Paris and the Loire Valley Barge Cruise

Its location in the heart of Paris' 2nd arrondissement, minutes from the Louvre, Jardin des Tuileries, Palais-Royal, Opera and banks of the Seine, making it the perfect place to soak up the best of the French capital. In this 4-star hotel, contemporary design and 19th century Haussmannian influences are combined with great refinement. Discrete mouldings, copper touches and textured leather - French classicism contrasting with the noble modern materials. Its elegant style with Art Deco details have made it a number one destination in Parisian chic. The hotel's 50 rooms are influenced of bygone charm, with it's soft lighting, the softness of velvet and the simplicity of the oak flooring create a relaxed and reassuring atmosphere. The simple and comfortable forms appear side by side with the subtle Scandinavian lines, making guests feel they are at home, but also enjoying a change of scenery.

Visit Paris boarding an open top bus "Open Tour Paris" and enjoy an exceptional view of Paris. Hop on Hop off as often as you please and see Paris in your own time and at your own pace with the 4 tour itineraries. Explore the Paris you have been looking for, historical, romantic, fashionable, fun and shopper friendly while listening to nice audio guided commentaries! Bus frequency gives you the opportunity to visit at your own pace the top monuments and to be seated comfortably each time you take the bus.

After meeting the group in Paris, we'll leave the city behind us as we make our way to the humble town of Nevers - where we'll board our private barge this afternoon. After settling into your cabin, there will be plenty of time to get to know the crew and your fellow travellers. What better way to kick off the cruise than with a round of welcome cocktails and an included dinner?

This morning we'll embark on a tour of romantic Nevers - where we'll see the iconic Ducal Palace, stroll past the half-timbered houses of the old quarter and visit Nevers Cathedral, an impressive national monument.

After that, we'll stop off at the Nevers Blue Gold pottery district (where we'll enjoy a local produce tasting session) before we continue along the river towards Marseilles-les-Aubigny.

After this morning's breakfast, our first stop of the day will be the historic Fontmorigny Abbey. Then, it's onwards to charming Apremont-sur-Allier, one of the most heart-stealing villages in France, for a photo opportunity or two.

After we've had a look around the magnificent floral garden, we'll return to the barge and continue our journey towards La Chapelle-Montlinard - where we'll be treated to outstanding views of the Val de Loire Natural Reserve.

After dinner, the evening will be yours to discover the unique nature, culture and heritage of the area.

We'll start the day with a tour of La Charite-sur-Loire and its beautifully restored, UNESCO World Heritage-listed priory. Afterwards, we'll visit a farm deep in the countryside, where we'll experience the rustic charm that can only be found in France.

And in the evening? We'll enjoy an included dinner as we cruise towards Menetreol-sous-Sancerre, our home for the night.

This morning, we'll take a tour of Pouilly-sur-Loire, where we'll visit the impressive Tour de Pouilly-Fume - a local winery with a mesmerising backdrop. Here, we'll stroll the extensive vineyards, see the wine cellar and enjoy a delectable wine tasting session before we climb back aboard the barge.

Our next stop will be Lere, where you'll be free to spend the evening at your leisure after dinner.

We have an exciting day ahead of us today, with a visit to Sancerre - a historic medieval hilltop town overlooking the Loire Valley - on the agenda. While we're here, we'll visit an authentic goat farm - where we'll have the chance to taste some delicious cheeses and local Sancerre wine.

This afternoon will be spent cruising through the Briare Aqueduct (one of the longest navigable aqueducts in the world) before we don our finest outfits for a gala dinner aboard the barge.

After enjoying one last buffet breakfast, we'll bid a fond farewell to our barge. Then, it's all aboard the mini-coach back to Paris, where our tour will come to an end.

Its location in the heart of Paris' 2nd arrondissement, minutes from the Louvre, Jardin des Tuileries, Palais-Royal, Opera and banks of the Seine, making it the perfect place to soak up the best of the French capital. In this 4-star hotel, contemporary design and 19th century Haussmannian influences are combined with great refinement. Discrete mouldings, copper touches and textured leather - French classicism contrasting with the noble modern materials. Its elegant style with Art Deco details have made it a number one destination in Parisian chic. The hotel's 50 rooms are influenced of bygone charm, with it's soft lighting, the softness of velvet and the simplicity of the oak flooring create a relaxed and reassuring atmosphere. The simple and comfortable forms appear side by side with the subtle Scandinavian lines, making guests feel they are at home, but also enjoying a change of scenery.