Upper Seine cruise
Paris/Evry – Montargis.
2016: May 22-28 / Jun 12-18 / Jun 19-25 / Jun 26 – Jul 2
2017: May 14-20 / Jun 4-10 / Jun 11-17 / Jul 2-8
Our charming hotel barge Johanna takes you from the Seine along one of the oldest waterways of France through the unspoilt countryside of the Gâtinais, the flower- and bread basket of Paris. Along the route, we discover old castles and newly built cathedrals, ancient locks and sleepy little villages.
Route description
- Day 1. Paris/Evry: Pick up at our meeting place in Paris and minibus drive to Evry where hotelship Johanna is waiting for you. Welcome on board.
- Day 2. Melun: Make a historic discovery tour of the city along the signed walking trail. Visit the castle of Vaux le Vicomte that was built by the same architects that later designed Versailles. And as we are in the Brie region, don’t forget to taste this delightful local “Brie de Melun” cheese.
- Day 3. Moret-sur-Loing: Home of the impressionist painter Alfred Sisley, the village is still as picturesque as ever. The castle of Fontainebleau is only 9km away and more than worth a visit. It was the hunting castle of many French kings and residence of Napoleon.
- Day 4. Nemours: Historic city with castle dating back to the 12th century. While the canal du Loing remains on the outskirts of the town, the river Loing itself flows trough the center of the city. Idyllic mooring place on walking distance of the center.
- Day 5. Néronville / Château Landon: The delightful medieval fortified town of Chateau Landon is the historic capital of the Counts of the Gâtinais and a former pilgrimage site. Perched on a rocky promontory, its old houses, monuments, towers and pretty terraced gardens form a very scenic picture with the narrow Fusain river flowing past below. Also not to be missed is the Notre-Dame church and the fortress-like old royal abbey of Saint Séverin. The area is also famous for its white stone that was used to build the Sacré Coeur and other monuments in Paris.
- Day 6. Montargis: The town center has several notable sights to discover and is characterised by the canals and river that cross the town and provide much of its character. According to Montargis Tourist Office, there are 131 of these bridges and canal crossings in the town, which they have affectionately called the “Venice of the Gâtinais”. It is the views along these canals, especially in summer when there are also numerous flowers in the town, that are the highlight of your visit.
- Day 7. Montargis: Farewell after breakfast.
This Upper Seine cruise can be combined with the Upper Loire cruise as a 14 day Seine-Loire cruise.