We will use our unique
in-depth experience
to find you your
perfect barge cruise
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Summary
Meanderer truly represents floating luxury – cruising the charming waterways of the Upper Loire region where the itinerary takes in its rich history, glorious architecture, local town markets, antique shops and museums.
Flawlessly fitted-out for just six passengers Meanderer has spacious accommodation on both decks – 3 large cabins, a large lounge and dining area, a spacious, teak covered sun-deck and an outdoor heated spa-pool. She is the perfect vessel for exploring the Upper Loire in style, combining elegant comfort, exceptional personal service and superb cuisine.
Charter barge Meanderer is owned and operated in person by George and Susan Kovalick. Previously highly successful travel entrepreneurs in the USA, they bring their understanding of luxury vacations to this unique barge experience – loved by everyone and especially Americans!
Key Features
- Excellence class (4*)
- Canal de Briare, Upper Loire
- Charter and cabin bookings, 6 nights, 7 days, April to October
- 4 to 6 guests / 3 cabins with ensuite bathrooms
- Individually controlled air conditioning and heating
- Full board, on-board dining
- Spacious sun deck with spa pool
- Themed cruises available
The Classic Cruise — Meanderer
Classic Cruise Itinerary
Route | Between Montargis and Léré on the Canal de Briare, Loire valley |
Pick-up | Paris, after lunch, for private transfer |
Dining | All inclusive: 6 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 6 dinners on board |
Classic Cruise Highlights
- Scenic views of the Upper Loire valley
- Gien and its famous ceramic factory
- Cruise over the Loire via the Briare aqueduct
- Wine-tastings at local vineyards, including Sancerre
- The remarkable staircase of 7 locks at Rogny-Les-Sept-Écluses
- Fabulous palaces: Château de Sully-sur-Loire or Palace Fontainebleau or Château Vaux-le-Vicomte
- Montargis, famous for its praline chocolates
- Walk alongside Meanderer or cycle along the towpath and explore the villages
Themed cruises
Meanderer will be pleased to offer a dedicated golf or cycling cruise for charter parties.
Please enquire.
Day 1 — Sunday
Arrival at Montbouy
You’ll be transferred by private air-conditioned mini-bus to barge Meanderer moored in the small village of Montbouy. Welcome aboard with a champagne reception whilst you meet the crew and settle in and then there’s time to take an early evening cruise to the village of Montcresson and back again. Relax on deck before your first delicious dinner on board.
Day 2 — Monday
Cruise to Rogny-les-Sept-Écluses | Excursion to a Château
After breakfast cruise gently on to Rogny-Les-Sept-Écluses, a village named after the abandoned seven lock staircase which you will see as you cruise by on the later canal. After lunch on board, there’s a delightful excursion to one of three magnificent châteaux: Château de Sully-sur-Loire, or the 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.
Day 3 — Tuesday
Cruise to La Gazonne | Excursion to Montargis
Today, we visit the regional capital town of Montargis, to explore a busy market town and the famous Mazet Praline shop. We’ll take a delicious lunch on board and then cruise gently through the succession of six locks (which replaced the seven lock staircase at Rogny) to the overnight mooring at La Gazonne within a magnificent nature reserve.
Day 4 — Wednesday
Cruise to Briare | Excursion to Guedelon
A choice of excursions today; we could visit the splendid 16th century Château of St. Fargeau, or the medieval village of Guedelon, an extraordinary 25 year project to recreate a defensive medieval castle. After lunch on board we’ll continue the cruise to Briare close to the banks of the Loire river and the entrance to the famous Briare Aqueduct (Pont Canal).
Day 5 — Thursday
Cruise to Beaulieu-sur-Loire | Wonderful choice of excursions today
Cruise over the Pont Canal and then a visit the town of Gien. Set on the banks of the Loire river, the pretty town holds many attractions including the famous Faience Boutique, the Hunting Museum and the Château de Gien. Lunch on board and then a short drive to the private Château de La Bussière, with its 18th Century gardens. Or, a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage site village of Vézelay or a private visit (by appointment) to Château de Buranlure.
Day 6 — Friday
Cruise to Léré | Excursion to Sancerre and wine-tasting
Cruise southwards to the town of Léré, the final mooring port. The scenery of flat fields and pastures slowly changes to hillside vineyards. Lunch on board and then an excursion to the world famous wine region of Sancerre for a wine-tasting and to explore the hill-top village. Also, a visit to the extraordinary town of La Charité, surrounded on all sides by the Loire river. For early risers, the best market visit of the region at Cosne-sur-Loire with our chef is an option and for real wine aficionados, an option to visit the vineyards of Pouilly Fumé.
Day 7 — Saturday
Departure from Léré
Depart for Paris after breakfast by private chauffeured mini-bus.
Please note: Cruises run in the reverse direction on alternate weeks. It may be necessary to vary the itinerary from day to day according to local conditions.
“Absolutely delightful, refreshing, relaxing and restful. Everyone was simply spectacular, attentive without intruding, helpful and available. One of the best weeks of our lives. Cannot wait to return.”
Thomas and Lisa Y. USA
Accommodations and Facilities
- Dimensions: 125ft (38m) x 17ft (5.1m)
- Three suites of 125 sq ft, each with queen-size double or twin beds
Each cabin has a private bathroom with WC and shower; wardrobe, closet space, opening windows and sky-lights, hair dryer, bathrobe and personal safe - Each cabin has satellite flat screen TV, Video, DVD and CD player
- Headroom: 6ft 6″ throughout
- Central heating and air conditioning throughout
Other items on board
- Professional English-speaking crew of 6 – captain, pilot, chef, hostess, tour guide and matelot
- A small library of books, maps, DVDs and board games
- Wifi (availability limited in some areas)
- Large teak sundeck with loungers and shade
- Jacuzzi spa pool
- 6 identical bicycles
- Air-conditioned mini-bus for transfers and excursions
Facilities At A Glance
Fine Wines — Fine Dining
Gourmet dining on board Meanderer is a speciality; whether taken al fresco under the canopy or inside in the elegant salon, all meals are prepared with the finest ingredients, fetched daily from the local markets. Accompanying fine wines are selected to enhance each dish and menus can be adjusted to accommodate special dietary requirements.
Sample Menu
Entrée
Topinambour Velouté avec un Oeuf poché, poudre de Cèpes, et L’Huile de Truffe
Jerusalem Artichoke Velouté with Poached Egg, Cèpe Powder and Truffle Oil
Plat
Magret de Canard façon Sous Vide et un Pastilla de Confit de Canard, avec
Pommes de Terre Dauphinoise, Assiette des Petits Légumes, et une Sauce Bigarade
Sous Vide Duck Breast, Duck Confit Pastilla, with Potatoes Dauphinoise, Baby Vegetables and an Orange Sauce
Dessert
Bavaroise de Chocolat et Beurre d’Arachide, Parfait de Citron Vert, Citronnelle et Noix de Coco, avec Gingembre Cristallisé
Chocolate and Peanut Butter Cream Mousse, with Lime, Lemongrass and Coconut Parfait and Crystallised Ginger
Charter barge Meanderer cruises through the Loire valley
– [below] In the region: Villeneuve sur Yonne, Ancy-le-Franc, Fontenay, Chablis, Tanlay, Vezelay, Noyers-sur-Serein –
Ancy ©Thierry Gromik | Vezelay ©Adrian Fletcher | Others ©FW, wikimedia, n/a
Classic cruise rates and dates
All rates and prices will be confirmed at time of booking. Special Offers are available from time to time – contact us
What’s included
6 nights accommodation
Return transfers from Paris
All meals and drinks on board
Excursion fees and associated transport
What’s not included
Travel to the pick-up
Travel, medical and cancellation insurance
Crew gratuities (suggested 5-10%)
Personal expenses
2024
Charter only
Sunday to Saturday
Rates and dates
Value rate weeks
April 21
October 13
4 guest charter: 39,100 USD
5 guest charter: 40,100 USD
6 guest charter: 41,100 USD
Regular rate weeks
April 28
May 5, 12, 19, 26
June 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
July 7, 14, 21, 28
August 4, 11, 18, 25
September 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
October 6
4 guest charter: 41,500 USD
5 guest charter: 42,700 USD
6 guest charter: 43,900 USD
Fortnight 2-week rate
6 guest charter: 82,400 USD
2025
Charter only
Sunday to Saturday
Rates and dates
Value rate weeks
April 20
October 12
4 guest charter: 39,100 USD
5 guest charter: 40,100 USD
6 guest charter: 41,100 USD
Regular rate weeks
April 27
May 4, 11, 18, 25
June 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
July 6, 13, 20, 27
August 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
September 7, 14, 21, 28
October 5
4 guest charter: 41,500 USD
5 guest charter: 42,700 USD
6 guest charter: 43,900 USD
Fortnight 2-week rate
6 guest charter: 82,400 USD
Booking
Booking a luxury barge vacation isn’t the kind of thing one does with just a mouse-click or two. It takes a little research, thought and understanding, and we hope that our pages have provided you with all the information and inspiration you need to take this next step.
Why should you book with us? Because…
We’ve explored the waterways of France on our own boat since 2003 and know each of the barges and their routes.
We’re independent, impartial and enthusiastic – and we are the only France cruising specialist that can offer you the benefits of our own in-depth cruising knowledge and experience.
We love France, we love the rivers and canals of France, we love hotel barging – and we love talking about all three!
There’s nothing like speaking to a friendly expert to help you see the wood for the trees and to make the best possible decision about the vacation cruise of a lifetime. Get in touch – we’re here to help.
We will use our unique
in-depth experience
to find you your
perfect barge cruise