Loire Valley
France Bike + Boat Tour
Wine tasting in Burgundy
The small region in Burgundy between Montargis within the Loire Valley and Nevers is well-suited for both cycling and sailing. Following the flow of the Loire River, the bike route gently rolls through green countryside with charming little villages sporadically intermingled. The rich landscape bears many fruitful vineyards. Of particular fame are the wines from Pouilly-sur-Loire and Sancerre; and of course there are the Burgundy (Bourgogne) wines, said to be among the most prestigious in the world.
The first full day of this cycling vacation will take you to the Château of Apremont, dating back to the 12th century and lavishly surrounded by gardens. The ancient Roman town of La Charité-sur-Loire follows with a 16th century stone bridge. Wine-tasting in the region of the Pouilly Fumé wines and the Sancerre vineyards will not be missed, followed by a trek through St. Brisson Forest. With the forest's fresh air, you will next cycle to the Château of Pont Chevron. Through a beautiful region of lakes and past a few more castles you will visit Chatillon-Coligny and it's famous market. You will spend some extra time Rogy-les-Sept-Ecluses and this is also where the tour comes to an end.
Where You’ll Stay
On the Standard Plus class boat, the Anna Maria IV
What’s Included
- 7 nights’ accommodations on board the Anna Maria IV
- Breakfasts, packed lunches & 3-course dinners
- 21-speed hybrid bicycle
- Tour guide
- Several excursions
- Transfer from Paris-Nord station – ship v.v.
What’s Not Included
- Journey to and from Paris Gare du Nord
- Drinks on board
- Gratuities
- Bicycle protection
- Entrance fees and excursions not mentioned in program
| Tour | Bike + Boat |
|---|---|
| Type | Guided |
| Skill | Moderate |
| Length | 8 days |
| From | €869 |
| Print Tour |
Tour Dates
- April 27, May 4, May 11, May 18, May 25, June 1, June 8, June 15, June 22, June 29, July 6, July 13, August 3, August 10, August 17, August 24, August 31, September 7, September 14, and September 21, 2013.
Skill Level
Moderate guided tour with average of 25 miles per day. Routes follow the Loire, are slightly hilly at times, but mostly flat.
Tour Boats
Day-To-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Transfer by bus from Paris/Gare du Nord train station. Arrival in Cours-les-Barres.
Day 2: Cours-les-Barres, round tour, 32 mi. (53 km)
Day 3: Sailing to Beffes, Cycling to Ménétréol, 34 mi. (57 km)
Day 4: Ménétréol - Beaulieu-sur-Loire, 31 mi. (52 km)
Day 5: Beaulieu-sur-Loire - Briare, 25 mi. (41 km)
Day 6: Briare - Rogny-les-Sept-Écluses, 28 mi. (47 km)
Day 7: Rogny-les-Sept-Ecluses round trip, 32 mi. (53 km)
Day 8: Departure by bus to Paris - Gare du Nord (train station).
*All distances are approximate. The above planned itinerary is subject to change due to changing wind and weather conditions and other unforeseen circumstances having to do with mooring requirements, etc.
Below is the daily itinerary for the route from Cours-les-Barres to Rogny-les-Sept-Écluses. With each following departure date, the route will run in reverse (i.e. from Rogny to Cours-les-Barres) and thus have a slightly different itinerary.
Day 1: Arrival
During the afternoon, you will be picked up at the Gare du Nord train station in Paris and taken to the ship for boarding in Cours-les-Barres. Upon arrival, you'll meet your tour guide for the week as well as the rest of the crew on board ship, who are there to make your stay as comfortable as possible. After settling in, dinner will be served on board.
Day 2: Cours-les-Barres, round tour, 32 mi. (53 km)
From Cours-les-Barres, the boat will sail over an aqueduct over the Allier River. After passing two impressive locks both measuring about 9 meters high, the boat will head in the direction of Apremont, where you will have the opportunity to visit the 12th century castle and surrounding fabulous gardens. After, you will continue to town of Nevers where there are many sites to see including the winding streets filled with houses dating back from the 14th to 17th century. At the end of today's cycle tour, the barge will be waiting in Cours-les-Barres.
Day 3: Sailing to Beffes, Cycling to Ménétréol, 34 mi. (57 km)
While breakfast is being served, this morning will begin by sailing to Beffes. Upon arrival, you will hop on your bikes and begin the days cycling tour to La Charité-sur-Loire, an ancient Roman town. Crossing the 16th century stone bridge to the center, there is a splendid view overlooking the town and its Notre Dame church. Then you will enter the region of the Pouilly Fumé- wines. In Ménétréol, situated under the Sancerre vineyards, will be an opportunity to try some wine before returning to the ship.
Day 4: Ménétréol - Beaulieu-sur-Loire, 31 mi. (52 km)
To start off, you will visit Sancerre and then take a picturesque route right across the Sancerre vineyards. The tour will continue past a few of the wine villages that are situated in the impressive scenery.
Day 5: Beaulieu-sur-Loire - Briare, 25 mi. (41 km)
Today, as you cycle, you will pass the historical locks of Châtillon-sur-Loire and further on, cross the aqueduct over the Loire River. After passing through St. Brisson, where you will pass an impressive medieval castle, you will cycle back to the Anna Maria IV, while enjoying the fresh forest air in the For't de St. Brisson. This evening, the boat will cross the Loire through the magnificent aqueduct and stop for the night in Briare.
Day 6: Briare - Rogny-les-Sept-Écluses, 28 mi. (47 km)
The morning will allow some time to explore the town of Briare. Today will lead us to the castle of 'Pont Chevron,' situated on a small, picturesque lake. Via Ouzouer-sur-Trézée, you will cycle through a region of lakes to the 16th century castle near Bléneau. The cycling day will end in the village Rogny-les-Sept-Écluses, known for its historical seven locks.
Day 7: Rogny-les-Sept - Ecluses round trip, 32 mi. (53 km)
Today, enjoy a trip to the market in Châtillon-Coligny, from where you will continue to the castle in La Bussière. Via Escrignelles, the tour will end back in Rogny, which is right next door to Châtillon-Coligny.
Day 8: Departure by bus to Paris - Gare du Nord (train station)
In the morning, you may wish to go for a stroll around Rogny. At approximately 11:30 AM, you will say farewell to the guide and crew and be transported by bus back to Paris. You should reach Paris around 2:30-3:00 PM.
Loire Valley Boats + Barges
-
Anna Maria IV France Standard Plus Class Boat
Pricing Information
Price $ 1074 £ 739 $ 1,127 € 869 $ 1308 kr 6324 kr 6696 CHF 1044 $ 1,138
Discount per person for cabin with shared facilities: $ 74 £ 51 $ 78 € 60 $ 90 kr 437 kr 462 CHF 72 $ 79
High season surcharge: $ 87 £ 60 $ 91 € 70 $ 105 kr 509 kr 539 CHF 84 $ 92 (August 31, September 7, September 14, and September 21, 2013)
please note
Single cabins on request but subject to a single supplement of double the tour price.
Rates are based on double occupancy.
Information to read before you book.
Travel Details
Travel
Fly to Paris.
Local Travel
Train from Paris’ Charles de Gaulle airport to Paris-Nord train station (½ hr.), where a bus will bring you to the boat.
Climate
Check local weather conditions prior to departure. Average high/low temperatures in °F for the area is: 64°/49° for May; 70°/54° June; 75°/58° July; 75°/57°, August; 79°/52° September.
Remarks
Please note that you will be part of an international group of people. However, your tour guide and crew members will always speak English.
Tour Operator
This tour is operated by HAT tours. We do not run these tours ourselves, we never have. We work from the commission the European tour operators offer us plus a small administration fee of €20. We pride ourselves on the strong working relationship we have with all our tour operators and the services we provide.
Customer Feedback
Posted by Bob hartley on 12/31/11
We had a wonderful time. Martine and Margery were the best. Loved the trip
Posted by Kris Byrns on 10/24/11
We did this tour in 2008 and had a wonderful time.
Biked This Tour? Post Your Feedback