Canal de Briare: Upper Loire Cruise Itinerary

Canal de Briare - Upper Loire Cruise Itinerary

The ancient Canal de Briare, the first in France specifically created to connect two major rivers, provides the perfect route to explore by barge. The charming, typically French towns and villages which grew up alongside the canal each have a character of their own and cry out to be explored and enjoyed at a leisurely pace.

The cruise itinerary has overnight halts in the most charming spots along the canal where guests can explore on foot or by bike and visit local attractions.

Most halts have restaurant options close by, ranging in style from local auberges to Michelin accredited gastronomic delights.

Shopping for supplies is made easy too since every village has a Boulangerie for the all-important fresh daily bread and croissants, most have a small general store and the larger towns have major supermarkets within easy reach of the canal. There is also at least one opportunity to shop for supplies at the colourful local markets during each cruise.

Transferring to and from the barge at the start and finish of each cruise is also stress-free since a major rail-link to Paris runs parallel to the canal throughout its length (although never close enough to see or hear!) with the main station at Montargis never more than a 45 minute drive away from the barge. For those who wish to drive to the cruise start point, access is easy from the Autoroute network and we offer secure parking nearby or will help you move your car each day so you can keep it close to the barge at all times during the cruise.

Day 1 Monday: Arrival, welcome and check-in

You will be collected at 4.30pm from the main railway station and transferred to Maria in the town of Chatillon Sur Loire, approximately 45 minutes drive away (or for those not arriving by train, the barge will be available for check-in from 4.30pm to 6.30pm).

Over a glass of the local “Cremant de Loire” your Captain will explain features of the barge and if you wish, arrange to take you to a local supermarket to buy provisions for the first few days of your stay, before leaving you to enjoy your first night aboard.

The charming town of Chatillon Sur Loire stands above the Canal and was an important river crossing point for the Merchants who traded on the Loire River in centuries past.

Day 2 Tuesday: Chatillon Sur Loire to Briare

The cruise itinerary begins today on the Canal Lateral a la Loire with a morning cruise to the town of Ouzoeur Sur Trezee. The Canal follows the line of the River Loire (which supplies the water for the canal) as it winds through open meadows and fields.

As we leave the town of Chatillon Sur Loire behind us, we cross the magnificent Pont Canal de Briare which takes us to the opposite bank of the Loire River and on to Briare – the town from whence the Canal de Briare takes it name.

In earlier times, the Merchants bringing wine and produce from the rich farming lands of the Loire Valley would transfer their wares onto boats for delivery via the canal to Paris and beyond. We still see evidence of their trade in the town with many memorials, museums and much of the canal infrastructure still operational.

The line of the canal was altered in the late 1890s to allow non-stop passage across the River Loire through the creation of one of the most celebrated waterways landmarks in the world – the 600metre long Pont Canal de Briare (the longest aqueduct in Europe), built by the engineer Eiffel, more renowned of course for his famous Parisian tower.

Later we commence the climb out of the Loire valley towards to the summit level of the canal. The route passes along the oldest part of the canal taking us to the village of Ouzoeur Sur Trezee.

Day 3 Wednesday: Ouzoeur Sur Trezee to Rogny Les Sept Ecluses

The cruise continues today to the village of Rogny Les Sept Ecluses, famed for its seven “stair-case locks”, built in the 17th century to allow boats to pass the summit level of the canal. The village offers restaurants, bars, shops and the all important bakery and is well placed as a base for excursions to local attractions or to venture further afield.

The village “Petanque” (or Boules) pitch - scene of many local championship boules matches - is right alongside the canal where the locals can often be seen sipping a cool beer from the quay-side bar whilst disputing (in a mainly good-naturedly way!) the winner of today’s match.

Day 4 Thursday: Rogny Les Sept Ecluses to Chatillon Coligny

As we leave Rogny Les Sept Ecluses, the canal begins the gentle descent towards the Seine valley and follows the natural path of the River Loing which was the original waterway’s route to Paris before the canal was commissioned.

Our overnight mooring tonight will be in Chatillon Coligny where you are free to explore the town at your leisure or to walk, cycle or take a trip to any of the nearby excursions.

Day 5 Friday: Chatillon Coligny

Since Chatillon Coligny is a little over half-way along our cruise route, today the barge remains in the port without cruising to allow a truly relaxed day of rest.
 
There are many excursion opportunities plus great walking and biking routes or, if you prefer, take time to simply relax and watch the world go by from the comfort of Maria’s sundeck.

Day 6 Saturday: Chatillon Coligny to Montcresson

Our cruise today takes us to an idyllic mooring close to the village of Montcresson as we continue our descent of the Loing valley through open meadows and fields.

At Montbouy, the canal passes the Gallo-Roman Amphitheatre which stands as a monument to the history of the region. The 11th century church here dominates the village of Montbouy and our passage may coincide with the tolling of the church bells – renowned as the loudest and most melodic in the region.

Day 7 Sunday: Montcresson to Montargis

Our final cruise takes us to the regional capital town of Montargis – the so called “Venice of Gâtinais” because of the network of waterways which dominate the town.

In centuries past, Montargis was the largest fortified town in France, an important trading post on the route from the Loire valley to Paris and the influence the canal has on the town is very clear to see.

Montargis is a bustling city with a busy commercial heart but looses none of its typically French style – the town offers exactly what you should expect of a central France market town.  Our mooring today will be close enough to allow easy access to town on foot or by bike.

Day 8: Departure

Check out today is before 9.30am for the return transfer or onward travel. Those travelling by train will be returned to Montargis railway station in time to catch a train to arrive in Paris for around midday.

NOTE: This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change. On alternate weeks, cruises will be in reverse direction (see sample itinerary for reverse direction below).