Loire Valley

On the edge of the Nivernais Loire region of Burgundy, the gently sloping Canal latéral à la Loire follows the course of the River Loire and affords spectacular views of the surrounding vineyard-clad hilltops and the beautiful River Loire itself. With few locks to operate, this is an easy place to cruise. Cruising the surrounding network of waterways - the Canal du Nivernais, the River Yonne and the River Seine provides a perfect opportunity to see this gentle and peaceful region from a unique perspective.

From our base at Châtillon-sur-Loire, beautiful villages to visit include Montargis, known as the ‘The Venice of Gatinais’ because of its many canals and humpbacked bridges and Briare for its famous Eiffel Aqueduct. The vineyard clad hilltops surround the hilltop village of Sancerre where wine-tastings of this classic Loire wine are available. Nevers is famous for producing the oldest china in France; its quaint streets converge on the splendid Ducal Palace.


Loire Valley map loire_valley_destination2

Suggested Cruises in Loire Valley

The Wine Lovers Cruise

  • History and heritage
  • Gastronomy
  • Cycling
  • Fantastic fishing
  • Wonderful wildlife

Chatillon-sur-Loire - Nevers - Sancerre - Chatillon-sur-Loire

Follow the blue pavement lines through the pretty town of Nevers to discover its rich cultural heritage and enjoy splendid views over the River Loire. Visit the beautiful medieval hilltop town of Sancerre and learn all about the region’s vineyards at the Maison des Sancerre, a 15th century house dedicated to the ...

Duration:
One Week
Cruise Type:
Return Trip
Distance:
180 km
Locks:
38
Cruise Time:
36 hrs


The Heritage Cruise

  • History and heritage
  • Gastronomy
  • Cycling
  • Fantastic fishing
  • Great golfing
  • Wonderful wildlife

Chatillon-sur-Loire - Briare - Montargis - Chatillon-sur-Loire

Cruise across the famous aqueduct at Briare before visiting the charming medieval town of Montargis - known as the ‘Venice of Gatinais’ because of its numerous canals and bridges. Buy delicious pralines from the original shop that made them in the time of Louis XIII. Saffron, the world’s most expensive spice, is ...

Duration:
One Week
Cruise Type:
Return Trip
Distance:
122 km
Locks:
62
Cruise Time:
30 hrs


The Sparkling Cruise

  • History and heritage
  • Gastronomy
  • Cycling
  • Fantastic fishing
  • Great golfing
  • Wonderful wildlife

Chatillon-sur-Loire - Decize (or vice versa)

A one week cruise alongside the River Loire through the famous Sancerre wineproducing region, stopping for winetastings en route, to Nevers, famous for producing the oldest china in France and where quaint streets converge on the Ducal Palace. Arrive in Decize, where 300 year old plane trees line the avenues in typical French ...

Duration:
One Week
Cruise Type:
One Way
Distance:
133 km
Locks:
26
Cruise Time:
27 hrs


The Capitol Cruise

  • History and heritage
  • Gastronomy
  • Cycling
  • Fantastic fishing
  • Great golfing
  • Wonderful wildlife

Chatillon-sur-Loire - Montereau - Chatillon-sur-Loire

Follow the delightful Canal latéral à la Loire through the medieval town of Montargis and on to Montereau on the beautiful River Seine.

Duration:
Two Weeks
Cruise Type:
Return Trip
Distance:
218 km
Locks:
110
Cruise Time:
63 hrs


Villages & Vineyard Cruise

  • History and heritage
  • Gastronomy
  • Cycling
  • Fantastic fishing
  • Wonderful wildlife

Chatillon-sur-Loire - Decize - Auxerre - Migennes (or vice versa)

A splendid two week cruise on the Canal du Nivernais and the Canal latéral à la Loire taking in all the famous sights of the region, from splendid châteaux to artisan towns and world-famous vineyards.

Duration:
Two Weeks
Cruise Type:
One Way
Distance:
316 km
Locks:
151
Cruise Time:
76 hrs


The Loire - Yonne Cruise

  • History and heritage
  • Gastronomy
  • Cycling
  • Fantastic fishing
  • Great golfing
  • Wonderful wildlife

Chatillon-sur-Loire - Montereau - Migennes (or vice versa)

The River Yonne and the Canal latéral à la Loire take you on a beautiful journey in the heart of the Loire valley, perfect for tasting the fine wines and cuisine of the region. En route notable villages include Joigny, Sens, Montereau and Montargis.

Duration:
Two Weeks
Cruise Type:
One Way
Distance:
210 km
Locks:
71
Cruise Time:
41 hrs