An exclusive new barge cruise from Nevers to Briare along the Loire Canal through French countryside, remote settlements and abundant vineyards, tasting regional specialities and revealing an authentic and traditional way of life
Day 1 - Paris/Nevers
Day 2 - Nevers/Marseilles-les-Aubigny
Day 3 - Apremont-sur-Allier/Herry
Day 4 - La Charité-sur-Loire/Menetreol-sous-Sancerre
Day 5 - Pouilly-sur-Loire/Léré
Day 6 - Sancerre/Briare
Day 7 - Briare/Paris
An exclusive new barge (péniche) cruise along the Loire Canal through the heart of France to authentic terroirs and beautiful villages of character and heritage, revealing a traditional way of life and regional specialities.
Nevers reveals exceptional history and important architectural and artistic heritage on the banks of the Loire. It is an important pilgrimage site where Bernadette, a simple country girl from Lourdes who claimed to have seen the Virgin 18 times passed her final years.
The medieval hilltop town of Sancerre is known for its Sancerre wine with appellation d’origine controlee and Pouilly-sur-Loire reveals the well-known Pouilly-Fumé wines.
Explore the varied ports of call and enjoy relaxed cruising through wonderful countryside, whilst for the more energetic bikes are available on board to ride along the canal or explore.
The French food and wine presented at mealtimes will be a real highlight of this cruise which is reserved for Jules Verne guests only.
New Cruise
Exclusive Barge Cruise
Free Cabin Selection
Jules Verne Sightseeing
Excursions Included
Drinks Included
UK Tour Manager
Group Size: 2 – 20
Day 1 Travel by Eurostar from London to Paris. Head southwards to the historic town of Nevers (3 hours) and embark on MS Déborah. Welcome drink and crew introduction. Enjoy a walk around Nevers by night. (D)
Day 2 Enjoy a morning visit of Nevers including the Espace Bernadette Soubirous, the Ducal palace, cathedral and old quarter of half-timbered houses and picturesque streets. Enjoy a tasting of local products. Afternoon sailing to Marseilles-les-Aubigny with the opportunity to cycle part of the way. (B, L, D)
Day 3 Visit Fontmorigny Abbey, revealing monastic history from the Middle Ages to the French Revolution. Visit Apremont-sur- Allier, one of the most beautiful riverside villages in France with stunning views of its castle. Cruise to Herry. (B, L, D)
Day 4 Travel to La Charité-sur-Loire, an important crossing point on the Loire, to visit the Romanesque priory. Then visit a farm deep in the countryside and sail towards Ménétréol-sous-Sancerre. (B, L, D)
Day 5 Enjoy a visit of Pouilly-sur-Loire. At Pouilly-Fumé wine centre explore the vineyards and wine cellars, then learn about its fine wines at a tasting. Cruise towards Léré. (B, L, D)
Day 6 A short drive to the beautiful medieval city of Sancerre overlooking the Loire Valley and set in the historic Berry region. View the Fief Tower and visit a goat farm with tasting of its goat cheese and the local Sancerre wine. Sail to Briare via the Briare Aqueduct over the Loire river (Pont Canal). The Briare Aqueduct is one of the most prestigious waterways in France, built by the Eiffel Company and once the longest navigable in the world! Gala dinner. (B, L, D)
Day 7 Disembark in Briare. Transfer to Paris (2 hours) for your train journey to London. (B)
Notes
Cabins are available from 5pm on arrival and until 9am on departure (before/after this, luggage storage on board and access to the public lounge).
The programme may be altered due to navigational factors with locks, water levels or congestion at certain sites.
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Launched in 2016, Péniche Déborah is registered in France with a mainly European crew. For 20 years Jules Verne has been the main UK partner of the innovative French cruise company, CroisiEurope, established 40 years ago, now boasting the largest European river and barge fleet (over 40 ships), yet still operated by the same family. All drinks, except premium brands are included throughout the cruise. Enjoy International and French cuisine with a choice of French wines in an elegant one-sitting dining room. Breakfast is a buffet, lunch and dinner waiter service. Reception, lounge bar, sun terrace with Jacuzzi and sundeck, WiFi (free/limited). Bicycles are available for use when the vessel is moored. The vessel does not sail at night. 10 air-conditioned Lower Deck cabins (86 sq. ft.) with picture window, private facilities, hairdryer, safe and satellite TV.
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A 4-star hotel in the centre of Paris close to the Opera and La Bourse. Bar, WiFi (free) with 50 air-conditioned rooms with mini-bar and satellite TV. An accommodation tax is payable locally, currently €2.88 per person per night.
Thursdays
per person in a twin Lower Deck cabin
Eurostar from London St. Pancras
Supplements per person
Rail Options
Standard Premier Class £195
Extension Options
Extra nights – Paris
Hotel Chess (per night) £145
Single supplement £125
Arrival transfer add £45
Departure transfer add £45
Price Includes
Rail travel, all port charges, transfers, 6-night cruise, full board and drinks on cruise vessel, excursions, cruise director, local expert guides and representatives. If our specially negotiated rail fares are unavailable at the time of booking, a supplement may apply.
Not Included
Travel insurance, optional excursions, tipping, porterage, any government taxes or compulsory charges introduced after publication.
© 2021 Jules Verne - 96 Great Suffolk Street, London SE1 0BE
VAT No. 805146159
Please complete this form and a member of our sales department will contact you as soon as possible to confirm your booking and take payment. Our opening hours are Monday to Friday 9am to 5.30pm and Saturdays 10am to 2pm
