Day 1: Saturday: Arrival Mid-afternoon transfer from Paris (Gare du Nord) to the barge. Meet the crew, dinner and overnight on board. Day 2: Sunday: Cycle Trip: 35km - Moderate Terrain From Plagny, go by barge over an aqueduct over the river Alliers and pass two locks. Then start cycling to Apremont and visit the 12th century castle and its fabulous gardens. The trip ends in Marseilles-les-Aubigny, where your barge is waiting for you. Day 3: Monday: Cycle Trip: 40km - Some Hills First cycle to La Charite-sur-Loire, an ancient Roman town. When crossing the 16th century stone bridge to the center, you will have a splendid view over the town and its Notre Dame church. Then enter the wine region of the Pouilly Fume wines. In Ménétréol in the region of the Sancerre vineyards, you will meet the barge and spend the night. In the evening there will be a cheese and wine party or a visit to a winery. Day 4: Tuesday: Cycle Trip: 45km - Some Hills For a start, visit Sancerre and then take a picturesque route across the Sancerre vineyards. You will pass several scenic wine villages and enjoy the incredible scenery. The trip ends in Beaulieu. Day 5: Wednesday: Cycle Trip: 30km - Moderate Terrain Sail to Chatillon-sur-Loire. On the bicycles you will pass the historic locks and admire the aqueduct from below. After passing St. Brisson (nice castle), cycle back to the barge through the forest. During dinner you’ll cross the river by going over it via the magnificent aqueduct "Pont Canal". Stop for the night in Briare. Day 6: Thursday: Cycle Trip: 35km - Moderate Terrain In the morning you’ll have time to shop in Briare. The bicycle ride will be along the river to the castle "Pont Chevron" located at a small lake, and then head for the barge in Ouzouer-sur-Trézée. Day 7: Friday: Cycle Trip: 55km - Moderate Terrain Sail to Chatillon Coligny on the barge and enjoy the beautiful scenery and locks. Then cycle to Montbuoy, Contrat and Montargis. Continue to Amilly along the river "Ouanne" to La Chapelle sur Aveyron to Chatillon. Day 8: Saturday: Departure In the morning time for a walk or bicycle ride around Chatillon. At noon, depart to go back to Paris. |