Château de Chenonceau • Tour the Impressive Château and Cruise under the Arches

Описание: Tour of Château de Chenonceau and gardens - During our cruise aboard Nymphea we navigate under the 5-arch bridge of the impressive Château de Chenonceau and moor at Chisseaux. From there we take a short drive in the air-conditioned minibus to visit Chenonceau, often called ‘the ladies château’, after those such as Henry II’s mistress, Diane de Poitiers, who added the bridge over the River Cher and the beautiful gardens.


Tour of Château de Chenonceau and Gardens

The Château of Chenonceau is a Renaissance masterpiece and an architectural wonder. Built in 1520 by a wealthy tax collector for his wife, it became a royal retreat for, among others, Catherine de Medici and Mary, Queen of Scots. It is a five-arch bridge which was transformed into a château, with its galerie de bal, the scene of some legendary galas, spanning the River Cher.

Inside the château are magnificent ceilings, fireplaces, furnishings, and paintings; many of the walls are covered with the famed Gobelin tapestries. During WW I the château served as a military hospital. During WW II the château sat on the demarcation line between Vichy-ruled France and the territory held by the Germans, with the line running down the middle of the Cher. The château's southern exit was in the free zone; its entrance was in the German-occupied zone.


The Spectacular Loire Valley

The spectacular Loire Valley and its main tributary, the River Cher, have carried cargo and passengers for over 2000 years, since pre-Roman times as it winds through sandbanks to the Atlantic Ocean. The Valley of the Kings is a timeless region of spectacular beauty and grace and we are delighted to offer the only hotel barge cruising through its heart.

The Loire Valley is as rich in legend as it is in beauty; here the aristocracy of France have built their castles and palaces over the centuries and you will realise that, fortunately, little has changed. Talk to a cheesemaker and find out why his is the most famous goat’s cheese in France. Wind your way through the narrow streets of a centuries-old village, perhaps discovering hidden shops with hand-painted pottery, or stumble across an open market on your own.


Nymphea Cruises through the Arches of the Château de Chenonceau

Nymphea’s Dutch design with its shallow draft makes her the ideal vessel for navigating the beautiful sandy reaches of the River Cher in the Loire Valley. No other hotel barge cruises this magical waterway.

Her traditional interior, reminiscent of a classic yacht, features a warm décor of rich varnished hardwoods, stained glass and shining brass. The traditionally furnished saloon and dining area have a warm and welcoming country house atmosphere and there is an additional upper saloon area with more comfortable seating to relax in. Nymphea has three compact, but comfortable cabins, two twin staterooms and one twin or double stateroom, all with air conditioning and en-suite facilities.

Outside, the sun deck offers the perfect vantage point from which to admire the next picturesque waterside village, elegant chateau, or stunning stretch of scenery as it slowly comes into view. You will even get to cruise through the arches of probably the most-photographed château in the Loire Valley, Château de Chenonceau – not once, but twice – a rare privilege afforded to very few boats!
And if you wish to explore the River Cher’s towpath and surrounding countryside, there are 6 bicycles available for your use.

Nymphea’s crew of Captain/Tour Leader and Master Chef are most knowledgeable about the history, wine and cuisine of the region and they will be there to help make your journey through the ‘Valley of the Kings of France’ truly unforgettable.


What is hotel barging?

Despite the growing popularity of cruising, especiallly on large river vessels, hotel barging is still a little known niche concept. Most hotel barges started life as cargo vessels but have since been painstakingly converted to offer luxury boutique accommodation for small groups of up to 20 passengers.

This is cruising, but in a very different style to ships plying the big rivers or oceans. The pace is slow, with a 6 day cruise covering maybe just 50 miles along a rural canal. Passengers can walk or bike the towpaths as their floating hotel glides gently along. Guests enjoy an intimate atmosphere, high levels of personal service and immersion into the culture, history and gastronomy of regions of Europe such as Burgundy, the Midi, or the Italian Veneto.

Every day there is an excursion, perhaps to a chateau, a vineyard for a wine tasting, or some other ‘off the beaten track’ location. About half of European Waterways’ bookings are for whole boat charters, ideal for families. Otherwise, clients book a cabin to join other like-minded people. A ‘slow boat’ European Waterways barge cruise offers the ultimate in experiential travel. A truly unique experience!

http://www.europeanwaterways.com/