Hirondelle |
Barge Information
Rating  : Deluxe
Number of Passengers: 8
Number of Cabins: 4
Size of Vessel: 128 ft in length
Number of Crew: 5
Cruise Region: Upper Loire & Loire Valley
Other Regions Sailed: Southern Burgundy
2009 Whole Boat Charters starting at $38,200
2009 Prices (per person) starting at $5,400
Charter Pricing for 6 & 7 Passengers Available
Call Barge TravelPOINTS Today
For More Information or to Book Your Journey
1.800.549.2575
|
Photo Album
 Hirondelle |
Overview
The elegant Hirondelle, wholly-owned by the luxury travel company Orient-Express, is a typical Dutch-made barge featuring large windows,
modern, sophisticated interiors, and comfortable accommodations. On her decks you'll enjoy some of the most beautiful scenery
in all of Europe - from hillside vineyards and historic villages to Gothic churches and Renaissance châteaux.
While aboard Hirondelle, every wish will be attended to by the attentive crew. Delicious meals are served on board made with
fresh local ingredients and complemented by fine local wines. Excursions are lead by a knowledgeable guide ensuring an unforgettable
journey.
|
Accommodations
Hirondelle's four comfortable state rooms have been decorated with beautiful fabrics and luxurious linens. Three cabins
are available with twin beds and one offers a queen bed.
Each cabin includes an en-suite bathroom, plenty of storage space, and a writing desk.
|
Amenities
- All meals aboard including a candlelit 5-course dinner
- Fine local wines served with meals
- Open bar
- Sundeck with dining table and chairs
- Air conditioning and central heating
- Bicycles
|
Sample Itinerary
Rogny les Sept Écluses to Pont Canal de Guetin
Sunday - Depart Paris, Gare de Lyon, on your optional afternoon TGV train transfer this afternoon. On arrival at Nevers station
you are met by the Afloat in France guide who transfers you to the barge at Rogny les Sept Écluses on the Canal de Briare.
A champagne welcome is followed by an evening cruise on the canal. Enjoy your first dining experience on board.
Monday - This morning, visit the lovely village of Mezilles and the Jardin de Parfumer where they still make perfume in the
traditional way. Nearby is the beautiful Château de Saint-Fargeau with a history spanning a thousand years. Today, the barge
traverses the river Loire via the longest canal bridge in Europe, connecting the Canal du Briare to the Canal Latéral à
la Loire.
Tuesday - After breakfast, visit a faïence factory in the beautiful town of Gien. The barge cruises southward to
Léré, a pleasant countryside mooring. After a lunch, visit Guédelon where for the last six years a team of
engineers have been constructing a fortified château using 13th century techniques - fascinating for all.
Wednesday - This morning explore the typical French market at Cosne-sur-Loire and sample some of the local delicacies.
Return to the boat for lunch and a leisurely cruise to the village of Ménétréol. In the afternoon, visit
Sancerre, situated on an impressive hilltop west and the goat farm of Francois Blain to see how the famous 'crottin' cheese is
made. Enjoy a private wine tasting at the fabulous 15th century Château Tracy, one of the most prestigious producers in
the Loire.
Thursday - Take a short trip to Tharenay to taste the famous Pouilly Fumé wine, a perfect aperitif before lunch!
This afternoon, visit 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.
Friday - Enjoy a walking tour of Nevers, the capital of the Nivernais, with a private visit to the workshop of Mr. Bernard
to see the master ceramic maker at work and a chance to buy some of the distinctive blue and gold faience. This afternoon take a
short drive to Aprémont, one of the most beautiful villages in France, to visit the private château and gardens.
Return to Hirondelle for a farewell gala dinner on board.
Saturday - After breakfast disembark the barge and transfer to the Nevers rail station. If you are taking the optional TGV
train transfer to Paris (Gare de Lyon) you are met by an Afloat in France representative who will assist you with your luggage.
|
1.800.549.2575
