The first region and the historical beginning of France, Picardy is a veritable treasure-trove of art and natural beauty. Calm woods, green pastures and quiet ponds blend with the peaceful, simple lifestyle of its people. In the outskirts of Paris, to the south, Ile de France combines the best of the bustling “City of Light” with peaceful valleys, picturesque villages and inviting forests.
Why visit? Both regions are known for their splendid art and architecture. Picardy is the birthplace of Gothic architecture, as displayed by its cathedrals in Beauvais, Senlis, Laon, Noyon and the largest in Amiens. Prehistoric sites, Gallo-Roman remains, abbeys, churches, castles and WWI battle sites bear vivid witness to this region's rich history. Ile de France is home to the great palaces of Versaille, Vaux-le-Vicomte and Fountainbleau. This green “island,” framed within rivers and once royal preserves, is tied to Gallic history from Julius Caesar through Charlemagne, Joan of Arc and dozens of kings.
A popular region for painters, several villages have been immortalized in works of art, including Barbizon—favored by Rousseau, and Moret-sur-Loing, captured in the paintings of Sisley.
Canal and river cruising is one of the most relaxing and intimate ways to experience the beauty of Europe, without crowds and in great comfort. For those who appreciate fine food and wines, peaceful vistas and an exciting new destination each day without ever leaving “home,” this has become a favorite way to celebrate a special birthday, anniversary or time together as a family.
The first region and the historical beginning of France, Picardy is a veritable treasure-trove of art and natural beauty. Calm woods, green pastures and quiet ponds blend with the peaceful, simple lifestyle of its people. Travelling by luxury barge on the River Seine allows you to comfortably visit this home of Gothic architecture, exemplified by its cathedrals in Beauvais, Senlis, Laon, Noyon and Amiens. Prehistoric sites, Gallo-Roman remains, abbeys, churches, castles and WWI battle sites bear vivid witness to this region's rich history.
In the southern outskirts of Paris, Ile-de-France combines the best of the bustling “City of Light” with peaceful valleys, picturesque villages and inviting forests. When barging in France your sightseeing is always included in the price of your vacation. The opulent palaces of Versailles, Vaux-le-Vicomte and Fontainebleau are located on this green “island,” tied to Gallic history from Julius Caesar through Charlemagne, Joan of Arc and dozens of kings. The Château de Fontainebleau, just 40 miles southeast of Paris in the forest of Fontainebleau, is one of the largest and most magnificent of the royal residences of France — one that you may visit while cruising on the luxury barge ‘La Bonne Amie.’ You can see part of the medieval hunting lodge, the only remainder of the original building. The present structure is a group of five buildings started during the reign of King Francis I in the first part of the 16th century. Admire the beautiful frescoes, framed in stucco and painted by Rosso, that grace the walls. See Napoléon I’s apartment and museum, and imagine what it must have been like to celebrate in the grand ballrooms and gorgeous, patterned garden parterre. Opulent chandeliers, gilded woodwork and furnishings reflecting the sumptuous life of the French court are found in every room.
A popular region for painters, several villages have been immortalized in works of art. Cruise to Mantes on the ‘Anacoluthe’ to see Claude Monet’s house and his famous gardens at Giverny. When Monet became the owner of his rented house in 1890, he completely transformed both it and the property's gardens. Where he had once found inspiration in the surrounding countryside, the artist gradually limited himself to his water garden, tirelessly depicting its water lilies and Japanese bridge.
On ‘La Bonne Humeur’ you’ll cruise to the Canal du Loing. This area near the village of Moret-sur-Loing was often captured in the paintings of Alfred Sisley, one of the creators of French Impressionism. The city’s fortified gates, narrow streets, bridges and the banks of the Loing still retain the ambiance of its medieval and picturesque past — and often served as inspiration for Monet and Renoir.
When you go on a barge vacation in France or anywhere in Europe, everything is included to make your holiday complete. Your canal or river cruiser is a floating hotel with an attentive staff and chef who prepares three delicious meals a day. Sightseeing, transfers and wine with meals are also part of the package leaving you free to enjoy the experience.
