Cruise the French countryside through Paris, the "City of Light" (7 days - 6 nights). This cruise will take you through Ile-de-France, the heart of France. 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 Compiègne. We meet at the Hotel Regina in Paris at 3 p.m. and transfer to the barge moored in Compiègne on the river Oise. After a welcome champagne reception, settle into your cabin and perhaps stroll the charming town before enjoying a wonderful gourmet dinner.
Day 2, Sunday: Compiègne to St Maxence. After breakfast, take a walking tour of historic Compiègne, with its 16th-century Hôtel de Ville and famed cloisters of the Abbey of St. Corneille, founded by Charles the Bald in 877. Tour the expansive Château de Compiègne, once an important royal residence, and visit the open market before returning to our barge for lunch. This afternoon, cruise to lovely Pont St Maxence.
Day 3, Monday: Chantilly, Pontoise. Cruise along an enchanting portion of the river Oise favored by many Impressionist painters. Visit the Château de Chantilly, a vast estate dating from the Middle Ages and boasting an art gallery second only to the Louvre in size and scope. Famous for breeding racehorses, Chantilly also maintains one of the world’s finest stables. See the French gardens designed by Le Nôtre, the Petit Parc, the Anglo-Chinese Garden, and the English Garden. Return to the barge for a delightful cruise to Pontoise.
Day 4, Tuesday: Giverny, Rueil Malmaison, Paris. Begin the day with a visit to the house and gardens of Claude Monet in Giverny. Expect some surprisingly familiar sights: the gardens are meticulously maintained to remain exactly as they were when the artist painted them. Afterwards, return to the barge for lunch and a cruise to the lovely town of Rueil Malmaison, where we enjoy a visit of La Petite Malmaison. Later, browse Rueil’s exclusive boutiques before returning to the barge to cruise into the heart of Paris. This evening, we take an unforgettable Paris-by-night cruise along the River Seine.
Day 5, Wednesday: Paris to Melun/Vaux le Vicomte. Cruise south from Paris to Melun for an excursion to Château Vaux le Vicomte. This magnificent castle was built by Fouquet, Louis XIV’s finance minister, and served as the model for Versailles. Tour its exceptionally furnished interior and magnificent gardens before returning to the barge for a memorable dinner.
Day 6, Thursday: Melun to St Mammes. This morning we cruise a scenic stretch of the River Seine into St. Mammes and make the short trip to Moret sur Loing, a small medieval town that was once home to Alfred Sisley, who lived and painted here. This evening, gather for a gala farewell dinner.
Day 7, Friday: Transfer to Paris. Return to the Hotel Regina in Paris by lunchtime - 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:
- Historic Compiègne - Abbey and Chateau
- Giverny - Claude Monet’s home and gardens
- Chateau of Chantilly
- Paris, “City of Light” - evening cruise
- Chateau of 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 Paris
- 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 March-May and October-November, 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.
Low season: US$1915 per person double occupancy. Add $200 for high season, $500 single supplement.
Also see tour packages in:
Europe
France
Food & Wine
Barging
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