The 8 passenger Hirondelle, cruises some of the most tranquil and beautiful waterways in all of Europe. The large windows, well above the water line, and the sun-deck on the top deck of the boat makes it easy for you to enjoy the passing scenery en route. The entire interior is air conditioned including the four en-suite staterooms. One of the staterooms has a double bed and the other three have twin beds. There are four crew on board including a captain, chef, tour guide and housekeeper.
Below you can find some of the highlights of the cruises we are currently offering on Hirondelle, along with some examples of the cuisine and fine wines the master chef will present you with on board.
Cruise Highlights
Cuisine Aboard
Chateau d'Apremont and gardens
Tour of Nevers
Pouilly Fume wine tastings at Chateau de Tracy
Private visit to faience workshop in Gien
Visit to Chateau de la Bussiere
Crossing of the largest canal bridge in Europe
Great walking and cycling
Regional Specialities
Filet d'Agneau au Basilic, Magret de Canard, Poulet à L'Estragon
Wine Cellar
Meursault, St Romaine, Pouilly Fuisse, Pouilly Fume
Cheese Board
Aisy Cendre, Bouton de Culotte, Epoisses, Ami du Chambertin
Sunday, Day 1 Rogny Les Sept Écluses
You are met by a crew member at about 4pm at the local TGV station and transferred to the barge which will be moored in Rogny les Sept Écluses on the Canal de Briare. A Champagne Reception welcomes you on board and gives you a chance to meet the crew. Dinner aboard.
Monday, Day 2 Rogny to Chatillon-sur-Loire
Today, the barge traverses the River Loire via the longest canal bridge in Europe, connecting the Canal du Briare to the Canal Latéral à la Loire. Rogny is the site of the oldest canal lock in France, a seven-step staircase lock built in 1774. After lunch you’ll visit the beautiful Chateau de Saint-Fargeau with a history spanning a thousand years. Dinner aboard
Tuesday, Day 3 Chatillon sur Loire to Léré
After breakfast, you visit the beautiful town of Gien to tour a faïence factory. The faïence of Gien is renowned for its colour and design. We also include a visit to the historic Chateau de St Brisson sur Loire. Built between the 12th and 16th centuries as a fortress, it houses many fine rooms, as well as a collection of huge catapaults, of a kind used as medieval weaponry. We then return to the barge and enjoy a wonderful lunch while the barge cruises southward to Léré, a pleasant countryside mooring. Dinner aboard.
Wednesday, Day 4 Lere to Menetreol
Late morning we will visit Sancerre, situated on an impressive hilltop west of the waterway, where you will have a chance to discover the delights of this charming town and fabulous views of the vineyards of Sancerre. After a fine lunch in the town we make a stop for a private wine tasting with the Count at the fabulous 15th century Chateau de Tracy, one of the most prestigious producers in the Loire where we taste their renowned Pouilly Fumé. Dinner aboard.
Thursday, Day 5 Menetreol to Passy
Before we leave our mooring, we visit a local cheese producer to see the famous ‘crottin’ goat cheese being produced. The barge continues her cruise from Menetreol towards La Charité-sur-Loire. We moor in a rural spot called Passy and make our way to La Charité-sur-Loire, an important site of Burgundian Romanesque art. The Clunisian ensemble of La Charité was a hugely important spiritual centre in the early Middle Ages, and a renowned stopping place for pilgrims on the road to Santiago de Compostela. Dinner aboard.
Friday, Day 6 Passy to Le Guétin
This morning, enjoy a walking tour of Nevers, the capital of the Nivernais, which has a strong Italian influence and a long-standing reputation for ceramics. Nevers is the third largest city in Burgundy and, until the Revolution, seat of the Counts and Dukes of Nevers. The barge cruises from La Charité-sur-Loire to Le Guetin. Enjoy a short drive to Apremont to visit its wonderful gardens. Apremont is listed as one of the most beautiful villages in France. Farewell Gala Dinner on board.
Saturday, Day 7 Le Guetin
After breakfast disembark the barge and transfer to the local TGV rail station by about 9:30am.
On alternate weeks the cruise is in the reverse direction. This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change.
First class TGV tickets between Paris and your pick up and drop off locations are available at time of booking for an additional charge.
