Loire Valley Bike & Boat
France Bike & Boat Tours
Bike the Garden of France
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Tour Type
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Skill Level
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Length8 days
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Prices from€1590 Rates
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Overview
Even the name Loire Valley breathes romance. What a lovely place for your European Bike and Boat Tour in France!
Kings, queens, dukes, and nobles came, built with opulence, lived, and ruled. This fertile river valley is sprinkled with the remnants of history with hundreds of France's large, medieval estates, the chateaux, and the villages and vineyards that surround them.
It was not just the nobility that settled here in the garden of France. Perhaps it is the charm of its gentle pace of life that also made it a sought-after location for poets and writers. Here, you will find a tangible legacy of a thousand years of rich architectural and artistic creativity.
Step back through the history of some of France's finest works of art and sample delectable cuisine and the world-famous wines of the region.
Highlights
- Loire River & Valley
- Villages & Châteaux in the heart of France
- St. Brisson Forest landscape
- Pouilly Fumé vineyards
- Beautiful Sancerre
- 12th-century Château d'Apremont-sur-Allier and lavish gardens
- Impressive examples of canal building engineering along the Canal lateral du Loire
Be sure to view all of our bike tours in France or our comprehensive list of Loire Valley bike tours.
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Itinerary
All distances are approximate. Itineraries are subject to change, even on very short notice, due to changing wind and weather conditions, and other unforeseen circumstances having to do with mooring requirements, docking location changes, lock repairs, etc.
Briare to Moret-sur-Loing
Day 1: Briar, 9 mi. (15 km)
Day 2: Briare - Sancerre - Briare, 30 mi. (49 km)
Day 3: Briare - Rogny-les-Sept-Écluses, 26 mi. (41 km)
Day 4: Rogny-les-Sept-Écluses - Châtillon, 25 mi. (40 km)
Day 5: Châtillon - Montargis, 31 mi. (50 km)
Day 6: Montargis - Nemours, 31 mi. (50 km)
Day 7: Nemours - Fontainebleau - Moret-sur-Loing, 30 mi. (48 km)
Day 8: Moret-sur-LoingDay 1: Embarkation in Briare, 9 mi. (15 km)
Your tour starts in the charming town of Briare, located in the Loiret department of Central France. Briare is often regarded as a gateway to the Loire Valley and offers a tranquil atmosphere with a blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage.Embarkation takes place between 2 and 3 pm, giving you time to settle into your cabin and meet your tour leader, captain, crew, and fellow travelers. During dinner on board, you'll receive an introduction to the week ahead, including route briefings and cycling safety information. To conclude the day, enjoy a short introductory ride through Briare, offering a first glimpse of this picturesque riverside town.
Day 2: Briare - Sancerre - Briare, 30 mi. (49 km)
Today's adventure begins with a train ride to the celebrated hilltop town of Sancerre, renowned worldwide for its crisp white wines. Visit the Maison de Sancerre to learn about the region's rich winemaking heritage before setting off by bike. Your ride follows the scenic Loire à Vélo cycling route, winding through vineyards, peaceful countryside, and alongside France's longest river as you return to Briare. It's a beautiful introduction to the landscapes of the Loire Valley.Day 3: Briare - Rogny-les-Sept-Écluses, 26 mi. (41 km)
Before leaving Briare, admire one of the town's most impressive landmarks—the magnificent canal aqueduct spanning the Loire River. As you cycle west, pass through Gien, where its hilltop château dominates the skyline, then continue to the elegant Château de La Bussière, an ideal stop for lunch. The afternoon ride leads through tranquil lakes and forests near Ouzouer-sur-Trézée before arriving at Rogny-les-Sept-Écluses, famous for its remarkable historic staircase of seven canal locks.Day 4: Rogny-les-Sept-Écluses - Châtillon, 25 mi. (40 km)
Take time this morning to explore the fascinating seven-lock canal system before beginning today's ride. Leaving the waterways behind, the route heads inland through quiet villages, rolling farmland, and peaceful country roads. While services are limited along today's route, the surrounding countryside provides plenty of scenic places to enjoy a relaxing picnic lunch before arriving in the historic market town of Châtillon-Coligny.Day 5: Châtillon - Montargis, 31 mi. (50 km)
Today's ride follows the picturesque Loing Valley toward Montargis, often referred to as the "Venice of the Gâtinais" for its network of canals and bridges. Along the way, stop in Château-Renard, home to the remains of a medieval castle where Joan of Arc once stayed during her campaigns. Continue cycling beside the peaceful Ouanne River before reaching Montargis, where charming waterways, flower-lined bridges, and historic streets await exploration.Day 6: Montargis - Nemours, 31 mi. (50 km)
Today's route ventures through the countryside between Montargis and Nemours. Midway through the ride, discover the archaeological site of Aquae Segetae, once an important Roman spa and temple complex built upon an even older Celtic sanctuary. Continue to the hilltop town of Château-Landon, a wonderful place to stop for lunch while enjoying panoramic views over the Loing Canal. A gentle descent then leads to Nemours, where its impressive 12th-century castle overlooks the river.Day 7: Nemours - Fontainebleau - Moret-sur-Loing, 30 mi. (48 km)
Your final day of cycling begins along the banks of the Loing River before entering the beautiful Forest of Fontainebleau. Here you'll have time to visit the magnificent gardens surrounding the Palace of Fontainebleau and admire the unique rock formations scattered throughout the forest. Continue to the medieval town of Moret-sur-Loing, celebrated as the home of Impressionist painter Alfred Sisley. Stroll through its charming streets to discover the impressive city gates, medieval keep, and historic church before celebrating the conclusion of your cycling journey.Day 8: Moret-sur-Loing
After breakfast, it's time to say farewell. Disembarkation takes place before 10 am.Moret-sur-Loing to Briare
Day 1: Moret-sur-Loing
Day 2: Moret-sur-Loing - Fontainebleau - Nemours, 30 mi. (48 km)
Day 3: Nemours - Montargis, 31 mi. (50 km)
Day 4: Montargis - Châtillon, 31 mi. (50 km)
Day 5: Châtillon - Rogny-les-Sept-Écluses, 25 mi. (40 km)
Day 6: Rogny-les-Sept-Écluses - Briare, 26 mi. (41 km)
Day 7: Briare - Sancerre - Briare, 30 mi. (49 km)
Day 8: Departure from BriareDay 1: Embarkation in Moret-sur-Loing
Welcome to Moret-sur-Loing, a charming medieval town near Paris, once home to Impressionist painter Alfred Sisley.Boarding takes place between 2 and 3 pm, allowing time to settle into your cabin and meet your captain, crew, tour leader, and fellow travelers. During dinner, you'll be introduced to the itinerary, cycling routes, and safety procedures for the week. The evening concludes with a short introductory ride through Moret-sur-Loing, famous as the home of Impressionist painter Alfred Sisley.
Day 2: Moret-sur-Loing - Fontainebleau - Nemours, 30 mi. (48 km)
If time allows before departure, take a stroll through Moret-sur-Loing to admire its medieval gates, ancient keep, and historic church. Your first cycling day leads through the magnificent Forest of Fontainebleau to the famous Palace of Fontainebleau, where you'll have ample time to explore its beautiful gardens. Continue through the scenic forest, known for its remarkable rock formations, before following the Loing River to the lively town of Nemours, home to an impressive 12th-century château.Day 3: Nemours - Montargis, 31 mi. (50 km)
Today's ride follows quiet country roads through the beautiful Loing Valley. Pause in the hilltop town of Château-Landon for lunch while enjoying sweeping views over the Loing Canal. Continue to the fascinating archaeological site of Aquae Segetae, once an important Roman spa and temple complex built upon an even older Celtic sanctuary. A pleasant descent brings you to Montargis, often called the "Venice of the Gâtinais" thanks to its picturesque canals and charming bridges.Day 4: Montargis - Châtillon, 31 mi. (50 km)
Leaving Montargis behind, cycle through peaceful countryside to the historic village of Château-Renard. Its medieval castle famously hosted Joan of Arc during her campaigns, while the town's half-timbered houses and inviting cafés make it an ideal stop for coffee or lunch. Continue through quiet country lanes and alongside the Loing River before arriving in Châtillon-Coligny, beautifully situated along the Briare Canal.Day 5: Châtillon - Rogny-les-Sept-Écluses, 25 mi. (40 km)
Leaving Montargis behind, cycle through peaceful countryside to the historic village of Château-Renard. Its medieval castle famously hosted Joan of Arc during her campaigns, while the town's half-timbered houses and inviting cafés make it an ideal stop for coffee or lunch. Continue through quiet country lanes and alongside the Loing River before arriving in Châtillon-Coligny, beautifully situated along the Briare Canal.Day 6: Rogny-les-Sept-Écluses - Briare, 26 mi. (41 km)
This morning's ride passes through the tranquil lake district of Ouzouer-sur-Trézée before reaching the elegant 17th-century Château de La Bussière, an excellent place to stop for lunch. Continue to Gien, where its impressive hilltop château overlooks the Loire River, before following the Loire into Briare. Here you can visit the town's magnificent canal aqueduct spanning the Loire and explore its fascinating ceramics heritage, including the unique "Tile Hill".Day 7: Briare - Sancerre - Briare, 30 mi. (49 km)
Your final day begins with a train ride to the renowned wine town of Sancerre. Visit the Maison de Sancerre to discover the history and traditions behind the region's world-famous wines before setting off by bike. Follow the scenic Loire à Vélo cycling route back to Briare, enjoying beautiful vineyard landscapes and peaceful riverside scenery—a memorable conclusion to your cycling adventure through central France.Day 8: Departure from Briare
After breakfast, it's time to say goodbye to your crew and fellow travelers. Disembarkation takes place by 10 am, bringing your bike and barge holiday of central France to a close.
Be sure to check out our comprehensive list of tours & trips, including biking, hiking, multi-adventure, & more!
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Map
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Boats & Bikes
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Inclusions
What’s Included
- Accommodations for 7 nights on board
- Breakfasts, packed lunches, & dinners
- Coffee & tea
- 24-speed touring bike equipped with panniers, water bottle, lock, & helmet
- Cycling tour guide
- Bike Protection
- Minimum of three city walks with the tour guide
- Roadbook (1 per cabin)
- GPS tracks (on request)
- Ferry fares
- WiFi (limited), available in the lounge and on deck
What’s Not Included
- Entrance fees to museums, approx. €45
- Gratuities
- Travel Insurance
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Dates & Pricing
Dates & Pricing
Questions about dates or pricing? We’re here to help! Call 800-951-4384 to talk to a Tour Specialist now.
May 11May 11 Moret to Briare € 1950 Book May 11May 11 Moret to Briare € 1970 Book May 18May 18 Briare to Moret € 1950 Book May 18May 18 Briare to Moret € 1970 Book May 25May 25 Moret to Briare € 1950 Book May 25May 25 Moret to Briare € 1970 Book Jun 1Jun 1 Briare to Moret € 1950 Book Jun 1Jun 1 Briare to Moret € 1970 Book Jun 8Jun 8 Moret to Briare € 1950 Book Jun 8Jun 8 Moret to Briare € 1970 Book Jun 15Jun 15 Briare to Moret € 1950 Book Jun 15Jun 15 Briare to Moret € 1970 Book Jun 22Jun 22 Moret to Briare € 1790 Book Jun 22Jun 22 Moret to Briare € 1850 Book Jun 29Jun 29 Briare to Moret € 1590 Book Jun 29Jun 29 Briare to Moret € 1650 Book Jul 6Jul 6 Moret to Briare € 1590 Book Jul 6Jul 6 Moret to Briare € 1650 Book Jul 13Jul 13 Briare to Moret € 1590 Book Jul 13Jul 13 Briare to Moret € 1650 Book Jul 29Jul 29 Moret to Briare € 1590 Book Jul 29Jul 29 Moret to Briare € 1650 Book Aug 5Aug 5 Briare to Moret € 1590 Book Aug 5Aug 5 Briare to Moret € 1650 Book Aug 12Aug 12 Moret to Briare € 1590 Book Aug 12Aug 12 Moret to Briare € 1650 Book Aug 19Aug 19 Briare to Moret € 1950 Book Aug 19Aug 19 Briare to Moret € 1970 Book Aug 26Aug 26 Moret to Briare € 1950 Book Aug 26Aug 26 Moret to Briare € 1970 Book Sep 2Sep 2 Briare to Moret € 2105 Book Sep 2Sep 2 Briare to Moret € 2190 Book Sep 9Sep 9 Moret to Briare € 2105 Book Sep 9Sep 9 Moret to Briare € 2190 Book Sep 16Sep 16 Briare to Moret € 2105 Book Sep 16Sep 16 Briare to Moret € 2190 Book Sep 23Sep 23 Moret to Briare € 1950 Book Sep 23Sep 23 Moret to Briare € 1970 Book Sep 30Sep 30 Briare to Moret € 1950 Book Sep 30Sep 30 Briare to Moret € 1970 Book Oct 7Oct 7 Moret to Briare € 1790 Book Oct 7Oct 7 Moret to Briare € 1850 Book Oct 14Oct 14 Briare to Moret € 1790 Book Oct 14Oct 14 Briare to Moret € 1850 Book Pricing details and extra options
- Value Season 2027 Jul 6, 29; Aug 12 from € 15902027 departures: Jul 6, 29; Aug 12
2027 July Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2027 August Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Double occupancy Double cabin € 1590 Twin cabin, split-level beds € 1590 Single occupancy Price Single cabin € 1650 Double/Twin cabin for single use € 2235 Bike rentals Price Standard touring bike Included Electric bike € 110 Children's bikes and equipment upon request. - Low Season 2027 Jun 22, Oct 7 from € 17902027 departures: Jun 22, Oct 7
2027 June Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2027 October Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Double occupancy Double cabin € 1790 Twin cabin, split-level beds € 1790 Single occupancy Price Single cabin € 1850 Double/Twin cabin for single use € 2510 Bike rentals Price Standard touring bike Included Electric bike € 110 Children's bikes and equipment upon request. - Standard Season 2027 May 11, 25; Jun 8, Aug 26, Sep 23 from € 19502027 departures: May 11, 25; Jun 8, Aug 26, Sep 23
2027 May Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2027 June Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2027 August Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2027 September Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Double occupancy Double cabin € 1950 Twin cabin, split-level beds € 1950 Single occupancy Price Single cabin € 1970 Double/Twin cabin for single use € 2745 Bike rentals Price Standard touring bike Included Electric bike € 110 Children's bikes and equipment upon request. - High Season 2027 Sep 9 from € 21052027 departures: Sep 9
2027 September Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Double occupancy Double cabin € 2105 Twin cabin, split-level beds € 2105 Single occupancy Price Single cabin € 2190 Double/Twin cabin for single use € 2980 Bike rentals Price Standard touring bike Included Electric bike € 110 Children's bikes and equipment upon request.
- Value Season 2027 Jun 29, Jul 13, Aug 5 from € 15902027 departures: Jun 29, Jul 13, Aug 5
2027 June Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2027 July Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2027 August Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Double occupancy Double cabin € 1590 Twin cabin, split-level beds € 1590 Single occupancy Price Single cabin € 1650 Double/Twin cabin for single use € 2235 Bike rentals Price Standard touring bike Included Electric bike € 110 Children's bikes and equipment upon request. - Low Season 2027 Oct 14 from € 17902027 departures: Oct 14
2027 October Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Double occupancy Double cabin € 1790 Twin cabin, split-level beds € 1790 Single occupancy Price Single cabin € 1850 Double/Twin cabin for single use € 2510 Bike rentals Price Standard touring bike Included Electric bike € 110 Children's bikes and equipment upon request. - Standard Season 2027 May 18, Jun 1, 15; Aug 19, Sep 30 from € 19502027 departures: May 18, Jun 1, 15; Aug 19, Sep 30
2027 May Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2027 June Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2027 August Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2027 September Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Double occupancy Double cabin € 1950 Twin cabin, split-level beds € 1950 Single occupancy Price Single cabin € 1970 Double/Twin cabin for single use € 2745 Bike rentals Price Standard touring bike Included Electric bike € 110 Children's bikes and equipment upon request. - High Season 2027 Sep 2, 16 from € 21052027 departures: Sep 2, 16
2027 September Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Double occupancy Double cabin € 2105 Twin cabin, split-level beds € 2105 Single occupancy Price Single cabin € 2190 Double/Twin cabin for single use € 2980 Bike rentals Price Standard touring bike Included Electric bike € 110 Children's bikes and equipment upon request.
- Extra options
Extra options Dietary requests (ex: gluten free or dairy free) € 100
Please Note
- Rates are per person, based on double occupancy
- Tour prices are based on the fuel costs at time prices are set, often months or years in advance. In rare cases, additional fees may apply for fuel cost increases.
- Information to read before you book
- We recommend purchasing trip insurance
- Please see our FAQ
- Value Season 2027 Jul 6, 29; Aug 12 from € 1590
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Extra Info
Skill Level — Easy–Moderate
This guided bike and boat tour is rated easy to moderate. You will encounter short slopes with differences in heights up to 75m or gently rolling hills. After all, you are in France! The majority of the time you will cycle along the Loire River and through the Loire Valley. You will enjoy pedaling on a section of the Loire à Vélo, a cycle path that in its totality encompasses 900 kms. The route is signposted and well-surfaced.
Airport Info
Closest international airport to either Briare or Nevers is Paris Charles De Gaulle (CDG).
Local Travel
Briare
From CDG, you can access onward travel to Briare. First, you will take the RER B from the airport to Chatelet-Les-Halles, you will then walk via underground walkways to the Chatelet metro station. Take line 14 to Bercy. From here you can then access train travel to Briare. This will take about 1 hour and 30 minutes. We advise taking a taxi to the mooring location at Canal Lateral á la Loire, at the Rue du Pont Canal.
Nevers
Directions are almost the same as traveling to Briare. However, at Paris Bercy, you will access onward travel to Nevers.Climate
Overall, the Loire Valley experiences a moderate continental climate during late spring to early fall, providing a favorable environment for outdoor activities, wine tourism, and enjoying the scenic beauty of the area. Do check local conditions before your arrival.
Remarks
Please note that the right to cancel tours with fewer than 12 participants up to 21 days prior to the date of departure is reserved. We advise that you check the status of your departure before making your air travel arrangements.
Important to know
Travel Documents
It is each traveler's responsibility to ensure that you are in compliance with the country or countries you plan to visit. This includes and is not limited to passport validity, visa requirements and acquisition, blank passport pages required for your destination (s), etc.
US citizens: A good website to research the requirements of the Schengen Agreement and entry into other countries is travel.state.gov.
Non-EU and EU residents: Please research the requirements of your country of residence for international travel and your destination country or countries.
*Important note: Please check on the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) status as once implemented, this will be required to visit any of the 26 Schengen-member countries for tourism, business, medical, or transit. This is an additional check on security rather than a visa.Tour Operator
This tour is run by CycleTours.
We value the strong relationship we have with our local partners and the services we provide.
We are not a broker.
We do not inflate tour prices.
We are simply travelers helping travelers.Would you like to learn more About Us? How about What Makes Us Different than other companies?
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