by Sandra Sheridan

Created on: September 30, 2010

Long before luxury barge cruises gained the popularity they enjoy today, then Ambassador to France Thomas Jefferson advised fellow countrymen, “You should not think of returning to America without taking this tour I have taken."  As many travelers have discovered over the past 30 years, nothing quite compares with a leisurely cruise along tree-lined waterways and historic villages.  Formerly working barges, these boats have been converted into sophisticated floating hotels.  With the attentive mind of an experienced hotelier, barge owners have captured the secret to delivering personal service, tranquil excursions and exquisite cuisine.

A typical Loire Valley cruise

You’ll cruise through the breathtaking world of elegant French chateaux, where the royals and influential friends took their respite from Paris.  You’ll cycle or walk along paths with fields of sunflower and golden wheat in the background and vineyards stretching as far as the eye can see.  

You might cruise along the broad Loire River and the River Cher that runs beneath the stunning Chateau de Chenonceau arches.  You’ll cruise through the mornings, before stopping for a pleasant riverside lunch and an excursion to Chateau de Villandry, for example.  The evening will be filled with exceptional wines and cheeses and a gourmet, candlelit dinner.  Another day your cruise will glide by private chateaux and petite classic hamlets before taking a minibus to Amboise on the Loire River.  Back aboard for dinner, you’ll recall the Clos Luce, the final home of Leonardo Da Vinci, the Chateau d’Amboise, and the bustling riverside town.  Your entire holiday blends peaceful cruising, wine tastings at local vineyards of the Touraine region and dining out now and then at bistros and restaurants renowned for superb regional cooking.

Pricing, privileges and further cruise details

While barge cruises are not for the faint of wallet, they provide an incomparable travel experience.  Certainly, it is unique to gather on deck at the end of day for a leisurely wine tasting and epicurean dinner.  Hotel barges generally host from 4 to 20 passengers and cruise for 6 nights and 7 days.  Inclusive costs range from $2500 to $6,000 per person and include excursions to interesting sites near the cruise route.  Overall barge sizes and cabins vary in size and elegance, with the designated “Ultra Deluxe” providing over 160 square feet, luxurious décor and private bath.  Fully-staffed, guided cruises include all meals, wines, open bar and escorted excursions.  A relatively new offering is a Pilot-only cruise without meals, beverages or excursions for a self-catered cruise and comfortable barge accommodations.

Enjoying the Loire Valley from your chosen luxury barge takes you from the challenges of daily life and immerses you in a world that wraps you in tranquil relaxation.  If you love fine wines, excellent meals, discovery and plain, old-fashion peace and quiet; your cruise investment will yield a lifetime of memories. 

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