Featuring the Stylish 'Meanderer'
'Meanderer' - Canal de Briare - Castles, Markets, Wine & Cheese
Tranquil Voyages along Europe's Scenic Canals and Rivers
The stylish 'Meanderer' cruises the Upper Loire, offering a teak sun deck and heated spa pool from which its six guests can savor the historic countryside. Visit magical châteaux as well as the spectacular Palace of Fontainebleau, home to generations of French royalty. Explore Gien, known for its faïence earthenware, cruise the beautiful aqueduct at Briare; and enjoy a local wine tasting at hilltop Sancerre.
Like the fine wines and produce of France, this historic countryside is best savored slowly, and there is simply no better way to enjoy France than to glide aboard the luxury barge Meanderer.
Visit magical chateaux, savor great cuisine, discover vineyards and galleries — a Meanderer voyage lets you have the French dream vacation on your terms.
SPECIAL OFFERS
> GIEN FAIANCE (POTTERY) FAMOUS FACTORY
The word renowned faiance factory in Gien has certified Meanderer to conduct a guided tour of the production facility. It is a rare opportunity and now available to our guests at no additional charge.
> Meanderer continues to offer FREE Optional activities - GOLF * and Guided CYCLING, TENNIS
* Includes green fees and push carts; clubs and cart rentals are extra.
GREAT RATES REDUCTION
> 30% SPECIAL RATE REDUCTION and 20% PROMOTIONAL DISCOUNT for SELECT DEPARTURES
Above promotions apply to NEW Charter bookings ONLY. Not combinable with other promotions.
Seasonal Paris Cruise Opportunity
Paris to Montargis Cruise - We only offer a few Paris cruises per season - you will join Meanderer at its Paris mooring early Sunday afternoon for a pre-dinner cruise around this magnificent city. Monday's cruise on the River Seine brings you on to the Canal du Loing and leisurely voyage through the French countryside to the town of Montargis. Then cruise on to Fontainebleau, Moret sur Loing, and Chateau Landon. Experience exciting excursions, markets and vineyards.
Sample Itinerary
Day 1: SUNDAY 
Meet in Paris and transfer to Meanderer - moored at Montargis - for a champagne welcome. A cruise through the lovely town precedes your gourmet dinner this evening.
Meanderer | Meals: D
Day 2: MONDAY
This morning, cruise to Montcresson with an afternoon excursion to the magnificent royal residence at Fontainebleau, one of largest royal châteaux in France and home to its kings since the 12th century.
Meanderer | Meals: B L D
Day 3: TUESDAY
Return to Montargis today to explore this busy market town, known as the “Venice of the Gâtinais” for its many canals and bridges. Be sure to visit Mazet, a famous confectionery shop, for a delectable treat. In the afternoon, cruise to the charming village of Châtillon Coligny.
Meanderer | Meals: B L D
Day 4: WEDNESDAY
Today, visit the 16th-century Château de St-Fargeau with its beautifully restored interiors, tree-lined lake and collection of vintage steam locomotives. Afterward, return to Meanderer for a cruise to Rogny-les-Sept-Écluses, where a staircase of seven locks stands as a monument to 16th-century canal engineering.
Meanderer | Meals: B L D
Day 5: THURSDAY
After breakfast, see the beautiful Château de la Bussière with its impressive 18th-century vegetable garden and collection of veteran cars. Continue to Gien, known for its faïence earthenware. Then cruise to a secluded mooring in the natural reserve at La Gazonne.
Meanderer | Meals: B L D
Day 6: FRIDAY
Visit a family-run vineyard in the heart of the world-famous region of Sancerre to sample the fabulous wines and cheeses. Cruise to Châtillon-sur-Loire via the Briare Canal, a remarkable aqueduct over the River Loire, completed by Gustave Eiffel in the late 19th century. This evening, enjoy a delectable farewell dinner on board.
Meanderer | Meals: B L D
Day 7: SATURDAY
After breakfast, return to Paris where your journey concludes.
Meals: B
- Canal Barge Cruising in Europe is a relaxed way of travel that is inherently flexible and subject to change. The above itinerary is an example of the places you may see and visit during your cruise; your actual itinerary may vary.
- Cruise itinerary operates in reverse direction on alternate weeks.
- Extend your stay pre- and/or post-cruise in Paris or in the region of the Upper Loire.
- 7 Days | from $5,400 per guest (approximate)
- Single Supplements Available
- also available as charter - call for special pricing
- Available Dates June through October
- Themed Cruises: Biking, Golf, Antiques, Family Programs, Winery Tours - all available
Alternate routes (by request): 
Canal Latéral à la Loire (Nevers to Briare or reverse)
Canal du Loing & River Seine (Montargis to Paris or reverse)
Surcharge applies for Paris mooring.
