Sunday - Plagny
Board the barge Hirondelle, moored at Plagny on the Canal Latéral à la Loire. A champagne reception is followed by an evening cruise on the canal and over the spectacular canal bridge of Le Guétin, where the canal crosses the river Loire offering fabulous views.  Enjoy your first dining experience on board the boat.

Monday - Visit Apremont.  Cruise to Marseille les Aubigny.  Visit Nevers
This morning take a short drive to Apremont, one of the most beautiful villages in France, to visit the private Château and gardens.  Back to the boat to cruise and have your first delicious lunch.  In the afternoon take a walking tour of Nevers, the capital of the Nivernais.

Tuesday - Visit La Charité-sur-Loire. Cruise to Ménétréol
A morning visit to La Charité-sur-Loire, an important site of Burgundian Romanesque art, and a renowned resting place for pilgrims on the road to Santiago de Compostela.  Enjoy a walking tour of the remains of the 10th century religious site and see the charming 'House of the dwarf!'.  In the afternoon, the barge continues cruising from La Charité to tonight's mooring at Ménétréol.  From Menetreol you will be taken to visit a goat's cheese farm for a tour and tasting of their excellent goat's cheese.

Wednesday - Visit Sancerre. Cruise Chatillon sur Loire
After a relaxing morning's cruise, we take a drive to the charming town of Chavignol, where most of the famous Sancerre and Pouilly fumé wines are produced.  We see the vineyards and have a tasting with one of the local wine-makers.  We then drive up to Sancerre, situated on an impressive hilltop where we Lunch at the restaurant 'La Tour',  followed by a stroll around the town, and the chance to take photos of the surrounding vineyards.

Thursday - Cruise to Ouzouer.  Visit Gien and La Bussière
This morning relax as you continue cruising on the canal towards Châtillon-sur-Loire.  After lunch we drive to the picturesque town of Gien, famous throughout France for its colourful pottery and imposing 15th century chateau.  We visit a faïence factory in the town, followed by an excursion to the Château of La Bussière with its imposing setting and medicinal gardens.

Friday - Cruise to Rogny Les Sept Écluses. Visit the Château at St. Fargeau
On your last day of cruising, the barge traverses the river Loire via the longest canal bridge in Europe connecting the Canal Latéral à la Loire to the Canal de Briare, built by the famous engineer Eiffel. After lunch we leave the barge for our final excursion to the pretty town of Saint Fargeau with a history spanning a thousand years. Meanwhile the chef is busy preparing for the farewell gala dinner on board.

Saturday - Rogny
After breakfast disembark the barge for your onward travel arrangements.

NOTE: Itineraries are subject to change

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