b'TO/FROM THE WATERWAYS OF FRANCELONDON VIA PARISDays 1-2 - London, Briare and Lr BRIAREWe travel on the Eurostar from London St Pancras to Paris before transferring to our barge, MS Deborah, in Briare. Our cruise starts byLR 6taking us through the Briare Aqueduct, once the longest navigableMNTROL-SOUS-SANCERREaqueduct in the world. On Day 2, we explore Briare, discoveringCHAPELLE MONTLINARDthe 19th-century Chteau de Trousse-Barrire, formerly an old farmhouse bought by engineer Hugues Cosnier at the time of theMARSEILLES-LS-AUBIGNYconstruction of Briares canal. Afterwards, we make a visit to BriaresNEVERSMuseum Conservatory, dedicated to the Loire Valley and its canals.By Ship 1 Nights on shipBecome immersed in the traditions of this proud canal-faring regionBy Rail By Coachas we learn about the development of boating on the Loire and the navigational techniques sailors used to use. This evening, weWHATS INCLUDED continue to Lr, a small town set amidst farmland and sat on the banks of the Loire. UK Tour Manager until Days 3-4 - Mntrol-sous-Sancerre and Sancerre embarkation and from We explore medieval Sancerre, an attractive hilltop town thatdisembarkation of the overlooks the undulating scenery of its surrounding region. After freeMS Deborahtime here, we taste the regions famous Sauvignon Blanc, a popular crisp white wine, along with a selection of tasty cheeses at a local goatAll cruise excursionsfarm. While Sancerre was once known for its Pinot vintages, a terrible case of phylloxera decimated the vineyards. During the replanting process, the formerly favourable Pinot grapes were replaced withReturn, escorted rail Sauvignon Blanc crops, something the region is still famous for today.travel from London St Pancras to your bargeOn Day 4, we visit Pouilly-sur-Loire, an idyllic town renowned for its white wines. We take a tour of the vineyards where the Pouilly- 6-night cruise aboard Fum grape is grown before indulging in a tasting that allowsMS Deborahus to experience the famous flavours of this delightful wine first hand. Fittingly, the wine cultivated in this area of France would beBreakfast, lunch and exclusively exported and delivered by barge, after the opening ofdinner each day of your the Canal de Briare in 1642. Afterwards, we continue to ChapellecruiseMontlinard, a rural village area made up of farmland and a small collection of rustic hamlets. All-inclusive selection of complimentary beers, Days 5-7 - Marseilles-ls-Aubigny, Nevers and London wines and soft drinks We enjoy a fascinating tour of La Charit-sur-Loire, a picture-perfecteach day of your cruiseFrench town built around its beautifully restored monastery, which has withstood much turmoil in its long history, including a great fire and the French Wars of Religion. We return to our ship this eveningSHIP INFORMATION for a gala dinner. On Day 6, we explore Fontmorigny Abbey, a former Cistercian monastery that is now privately owned and has seen aFor deck plans and more ship resurgence of late, becoming one of the most popular monumentsinformation, please see pages in the region. We also see the floral gardens of Apremont-sur-Allier,144-145.which are considered some of the most beautiful in France. Tonight, we embark upon a lantern-lit tour of the lively town of Nevers, with its atmospheric Old Town. Disembarking our ship on Day 7, we transfer to Paris for the Eurostar to London St Pancras.2022 Rail & Cruise from London St PancrasTour Code: CLV | Standard Class RailMay 5 2,295 Sep 8 2,395Jun 16 2,295 Oct 6 2,195Jul 14 2,295Deposit from 360 per person. Solo Occupancy available.Call us on 01904 521973 or visitfor more information.GreatRail.com for more details 119Visit your local Travel Agent'