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C'EST LA VIE - UPPER LOIRE Cruise Stops
C'EST LA VIE and owners, Olivier and Deb Megret,
invite you to join them on their beautiful barge for an enchanting float
through the Upper Loire region of France. Meander through this peaceful region dotted with vineyards from the Sancerre and Pouilly Fume areas, known for it's famous Savignon Blanc. Visit historical castles, old Roman locks and colorful villages. A special treat is the visit to Gien, the world famous center for French table ware. A great time to shop the "seconds" store for discounted pieces. The barge itself is
luxurious in space and amenities with large suites and spacious
bathrooms. You can even join Olivier in the wheelhouse as he pilots
C'est La Vie through the countryside.
C'est la Vie is ideal for those relishing luxury and space in their accommodations along with the expert skill of an experienced French captain and attentive crew.
Cruise Highlights
- Visit the town of Sancerre for a private wine tasting of this famous Sauvignon Blanc
- Cruise on the aqueduct over the Loire River, designed by Gustave Eiffel
- Shop the pottery store of the famous Gien factory
- Walk around the 15C Roman locks at Rogny-les-Sept-Ecluses
- Stroll around Montargis and discover the feudal castle, the half timbered buildings, shops and cafes
- Opportunity to walk and bike along the towpaths and through villages while the barge floats along
Cruise Features
Owners Deb and Captain Olivier Megret
Owner Operated: Yes - Olivier and Deb Megret
Number of Passengers: 8
Category: Ultra Deluxe
Cabin Bookings: Yes with 2 cabin minimum
Charter Bookings: Yes
Cruising Region: Upper Loire, France
Length of Cruise: 6 nights - Sunday to Saturday
Cruising Season: August - October
Theme Cruises: Classic, Family
Meeting Location: Designated meeting point and time in Paris
Floorplan
Cruise Rates 2025
|
Sunday to Saturday (6 nights)
|
|
2025 Value Season Departures
April 6-12, 13-19, 20-26
October 19-25, 26-Nov 1
|
2025 Value Season Cabin Rates (minimum of 2 cabins required)
|
|
Staterooms per person, double occupancy
|
$7,900 |
Single supplement
|
$4,000 |
2025 Value Season Charter Rates
|
6 passengers
|
$54,000
|
7 passengers
|
$58,100
|
8 passengers
|
$61,600
|
|
2025 Regular Season Departures
April 27-May 3
May 4-10, 11-17, 18-24, 25-31
June 1-7, 8-14
September 7-13, 14-20, 21-27, 28-Oct 4
October 5-11, 12-18
|
| 2025 Regular Season Cabin Rates (minimum of 2 cabins) |
|
Staterooms per person, double occupancy
|
$8,500 |
Single supplement
|
$5,000 |
2025 Regular Season Charter Rates |
|
6 passengers
|
$59,400
|
7 passengers
|
$62,300
|
8 passengers
|
$66,000 |
Cruise Rates 2026
|
Sunday to Saturday (6 nights)
|
|
2026 Value Season Departures
April 5-11, 12-18, 19-25
October 18-24, 25-31
|
2026 Value Season Cabin Rates (minimum of 2 cabins required)
|
|
Staterooms per person, double occupancy
|
$8,200 |
Single supplement
|
$4,000 |
2026 Value Season Charter Rates
|
6 passengers
|
$55,200
|
7 passengers
|
$61,600
|
8 passengers
|
$64,000
|
|
2026 Regular Season Departures
April 26-May 2
May 3-9, 10-16, 17-23, 24-30
September 6-12, 13-19, 20-26, 27-Oct 3
October 4-10, 11-17
|
| 2026 Regular Season Cabin Rates (minimum of 2 cabins) |
|
Staterooms per person, double occupancy
|
$9,000 |
Single supplement
|
$5,000 |
| 2026 Regular Season Charter Rates |
|
6 passengers
|
$61,800
|
7 passengers
|
$65,100
|
8 passengers
|
$70,000 |
Included in Cruise Price
- Transportation between Paris and the barge
- Six nights accommodation in private stateroom with ensuite bath
- All meals – from dinner the first night to breakfast the last morning
- All wines with lunch & dinner
- Open bar
- Daily escorted excursions by air-conditioned van
- All barge amenities including bicycles, music system, library, etc.
Not Included in Cruise Price
- Air or other transportation to the meeting location
- Trip cancellation or medical insurance (available when booking)
- Personal expenses
- A discretionary gratuity for the crew (suggested 5-10% of the cruise price)
Cruising on C'EST LA VIE
Briare and Lateral a la Loire Canal, Upper Loire
Les Fouchards to Montargis (or reverse)
Sunday - Transfer from Paris to Barge
Your party will be met in Paris at 3:00 pm by our driver and driven to the C’est La Vie moored in the hamlet of “Les Fouchards”, situated 6 miles from Sancerre, and close to Cosne-sur-Loire, which is just the other side of the Loire river. With a glass of champagne to welcome you to the C’est La Vie, and after introductions to the crew, you have time to settle into your spacious cabins before your first gourmet dinner aboard.
Monday - Sancerre to Beaulieu
This morning we cruise to the village of Beaulieu. After lunch we take a short drive through the vineyards to visit to the fortified town of Sancerre, where you will have a private wine tasting of this famous Sauvignon Blanc. This hill top medieval site gives you panoramic views over the Loire river and of the neighbouring vineyards of Pouilly Fumé. We return to the C’est la Vie for dinner.
Tuesday - Beaulieu to Ouzouer-sur-Trézée
This morning’s cruise takes us to the town of Ouzouer-sur-Trézée, crossing over the Loire River at Briare on the “Pont Canal”, the aqueduct designed by Gustave Eiffel. Construction of this canal bridge started in 1890. The Château of St Fargeau is this afternoon’s destination, dating from the 10th century. It was built by the bishop of Auxerre and has undergone many additions and restorations over the following years. Returning on board in time for cocktails and dinner
Wednesday - Ouzouer-sur-Trézée to Rogny-les-Sept-Ecluses
From Ouzouer-sur-Trézée we drive to the town of Gien, the world famous centre for French tableware. After a visit to the pottery, we will take a walk through this market town and discover its remarkable history. Located on the banks of the Loire River, there has been a settlement here since Romans times. Back on board for lunch and an afternoon cruise to the town of Rogny-les-Sept-Ecluses. There you will see 7 remarkable old locks, (hence its name Sept Ecluses) dating back to the reign of Henry IV. It was a major feat of engineering for its time. Tonight we dine ashore at a gourmet restaurant.
Thursday - Rogny-les-Sept-Ecluses to Montbouy
If you haven’t already put on your walking shoes, now is the perfect time as we cruise to the village of Montbouy. After lunch you will be driven to the Château of La Bussiere, it is a prime example of a medieval fortress built in the 12th Century. Open to the public since 1962, when the Count Henri de Chasseval decided to exhibit his extensive collection of material and pieces of art from around the world about fishing. But it’s not all about fishing, there are the grounds to visit with its 18th Century vegetable garden and a pond with a 300 year old Lebanon Cedar tree standing close by. We head back to the C’est La Vie with time to relax before dinner.
Friday - Montbouy to Montargis
Meandering along the canal, Montargis is our last port of call. With its 131 bridges, you can see why its nickname is “little Venice.” After lunch, we will take a stroll to discover the feudal castle, the half timbered buildings, shops and cafes. Perhaps buying some Pralines for which Montargis is famous. The C’est La Vie awaits your return for the Captains dinner, which ends your cruise in style.
Saturday - Transfer to Paris
After breakfast, you will be chauffeured back to Paris by the end of the morning.
This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change. The itinerary is in reverse direction on alternate weeks.
Barge Cruise Reviews for C'est La Vie
"The barge cruise will remain one of the most perfect vacation
experiences we have ever had, and there will always be smiles
remembering the wonderful Captain Olivier and crew of C’est La Vie."
Bill and Helen K.
"There aren`t enough superlatives to describe the barge cruise Lynn
and I just returned from. It was so much more than we expected. Olivier
and Deb are very hardworking, customer minded, no detail overlooked,
very organized and fun. They provided a magnificent experience we will
never forget. Glenn, the ``tour director`` was a treasure.....he was an
encyclopedia of information on French and European history as well as a
font of knowledge on wine, grapes and all the wine growing details.
Jerry, the `Chef`` was outstanding. He prepared wonderful dishes,
beautifully presented...each and every time. He was also very personable
and aimed to please whenever asked .....another huge asset for Olivier
and Deb. Ruth, the stewardwess, was very sharp. Daily she provided guest
room services as well as lunch and dinner cheese services. Not only was
she very knowledgeable about the cheeses, she also did the wine
selections a few times. She was smart, service minded, and lots of fun.
We thought we were taking a canal barge cruise but unexpectedly enjoyed a
lesson in wine, food, and the history of the Burgundy region. Way
beyond expectations!" Tom T.
"I can’t recall any other trip I have ever encountered and come back
telling everyone you know that you have to experience this wonderful
trip for yourself. The crew, we will regard as life long friends and the
other passengers we continue to keep contact. Some things in life are
special and the experience we had on the C'est la Vie was very special.
If you are contemplating doing something that you will never forget,
just do it." M. Peters
