Montargis & Sancerre
Loire Valley Central Canal
Sunday: Paris to Les Fouchards
Your party will be met in Paris at 3 pm by our driver and driven to the C'est La Vie moored in the hamlet of Les Fouchards situated 6 miles from Sancerre, and close to Cosne sur Loire, which is just the other side of the Loire river.
With a glass of champagne to welcome you to the C'est La Vie, and after introductions to the crew, you have time to settle into your spacious cabins before your first gourmet dinner aboard.
On our way, this morning we cruise to the village of Beaulieu.
After lunch, we take a short drive through the vineyards to visit the fortified town of Sancerre, where you will have a private wine tasting of this famous Sauvignon Blanc.
This medieval hilltop site gives you panoramic views over the Loire river and of the neighbouring vineyards of Pouilly Fume.
We return to the "C'est la Vie" for dinner.
This morning's cruise takes us to the town of Ouzouer sur Trezee, crossing over the Loire river at Briare on the Pont Canal, this aqueduct designed by Gustave Eiffel.
The construction of this canal bridge started in 1890.
The Chateau of St Fargeau is this afternoon's destination, dating from the 10th century.
It was built by the bishop of Auxerre and has undergone many additions and restorations over the following years.
Back on board, it's time for cocktails and dinner.
From Ouzouer sur Trezee we drive to the town of Gien, the world-famous centre for French tableware.
After a visit to the pottery, take a walk through this market town and discover its remarkable history: On the banks of the Loire river, there has been a settlement here since Romans times.
Back on board for lunch and an afternoon cruise to the town of Rogny-les-Sept-Ecluses, there you will see seven remarkable old locks, (hence its name Sept Ecluses) dating back to the reign of Henry IV, it was a significant feat of engineering for its time.
Tonight we dine ashore at a local restaurant.
If you haven't already put on your walking shoes, now is the perfect time as we cruise to the village of Montbouy.
After lunch we will visit the 12th-century medieval fortress, Chateau of La Bussiere, open since 1962, this houses an extensive collection of fine art based on fishing, the leading passion of the Count Henri de Chasseval.
The grounds include an 18th-century vegetable garden and a pond with a Lebanon cedar tree which is more than 300 years old.
We head back to the C'est La Vie with time to relax before dinner.
Meandering along the canal, Montargis is our last port of call, with its 131 bridges, you can see why its nickname is Little Venice.
After lunch, take a stroll and discover the feudal castle, the half-timbered buildings, shops and cafes, perhaps buying some Pralines, for which Montargis is famous.
The C'est La Vie awaits your return for the Captain's dinner, which ends your cruise in style.
After breakfast, you will be chauffeured back to Paris at the end of the morning. We look forward to your company again aboard the C'est la Vie!
Montargis & Sancerre rates
Accommodation 2023 | Value | Regular | 5-night charter | ||
Whole boat charter for 8 | 56, 280 USD | 61, 320 USD | 53, 320 USD | ||
Whole boat charter for 7 | 52, 920 USD | 58, 100 USD | 51, 100 USD | ||
Whole boat charter for 6 | 47, 700 USD | 54, 000 USD | 48, 000 USD | ||
Suite per person, based on double occupancy | 7, 500 USD | 8, 000 USD | |||
Single supplement | 4, 000 USD | 5, 000 USD |
Departure dates 2023:
Value dates: April 9 - April 30; October 22 & 29
Regular dates: May 7 & 14; August 13 - October 15