La Renaissance barge

Hotel Barge Renaissance Renaissance has been designed to carry her guests in ultimate luxury along the Canal de Briare, France’s oldest canal and steeped in history on a cruise route that features elegant chateaux, small countryside villages and the famed wine-growing region of Sancerre. She is a very spacious hotel barge and the beautifully-appointed saloon with its wooden beams, classic dining furniture and artworks, invokes the atmosphere of a classic French manor house. The comfortable leather sofas and hand-built bar where you can enjoy your pre-dinner aperitif, add to the feeling of onboard opulence. The ‘Renaissance mood’ extends to the four very generously-sized twin or double bedded bedroom suites, (approx. 265sq ft including en suite), each one fully air-conditioned and complemented by a large en suite bathroom. Outside, the large forward deck includes a covered roof extension with a circular table for alfresco dining, comfortable hardwood sun loungers and a heated spa pool. With her refined onboard ambience, Renaissance is the perfect vessel on which to cruise a historic canal and experience the splendour of landmarks en route, including Gustav’s Eiffels’s aqueduct across the mighty River Loire. Cruise Highlights Visit the “time capsule” studio home of 19th century artist Rosa Bonheur and a private lunch in her salon Tour of the privately-owned Château de La Bussière, including a cooking demonstration using seasonal produce Tour of Montargis including its 11th century château and 12th century Church of the Madeleine 7-lock flight at Rogny-Les-Sept-Écluses, a national historic monument Cruise across the aqueduct at Briare, built by Gustave Eiffel over the River Loire Private wine tasting at the renowned Sancerre winery of Hubert Brochard Excellent opportunities for walking and biking. “Biking Plus” option available