Cruise the French countryside and through Paris, the "City of Light" (7 days - 6 nights). This cruise will take you through Ile-de-France, the heart of France, and pastoral Normandy along the River Seine. You will discover scenery that inspired many famous Impressionist painters, visit sumptuous chateaus and enjoy a night cruise through Paris.
This 50-passenger barge-hotel combines the comforts of a mini-ocean liner with the charm of a river steamer. The elegant interior provides ample space to relax, seasoned wood tones and old world charm. Large windows give all around views of the passing scenery. The piano bar, the exercise room and outdoor hot tub add to the ambiance of unprecedented comfort.
Typical Itinerary (actual program may vary)
Day 1, Saturday: Paris to St Mammes. We meet at the Hotel Regina in Paris at 3 p.m. and transfer to the barge moored in the small town of St Mammes at the junction of the rivers Seine and Loing, near Fontainebleau. After a champagne welcome aboard, you will have time to settle into your cabin and perhaps take a stroll before dinner, either in St Mammes or in Moret sur Loing, a nearby small medieval town that was once home to Alfred Sisley, the Impressionist painter.
Day 2, Sunday: Vaux le Vicomte, Paris. Morning cruise on the Seine River. Afternoon excursion to Vaux le Vicomte Castle, which was built by Fouquet, the finance minister of Louis XIV, and which was the model for Versailles. This sumptuous castle has an exceptionally well-furnished interior and magnificent gardens. Return to the barge at Evry, and cruise to enter Paris at dinner time. After dinner on board, enjoy an unforgettable Paris-by-night cruise.
Day 3, Monday: Paris to Chatou. Morning coach tour of Paris. Then we cruise to Chatou. In the afternoon, a visit to Malmaison Castle and walking tour around the town of Rueil. Malmaison was the home of Empress Josephine and on occasions, Napoleon himself. After her divorce from the Emperor, Josephine retired to Malmaison in 1810. The First Consul and the seat of the French Government in conjunction with the Tuileries also resided here from 1800 to 1802. This chateau is situated in one of the loveliest settings in France.
Day 4, Tuesday: Mantes to Vernon/Giverny. Cruise to Mantes, arriving midday, and visit to Giverny, the home and gardens of Claude Monet, the most famous of all the Impressionist painters. Discover the inspiration for his masterpiece "The Water Lilies" and the Japanese Bridge. The French government spends in excess of $2 million each year to keep the gardens exactly as they were before Monet died in 1926. The simplicity of his house is surprising. Return to the boat moored in Vernon, gateway to Normandy, in late afternoon. Vernon is a delightful town with a medieval center.
Day 5, Wednesday: Vernon to Poses. This morning, cruise from Vernon to Les Andelys, with its famous Château Gaillard. After a brunch on board, excursion to the charming city of Honfleur. Walking tour of the harbor and picturesque streets. Return to the boat going over both the Normandie and Tancarville bridges. Rejoin the boat in Les Andelys with a welcome back tasting of cider and a late afternoon cruise to Poses.
Day 6, Thursday: Poses to Rouen. Morning cruise to Rouen, capital of Normandy. In the afternoon, walking visit of the city, including Notre Dame Cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece. See the Palais de Justice - once Normandy's Parliament - and the medieval center (shopping), and return to the boat in late afternoon. This evening will be our farewell gala dinner.
Day 7, Friday: Transfer to Paris. After breakfast, return to the Hotel Regina in Paris, arriving around noon - end of cruise.
On alternate weeks, cruise will be in the reverse direction.
This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change without notice.
Highlights:
- Rouen, the capital of Normandy
- Honfleur, the cradle of Impressionism
- Napoleon and Josephine's Malmaison Castle
- Giverny, Claude Monet’s home and gardens
- Paris, “City of Light” - evening cruise
- Château de Vaux le Vicomte, beautiful interiors and magnificent gardens
Included:
- Accommodations with private bath or shower and all meals from dinner on day 1 to breakfast on day 7
- Wine with lunch and dinner
- Sightseeing tours and entrance fees as specified
- Transfers: barge to/from Hotel Regina in Paris.
Not Included:
- Transportation to/from Hotel Regina transfer point
- Health and travel insurance
- Crew gratuities
- Bar drinks on board the barge
- Personal expenses
- Optional activities when available
- Other items not specifically listed under "Included" above.
Barge features:
- Cabins: 23 twins/2 doubles (115/130 sq. ft.) 50 passengers
- 14 crew members
- Size: 210 ft. x 24ft.
- 3 Decks
- VCR, stereo, piano bar, conference room
- Spa/Jacuzzi, fitness room
- Air conditioning and central heating
- Air-conditioned coaches for excursions.
Departures every Saturday from May to October, subject to availability.
This barge can be chartered for groups. Various themes and dates can be arranged to fit the specific interests of each group. Extra customized trips and excursions may be added before or after the cruise.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
US$2115 per person double occupancy. Add $500 single supplement.
Also see tour packages in:
Europe
France
Barging
Food & Wine
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