One of life’s goal was to cruise on a barge in France. This May eleven friends met me in Paris, where a private motor coach drove us to Chatillon-sur-Loire to board the Adrienne for our 5 day cruise in the canals in the Loire Valley. The Adrienne is like a mini Boutique Hotel. It is absolutely stunning in décor and furnishings.
The Captain and his staff met us on the front deck as we crossed over on the red carpet from the bank of the canal. We had a welcoming toast of rose champagne. After introductions, we were escorted below to our staterooms. Chef Guy prepared a sumptuous dinner on our first night. There is a full bar service and a wine list available all the time.
There is a motor coach and historian that follows the barge and every day you can stay on the barge or take a trip in the area.
The first morning we cruised across the Briare Aqueduct to Cuzouer-sur-Trezee. In the afternoon we drove to the charming wine village of Sancerre for a private cellar tour and wine tasting in their cave.
The next morning we cruised to Rogny-les-Sept-Ecluses for an overnight stay. After lunch we visited the medieval town of Gien, a leading center for French faience since the early nineteenth century.
The third morning we visited the village and chateau of St. Fargeau. The fifteenth century chateau, once the home to Anne-Marie-Louise d’ Orleans, Cousin of Louis XIV. In the afternoon we cruised to Montbouy. Some guests would leave the barge and walk on the banks to the next lock. Dinner was at the Michelin-starred Restaurant, Auberge des Templiers in les Bezards. The place is also an Inn. It is gorgeous, but we thought our food on the barge was much better.
Thursday we had a short morning followed by a tour of La Bussiere, a 17th Century Loire Chateau set on a charming lake. We strolled through the remarkable gardens that are lovingly tended by the chateau’s owner. We returned to the barge and we had lunch as we cruised to Montargis. Some guests decided to stroll through and shop or whatever in the town center. In the late afternoon we cruised to the overnight mooring in Cepoy.
Friday, our last day, we had a short morning cruise and then we drove to the fortified village of Chateau-Landon. Outside the village at the foot of the mountain, we climbed into an open horse drawn carriage to go to the top. The centerpiece of the town is the St. Saverine Abbey, parts of which date from the 11th Century. We returned to Adrienne for lunch and a cruise to the final mooring in Nemours. That evening we enjoyed the Captain’s farewell dinner. This is one of the most relaxing vacations I have ever experienced. The food, the staff and the ambience of the Adrienne plus the eleven friends made the experience the best vacation I ever had.
On Saturday after a delightful breakfast, the motor coach took us back to our hotel in Paris. If you are interested in French Country Waterways, contact Destinations & Adventures: Tel# (323) 650-4599.
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