Meanderer - Golf Cruise

Paris to Montbouy

Day 1, Saturday
You will be collected from your Paris hotel after lunch for transfer by private mini-coach to Meanderer, moored in the picturesque village of Montbouy (just a few miles from the regional capital of Montargis). After a champagne reception, you will take an early evening cruise to the village of Montcresson and back. Relax on deck and watch the town and people pass by. Savour your first dinner on board.

Day 2, Monday
In the morning, cruise to Rogny-Les-Sept-Écluses, the historic home of an ancient, seven-stage, staircase lock, which is still considered a marvel of engineering. After lunch, the excursion program begins with a visit to the magnificent Château de Sully-sur- Loire; or to the spectacular palace of Fontainebleau, home to generations of French royalty; or to the Château Vaux le Vicomte, famous for its extensive and pristinely preserved formal gardens.

Day 3, Tuesday
In the morning, visit the regional capital, 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. An afternoon cruise will take you to the remote mooring of La Gazonne, in the middle of a magnificent nature preserve.

Day 4, Wednesday
A morning cruise through scenic rural areas will take you to the town of Briare, where you will moor just before the entrance to the extraordinary Briare Aqueduct (Pont Canal). Daily excursions continue with a visit to the town of Gien. Set on the banks of the River Loire, the pretty town holds many attractions, including the famous Faience Factory, the Hunting Museum, and the Château de Gien. A short drive will bring you to the beautiful private Château de La Bussière, with its magnificent 18th century gardens.

Day 5, Thursday
Cruise in the morning over the Pont Canal. An afternoon visit to the splendid 16th century Château de St. Fargeau uncovers the rich history of this castle. Alternatively, you can visit the village of Guédelon, a twenty-five year long, living history project, recreating a Medieval castle using only materials, tools and techniques of that period. An optional visit to the UNESCO World Heritage site village of Vézelay is possible, as is a private visit (by appointment) to the Château de Buranlure.

Day 6, Friday
In the morning, you will continue along the Canal Lateral à la Loire to the charming town of Léré, the final mooring. The flat fields and pastures slowly give way to hills and vineyards. An afternoon excursion will take you 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 river, is an option. For early risers, you can visit the farmer’s market in Briare. Avid oenophiles have the option to visit two wineries in the afternoon: Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé.

Day 7, Saturday
In the morning, after breakfast, depart for the return transfer to Paris.

Samois-sur-Seine to Montargis

Day 1, Sunday
You will be collected from your Paris hotel after lunch for transfer by private mini-coach to Meanderer, moored at the riverside village of Samois-sur- Seine, home of Django Rheinhardt. A champagne reception and early evening cruise to the busy waterside town of St. Mammès await you.

Day 2, Monday
During the morning, cruise to Épisy, sailing past Moret-sur-Loing. After lunch, the excursion program begins with a visit to the busy town and spectacular palace of Fontainebleau, home to generations of French royalty, or Vaux-le-Vicomte, site of the movie "Man in the Iron Mask."

Day 3, Tuesday
An excursion will take you to Moret-sur-Loing and a guided walking tour of this spectacular village, home of Alfred Sisley and inspiration to many famous impressionist painters. An afternoon cruise will then take you to the charming town of Nemours, with its impressive church and beautiful 12th century castle.

Day 4, Wednesday
A morning cruise will take you to a picturesque mooring at the village of Néronville. From there, after lunch, you will visit the hilltop town of Château Landon. Many options are available, including a horse-drawn carriage visit of the town (with additional fee) or a very interesting guided walking tour. The cruise itself takes you through an industrial section of the canal followed by a contrasting quiet, rural and picturesque section before arriving at Néronville.

Day 5, Thursday
The daily excursion program continues with a visit to the village of Grez sur Loing. An optional excursion to Barbizon is available. In the afternoon, you will cruise to another beautiful, secluded mooring in the village of Nargis.

Day 6, Friday
In the morning, the cruise will continue to a final overnight mooring at the region capital, Montargis. For those interested in wine tasting, a trip to the Sancerre wine region is offered, including tasting and winery visit. Take the optional trip to visit the beautiful Chateau de la Bussiere with its 18th century garden or witness Chateau de St. Fargeau's elegance with its unique history and present role in the life of local community. If time permits, you can have a stopover and a walk over the Briare's Pont Canal – the famous 700 yard aqueduct over the Loire River built in 1896 by Gustav Eiffel. For early risers, a visit with the chef to the farmer's market in Ferrieres en Gatinais is an option.

Day 7, Saturday
In the morning, after breakfast, depart for the return transfer to Paris.