THE BARGE: Constructed in 1924 as a small commercial barge specifically to transport a Fair Ground Ride around Holland, Belgium & France Converted into a hotel barge in 2002 Measures 83 ft. long by 15 ft. wide Two (2) onboard cabin accommodations Four (4) passenger capacity Onboard climate control PERSONNEL: One (1) English-speaking crew member, Pilot, who comes to the barge each day to pilot the barge during the daily cruise. There are no crew living on board, but assistance is available via 24-hr. helpline. The barge is professionally cleaned and prepared before each charter. PUBLIC ROOMS: Salon/Dining Room Terrace ONBOARD LEISURE AND ENTERTAINMENT: HI FI system with CD player Four (4) identical touring bikes Board games Small library of books MOBILITY RESTRICTIONS: Maria has no wheelchair access.  There are four (4) steps between the levels on board which may be difficult to navigate for those with extremely limited mobility.  The walkway is generally not too steep and has a handrail along one side. DECK PLAN: Maria features air-conditioned staterooms and salon, a large open-plan wheelhouse for upper deck dining and a wonderful aft "Cocktail Deck" terrace with a permanent sun canopy overhead.

CABINS: There are two (2) cabins on board Maria located toward the bow of the Main Deck. The cabins, as well as the rest of the boat, feature plenty of head room (over 6 ft.) and have private en suite bath facilities. The cabins both have large, opening windows, skylights, and beautiful furnishings with white finishes and gorgeous dark hardwood. CABIN SIZE: Both cabins are very similar in size and are equally comfortable. There is really no distinction between the two other than 10 sq. ft. of living space. The sizes below include adjoining bathroom area: Cabin 1 - Approx. 95 sq. ft. Cabin 2 - Approx. 85 sq. ft. BEDDING CONFIGURATION & SIZE: Bedding configuration is dependent on the cabin. Cabin 1 features a fixed double bed set-up while Cabin 2 can be fitted with either two (2) twin beds or one (1) double bed. When Cabin 2 is in twin configuration, the beds will be parallel to each other with a space in between them. BATHROOMS: Each cabin has a private bathroom with shower, wash basin, and toilet. They are well-stocked with plenty of towels, hand soap, shower gel, and shampoo. AMENITIES: Climate Control Hairdryer Wardrobe Washer & Dryer Electricity (220V, French two pin plugs)

Cabin  Cabin En Suite Bathroom

SALON: The Salon provides a comfortable 180 sq. ft. and features: 1 Sofa 2 Easy chairs The breathtaking, spacious Salon is dressed with varnished hardwood and has large opening picture windows throughout.  GALLEY: Attached to the Salon is a spacious 100 sq. ft. open-plan Galley with all the necessary utilities to facilitate enjoyable meals on board.  The utilities include: Oven Halogen Hob Extractor Canopy Fridge & Freezer Dishwasher Double-Bowl Sink Electric Kettle Toaster Coffee Percolator Additionally, the Galley is equipped with all utensils and glassware required catering the perfect meal. WHEELHOUSE: The pilot station, or Wheelhouse, on board Maria offers 100 sq. ft. and features indoor dining with seating for four (4) guests. TERRACE: Just beyond the Wheelhouse sits the aft-deck Terrace. This area is perfect for watching unadultered views of the scenic countryside drift past. This outdoor gathering area is furnished with an elegant teak deck table, deck chairs with upholstered cushions for maximum comfort, non-slip wooden deck flooring, and a fixed sun canopy. 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). Keen cyclists can travel further afield and discover more experiences visiting different chateaux, tasting regional wines, or kayaking on the River Loire Excursions by taxi or private car are also a possibility.

Salon Galley Wheelhouse Dining Aft-Deck Terrace

The ancient Canal de Briare, the first in France specifically created to connect two major rivers, provides the perfect route to explore by barge. The charming, typically French towns and villages which grew up alongside the canal each have a character of their own, and cry out to be explored and enjoyed at a leisurely pace. This cruise itinerary has overnight halts in the most charming spots along the canal which guests can explore on foot or by bike and visit local attractions. Most halts have restaurant options close by, ranging in style from local auberges to Michelin accredited gastronomic delights. Shopping for supplies is made easy too since every village has a Boulangerie for the all-important fresh daily bread and croissants. Most have a small general store and the larger towns have major supermarkets within easy reach of the canal. There is also at least one opportunity to shop for supplies at the colourful local markets during each cruise. Click below for Sample Itinerary: Chatillon-Montargis Montargis-Chatillon

Highlights: Experience the famed seven "stair-case" locks of Rogny Les Sept Ecluses Leisurely day in Chatillon Coligny Hear the renowned tolling of the church bells at the 11th century church in Montbouy Discover the blend of bustling commerce and traditional French style at the historic city of Montargis

Phill Spurge (48) has a life-long love of boating and an extensive history with barges in France. Phill, an Englishman, came to France with his wife Hannah in 2000 to run Hotel-Barges “Meanderer” and later “La Bonne Humeur” which were regarded amongst the most well managed barges in France under their management. An experienced Pilot and skilled Engineer, Phill is bi-lingual and has an unrivalled knowledge of Maria’s cruise route.  He and Hannah have spent many years cruising in the region and now live just a few minutes from the canal.

Phill’s previous exploits in barging earned him a reputation for being Captain of the most comfortable, cleanest and best presented barges in France and this reputation will surely continue with the luxuriously appointed and immaculate Maria. Your Captain looks forward to sharing his infectious enthusiasm for barging and welcoming you aboard Maria.

As a self-catering barge, Maria's cuisine is left entirely to her passengers. This unique format is perfect for travelers who have previously taken a trip on a hotel barge and loved it, but longed to sample the local restaurants or yearned for the simple pleasures of buying fresh, local ingredients and preparing their own meals. Maria gives these guests the power to explore France more freely and at their own pace without the omnipresence of a doting crew. Visits to local markets will now be a joy to passengers who longed to actually purchase the fares instead of simply viewing them.

Guests arriving on board Maria are greeted with a wonderful Welcome Pack which includes: Fresh flowers Fruit bowl Fresh bread A bottle of red, white, and sparkling wine already chilled in the fridge Tea, bottled water, coffee, milk, sugar, butter, and jam Hand soap, shower gel, and shampoo in all bathrooms Washing up liquid, dishwasher tablets, washing detergent, toilet tissue, and cleaning materials For guests who wish to participate in a French "dine-around" experience as opposed to creating their own meals (whether for the entire duration of the cruise, or simply for a few nights out), a Restaurant Guide is available to help choose the appropriate locale for the appropriate meal.  There are lots of restaurants of all types along Maria’s cruise route, from simple bistros to grand traditional restaurants with a Michelin star.  This guide will give you a good idea of what's available in each area.

2010 SCHEDULE

Please note that this cruise is for SEVEN nights arriving Monday and departing Monday. 
Cruise directions are subject to change and may depend upon bookings and local navigation conditions.

2010 PRICING

 Regular Rates

Price includes:

A 7-night (Monday to Monday) cruise in a cabin on board Maria
Transfer from Montargis to barge & return
Pilot to drive vessel
Use of bicycles

Price does not include:

Flight to Paris & return
Transportation to Montargis & return
Food & wines
Special activities not included in itinerary
Gratuities
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JOINING AND LEAVING THE CRUISE

Cruise Passenger Meeting Point Train Station or Hotel of Your Choice - 4:30pm Montargis To begin the cruise, passengers will be picked up from the train station or hotel of their choice in Montargis at 4:30pm. At the end of your cruise, you will be transferred back to the train station or hotel after breakfast. Should you choose to stay in Montargis prior to your cruise, you may wish to consider one of the following:  Hotel La Gloire is immaculately clean, though modestly decorated, and the cuisine in their Michelin star restaurant is exquisite.  It is approximately 100 meters from the train station, making it very accessible to those arriving by rail.  La Gloire is a 10-minute walk from the heart of Montargis.  Guests wishing to stay in the center of Montargis may book the well-priced Ibis Hotel, which has a nice restaurant located within.  If arriving in Montargis by hired car, please contact us for more options outside of the village. Alternative pre- and post-cruise transfer points can also be arranged.

Recommended TGV Trains Between Paris and Montargis Beginning Monday: Depart Paris Gare de Lyon at 3:05pm arriving Montargis at 4:28pm. Depart Paris Gare de Lyon at 4:01pm arriving Montargis at 5:33pm. Returning Monday: Depart Montargis at 9:15am arriving Paris Gare de Lyon at 10:41am. Depart Montargis at 10:11am arriving Paris Gare de Lyon at 11:41am.