Burgundy Cruises » Renaissance
You are here: Home / Burgundy Cruises / Renaissance
+888-229-2315
info@boutiquehotelbarges.com
info@boutiquehotelbarges.com
Renaissance is an ultra-deluxe double-decker hotel-barge that cruises along the Canal de Briare, France's oldest canal. The beautifully-appointed saloon with its wooden beams, classic dining furniture and artworks, invokes the atmosphere of a classic French manor house.
Renaissance has been designed to carry her guests in ultimate luxury along the Canal de Briare, France's oldest canal and steeped in history on a cruise route that features elegant chateaux, small countryside villages and the famed wine-growing region of Sancerre.
She is a very spacious hotel barge and the beautifully-appointed saloon with its wooden beams, classic dining furniture and artworks, invokes the atmosphere of a classic French manor house. The comfortable leather sofas and hand-built bar where you can enjoy your pre-dinner aperitif, add to the feeling of onboard opulence.
The 'Renaissance mood' extends to the four very generously-sized twin or double bedded bedroom suites, (approx. 265sq ft including en suite), each one fully air-conditioned and complemented by a large en suite bathroom.
Outside, the large forward deck includes a covered roof extension with a circular table for alfresco dining, comfortable hardwood sun loungers and a heated spa pool.
With her refined onboard ambience, Renaissance is the perfect vessel on which to cruise a historic canal and experience the splendour of landmarks en route, including Gustav's Eiffels's aqueduct across the mighty River Loire.
Sunday, Day 1 Montargis
Guests are met at our meeting point in Paris** and transferred by private chauffeured minibus to the spacious Renaissance where a Champagne welcome with canapés awaits and you meet the Captain and crew. Time enough for a walking tour of the pretty town of Montargis before dinner on board.
Monday, Day 2 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, our visit this afternoon is to the splendid Château de Fontainebleau, a national museum, and UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is the only royal and imperial château to have been continuously inhabited for seven centuries and every French royal family has added its own architectural style and features when in residence. We make a private tour through rooms and galleries not usually on public view, including Napoleon III's Imperial Theatre. Dinner on board.
Tuesday, Day 3 Montbouy to Rogny-les-Sept-Ecluses
This morning we visit the privately-owned Château de La Bussière, known as the 'fishermen's castle', with its wonderful ornamental and vegetable gardens, where we enjoy a cooking demonstration using wild and medicinal plants. Following lunch back on board, we make an afternoon cruise to our mooring at the pretty village of Rogny-les-Sept-Ecluses, near its original 350-year-old 7 lock-flight, now disused and a national monument, from which it takes its name. A short stroll to the locks is worthwhile before dinner on board.
Wednesday, Day 4 Rogny-les-Sept-Ecluses to La Gazonne
Today, we immerse ourselves in the world of impressionist art. We start with a short walking tour of Moret-sur-Loing, famous for its association with the Impressionist painter Alfred Sisley and see several his most famous scenes before continuing to the Chateau home of Rosa Bonheur. Rosa Bonheur was the most celebrated female artist of the 19th Century; a pioneer in a man's world and a champion of women's rights. Her best-known paintings are of animal scenes including one of Buffalo Bill on horseback which prompted an enduring friendship between the two. We take lunch in the private salon of the chateau before joining the present owner for a tour and to hear more about the history of this remarkable lady and view some of her works. Later, we enjoy an afternoon cruise past the Rogny lock flight to La Gazonne, a beautiful rural mooring surrounded by lakes and ponds that provide water for the workings of the Canal de Briare. Dinner on board.
Thursday, Day 5 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 by Gustav Eifel in September 1896. Our afternoon visit is to the renowned Sancerre winery of 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. Dinner on board.
Friday, Day 6 Briare to Châtillon-sur-Loire
This morning we visit the market in Briare with its food and fashion stalls before returning to the hotel barge for lunch and a spectacular short cruise across the Briare aqueduct with its ornate iron lampposts and railings, spanning the wide River Loire below. This afternoon, we visit the delightful Château de Ratilly and its rather unusual selection of turreted towers, construction of which began in 1270. In the castle's workshops, we see traditional pottery being hand thrown and have the chance to try this artisanal craft for ourselves. Captain's Farewell Dinner on board.
Saturday, Day 7 St-Julien-sur-Dheune
After breakfast, guests are transferred by private chauffeured minibus to Paris**.
This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change. On alternate weeks the cruise is in the reverse direction.
Your personal chef creates exciting menus, using the freshest locally grown produce, matched perfectly with a carefully chosen wine. You'll be delighted by the range of delicious dishes served by candlelight, either in the saloon or under the stars. Vegetarian, pescatarian, vegan dishes, non-allergenic dishes, and other speical dietary requirments can be observed given 8 weeks notice prior to your departure date.
Regional Specialities
Filet Mignon de Charolais; Medallion d'Agneau Farci; Filet de Sole Chablisienne; Canard au Petits Navets
Artisan Cheeses
Aisy Cendré; Bouton de Culotte; Epoisses; Ami du Chambertin
Breakfast: wholesome and balanced variety of breakfast foods, along with fresh breads & pastries, freshly-squeezed orange juice and hot beverages.
Lunch: regional specialities, accompanied by a selection of quality wines.
Dinner: a candlelit four-course gourmet experience. Captain's farewell dinner is held on the last night.
A Sample of Wines Served Onboard
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
| Value | Regular | |
| Suite per person | $ 8,550 | $ 9,950 |
| Single supplement | $ 3,300 | $ 3,800 |
| Charter 6 passengers whole boat | $ 58,700 | $ 67,900 |
| Charter 7 passengers whole boat | $ 61,100 | $ 70,700 |
| Charter 8 passengers whole boat | $ 63,500 | $ 73,500 |
| Value departure dates | Mar 31; Apr 7, 14, 21 Jul 21, 28; Aug 4, 11, 18 Oct 13, 20, 27 |
| All other departure dates are at Regular Rate | |
All rates and prices will be confirmed at time of booking.
Cruise does not include air transportation, airport taxes, visas, health or accident insurance, trip cancellation insurance, superior Chateaux vintage wines, optional activities such as horse-riding or items of a personal nature such as laundry, communication charges or purchases.