'Deborah' Cruise in the Loire

Day 1: Paris - BRIARE

Transfer by coach from Paris to join our ship in Briare (duration ~2:15). Passengers are welcome to board at 6:00 p.m. After you’ve settled comfortably in your cabin, we’ll introduce our crew to you before having dinner. We’ll cruise through the Briare Aqueduct, whose 14 masonry supports were built by the Eiffel Company. Until recently, it was the longest navigable aqueduct in the world. Afterwards, we’ll return to Briare and remain in port overnight.
 

Day 2: BRIARE – LERE

All meals served on board. Visit of Briare and the museum conservatory. We’ll take a tourist train to discover the village of Briare and its hidden treasures, among them the Chateau de Trousse-Barriere - and the town hall, a modest castle that was modified in the 18th century. Traveling along the tree-lined canal, we’ll also see locks and lock-keeper houses and the quaint bridges that cross the waterways. The 19th-century Church of Saint-Etienne was built on the site of an earlier church and combines elements taken from both Byzantine and Gothic styles of architecture. Then, visit of the Museum Conservatory and learn about the history of the Loire and its canals. It’s a unique discovery center about the spot that was once considered the most important boating crossways in France.
We’ll spend the afternoon cruising to Léré. Kick back and enjoy the scenery as it rolls by or borrow one of the bikes on board to ride along the canal. The evening is free to do as you please. We’ll remain in port overnight.
 

Day 3: LERE – MENETREOL-SOUS-SANCERRE

All meals served on board. Excursion to Sancerre and a goat farm. Set in the historic Berry region, Sancerre overlooks the gorgeous Loire Valley. You’ll discover this beautiful medieval city by following the Fil d'Ariane: a red line painted on the streets taking you past the old wine-making neighborhoods, bakeries, fascinating buildings, and lovely art galleries.
The Fief Tower (significant stairs to climb) is the only remaining tower of the 14th-century medieval castle. Afterwards, we’ll visit a goat farm and have a tasting of its trademark cheeses and the local Sancerre wine. The family on the farm is raising approximately 200 goats and 60 cows and will be happy to share their cheese-making secrets with you. We’ll spend the afternoon cruising towards Ménétréol-sous-Sancerre. The evening is free to do as you please. We’ll remain in port overnight.
 

Day 4: MENETREOL-SOUS-SANCERRE – CHAPELLE MONTLINARD

All meals served on board. We’ll leave by coach for a visit of Pouilly-sur-Loire, where we’ll visit the Tour de Pouilly-Fumé: a wine-tourism center located in a beautiful setting. We’ll visit the vineyards, the wine cellar and enjoy a tasting. Afterwards, we’ll return on board and continue towards Chapelle Montlinard. Take advantage of this moment to ride along a portion of the EuroVélo 6, the bike route traveling from the Atlantic Ocean to the Black Sea. The evening is free to do as you please. We’ll remain in port overnight.
 

Day 5: CHAPELLE MONTLINARD – MARSEILLES-LES-AUBIGNY

All meals served on board. We’ll leave by coach for a tour of La Charité-sur-Loire and an authentic farm. We’ll begin our visit with the priory, one of the most important restoration sites in Burgundy for the past 15 years. We’ll then visit a farm deep in the countryside, where we’ll experience the rustic calm and authenticity that can be found only in France. A nice stop-over and a perfect way to get to know the animals typically local or coming from other areas: sheeps, pigs, goats, donkeys, African or Highland cattle, llamas, ostriches, and of course, ducks! Afterwards, we’ll return on board and spend the afternoon cruising. During our journey, discover the unique abundance of nature, culture and heritage. You’ll have an outstanding view of the Val de Loire Natural Reserve. Tonight is our festive gala evening. We’ll remain in port overnight.
 

Day 6: MARSEILLES-LES-AUBIGNY - NEVERS

All meals served on board. We’ll leave by coach for the visit to the Fontmorigny Abbey, a privately-owned French historical monument. Now one of the main cultural sites in the area, it is testimony to over 8 centuries of French religious heritage. The contemporary stain-glass windows are not to be missed. We’ll continue on to visit Apremont-sur-Allier and its floral garden. Classified as one of the most beautiful villages in France, this small medieval jewel on the bank of the Allier is an absolute must-see. The village offers a stunning point of view of the castle that overlooks it, also a nice stroll along the Allier river. We’ll return on board at the end of the morning and cruise to Nevers through the afternoon. At nightfall, we’ll leave on a romantic tour of Nevers with lanterns. We’ll remain in port overnight.
 

Day 7: NEVERS - Paris

Enjoy one last buffet breakfast on board before disembarking at 9:00 a.m. Transfer by coach from Nevers to Paris (duration ~2:15).