|
Along the Loire Valley
 
Cruise and cycle along the longest river in France, passing picturesque wine villages, grand castles and lush forests.
Tour Highlights
- Cycling through the Sancerre vineyards, famous for its
Sauvignon Blanc.
- Relaxing and admiring the river views over a 3-course dinner in the evenings.
- Aprémont with its 12th century castle and fabulous gardens.
Detailed information
| Detailed
itinerary |
 |
 |
Some sections are quite hilly and some are on roads. You are welcome to stay on board the barge if you do not wish to cycle on certain days. |
Day 1: transfer from Paris Gare du Nord at 15:30 by coach to Cours-les-Barres to join the barge.
Day 2: cycle to Aprémont to visit the castle, continuing to the town of Nevers before returning to the barge (33 miles).
Day 3: sail to the village of Beffes, then cycle to the charming Roman town of La Charité-sur-Loire, continuing into the Pouilly Fumé wine region. In Ménétréol sample some of the region’s excellent wines (34 miles).
Day 4: after visiting the historic town of Sancerre-sur-Loire, cycle through the Sancerre vineyards passing picturesque villages. Re-join the barge in Beaulieu-sur-Loire (31 miles).
Day 5: cycle past historic locks and over an aqueduct to St. Brisson with its charming castle and surrounding forest. Cross the Loire over a magnificent aqueduct, spending the night in Briare (25 miles).
Day 6: explore Briare and cycle to the lakeside castle of Pont Chevron. Continue past lakes to the 16th century castle near Bléneau, finishing in Rogny-les-Sept-Écluses, known for its seven locks (28 miles).
Day 7: enjoy the round trip from Rogny to the market in Châtillon-Coligny
and La Bussière Castle, returning to the barge via Escrignelles (31 miles).
Day 8: depart for Paris by coach.
Note: on alternative weeks this tour operates in reverse, starting
in Rogny-les-Sept-Écluses.
[Back to the top]
| Itinerary from Rogny-les-Sept-Écluses |
|
Day 1: transfer from Paris Gare du Nord by coach to Rogny-les-Sept-Écluses to join the barge.
Day 2: enjoy the round trip from Rogny to Châttilon-Coligny and La Bussière Castle, returning to the barge via Escrignelles (31 miles).
Day 3: cycle to Briare via the lakeside castle of Pont Chevron and Gien (31 miles).
Day 4: sail to Châtillon sur Loire from where you will cycle via St. Brisson with its charming castle to
Bealieu-sur-Loire (28 miles).
Day 5: cycle through the Sancerre vineyards passing picturesque villages to the historic town of
Sancerre-sur-Loire. From here, continue on to Ménétréol where you will rejoin the barge (34 miles).
Day 6: cycle through the Pouilly Fumé wine region to the charming Roman town of La Charité-sur-Loire. Continue to Cours-les-Barres (34 miles).
Day 7: enjoy a circular ride from Cours-les-Barres to Aprémont, known for its castle, and then to Nevers before returning to the barge (31 miles).
Day 8: departure day.
[Back to the top]
| Your
accommodation and meals |
|
Accommodation is on board the Anna-Maria IV barge. She has 10 cabins and can accommodate up to 20 passengers. You will stay in a 2-berth bunkbed cabin with en-suite or shared bathroom facilities. Bedding is provided and the barge also has a bar. We can arrange male or female share cabins, but single cabins are not available.
This holiday is sold on a Full Board basis.
[Back to the top]
| Departure
dates & prices |
|
Prices include:
- Accommodation for 7 nights
- Full Board
- Bicycle hire
- Tour guide
- Return coach transfer between Paris Gare du Nord station and your
barge
- Entrance to a castle and winery
| 18 April - 26 Sept 2009 |
7 |
£639 |
Discounts
Discount for cabin shared facilities: £48
[Back to the top]
| Bike details |
|
|
Gears: 21
Bike bag
Guide helps in case of puncture |
[Back to the top]
| Travel
options |
|
Please call us to discuss the most suitable flights/rail and latest prices.
Fly to Paris from Bristol, Heathrow, Liverpool, Luton, Manchester and Newcastle.
Eurostar to Paris
Meet the coach to Cours-les-Barres/Rogyny-les-Sept-Écluses at Paris Gare
du Nord.
We do not recommend travelling by car ferry as there are no secure parking
arrangements at the beginning or end of this tour.
Airport Parking: To book secure airport parking throughout the UK visit Purple Parking or Holiday Extras to book on-line.
Airport Hotels: To book airport hotels throughout the UK visit Holiday Extras to book on-line.
Airport Lounges: To book aiport lounges visit Holiday Extras to book on-line.
For rail tickets contact International Rail on 08700 841410.
[Back to the top]
|
