Luxury Loire Valley

Nemours to Châtillon-sur-Loire

Day 1: Nemours, 16 mi. (25 km)
Day 2: Neronville - Montargis, 28 mi. (45 km)
Day 3: Montargis - Montbouy, 21 or 26 mi. (34 or 41 km)
Day 4: Montbouy - Rogny-les-Sept-Écluses,  22 mi. (35 km)
Day 5: Rogny-les-Sept-Écluses - Gazonne, 16 mi. (25 km)
Day 6: Gazonne - Châtillon-sur-Loire
Day 7: Departure

All distances are approximate. The itinerary is subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances, including but not limited to weather, last-minute mooring changes, and restructuring of locks or bridges. 

Day 1: Nemours, 16 mi. (25 km)
You are transferred by an air-conditioned minivan from your meet-up hotel in Paris and driven directly to the Adagio moored near Nemours. This town, which already existed in Galo-Roman times, is beautifully situated in the valley of the Loing River. This is the perfect opportunity to enjoy an aperitif or two, as you become acquainted with your crew and fellow passengers. The Adagio undertakes a gentle afternoon cruise along the canal.

For those who wish to try out their bicycles, they can hop onto their saddles and start cycling towards the chateau and then follow the canal that the barge navigates as well.  There will be a detour via Souppes-sur-Loing (the place where limestone is extracted, incorporated in monuments such as l’Arc de Triomphe or Sacre-Coeur basilica in Paris), passing the royal abbey towards Chateau Landon, also known as Rocamadour du Gatinais, a picturesque village perched on the rocks. It was once a cradle of the House of Plantagenet and a pilgrimage site. The Church of our Lady with an imposing façade of Abbey of St. Severin dating from the 13 th century is an interesting highlight.  To reach tonight’s mooring spot in Neronville, you will continue your easy cycling along the canal.

Tonight your onboard chef will delight you with the first of many delicious meals!

Day 2: Neronville - Montargis, 28 mi. (45 km)
The splendor of the Kings and Queens of France

After breakfast, you are transferred to the  Palace of Fontainebleau. It is often referred to as the "House of Centuries" due to the fact that every French monarch from Francois I to Napoleon III has left his mark upon this magnificent chateau. Step back in time as you walk the splendor of the inner sanctuaries of noble kings and queens.

Lunch is served on board. For those who do not want to cycle, you can enjoy a delightful, scenic cruise to Montargis. If you opt to cycle, the route will lead to the east to the ancient village of Egreville, home to a superb Gothic church. It is also famous for the 16th century covered market hall and the Antoine Bourdelle sculpture museum and garden (with 58 art deco bronze sculptures). From Egreville, you cycle back towards Dordives and follow the route towards Ferrières-en-Gâtinais, a medieval town with a preserved town center and a splendid monastery. From here, it is not too far to your final destination and mooring spot in Montargis. Montargis is otherwise affectionately named the “Venice of the Gatinais” due to 131 flower-laden bridges that cross over the canals in town. You know you are in France!

Dinner on board and after dinner, it is recommended that you meander through the picturesque town. Montargis is famous for the Mazet pralines, a must for all the chocolate/caramel/almonds lovers!

Day 3: Montargis - Montbouy, 21 or 26 mi. (34 or 41 km)
Dungeons and Turrets

Your morning cruise finds you surrounded by pastures and woodland. As birdsong serenades, half sleepy Charolais cattle gaze nonchalantly as you drift by.

Cycling will consist of a quick sweep through the town itself to see the most significant heritage and highlights of the Little Venice of Gatinais; the church of St Mary Magdalene, the Girodet museum, the old city hall, the house of the Praline, and the castle on the hill. You then cycle along the l’Ouanne towards Chateau Renard with its 10th-century castle ruins and apiculture Living museum to observe the beekeepers and sample local honey. From Chateau Renard, the route leads west towards the Briare Canal and from Montcresson, follows the canal and barge to Montbouy.

After lunch, your tour guide drives you to the delightful Chateau de Sully-sur-Loire. Through the 14 rooms of the château, you will learn about the château owner, the Duke of Sully, the illustrious statesman and faithful companion of King Henry IV. From the medieval dungeon to the lavishly furnished rooms, through a rich collection of pictures, tapestries, statues, and painted decors, you will experience an opulent life from long ago. This architectural gem played host to Joan of Arc, Louis XV, and Voltaire. Once back on board,  enjoy cocktails and canapés before yet another sumptuous dinner.

Day 4: Montbouy -  Rogny-les-Sept-Écluses, 22 mi. (35 km)
The finest of French Pottery

Non-cyclists can herald in the day with a relaxing cruise. Feeling more energetic? Why not take a morning bike ride or stroll along the towpath beside the barge as you wind your way toward the overnight mooring?

 After lunch, you drive to the town of Gien, famous for its exquisite French tableware and pottery. Your tour guide accompanies you to the Gien factory, where you can observe artists painting the beautiful patterns that make this tableware so sought after.  (Please note that in July and August the factory is closed but the store is open). You have time to shop before a stroll around this authentic French town. And of course, back onboard, as always,  cocktails and a mouth-watering dinner await.

Day 5:  Rogny-les-Sept-Écluses - Ouzouer sur Trezee, 16 mi. (25 km)
Medieval Castle in the making

The Adagio navigates past the impressive Seven Locks of Rogny,  after which the town is named. This feat of engineering was constructed in 1648 on the Briare Canal to connect the Loire and the Seine. Today, this has been replaced and the barge gently ascends the modern-day locks. The surrounding countryside is magnificent with more flower-adorned locks and friendly locals. Once out of the locks, you start cycling to Rogny on the road that leads towards Bleneau, full of historical highlights: the Saint-Loup de Troyes church, the Chataigner fountain, Pierre Doudea water gardens, and the exquisite exterior of Chateau Bleneau. You then cycle towards Breteau and pass the Chateau du Muquet, reaching a beautiful secluded location with small lakes and ponds, perfect for serene walks. The bountiful flora will enchant nature lovers. After a loop around Gazonne Pond, you follow the canal all the way down to Ouzouer sur Trezee.

An afternoon excursion to Guedelon Castle will be a highlight. Guedelon Castle is a unique project where volunteers and researchers are constructing an authentic 13th-century castle, using only techniques and materials that were available in the medieval period. 15 years in the making, this project is nearing completion and offers one of the most intriguing visits available on any cruise. Back on board, you can enjoy the serenity and peace of this mooring.

Day 6: Ouzouer sur Trezee - Châtillon-sur-Loire, 11 or 23 mi. (18 or 36 km) 
Crisp White Wines and Astounding Engineering

Today you cruise the Loire River via the much-photographed and acclaimed Pont Canal de Briare. Constructed between 1890 and 1896, this metal canal bridge spans the Loire in a giant stride to connect the Canal Latéral à la Loire with the Canal de Briare. Bordered by 72 lamp posts and magnificent pillars adorned with coats of arms at either end, the bridge encompasses the aptitude of man's skill with iron and stone without sacrificing aesthetics. It is a work of art. Cycling starts from Ouzouer and follows the path along the canal until Briare. There are two options to be considered, a shorter and a longer route:

a) Shorter route:  from Briare, you cycle straight and then cross the Pont Canal de Briare towards Saint Firmin-sur-Loire. You then follow the canal, cross the Pont Canal, and follow the route of the ancient lateral canal a la Loire towards Châtillon-Sur-Loire.

b) Longer route (with many chances for nice photography): from Briare, you follow the road west towards Gien along the mighty Loire River, crossing towards a trio of "Saint" villages: Saint Martin-sur-Ocre, Saint Brisson-sur-Loire (with medieval chateau), and Saint Firmin-sur-Loire. After crossing the famous Pont Canal de Briare, you follow the ancient canal a la Loire to Châtillon-sur-Loire.

After lunch, you visit the medieval town of Sancerre, once a fortress, perched high above the vineyards of the Loire. A private wine tasting will be offered so that you can sample some of the local fare and to learn about the finer points of this wonderful wine.

You return later to the barge to prepare for your final farewell dinner. Sparkle and decoration adorn the table along with laughter, great cuisine, and many a good sea dog tale! What a great conclusion to a great cruise!

Day 7: Departure
After a hearty breakfast, you will be transferred to your hotel or airport in Paris. Arrival is usually around 12.30 pm.

Châtillon-sur-Loire to Nemours

Day 1: Châtillon-sur-Loire
Day 2: Ouzouer-sur-Trezee - Rogny-les-Sept-Écluses
Day 3: Rogny-les-Sept-Écluses - Montbouy
Day 4: Montbouy - Montargis
Day 5: Montargis - Neronville
Day 6: Neronville - Nemours
Day 7: Nemours

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