The Route of the Impressionists

A cruise on the M.S. Anacoluthe combines the comforts of a mini ocean liner with the charm of a river steamer.  The elegant interior provides ample space to relax, seasoned wood tones, old world charm. Large windows give all round views of the passing scenery.  The Piano Bar, the exercise room  and outdoor hot tub add to the ambiance of unprecedented comfort.

Cruise Highlights:
Historic Compiègne,   Abby and Chateau visit

• Giverny, Claude Monet’s home & gardens
• Auvers Sur Oise, Van Gogh’s early home, visit Chateau de Chantilly
• Paris, “City of Light”—evening cruise
• Chateau Vaux le Vicomte, beautiful interiors and magnificent gardens
• Moret Sur Loing, a small medieval town that was once the home of Alfred Sisley
• Departs each Saturday from Paris

ANACOLUTHE

See France through the eyes of the Impressionists as we glide through some of art’s most storied places. Aboard the spacious Anacoluthe, elegance and creature comforts combine to make your time aboard as enjoyable as your excursions ashore.  

SATURDAY
We meet in the lobby of Hotel Regina, 192, Rue de Rivoli, Paris 75001 (Telephone 01 42 60 31 10) at 3pm. (1500) and transfer to Anacoluthe, moored in Compiègne on the river Oise. After a welcome champagne reception, settle into your cabin and perhaps stroll the charming town before enjoying a wonderful gourmet dinner.

SUNDAY
After breakfast, take a walking tour of historic Compiègne, with its16th-century Hôtel de Ville and famed cloisters of the Abbey of St. Corneille, founded by Charles the Bald in 877. Tour the expansive Château de Compiègne, once an important royal residence, and visit the open market before returning to our barge for lunch. This afternoon, cruise to lovely Pont St. Maxence.

MONDAY
A cruise along an enchanting portion of the river (favored by many Impressionist painters) brings us to Auvers sur Oise, where we go to visit the Château de Chantilly. This vast estate dates from the Middle Ages and boasts an art gallery second only to the Louvre in size and scope. Famous for breeding racehorses, Chantilly also maintains one of the world’s finest stables. See the French gardens designed by Le Nôtre, the Petit Parc, the Anglo-Chinese Garden, and the English Garden. Return to Anacoluthe for a delightful cruise to Pontoise.

TUESDAY
Begin the day with a visit to the house and gardens of Claude Monet at Giverny. Expect some surprisingly familiar sights: the gardens are meticulously maintained to remain exactly as they were when Monet painted them. Afterward, return to the barge for lunch and a cruise to the lovely town of Rueil Malmaison, where we enjoy a private visit of La Petite Malmaison. Later, browse Rueil’s exclusive boutiques before returning to Anacoluthe to cruise into the heart of Paris. This evening, we take an unforgettable Paris-by-night cruise along the Seine.

WEDNESDAY
Cruise south from Paris to Melun for an excursion to Château Vaux le Vicomte. This magnificent castle was built by Fouquet,  Louis XIV’s finance minister and served as the model for Versailles. Tour its exceptionally furnished interior and magnificent gardens before returning to the barge for a memorable dinner.

THURSDAY
This morning we cruise a scenic stretch of the Seine into St. Mammes and make the short trip to Moret sur Loing, a small medieval town that was once home to Alfred Sisley, who lived and painted here. This evening, gather for a gala farewell dinner.­

FRIDAY
This morning, return to the Hôtel Regina in Paris arriving around lunchtime.

Note: This is a sample itinerary: it is subject to modification in the case of unforeseen circumstances such as canal closures and navigation problems. The boat cruises in the opposite direction on alternate weeks.

Rates include all meals from dinner on day 1 to breakfast on day 7.  Wines  included with lunch and dinner. Daily excursions with a guide and entrance fees.

Rate does not include, Bar Drinks, or Crew Gratuities (Suggested $200 per cabin)