'Meanderer' Cruise in the Upper Loire

Deluxe guided biking tours for all skill levels, from recreational to expert riders.

Guided biking tours of all levels (from laid back rides following the canal bike-paths to 80 miles plus daily trips) will be offered within our current itineraries.

The rides will be designed to supplement current activities, allow for riding bikes (rather than the bus) to certain excursions by all or some of the guests, replace some excursions or even all of them with biking tours.

High quality bikes will be provided but high-end road bikes are also available on request (rental cost applies). Avid cyclists may bring their own bikes (we shall arrange to transport the cases to/from Meanderer and have plenty of storage). 
Cyclists can also bring their own shoes and clip-on pedals.

The biking options are available to all or individual guests on any given day and custom designed in accordance with biking skills and level of comfort. Maps, GPS, water bottles, helmets and essential spare parts are available. 

The area between Briare and Sancerre is a true bikers’ paradise. It is a part of the fabulous network of biking paths and trails known as "Loire à Vélo" -- A typical itinerary includes:

Sunday – Paris to Montbouy
We collect you from your Paris hotel after lunch for transfer by private mini-coach to Meanderer moored in the quiet and picturesque village of Montbouy (just a few miles from the regional capital of Montargis). After a champagne reception we take an early evening cruise to the village of Montcresson and back. Relax on deck and watch the town and people pass by. Your first dinner on board.

BIKING:
Introduction
Bike allocation and fitting

Monday – Montbouy to Rogny-Les-Sept-Écluses
During the morning we cruise to Rogny-Les-Sept-Écluses, a historical home of an ancient seven-stage staircase lock, considered to this day a marvel of engineering. After lunch, the excursion program begins with a visit to the magnificent Château de Sully-sur-Loire or to the busy town and spectacular palace of Fontainebleau, home to generations of French royalty or to the Château Vaux le Vicomte with its extensive and pristinely preserved formal gardens.

BIKING:
Beginners/Leisure Bikers – Bike on your own along the canal and rejoin the barge anytime at one of subsequent locks. Stop in Chatillon Coligny and have a cool drink at the café in the square. Map and instructions. Flat or mild elevation – 2 to 10 miles.
Intermediate Enthusiasts – Guided afternoon ride of 25-45 miles (2 – 3.5 hrs). Rejoin the barge upstream. Pass through villages of Chatillon Coligny and Aillant sur Milleron. Light elevation.
High Experience/Conditioned – Guided ride 55-85 plus miles (3-5 hrs). Skip cruising or visit. Route will include historic villages of Saint Maurice sur Aveyron, Saint Martin sur Ouanne, Champignelles and Le Charme. Medium elevation.

Tuesday – Rogny-Les-Sept-Écluses to La Gazonne
This morning we visit the regional capital town of Montargis, the week’s best opportunity to explore a busy market town. People-watch or shop for souvenirs and exquisitely packaged confectionary from the famous Mazet Praline shop. On return to the barge, our afternoon cruise through six locks, which replaced the historical seven staircase lock of Rogny, brings us to the overnight remote mooring at La Gazonne, in the middle of a magnificent nature preserve.

BIKING:
Beginners/Leisure Bikers – Bike on your own along the canal and rejoin the barge anytime at one of subsequent locks. Ride through Rogny-les-Sept-Ecluses, up to the 7 locks and the historical church (Medium grade). Map and instructions. Flat or mild elevation – 2 to 10 miles.
Intermediate Enthusiasts – Guided morning ride of 25-45 miles (2 – 3.5 hrs). Start and end in Rogny Les Sept Ecluses.  Pass through villages of Adon, La Bussiere, Les Marches and Boismorand. Light elevation.
High Experience/Conditioned – Guided ride 55-85 plus miles (3-5 hrs). Skip cruising or visit. Route will include historic villages of La Bussiere, Gien, Dampierre en Burly, Ouzouer sur Loire, Sully sur Loire, Saint Martin sur Ocre and return via Briare.  Medium elevation.

Wednesday – La Gazonne to Briare
We start with a morning visit to the splendid 16th century Château of St. Fargeau, offering a surprising and unique discovery of the rich history of this castle. An alternative excursion is available to the Medieval Village of Guedelon, an extraordinary and unique experience to observe this 25 year project recreating a defensive medieval castle, which is being built with materials, tools and techniques of this ancient period. Our afternoon cruise takes us through some of the most beautiful and rural parts of the canal to the spectacular town of Briare on the bank of the Loire River and the entrance to the extraordinary Briare Aqueduct (Pont Canal).

BIKING:
Beginners/Leisure Bikers – Bike on your own along canal and rejoin the barge anytime at one of subsequent locks. Ride through Ouzouer sur Trezee. Map and instructions. Flat or mild elevation. – 2 to 10 miles.
Intermediate Enthusiasts – Guided afternoon ride of 25-45 miles (2 – 3.5 hrs). Rejoin the barge upstream. Pass through villages of Ouzouer sur Trezee, Bleneau, Dammarie en Puissay. Light elevation.
High Experience/Conditioned – Guided ride 55-85 plus miles (3-5 hrs). Skip cruising or visit. Route will include historic villages of Ouzouer sur Trezee, Damarie en Puissay, Bleneau, Les Mezilles and Toucy.  Medium elevation.

Thursday – Briare to Beaulieu-sur-Loire
We cruise in the morning over the Pont Canal. The daily excursion program continues with a visit the town of Gien. Set on the banks of the River Loire, the pretty town holds many attractions including the famous Faience Boutique, the Hunting Museum and the Château de Gien. We then take a short drive to the beautiful private Château de La Bussière, with its incredible 18th Century gardens. An optional visit to the UNESCO World Heritage site Village of Vézelay is highly recommended as is a private visit (by appointment) to Château de Buranlure.

BIKING:
Beginners/Leisure Bikers – After the crossing of Pont Canal, bike all the way to the mooring at Beaulieu sur Loire. Map and instructions. Flat or mild elevation. – 2 to 10 miles.
Intermediate Enthusiasts – Guided morning ride of 25-45 miles (2 – 3.5 hrs). Rejoin the barge at Beaulieu sur Loire. Pass through villages of Briare, Saint Firmin sur Loire, Ousson and Chatillon sur Loire. Light elevation.
High Experience/Conditioned – Guided ride 55-85 plus miles (3-5 hrs). Skip cruising or visit. Briare to Sancerre, depending on distance.  Medium elevation.

Friday –Beaulieu-sur-Loire to Léré
This morning we continue along the Canal Lateral de la Loire on the way to the charming town of Léré, our final mooring port. The scenery of flat fields and pastures slowly changes to the hills of the vineyards. Afternoon excursion takes us to the world famous wine region of Sancerre with the opportunity to sample the local wines and explore the charming hill-top village. A visit to the extraordinary town of La Charité sur Loire, surrounded on all sides by the Loire River is a special treat. For early risers the best market visit of the region at Cosne-sur-Loire with our chef is an option. The real wine aficionados have the option to visit 2 wineries that afternoon; Sancerre as well as Pouilly Fume.

BIKING:
Beginners/Leisure Bikers – We shall further explore the biking path of Loire à Vélo. Multiple trails available at mild elevation or flat ranging from 2-10 miles
Intermediate Enthusiasts – Guided morning ride of 25-45 miles (2 – 3.5 hrs). Rejoin the barge at Lere Bike through the villages of Belleville, Sury pre Lere, Sancerre (at the foot of the Sancerre Hill) and Menetreol. Light elevation.
High Experience/Conditioned – Guided ride 55-85 plus miles (3-5 hrs). Skip cruising or visit. Bike to Nevers (Plagny), climb to top of the Sancerre hilltop village, ride through La Charite and Appremont and incredible double locks of le Guetin.

Saturday – Léré to Paris
This morning after breakfast we depart for the return transfer to Paris.

Note: Cruises run in reverse direction alternate weeks. It may be necessary to vary the itinerary from day to day according to local conditions

The Upper Loire region offers golfers the chance to play a number of immaculately presented, picturesque courses (including “Cely-en-Briere” and “Golf de Fontainebleau” – regularly listed as Europe’s top courses.) We have fully researched all of the courses within easy reach of our cruise route and can accommodate both avid players who wish to play a different course each day or those who would like to include just one game in a week’s trip. And, should there be non-golfers amongst the party, our regular excursion program can continue for them too.

Guests can select courses that are in the vicinity of non-golfers visits (should the guests desire to get together after their activities prior to returning to the barge), but will always use two vehicles to allow for maximum comfort and shortest possible transportation time (except, of course, when all members of the group choose to golf, in which case one nine-passenger mini-bus will suffice. Should golf tee times make lunch on board impossible, a luncheon at the golf club house will be provided.

A typical itinerary includes:

Sunday - Paris to Montbouy
Paris to Montbouy We collect you from your Paris hotel after lunch for transfer by private mini-coach to Meanderer moored in the quiet and picturesque village of Montbouy (just a few miles from the regional capital of Montargis). After a champagne reception we take an early evening cruise to the village of Montcresson and back. Relax on deck and watch the town and people pass by. Your first dinner on board.

GOLF:
Introduction and discussion of different courses and other activities. Changes and adjustments, subject to availability

Monday - Montbouy to Rogny-Les-Sept-Écluses
During the morning we cruise to Rogny-Les-Sept-Écluses, a historical home of an ancient seven-stage staircase lock, considered to this day a marvel of engineering. After lunch, the excursion program begins with a visit to the magnificent Château de Sully-sur-Loire or to the busy town and spectacular palace of Fontainebleau, home to generations of French royalty or to the Château Vaux le Vicomte with its extensive and pristinely preserved formal gardens. 

GOLF:
Golf de Fontainebleau (48 min) – Regarded by many as the best golf course within the southern Paris region, this all-weather course is deep in the private forest of the Fontainebleau estate.

Tuesday – Rogny-Les-Sept-Écluses to La Gazonne
This morning we visit the regional capital town of Montargis, the week’s best opportunity to explore a busy market town. People-watch or shop for souvenirs and exquisitely packaged confectionary from the famous Mazet Praline shop. On return to the barge, our afternoon cruise through six locks, which replaced the historical seven staircase lock of Rogny, brings us to the overnight remote mooring at La Gazonne, in the middle of a magnificent nature preserve.

GOLF:
Chateau d’Augerville (1 hrs) – The 110 hectare (272 acres) estate was transformed in 1995 into a superb 18 hole golf course and its historic château is now home to a comfortable and welcoming clubhouse. Designed by architect Olivier Dongradi, the Augerville golf course blends beautifully into the rolling landscape that provides an enchanting, natural backdrop.

Wednesday – La Gazonne to Briare
We start with a morning visit to the splendid 16th century Château of St. Fargeau, offering a surprising and unique discovery of the rich history of this castle. An alternative excursion is available to the Medieval Village of Guedelon, an extraordinary and unique experience to observe this 25 year project recreating a defensive medieval castle, which is being built with materials, tools and techniques of this ancient period. Our afternoon cruise takes us through some of the most beautiful and rural parts of the canal to the spectacular town of Briare on the bank of the Loire River and the entrance to the extraordinary Briare Aqueduct (Pont Canal).

GOLF:
Cely Golf & Country Club (1 hrs 14 min) – Each hole is carved to give a different perspective, allowing multiple attacks game in the styleof American golf. Roughs as fairways, fairways like greens, greens like pure wool carpet give these 18 holes sophistication of a Japanese garden that will delight casual and low handicap golfers.
OR
Golf Club de Sully sur Loire (59 min) – Golf de Sully sur Loire has 27 holes allowing golfers of all abilities to choose 18 that will suit them best. The three nine hole layouts are the easily accessible Sarcelles course along with the Faisans and Chevreuils courses which are more challenging.

Thursday – Briare to Beaulieu-sur-Loire
We cruise in the morning over the Pont Canal. The daily excursion program continues with a visit the town of Gien. Set on the banks of the River Loire, the pretty town holds many attractions including the famous Faience Boutique, the Hunting Museum and the Château de Gien. We then take a short drive to the beautiful private Château de La Bussière, with its incredible 18th Century gardens. An optional visit to the UNESCO World Heritage site Village of Vézelay is highly recommended as is a private visit (by appointment) to Château de Buranlure.

GOLF:
Roncemay Golf and Country club (1 hrs 3 min) – This international standard course, designed by Jean GARAIALDE in 1991 has hosted many of Frances famous competitions. Overlooked by the Chateau in whose grounds the course has been developed, the length and technical nature of the course offer a challenge to even the most advanced player.
OR
Domaine et Golf de Vaugouard a Montargis (45 min) – The “Golfe de Montargis” championship course is described as an “American” style course. Situated in a wooded valley, the course includes small manmade water features and natural lakes.

Friday –Beaulieu-sur-Loire to Léré
This morning we continue along the Canal Lateral de la Loire on the way to the charming town of Léré, our final mooring port. The scenery of flat fields and pastures slowly changes to the hills of the vineyards. Afternoon excursion takes us to the world famous wine region of Sancerre with the opportunity to sample the local wines and explore the charming hill-top village. A visit to the extraordinary town of La Charité sur Loire, surrounded on all sides by the Loire River is a special treat. For early risers the best market visit of the region at Cosne-sur-Loire with our chef is an option. The real wine aficionados have the option to visit 2 wineries that afternoon; Sancerre as well as Pouilly Fume.

GOLF:
Golf de Sancerre, Sancerrois (38 min) – With the hill of Sancerre in the background, this plot surrounded by trees, decorated with natural water hazards, is recognized as one of the most attractive center of France route. The quality of the greens, the warm welcome, the close proximity of the famous vineyards of Sancerre make it a preferred golfing destination.

Saturday – Léré to Paris
This morning after breakfast we depart for the return transfer to Paris.

Note: Cruises run in reverse direction alternate weeks. It may be necessary to vary the itinerary from day to day according to local conditions

Although the standard cruise includes a visit to a winery, this theme is expanded to include additional visits, tastings, opportunities to view the wine-making process. We will customize the tours based upon guest preferences and will include classes on understanding different wines. This can be both for the connoisseur and the novice. Contact us for further details.

We are happy to accommodate the over 12’s and can suggest an alternative cruise schedule to keep young minds stimulated! Water parks, adventure playgrounds and EuroDisney are all within easy reach of our regular cruising route. Contact us for further details.

The influence of French furniture and art has been evident throughout the world for centuries. One of the charms of scouring for antiques in France is that it takes so little time to find real gems. They seem to be everywhere. Our Antiques cruise includes an extra day touring with an expert guide in the heart of Paris, plus we arrange transport back to the US for any treasures you may have bought along the way. Contact us for further details.