Boating Holidays across the canals and rivers of Europe from Le Boat
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.
Suggested Cruises in Loire Valley
Short Breaks
Decize Short Break
Decize – Charité-sur-Loire – Decize
From the island town of Decize, enjoy a short break visiting some of the Loire Valley’s most beautiful old villages – Nevers, Marseilles-les-Aubigny and La Charité-sur-Loire. Easy cruising and few locks to operate leaves you plenty of time for onshore sightseeing.
- Duration:
- 4 Days
- Cruise Type:
- Return Trip
- Distance:
- 136 km
- Locks:
- 34
- Cruise Time:
- hrs
Week Breaks
The Wine Lovers Cruise
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
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
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
Longer Breaks
The Pilgrim's Cruise
Decize – Digoin - Paray-Le-Monial – Decize
Enjoy a leisurely meander on the southern stretch of the Canal latéral à la Loire visiting the historic towns of Digoin, famous for its ceramics and Paray-Le-Monial. Excellent pathways alongside the canal make this great for walking or cycling. Paray-le-Monial is a world-famous pilgrimage site – it is here that the ...
- Duration:
- 10 Days
- Cruise Type:
- Return Trip
- Distance:
- 154 km
- Locks:
- 40
- Cruise Time:
- 35 hrs
Villages & Vineyard Cruise
Chatillon-sur-Loire - Decize - Auxerre - Migennes (or vice versa)
Enjoy a splendid, leisurely two-three week cruise through the heart of 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
