2025: Celebrating Legends and Milestones on the Rivers
2025 is here! And it’s not just any year, as we have the opportunity to celebrate three special anniversaries.
Indeed, this year marks our 10 years of sailing on the Loire, 25 years in Venice, and 30 years along the Rhône. It’s the perfect moment for us to unveil some of the secrets and myths that fill these waters. Silent witnesses to History, waterways are sanctuaries of legends and mysteries.
The Loire, the Rhône, and the Venetian Lagoon—these three jewels crossed by CroisiEurope for decades—carry fascinating stories, blending historical facts and enchanting tales that have inspired some of the greatest artists.
Join us in celebrating these years of cruising along these three majestic European rivers.
The Loire, the last wild river in Europe, is a true ode to nature and history. Since 2015, CroisiEurope has offered an unparalleled experience on the Loire, with the MS Loire Princesse, a paddlewheel boat specially designed to navigate its shallow waters. It became the first French cruise ship to sail on this river.
As you sail, let yourself be transported by the authenticity of the Loire Valley’s lands and discover their hidden treasures: from Viking secrets to the legends of the Loire castles.
During various raids and expeditions in the 9th century, the Vikings ascended the Loire, looting cities and abbeys, amassing priceless treasures made of gold, sacred objects, and relics. The first expedition dates back to June 24, 843, when the Vikings ascended to Nantes. While the inhabitants celebrated St. John's festivities, the Vikings attacked the city, killing clergy members, residents, and even the bishop who had taken refuge in his church. They then settled at the mouth of the Loire for several years, creating an atmosphere of fear. It is said that, facing attacks from local lords or sudden floods, they were forced to abandon their treasures.
According to legend, some ships sank with their riches, while other treasures were thrown into the river to prevent capture.
While Nordic weapons and coins have been discovered over the centuries, no full cargo has ever been found, and the moving sediments of the Loire make such excavations complex.
By the way, did you know that to protect themselves from Viking attacks, the inhabitants built motte-and-bailey castles? These eventually became the famous Loire castles we all know today.
These stories continue to fascinate, adding a touch of mystery to this majestic river. Sailing on the Loire is like diving into this captivating history, where every bend seems to whisper secrets of a forgotten past.
Built in the 11th century, this castle is one of the most iconic of the Loire Valley. An ancient fortress of the County of Anjou, the Château de Brissac is the tallest castle in France and has belonged to the Brissac family since 1502. 523 years later, the descendants, the Duke and Duchess, and their four children, still live there. However, before belonging to the Brissac family, this castle was owned by the Brézé family. Upon his father’s death, Jacques de Brézé inherited the property and moved in with his wife, Charlotte de Valois, but their romance was short-lived. Jacques discovered an affair between his wife and one of his squires, Pierre de Lavergne. In a fit of rage, he pierced her with a sword on the night of May 31, 1477.
Legend has it that since then, Charlotte, known as “The Lady of Brissac” or “The Green Lady,” has become part of the castle’s furniture. It is said that she can be seen dressed in green, her wandering spirit appearing during stormy nights in her room in the chapel tower.
For 25 years, CroisiEurope has been introducing this unique city aboard the MS Michelangelo, an intimate ship specially designed to navigate close to Venice's magic. Did you know that we are the only company that can still access the heart of the Serenissima by boat, just steps from the iconic St. Mark’s Square? A rare opportunity to experience Venice differently and discover mythical tales from its divine creation to the intriguing mysteries of its palaces.
Venice, nicknamed the Serenissima, rises as a marvel defying nature and time. Its foundation, nestled in the heart of a marshy lagoon, embodies a unique meeting of human ingenuity and almost celestial inspiration.
It is sometimes said that Venice was created by the gods. In the 5th century, as Italy was ravaged by barbarian invasions, the inhabitants of Veneto sought refuge. According to legend, the gods, moved by their distress, guided them to the inhospitable marshes of the Venetian Lagoon, offering them natural protection due to the environment's inaccessibility to invaders. Inspired by this divine intervention, the first inhabitants built a city on stilts, using unprecedented techniques to tame the lagoon.
Legend also says that St. Mark, visiting the region, had a prophetic dream announcing that his relics would rest in Venice, strengthening the city's sacred nature. Today, Venice embodies resilience and ingenuity, testimonies of a miracle that endures in its canals and palaces, reminding us of its unique history and its divine connection.
Located on the Grand Canal, Ca’Dario Palace is a must-see for mystery lovers. The palace was built in the 15th century by architect Pietro Lombardo for Giovanni Dario, a wealthy Venetian merchant. Beneath its architectural elegance lies a series of dramatic events that have contributed to the place’s sinister reputation.
An old legend says that anyone who becomes the owner of this palace is doomed to meet a tragic end. The curse is said to have begun with the Dario family itself. Marietta, Giovanni’s daughter, allegedly took her own life after being ruined by her malicious husband, who also succumbed to debts. Since this founding tragedy, almost every owner of the palace has met a tragic fate. Merchants have lost their fortunes, aristocrats have died in mysterious circumstances, and even a wealthy American businessman, Charles Briggs, reportedly took his life after acquiring the property in the 1940s. Some claim to have seen shadows moving behind the empty windows of the palace or heard strange whispers while passing by. Others believe the reputation of Ca’ Dario is just an urban legend, born out of unfortunate coincidences.
Whether one believes it or not, the vacant palace today remains a captivating mystery for both locals and tourists. During your cruise, let yourself be carried away by the magic of this unique city, and let the Ca’ Dario Palace whisper its secrets along the water.
For 30 years, CroisiEurope has offered unique cruises along the Rhône, allowing you to discover its treasures from a privileged perspective. Aboard our intimate ships, explore the wonders of the Rhône Valley, from vineyards to historic cities like Lyon, Avignon, and Arles.
Sailing on the Rhône is an adventure where history and legends intertwine.
Did you know? Among the legends surrounding the Rhône, the tale of Hercules’ passage illustrates the strength and bravery of this mythological hero.
During his twelve labours, Hercules had to capture the bulls of Geryon, a challenge that led him across Europe. The Rhône, with its powerful currents, was one of the major obstacles in his journey.
According to legend, Hercules faced the tumultuous waters by building a raft or swimming across the river, leaving a lasting imprint on the landscape and the collective imagination. Later, in a vast dry plain on the left bank at the mouth of the river, he faced a colossal challenge. Ligur and Albion, two formidable giants, sons of Earth and Neptune, renowned as invincible, stood in his way to block his passage. Hercules, knowing he could not defeat them alone, accepted the battle.
After a fierce struggle, and due to Hercules' courage, Jupiter, the god of gods, intervened to help the hero by sending a shower of thunderbolts on Ligur and Albion, assisting Hercules in defeating the giants.
This titanic battle symbolically marked the Rhône Valley. The dry, barren land where Hercules faced the giants is sometimes interpreted as the origin of the powerful winds that sweep through the region, such as the Mistral, evoking the divine breaths and thunderbolts of Jupiter.
Hercules’ passage sanctifies the Rhône as a place of courage against untameable nature, reminding us that this majestic river is more than just a watercourse. Even today, this tale inspires visitors who walk the lands along the Rhône, steeped in the legacy of ancient myths.
Nestled in a green setting north of Lyon, Île Barbe on the Saône has inspired many stories. Between hidden treasures, druids, mermaids, and Charlemagne’s library, this island is full of legends, both folk and fantastic.
The island, whose name comes from the Latin "barbarian island," is said to have sheltered druids who carried out bloody rituals during Celtic ceremonies. Though Celtic remains have been found on the island, no evidence confirms this dark past. In reality, the island's name likely refers to its "wild" nature, due to its geographical location, its former hermit inhabitants, and its geological formation, which gives it an aura of mystery.
It is also said that the island shelters a hidden treasure—none other than the Holy Grail. The story goes that Longinus, the soldier who pierced Christ’s side on the cross, financed the first stones of the chapel on the island. Monks are said to have buried the Grail in the abbey’s underground to protect it from Protestant invaders.
Another legend suggests that the island houses Charlemagne’s library. In 811, Charlemagne granted the island the title of lordly abbey and is said to have endowed it with a beautiful library, full of rare and precious manuscripts, attracting scholars from across Europe.
Today, the island is home to a few residents and welcomes curious wanderers and tourists, just as it once hosted hermits, druids, and Christians.
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While most of these stories are merely legends and myths, the waters on which our cruises sail remain imbued with this timeless magic, blending history, culture, and imagination. The Loire, the Rhône, and the Venetian Lagoon are much more than mere waterways; they are also witnesses to great epics and secrets that have shaped civilizations.
In 2025, we invite you to embark on exceptional cruises, where each stop unveils a mystery. Come celebrate with us the anniversaries of our journeys along these majestic rivers!