A mythical river that has inspired painters and poets alike, the Loire is an ideal destination for a romantic boat trip. Whether for the whole family, with commentary or accompanied by a meal, it will punctuate your stay with an unforgettable experience.
Why take a trip on the Loire?
From several days to a few hours, a on the Loire is guaranteed to be a rejuvenating and unforgettable experience.
It's also a great way to discover the river 's natural heritage and the architectural treasures along its banks.
With its sun-drenched sandbanks on which migratory birds come to rest, the Loire' s banks, islands and islets harbor lush vegetation and incredible biodiversity. You can observe rare plants, sometimes from the ends of the earth, as well as numerous birds.
A trip on the Loire is also an opportunity to admire the towns, villages and monuments along its banks from a different angle: From the river, you can enjoy breathtaking views of castles perched high above the water, such as Amboise, Blois, Saumur or Montsoreau, as well as troglodyte dwellings dug into the hillsides, charming villages such as Candes-Saint-Martin, Béhuard, Les Ponts-de-Cé or Le Thoureil, and major cities such as Tours.
Passengers on a Loire River boat can enjoy a stroll along the quays beforeboarding a boat for excursions along the river. These traditional boat trips are bookable in advance, and offer the chance to discover the Loire estuary and its many UNESCO World Heritage castles.
Loire river cruises itineraries
There are a number of routes to choose from, depending on whether you're looking for a long or short walk. short trip on the Loire.
To enjoy a stroll of one or several hours during your stay at the Slow Village Loire Valléefor a guided stroll or a meal, there are several packages to choose from:
- A trip on a gabare departing from Angers, on the Maine River in front of the château, to join the Loire River.
- Tasting tours on a "toue cabanée" from Saumur to Montsoreau, or as far as Gennes or Le Thoureil.
- A half-day trip with an introduction to fishing for Loire fish, departing from Saint-Florent-le-Vieil.
If you opt for a longer boat trip, you can cover great distances on the river.
Possible itineraries include:
The Loire from Nantes to the gates of Angers, starting at the river estuary and continuing to Bouchemaine, where the Maine and Loire rivers meet; The Loire from Angers (Les Ponts-de-Cé) to Saumur, via Le Thoureil and Les Rosiers-sur-Loire.
Which company should you choose to sail the Loire?
Between Angers and Saumur, several companies offer original packages of guided walks and storytelling, twilight walks, lunchtime strolls, birdwatching boat trips and Loire wine Loire wines :
For a longer trip on the Loire, from the Château des Ducs de Bretagne in Nantes to the fortress of Angers and even to the royal castles of Chambord and Chenonceaux, you can opt for the CroisiEurope company and its Loire Princesse boat.