Accommodations & Amenities

Accommodations
  • 128 ft long, with 6’5″ – 6’9″ ceiling height throughout
  • 4 Cabins ranging from 220 – 236 sq ft
  • Cabin 1, 236 sq ft, 6’9” ceiling height
  • Cabin 2, 220 sq ft, 6’9” ceiling height
  • Cabins 3 & 4, 230 sq ft, 6’9” ceiling height
  • Choice of King or two twin beds
  • Ensuite bathroom with shower in all cabins
  • Ample storage space in cabins
  • Salon and dining room
  • Deck with canopy
  • Outdoor dining space and seating
  • Wheelhouse with comfortable guest seating
  • 110 AND 220 Volt Outlets In the cabins
Amenities
Chauffeured Guided Sightseeing
Chauffeured Guided Sightseeing
Daily Housekeeping
Daily Housekeeping
WiFi (service fluctuates)
WiFi (service fluctuates)
Private Chef
Private Chef
Open Bar
Open Bar
Bicycles and Helmets
Bicycles and Helmets
Air Conditioning/Heating
Air Conditioning/Heating
Hair Dryer and Toiletries
Hair Dryer and Toiletries
Bathrobe
Bathrobe
Safe
Safe
Iron and Ironing Board (on request)
Iron and Ironing Board (on request)
Sound System
Sound System
220 volt outlets
220 volt outlets

Itineraries

Travel from Chatillon sur Loire to Montargis on the Canal de Briare

Bicycling Opportunities:
Excellent 
 (Bicycling is completely optional.)
Sunday
Welcome Aboardsunday image
Welcome Aboard
Travel: Arrival to Chatillon sur Loire
Meals: Dinner onboard

In the afternoon, you will be met by a crew member of the C'est la Vie at the designated meeting point. From here, relax as you are chauffeured to the barge, awaiting you at the charming mooring of Chatillon sur Loire. A traditional champagne welcome and introduction to the crew awaits you, before your first of many gourmet dinners onboard.

Monday
Sightseeing in Sancerremonday image
Sightseeing in Sancerre
Travel: Chantillon sur Loire to Ouzouer sur Trézée
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner onboard

C’est la Vie begins her morning journey by languidly gliding along the canal. Relax on deck or explore the towpath with a gentle pedal or leisurely stroll. This afternoon, your Tour Guide chauffeures you to Sancerre, a Medieval town, that was once a fortress and is perched high over the River Loire’s vineyards. A private wine tasting then introduces local vintages, while revealing the refined world of spirit pairings and flavor profiles. Back onboard, aperitifs and appetizers await, preceding a sumptuous multi-course dinner.

Tuesday
Architectural Adventurestuesday image
Architectural Adventures
Travel: Ouzouer sur Trézée to Rogny les Sept Ecluses
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner onboard

This morning, the C’est la Vie crosses the River Loire via the Pont Canal, an aqueduct designed by Gustav Eiffel. Guests can explore the aqueduct by foot alongside the barge, or enjoy the scenery from front row seating on deck. Upon mooring, your Tour Guide escorts you to the 10th century Chateau of St. Fargeau. Having undergone many additions and restorations, the chateau boasts six towers and has an unusual shape of a pentagon. Socialize in the salon with canapes and cocktails while Chef is putting the final touches on tonight's dinner party.

Wednesday
Pearls of French Potterywednesday image
Pearls of French Pottery
Travel: Rogny les Sept Ecluses to Chatillon Coligny
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner onboard

Start the day with a visit to the of Gien, famous for its exquisite French tableware and handmade pottery. Your Tour Guide will accompany you to the Gien factory, where artists are perfecting their craft by creating and painting the tableware. Watch them in action, and then shop and stroll your way through this town brimming with authentic French life. After a thorough visit, an afternoon cruise awaits, and you will pass the remains of seven remarkable canal locks dating from the 16th century. Drinks and dinner served onboard round out the day.

Thursday
Discover One of France’s Palatial Chateauxthursday image
Discover One of France’s Palatial Chateaux
Travel: Chatillon Coligny to Montcresson
Meals: Breakfast & lunch onboard, dinner ashore

During this morning's lazy cruise, relax on deck and admire the bucolic scenery gently drifting by, or explore the towpath by bicycle or on foot. Upon mooring, you Tour Guide will chauffeur you to Chateau de la Bussiere, a romantic 12th century chateau originally built as a fortress. Inside is an extensive collection of art illustrating the theme of fishing, while outside we may encounter the Countess working in her expansive vegetable and flower gardens. Return to the barge to freshen up before a special dinner ashore at the Michelin starred Auberge des Templiers.

Friday
The Timeless Charm of a Delightful Villagefriday image
The Timeless Charm of a Delightful Village
Travel: Montcresson to Montargis
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner onboard

Enjoy one last leisurely bicycle ride or stroll along the towpath while C’est la Vie completes her final journey into the colorful town of Montargis. Characterized by the charming canals which cross the town, Montargis boasts 131 flower laden bridges, explaining why it is affectionately known the "Venice of the Gatinais". Visit a confectionery shop for pralines, which were first created here in the time of Louis XIII. Return to the barge and freshen up before tonight's celebratory Captain’s Dinner, ending your cruise in style.

Saturday
A Sad Farewellsaturday image
A Sad Farewell
Travel: Transfer from Montargis
Meals: Breakfast onboard

After breakfast, you will be chauffeured to the designated drop off point.

Please note: this is a sample itinerary which may be subject to change depending on local conditions.

Travel from Sancerre to Montargis on the Canal de Briare

Please contact us for more information about the inclusions and exclusions pertaining to this cruise

Bicycling Opportunities:
Adequate 
 (Bicycling is completely optional.)
Sunday
Welcome Aboardsunday image
Welcome Aboard
Travel: Arrival to Sancerre
Meals: Dinner onboard

In the afternoon, you will be met by a crew member of the C'est la Vie at the designated meeting point. From here, relax as you are chauffeured to the barge, moored in the delightful town of Sancerre. A traditional champagne welcome and introduction to the crew awaits you, before your first of many gourmet dinners onboard.

Monday
Sightseeing in Sancerremonday image
Sightseeing in Sancerre
Travel: Sancerre to Beaulieu
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner onboard

C’est la Vie begins her morning journey by languidly gliding along the canal. Relax on deck with a cup of coffee before exploring the towpath with a leisurely bicycle ride or brisk stroll. This afternoon, visit Sancerre, a Medieval town, once a fortress and perched high over the surrounding vineyards. Then, taste the local vintages at Chavignol, immersing into the rarefied world of wine pairings and flavor profiles. Back onboard, aperitifs and cocktails await, preceding a sumptuous multi-course dinner.

Tuesday
A Beautiful Day “Fore” Youtuesday image
A Beautiful Day “Fore” You
Travel: Beaulieu to Ouzouer sur Trézée
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner onboard

This morning, cross the River Loire on the amazing Pont Canal, an aqueduct designed by Eiffel of Tower fame. In the afternoon, golfers will enjoy a leisurely round at Golf de Sancerre, a picturesque riverside course against the banks of the Loire. Those who wish to sightsee will visit the 10th century Chateau of St. Fargeau. Having undergone many additions and restorations, the chateau boasts six towers and has an unusual shape of a pentagon. Back onboard, enjoy aperitifs and appetizers as Chef is putting the final touches on tonight's dinner.

Wednesday
More to Explore Ashorewednesday image
More to Explore Ashore
Travel: Ouzouer sur Trézée to Rogny-les-Sept-Ecluses
Meals: Breakfast & lunch onboard, dinner ashore

Explore the charming village of Gien this morning, famous for its exquisite French tableware and handmade pottery. Your Tour Guide will accompany you to the Gien factory, where artists are perfecting their craft by creating and painting the tableware. Watch them in action, and then shop and stroll your way through this town brimming with authentic French life. Return to the barge for an afternoon cruise. Lounge on deck with friends both old and new while anticipating tonight's gastronomic dinner ashore at Michelin starred Auberge des Templiers.

Thursday
Golf and Gardensthursday image
Golf and Gardens
Travel: Rogny-les-Sept-Ecluses to Montbuoy
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner onboard

A morning cruise continues the glamourous golfing adventure. This afternoon, golfers will be chauffeured to the Domaine de Vaugouard, a lovely course with rolling green hills and beautifully manicured fairways. Those looking for more culture will be escorted to the Chateau de la Bussiere, a preserved 12th century estate. Inside is an extensive collection of art illustrating the theme of fishing, while outside we may encounter the Countess working in her vegetable and flower gardens! Cocktails and canapes onboard precede tonight's delicious dinner

Friday
Marvelous Montargis friday image
Marvelous Montargis
Travel: Montbouy to Montargis
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner onboard

Your final cruise takes you through scenes of country life. Traverse the towpath with a gentle pedal or leisurely stroll before visiting your Captain in his wheelhouse. In afternoon, explore the picturesque town of Montargis. Characterized by the charming canals which cross the town, Montargis boasts 131 flower-laden bridges, explaining why it is affectionately known the "Venice of the Gatinais". Visit a confectionery shop for pralines, which were first created here in the time of Louis XIII. Return to C’est la Vie for a grand Captain’s Dinner, celebrating your week onboard with authentic French style!

Saturday
A Sad Farewellsaturday image
A Sad Farewell
Travel: Transfer from Montargis
Meals: Breakfast onboard

After breakfast, you will be chauffeured to the designated drop off point.

This is a sample itinerary which may change depending on local conditions or the availability of the individual courses. On request, the golf courses of Sully sur Loire and Roncemay may also be added. Golf fees (not included) are paid directly at the courses, please ask for pricing if interested. This itinerary operates in the reverse direction every other week.

Gourmet Dining

Lunch
  • New Roast Potatoes in Garlic Olive Oil and Rosemary
  • Tomatoes with Feta Cheese and Olives
  • Smoked Chicken Salad with Kiwi, Blueberries, Grapefruit, Chives, Celery and Cucumber
  • Stuffed Gougeres with Sundried Tomatoes and Mozzarella
  • Cheeses: Chaource and Lou Perac
  • A Selection of Coffees, Teas, and Biscuits
Dinner
  • Roasted Jerusalem Artichoke Velouté with a Poached Egg and a Sprinkling of Goats Cheese
  • Pan Roasted Breast of Guinea Fowl, Forest Mushrooms, Sweet Corn Purée and Braised Lettuce
  • Cheeses: St Nectaire, Chabichou, Ossau Iraty
  • Poached Fresh Local Plums with a Dark Chocolate Sauce and Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream
  • A Selection of After Dinner Drinks
  • 1 Dinner Ashore Inclusive of the Cruise Rate
Wine
  • Margaux Chateau Dauzac 2011
  • Nuits St George 1er Cru 2014
  • Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2015
  • Vougeot 1er Cru 2015
  • Mecurey 1er Cru 2012
  • Chablis Grand Cru Grenouille 2014
  • Rully 1er Cru 2016
  • Sancerre Rose 2017

Rates & Dates

Accommodation
Value Season
Regular Season
Private Cruise for 8 guests$61,600$66,000
Private Cruise for 7 guests$56,280$62,300
Private Cruise for 6 guests$54,000$59,400
Double Cabin (Per Person, Double Occupancy)$7,900$8,500
Single-Occupancy Supplement$4,000$5,000

2025 Dates

Italic Dates = Value Season
Gray Bold Dates = Regular Season

Month
Days
April6-12, 13-19, 20-26, 27-3
May4-10, 11-17, 18-24, 25-31
June1-7, 8-14
September7-13, 14-20, 21-27, 28-4
October5-11, 12-18, 19-25, 26-1

Barge C’est la Vie offers additional cruise weeks in Champagne.
Click here to view C’est la Vie’s Champagne cruise itinerary.

Additional Details

Included in the rate
  • 6 nights/7 days in a cabin with a private bath
  • Round trip chauffeured transfers to and from Paris
  • A dedicated onboard crew consisting of a Captain, Chef, Tour Guide, and Hostess
  • All meals onboard and ashore from dinner the first evening to breakfast the final morning
  • All wines served with lunches and dinners both onboard and ashore
  • Open bar with alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
  • Daily escorted excursions including admittance fees
  • Unlimited use of onboard amenities such as bicycles
Not included in the rate
  • International airfare
  • Cancellation insurance – A Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) policy is recommended
  • Suggested crew gratuity of 5-10% of the cruise price

*All rates are quoted in U.S. Dollars unless otherwise noted

C’est la Vie Route

Are you ready to ply the pastoral pleasures
of the Upper Loire?

Plan Your Cruise