On board the deluxe Hotel Barge Hirondelle, part of the Orient-Express collection, the large windows, well above the water line, and the sun-deck on the top deck of the boat make it easy for you to enjoy the passing scenery of the picturesque upper Loire Valley.
Constructed in 1928 as a cargo barge in the Netherlands Converted into a hotel barge in 1992 Measures 128 ft. long by 17 ft. wide Four (4) onboard cabin accommodations Eight (8) passenger capacity Onboard climate control
PERSONNEL:
Five (5) crew members who speak both English and French (some may speak other languages, as well).
PUBLIC ROOMS:
Salon/Dining Room
Sun Deck
ONBOARD LEISURE AND ENTERTAINMENT:
HI FI system with CD player Touring bikes Board games Small library of books Writing desk Guest computer with internet access
MOBILITY RESTRICTIONS:
Hirondelle has no wheelchair access. There are steps that lead down to the Main Deck and some narrow passageways that may be difficult to navigate for those with extremely limited mobility.
DECK PLAN:
Hirondelle's exquisite interior will make you feel right at home as you experience the French countryside.
There are four (4) cabins on board Hirondelle averaging 137 sq. ft. in size and come with either twin or queen beds. All have private en suite bathrooms.
CABIN SIZE:
All cabins are very similar in size and are equally comfortable. The size listed below for each cabin includes bathroom area.
Cabin 1 - Approx. 143 sq. ft.
Cabin 2 - Approx. 144 sq. ft.
Cabin 3 - Approx. 126 sq. ft.
Cabin 4 - Approx. 126 sq. ft.
Cabin
BEDDING CONFIGURATION & SIZE:
All cabins comes fitted with two (2) twin beds except for Cabin 1 which comes with one (1) queen bed.
BATHROOMS:
All cabins have private bath facilities, complete with shower, toilet, and basin.
AMENITIES:
Climate Control, Hairdryer, Storage Space, Electricity (220V, French two pin plugs)
The Salon/Dining Room provides ample space and features:
Sofas
Chairs
Coffee table
Guest computer with internet access
Dining table with seating for up to eight (8) people
The breathtaking, spacious Salon/Dining Room has large picture windows, well above the water line, through which to view the passing landscapes.
ON DECK:
The Sun Deck is a spacious open-air gathering area with plenty of shade. Here, guests are welcomed to relax, or enjoy a memorable "al fresco" meal with friends or loved ones. The beautiful deck furniture consists of:
1 table
8 chairs
1 parasols
OFF BOAT:
Passengers are welcome to walk or cycle using the onboard bicycles as often as they like. Most People choose to disembark the barge at a lock to visit local villages, then return to the canal and meet the barge further along (the barge travels slowly; therefore, this is not a problem).
An air-conditioned minibus is also available for excursions by vehicle.
The Hirondelle cruises some of the most tranquil and beautiful waterways in all of Europe. It cruises primarily in the Upper Loire on the Canal Lateral a la Loire except for a few selected cruise dates in April and October in Southern Burgundy on the Canal de Bourgogne, the Canal du Centre, and the River Saône.
One of the highlights of this very scenic cruise route is the opportunity to cruise onto the impressive Briare Aqueduct built by Mr. Eiffel of Parisian Eiffel Tower fame. The barge traverses the river Loire via this canal bridge, the longest in Europe, connecting the Canal Lateral a la Loire to the Canal du Briare.
Highlights:
The impressive hilltop town of Sancerre
Private wine tasting at the fabulous 15th century Chateau Tracy
The famous Gien pottery (faience) factory
The Chateau of La Bussiere with its imposing setting and medicinal gardens
Hirondelle is owned by Orient Express, providing an extremely high standard of service with a high crew-to-guest ratio: although domiciled in France the staff are mostly native English speakers.
The crew are dedicated to providing the highest levels of service to every guest and every member of staff plays their part in delivering the “ultimate barging experience”. The crew can be called upon at any time to assist you with any special requests you may have.
This specially trained crew pampers you from the time you arrive. Your personal guide introduces you to the district's most renowned vineyards, architectural landmarks, regional activities and local traditions.
Please note that cruise directions are subject to change and may depend upon bookings and local navigation conditions.
2010 PRICING
Individual Cabin Bookings
7 Days / 6 Nights Sunday - Saturday
Per Person (2 sharing)
$4,900
Full Boat Private Charter
7 Days / 6 Nights Sunday - Saturday
For 8 guests
$39,200
For 7 guests
$36,800
For 6 guests
$34,400
Price includes:
A 7-day/6-night cruise in a cabin on board Hirondelle All meals All wines with meals Open bar All escorted side excursions Use of internet connection Use of onboard bicycles
Price does not include:
Roundtrip flight to Paris & return Transfers to the barge & return Transportation from Paris to Dijon or Nevers & return Gratuities ________________________________________________________________________
JOINING AND LEAVING THE CRUISE
Rates for barges are on a shore-to-shore basis exclusive of transfers, which use local train stations as pick-up and drop-off locations. TGV transfers to and from Paris can be booked at an additional charge of $300 per person. Please use the schedule of pick-up and drop-off locations below as your guide.
Schedule of Trains Departing Paris for:
DIJON: Dijon Station TGV7661 departing at 2:10pm and arriving at 3:47pm
ST. LEGER or DIGOIN: Le Creusot Station: TGV6617 departing at 1:54pm and arriving at 3:15pm
GUETIN or ROGNY: Nevers Station Corail5963 departing at 2:01pm and arriving at 3:58pm
LYON: Lyon Perrache TGV6617 departing at 1:54pm and arriving at 4:09pm
Schedule of Train Departing for Paris from:
DIJON: Dijon Station TGV6710 departing at 9:57am and arriving at 11:37am
ST. LEGER or DIGOIN: Le Creusot Station TGV6608 departing at 8:47am and arriving at 10:09am
GUETIN or ROGNY: Nevers Station Corail5962 departing at 9:58am and arriving at 11:52am
LYON: Lyon Perrache TGV6612 departing at 9:46am and arriving at 12:03pm
The Golf Itinerary from Guetin to Rogny available on the Hirondelle is perfect for the golf enthusiast. Play 9- and 18-hole courses in beautiful, tranquil regions of the Upper Loire Valley.
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