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The following barges cruise in this area:
Where is it?
West side of Burgundy, on the Canal
Latéral à la Loire, between (just west of) Digoin and Montargis.
What are the cruises like?
Through open
countryside and small villages and towns, with flower covered
bridges and the like. This area is often referred to
as ‘the garden of France’ due to its colourful, attractive
landscape and unspoilt natural surroundings.
Landmarks on this cruise route include the amazing Briare Aqueduct
stretching over the wide River Loire, designed by
the famous Gustave Eiffel (right-below). The glorious Meanderer
barge that cruises this illustrious route (right) and the
awe-inspiring Chateau Vaux le Vicomte (above right). The
Upper Loire has many hidden treasures and is well worth a
visit...
How does this canal compare with others
in Europe?
In past centuries it was one of the
most important branches of the canal network, ensuring
that product transferral between the centre of rural France and
its grand capital, Paris, remained possible. It was so essential
to be able to cross the huge River Loire that lay in its pathway,
that Gustave Eiffel designed the famous Aqueduct at Briare
(above-right) which spans the entire width of the huge
River Loire below it. Cruising across here is something
very special, particularly if you happen to be lounging in the
spa pool on the gracious Meanderer drinking Champagne as
you do so! The beautiful Meanderer (above-right), her lovely
spa pool (below right) and sun deck (below left) await you!
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Now of course the need for
commercial traffic to float here
is much less urgent, and it remains
to the hedonists of
this world to enjoy its natural
pleasures and delightful
open landscapes that lead us
from one charming village to
the next.
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Pretty villages bedecked with
flowers await you, as do the
plush, luxurious cabins on the
Meanderer. Space and comfort
are in abundance here, plus of
course excellent food and wine
at every meal.
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Why would I want to cruise here?
- Because of the ‘undiscovered’ feel to the region—you won’t feel like you’re on the usual ‘tourist
trail’.
- Because of the chateaux and fairy-tale castles that dot the landscape, and are of course visited
on your cruise. Château de Fontainebleau and St Fargeau just have to be seen!
- Because the region offers fine wines of both Burgundy and the Loire Valley—lately becoming
very popular and for good reason too! Wine tasting of Pinot Noir and Sauvignon in the Sancerre
vineyards is a must!
- Temperatures are never usually too high, but there is plenty of pleasant sunshine between April
and October
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