We will use our unique in-depth experience to find you your perfect barge cruise. Relax on the spacious sun deck as you cruise the delightful waterways of the Upper Loire on the Canal de Briare. Notice: JavaScript is required for this content. Another popular venue is Golf du Sanserrois, located on the banks of the River Loire and set among centuries-old trees and natural water hazards.
Dinner on board. This morning we cruise through wooded countryside and past the old Bardin water mill, to reach our mooring in Montbouy. Arriving at the 12th century Church of the Madeleine, we stop to admire its soaring foot-high nave. Our footsteps finally bring us to Mazet, the confectioners renowned for creating the original praline recipe over one hundred years ago. Here, we observe the chocolate production and enjoy a tasting of their delicious products.
A short stroll to the locks is worthwhile before dinner on board. 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 of his most famous scenes before continuing to the Chateau home of Rosa Bonheur.
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. Our afternoon visit is to the renowned Sancerre winery of Hubert Brochard. A true Sancerre immersion!
