Upper Loire

Barge cruises in the Upper Loire enjoy relaxed country life, elegant chateaux, green valleys and the fine wines of Sancerre and Pouilly Fumé. The canals creating the border between the Upper Loire and Burgundy regions are part of the Bourbonnais route connecting the Seine River to the Saone River and, eventually, via the Rhone River to the Mediterranean. This very important trade route is also ideally suited for barge cruise vacations.

Canal de Loing

Completed in 1723, the Canal du Loing is 49 km long and connects the Seine River at Saint-Mammès in the heart of the Fontainebleau forest to the Briare Canal just north of Montargis. It passes through peaceful countryside known as the "Garden of France."

Canal de Briare

Completed in 1642, the Canal de Briare is one of the oldest canals in France. At 57 km long, it stretches from just north of Montargis south to Briare with a number of notable features such as Montargis, known as "Little Venice", the seven ancient locks at Rogny-Sept-Ecluses" and the aqueduct over the Loire River designed by Gustave Eiffel.

Sightseeing can include the spectacular palace of Fontainebleau; the canalside market town of Montargis, famous for its pralines; 16th century Chateau of St. Fargeau; riverside Gien with its famous ceramic factory and store; the hilltop wine village of Sancerre and the aqueduct spanning the Loire River designed by Gustave Eiffel.

Please see the individual barge's itineraries for the diverse routes and excursions they include.

Browse Upper Loire Barges

The barges cruising the Upper Loire:

• C'est la Vie - 8 passengers - $$$$
• La Nouvelle Etoile - 8 passengers - $$$$
• Renaissance - 8 passengers - $$$$

Please see the individual barge's itineraries for the diverse routes and excursions they include.

For more information, call ​1-800-880-0071 or

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