Nymphea |
Barge Information
Rating  :
Moderate
Number of
Passengers: 6
Number of Cabins:
3
Size of
Vessel: 80 ft in length
Number of Crew:
3
Cruise
Region: Loire Valley
Other Regions Sailed:
None
2012 Whole Boat Charters for 6 all
season
$22,600
2012 Prices
(per person) all season
$3,950
Charter Pricing for 4
& 5 Passengers Available
Call Barge
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For More Information or to Book
Your Journey
1.800.549.2575 |
Photo Album
 Nymphea
Cruising Under Chateau de Chenonceau |
Overview
The 6 passenger Nymphea is a classic Dutch vessel with a
shallow draft that is ideal for navigating the
incredibly beautiful yet somewhat sandy reaches of the
River Cher in the Loire Valley. Her design allows her to
be the only barge currently cruising in this fascinating
region of France.
Refitted throughout, her
traditional ship interior features a warm classic decor
of rich varnished hardwoods, stained glass and a
welcoming country house atmosphere. Nymphea is perfect
for families and parties of 4-6 who are interested in
seeing the many opulent Royal Chateaux in the 'Valley of
the Kings'. You will visit Chateau de Chenonceau,
D'Amboise and Valencay, plus spectacular gardens,
outdoor markets and wine tastings. You'll even visit
Leonardo Da Vinci's home!
Her crew of Captain,
Chef and Tour Guide are most knowledgeable about the
history in this beautiful area, and are excellent hosts
for your luxury cruise along the river.
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Accommodations
Nymphea has three comfortable cabins providing two twin
bedded staterooms and one twin or double
stateroom.
Each cozy cabin features an en-suite
bathroom and plenty of wardrobe space for your travel
items.
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Amenities
- Delicious regional cuisine made from fresh local
ingredients
- French wines served with lunch and dinner
- Dinner ashore one evening
- Open bar
- Sundeck with table for al fresco dining
- Air conditioning and central heating
- Touring bicycles
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Sample Itinerary
River Cher
Sunday - You are met in
the afternoon at the TGV railway station at St Pierre
des Corps and transferred to Nymphea where a Champagne
Welcome awaits you at our mooring opposite the 17th
century Moulin de Nitray followed by dinner
aboard.
Monday - A morning cruise through
two locks takes you to the quaint town of Larcay where
Nymphea will moor under the weeping willows for lunch.
Enjoy an afternoon excursion to Chateau de Villandry,
with its world-renowned renaissance gardens, then return
to Nymphea for dinner aboard.
Tuesday -
After a morning cruise past no less that six private
chateaux, Nymphea ties up opposite the hamlet of Vallet,
a cluster of classic Tourangeau architecture grouped
around its 18th century mill. From there you'll leave
for an excursion by minibus to Amboise on the banks of
the Loire, where you'll visit the Royal Chateau
D'Amboise and the Clos Luce, Leonardo Da Vinci's home.
Dinner tonight is enjoyed aboard Nymphea.
Wednesday - While cruising in the morning
Nymphea may pull in to the tiny landing stage next to
Domaine de Fontenay. A two minute walk brings you to
their courtyard where you can taste their range of
Touraine wines as an aperitif before lunch moored at
Blere. In the afternoon Nymphea cruises under the 5 arch
bridge of the impressive Ch�teau de Chenonceau and moor
at Chisseaux. From there we depart by minibus to visit
the Chateau. You'll take dinner tonight in one of the
local restaurants specializing in regional
cooking.
Thursday - A morning cruise takes
you towards the troglodyte village of Bourre. After
lunch you'll enjoy a drive east to Valencay, one of the
most splendid chateaux of the Loire and the home of
Napoleon's foreign minister, Talleyrand. Once back on
board Nymphea cruises to the next lock, a short walk
from which is one of the more unusual dwellings in the
Loire Valley, La Magnaneraie. The Coquillat family have
grown up in this hillside troglodyte habitation, which
has been in turn wine cellar, quarry for the tuffeau
stone, and lastly a silkworm nursery. Returning to the
barge Nymphea cruises to Montrichard where she moors for
the night and where you'll enjoy another fine dinner on
board.
Friday - Following breakfast, a
short stroll takes you to the heart of Montrichard, into
the midst of one of the largest weekly street markets in
Touraine. There is much to explore at the 12th Century
Chateau of Foulques Nerra overlooking the medieval town
square. Before lunch you can visit the local vineyard of
the Meriau family, to taste the regional Touraine
vintages. After an early lunch, Nymphea sets off
downstream again, for another passage under Chenonceau
and arrives at the hamlet of Nitray in time to visit the
Chateau and rose garden of Nitray. Enjoy a pre-Captain's
dinner aperitif from their vineyards, then return to
Nymphea for the farewell Captain's Dinner
aboard.
Saturday - After breakfast you'll
disembark to St Pierre des Corps Station.
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