréol. In the afternoon, visit
Sancerre, situated on an impressive hilltop west and the goat farm of
Francois Blain to see how the famous ‘crottin’ cheese is made. Enjoy a
private wine tasting at the fabulous 15th century Chateau Tracy, one of
the most prestigious producers in the Loire.
Thursday – Cruise to Passy (La Charité-sur-Loire). Visit La Charité-sur-Loire.
Take
a short trip to Tharenay to taste the famous Pouilly Fumé wine, a
perfect aperitif before lunch! This afternoon, visit La
Charité-sur-Loire, an important site of Burgundian Romanesque art and a
renowned resting place for pilgrims on the road to Santiago de
Compostela.
Friday – Cruise to Le Guétin. Visit Nevers and Aprémont.
Enjoy
a walking tour of Nevers, the capital of the Nivernais, with a private
visit to the workshop of Mr Bernard to see the master ceramic maker at
work and a chance to buy some of the distinctive blue and gold faience.
This afternoon take a short drive to Aprémont, one of the most
beautiful villages in France, to visit the private Château and gardens.
Farewell gala dinner on board.
Saturday - Nevers-Paris.
After
breakfast disembark the barge and transfer to the Nevers rail station.
Return to Paris (Gare de Lyon) on the TGV where you are met by a
representative who will assist you with your luggage.
NOTE: Itineraries are subject to change
