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 area 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!
