Sunday - moored overnight in Villeneuve-sur-Yonne

Your chauffeurs collect you from your Paris hotel at 2.00pm for the scenic drive to the barges, moored in the 11th century town of Villeneuve-sur-Yonne. Your hosts welcome you aboard with a Champagne Reception and an introduction to your crew and ships.  Before dinner, your tour guide is at hand to escort you around Villeneuve-sur-Yonne, which was founded in 1163 by Louis VII of France to protect the kingdom of France at the boundary of the Champagne. In 1204, Philippe Auguste held parliament in the city, and Saint Louis resided in the city before departing for the Eighth Crusade. In 1594 the city was burnt down. In 1870, a memorial for the dead was designed by the sculptor Émile Peynot. The city was governed from 1927 through 1935 by the infamous mayor Marcel Pétiot, who was guillotined in 1946, convicted of 27 killings. We shall also have an opportunity to view the 700-year old town gate as well as the magnificent Church of Notre Dame, the building of which lasted from the 12th to the 16th century.  Tonight your chef welcomes you to your table with the first of many offerings. Candlelit crystal and gleaming silverware add to the romantic ambience of what promises to be the first of many memorable evenings.  Round off the day with a gentle stroll along the picturesque River Yonne.

Monday - Villeneuve-sur-Yonne to Sens

After we visit the town of Chablis, you will first see a panoramic vista of the Grand Cru vineyards and the surrounding countryside before enjoying a tour of the ancient press and cellars of Domaine Laroche, followed by a pre-lunch “aperitif” wine tasting.  After lunch we cruise past the riverside villages of the Upper Yonne. There are opportunities for biking along the pathways that follow our route. After lunch we cruise to our mooring in Sens.  Your overnight mooring is five minutes from the town centre. Relax before dinner with a drink from the bar as the swans gather round in anticipation of a free meal.  Dinner on board.

Tuesday  - Sens  to Labrosse lock

After breakfast we visit Sens to see the Cathedral of St Etienne. Begun in 1140 and housing one of the richest treasuries in France, this mighty Gothic cathedral is the first of its kind in Europe. Afterwards enjoy a stroll on your own through this popular market town.   After lunch we begin our cruise past the photogenic town of Pont sur Yonne and enter the narrow canal section of Courlon, built to facilitate the transport of wines and other prized goods to Paris. Tonight we moor at our peaceful countryside setting above the lock at Labrosse.  Dinner on board

Wednesday – Labrosse to Moret-sur-Loing

We begin our cruise along the final part of the River Yonne and join the Seine where we cruise to our overnight mooring at Moret-sur-Loing, known to many as the home of the famous Impressionist painter, Alfred Sisley. This enchanting setting is an inspiration for artists to this very day.  After lunch, we visit the Unesco World Heritage site of the medieval town of Provins,  originally home to one of the Champagne Fairs that were crucial to the medieval European economy, when the city was under  the protection of Counts of Champagne.  Provins is well-known for its medieval fortifications, such as the Tour César (Caesar Tower) and well preserved city walls.  The Saint Quiriace Collegiate Church is located here. The Empress Galla Placidia is said to have presented Ancona with the relics of Judas Cyriacus. However, the saint's head was situated at Provins, which was brought over from Jerusalem by Henry I of Champagne, who built a church in this town to contain it. This still stands as the Saint Quiriace Collegiate Church, although construction work during the 12th century was never completed due to financial difficulties during the reign of Philippe le Bel. A dome was added in the 17th century, and the old families of Provins who lived in the upper town were called  "Children of the Dome."  For the kids (and grown ups) there is the option of taking in a Medieval show with eagles and horses galore!  Dinner on board.

Thursday – Moret-sur-Loing to Episy

Today is the beginning of our cruise into the Upper Loire region, as we pass along the winding Canal de Loing. Once onto the canal, the landscape unfolds as we slowly pass open fields and forests bordering classic French villages and towns. Affectionately known as the "Gardens of Paris", this little-known region gently reveals its secrets as we discover a waterway teeming with wildlife. This is the perfect opportunity to cycle or stroll along the path that follows the canal. Why not lend a hand at one of the many manual locks? Your crew are at hand to explain how these work and to show you the ropes!  After lunch, your tour guide drives you to the romantic Chateau of Vaux-le-Vicompte (setting for the film "The Man In The Iron Mask"). Our visit includes an opportunity to explore the magnificent formal gardens which are widely regarded as some of the best in France. Built between 1656 and 1661 for finance minister Nicolas Fouquet, the chateau's construction was monstrous even for those days. Entire villages were razed and 18,000 workmen called in. Famous architects, painters and landscapers were commissioned to reflect Fouquet's refined tastes. So lavish was the housewarming party, that Louis XIV threw a fit of jealousy and hurled Fouquet in jail. Just to prove who was boss, Louis XIV began building the Palace of Versailles.  This evening we moor at a peaceful countryside setting next to the hamlet of Episy. Weather permitting, your chef will happily prepare a stupendous BBQ

Friday – Episy to Nemours

This morning we cruise towards our final destination of Nemours.  Once again, plenty of biking and walking opportunities.  After lunch your drivers take you to the Palace of Fontainebleau. It is often referred to as the "House of Centuries" due to the fact that every French monarch from Francois I to Napolean III has left his mark upon this magnificent chateau. To walk through the splendour of the inner sanctuaries of noble kings and queens is to step back through time. Afterwards you will have time to explore the ornate gardens and the thriving town of Fontainebleau.  You then return to the barges to celebrate your last evening aboard. Laughter, great times and the warmth of friendship contribute to those "Golden Memories" that last a lifetime.

Saturday - departure 9.30am

We end the cruise with a nourishing breakfast and fond farewell from your crew, before your chauffeurs take you onward to Paris.

Note: On alternative weeks the cruise is in reverse direction.  All itineraries are subject to change.