H2olidays

Itinerary

Day 1

Usually we meet our guests after 14:00 hours at Nevers railway station (2 hours train journey from Paris). After a short drive we welcome you on board the "Stern" with champagne. A short introduction to ship follows and we give you time to unpack. Close to the ship, at Guetin there's an opportunity to take a short stroll over the bridge crossing the river Allier and enjoy the spectacle at the locks. A great welcome dinner awaits you on board.

Day 2

After breakfast we will visit the medieval village of Apremont , one of the most beautiful villages in France and famous for its stunning castle and impressive flowering garden. Lunch is taken at the local buvette . In the afternoon there's an excursion to Nevers . The old town, where medieval houses line narrow streets, is a very enjoyable part of the town to explore. On return to the ship we will depart for Marseilles les Aubigny . You will enjoy your first excellent dinner in one of the carefully selected restaurants.

Day 3

This morning's cruise brings us through 5 locks to La Chappelle Montlinard . After a delicious lunch on board we visit the small city of Charite sur Loire. The convent of this little town is been noted as an historical monument of UNESCO. It was also regularly used by pilgrims to stay the night over on their way to St Jaques the Compostella in the 12e century. A walk over the ramparts of the old city of La Charite will give you an overwhelming view over the river Loire. Back to the barge for another short cruise to Herry , where we will spend the night. You will enjoy your dinner on the "La Ferme des Barreaux " famous for its foie gras specialties. When the weather is nice you can use your delicious dinner in their splendid garden.

Day 4

We cruise to Menetreol sous Sancerre . Lunch on board. Today the wines will be starring. A visit to the city of Sancerre and its wine museum, where you learn all the ins and outs of the Sancerre wines, will bring you in the right mood for some serious wine tasting. You also get acquainted to some local cheese specialties for instance the " Crottin the Chavignol " an exquisite goat cheese and excellent partner of Sancerre wines. The diner in the famous restaurant "La Tour" is the festive ending of this day.

Day 5

A splendid excursion through the vineyards of the Sancerre leads us in the morning to the castle of " Menetou Salon". A tour through this castle, with its own vineyards, will carry you back to the century of romance. Lunch on board. In the meantime we will cruise to Lere . In the late afternoon we visit Bourges , a medieval city, rich with historical buildings. After the diner, you can enjoy an evening walk through the magnificent illuminated old city.

Day 6

After breakfast we cruise to the "Pont-canal a Briare ". With its length of 643 meters, the largest aqueduct in the world. It leads us, over the river Loire, to Briare . After the lunch, which is served on board, the afternoon program is open. You can choose from a visit to the hunting museum of Gien ; a visit to the splendid castle of Sully-sur-Loire ; a visit to several museums in Briare ; a stroll through the city of Briare ; a visit to the old locks of Mantelot or ......... Together with you we make it an unforgettable afternoon. Hereafter farewell dinner on board.

Day 7

Leisurely breakfast after which we will transfer you back to the railway station between 9 and 10 am, for continuation of your onward journey.
On alternate weeks, cruises will be in reverse direction.

Please note, on alternate weeks, cruises will be in reverse direction.