LOIRE VALLEY BARGE CRUISE

Tour Overview

Take in the beautiful scenery as you drift past stunning Berry and the incredible Sologne region on this magnificent Loire Valley barge cruise. Along the way, we'll tick off the impressive architecture, historic cities and prestigious vineyards - making for a truly memorable (and quintessentially French) experience.

Highlights of this Loire Valley Barge Cruise

See the Briare Aqueduct, one of the most prestigious waterways in France
Visit the medieval town of Sancerre and indulge in a cheese and wine tasting at a traditional goat farm
Explore the romantic town of Nevers after dark on a lantern-lit walking tour

ITINERARY

Day 1 - Paris - Briare

After meeting the group in Paris, we’ll leave the city behind us and make our way to Briare, a small village in the Loiret region, where we’ll board our private barge this evening. After settling into your cabin, there will be plenty of time to get to know the crew and your fellow travellers over cocktails and dinner – with a cruise through the Briare Aqueduct (one of the longest navigable aqueducts in the world) to round off the day. Accommodation: MS Jeanine - Meals Dinner

Day 2 - Briare - Lere

First today: a sightseeing train ride through Briare aboard ‘Le Petit Train’. As we make our way through the village, we’ll see the likes of the impressive Château de Trousse-Barrière, the Church of Saint-Étienne and plenty of locks, lock-keeper houses and quaint bridges. Then: we’ll move on to the Deux Marines Museum, which documents the history of the Loire and its canals, before cruising onward to Léré, where you’ll be free to spend the evening at your leisure after dinner. Accommodation: MS Jeanine - Meals Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 3 - Lere- Menetreol sous Sancerre

We have an exciting day ahead of us today, with a visit to Sancerre – a historic medieval hilltop town overlooking the Loire Valley – on the agenda. After following the Fil d’Ariane (a red line painted on the streets that takes us past old wine-making neighbourhoods, bakeries and art galleries), we’ll visit an authentic goat farm, where we’ll have the chance to taste some delicious cheeses and local Sancerre wine. And later this afternoon? We’ll continue our journey to Ménétréol-sous-Sancerre: our home for the night. Accommodation: MS Jeanine - Meals Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 4 - Menetreol sous Sancerre - Herry

This morning we’ll take a tour of Pouilly-sur-Loire, where we’ll visit the impressive Tour de Pouilly-Fumé – a local winery with a mesmerising backdrop. Here, we’ll stroll the extensive vineyards, see the wine cellar and enjoy a delectable wine tasting session before we climb back aboard the barge. Later, we’ll make our way to the humble village of Herry, where the evening will be yours to do as you please. Accommodation: MS Jeanine - Meals Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 5 - Herry - Marseilles Les Aubigny

We’ll start the day with a tour of La Charité-sur-Loire and its beautifully restored, UNESCO World Heritage-listed priory. Afterwards, we’ll visit a farm deep in the countryside, where we’ll experience the rustic charm that can only be found in France. The afternoon will see us moving on to the town of Marseilles-lès-Aubigny, where we’ll don our finest outfits for a gala dinner aboard the barge. Accommodation: MS Jeanine - Meals Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 6 - Marseilles les Aubigny - Nevers

After this morning’s breakfast, our first stop of the day will be the historic Fontmorigny Abbey. Then, it’s onwards to charming Apremont-sur-Allier, one of the most heart-stealing villages in France, for a photo opportunity or two. After we’ve had a look around the magnificent floral garden, we’ll return to the barge and continue our journey towards the romantic town of Nevers – where an atmospheric after-dark walking tour awaits. By the light of our lanterns, we’ll see the iconic Ducal Palace, stroll past the half-timbered houses of the old quarter and visit Nevers Cathedral, an impressive national monument. Accommodation: MS Jeanine - Meals Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 7 - Nevers - Paris

After enjoying one last buffet breakfast, we’ll bid a fond farewell to our barge. Then, it’s all aboard the mini-coach back to Paris, where our tour will come to an end. Meals Breakfast