The French Hotel Barge Renaissance was extensively refit for 2009. Renaissance accommodates up to eight guests in four luxurious suites. This spacious barge has two levels (lower level with guest suites, upper level with generous living and dining areas).  They also sport internet service and an on-deck Jacuzzi spa pool. See more specifications and layout diagram under the menu heading "Boat".

Renaissance cruises the Upper Loire and Western Burgundy region of France. You will be met in Paris and chauffered to the barge where the Captain's Champagne Welcome awaits your arrival. The Renaissance travels along the Canal de Briare and Canal Latéral à la Loire between the towns of Montargis and Chatillon-sur-Loire. This area is known as the Gâtinais and the "Garden of France". The Canal de Briare is one of the oldest canals in France dating from the 16th century. You will discover quaint villages, beautiful scenery, and partake in interesting side trips.

Renaissance has an outstanding, experienced crew that continue to keep their guests cheering about the care and enthusiasm the crew bestow upon them during a fabulous cruise week in the Upper Loire and Western Burgundy regions.

Cruise Highlights:

• Visit the medieval walled town of Moret-sur-Loing, home of the Impressionist artist, Alfred Sisley
• Tour of Chateau Guedelon, a unique re-creation of a 13th century castle
• 7-lock flight at Rogny Les Sept Ecluses
• Visit to Chateau de Sully sur Loire, a moated fortress and "monument historique"
• Cruise across the Pont Canal de Briare, built by Gustav Eiffel over the River Loire
• Wine tasting in Sancerre
• Excellent towpath for walking and bicycling

Sample menu: Evening meals

• Fresh foie gras grilled with grapes in a red wine sauce
• Salad of wild forest mushrooms and bacon in a caramelised strawberry vinegar dressing
• Escargot in pastry with Cognac sauce, garlic and fresh tarragon

• Lamb medallions in a red wine sauce, potato gratin and young spring vegetables, Provencal style
• Sole filet in a white wine sauce, fennel caramelised with Pastis liquor and pasta tossed with pesto
• Roasted Duck with mini turnips, orange sauce, puree of artichokes and fresh garden peas
• Filet Mignon de Charolais

• Aisy Cendre
• Bouton de Culotte
• Epoisses
• Ami du Chambertin

• Sancerre, Chablis, Pouilly Fume, 
• Cote de Nuits, Cote de Beaune, 
• Vosne Romanee, Domaine Laroche, 
• Nuits St Georges, ...

• Delice aux 3 Chocolats sur un coulis de framboise (Three chocolate desserts in a raspberry coulis)
• Mouse givree aux fruits rouges (Iced mousse cake with warm red fruits)
• Tarte aux framboises (Home made strawberry pie with French custard)

 

 

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