Choose your program
Classic
2018 2019
FROM $ 3,289 per person

Discover the Loire Canal In the heart of France, charming cities reveal their secrets
7 Days - BNV_AIPP
# Description

Cruise

Paris - BRIARE - LERE - MENETREOL-SOUS-SANCERRE - HERRY - MARSEILLES-LES-AUBIGNY - NEVERS - Paris
MyImage
Croisi +
All inclusive on board

THE CROISIEUROPE DIFFERENCE

  • All meals included - DRINKS INCLUDED with meals and at the bar
  • Refined French cuisine - Gala dinner and evening - Welcome cocktail
  • Free Wi-Fi in lounge and bar
  • Official welcome from the captain and crew
  • Travel assistance and repatriation insurance
  • All port fees included

CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS

  • Stroll through history, authentic and well-preserved sites, and traditional regions during this exceptional cruise
  • EXCURSIONS INCLUDED:
    • Nevers, famous pilgrimage site with an exceptional history
    • The Fontmorigny Abbey
    • Apremont-sur-Allier, listed as one of the most beautiful villages in France
    • Rustic authenticity in a farm
    • La Tour du Pouilly-Fumé, a sensory travel in the middle of the vineyards
  • Tastings: The famous Crottin de Chavignol cheese and the Nevers nougatine

Cruise

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 comfortably settling into your cabins, we'll introduce our crew at a welcome cocktail and 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.

Day 2

BRIARE - LERE

Join us on a visit of Briare and the Deux Marines Museum. We'll take a tourist train to discover the village of Briare and its hidden treasures, among them the Chateau de Trousse-Barriere - an imposing 19th-century brick castle - 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, we'll visit the Deux Marines Museum and learn about the history of the Loire and its canals: the spot that was once considered the most important waterway crossroads 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.

Day 3

LERE - MENETREOL-SOUS-SANCERRE

Join us on an 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 (optional visit with separate entrance fee; 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.

Day 4

MENETREOL-SOUS-SANCERRE - HERRY

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 Herry. 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.

Day 5

HERRY - MARSEILLES-LES-AUBIGNY

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. 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 gala evening.

Day 6

MARSEILLES-LES-AUBIGNY - NEVERS

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.

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.) End of our services.

Dates & Prices

Departure city

* Price based on double occupancy

START IN 2018
Departure 07/05/2018
Arrival 07/11/2018
FROM $ 3,289 per person
Ship : Ms Déborah Anchors : 5
Sold out
Departure 08/02/2018
Arrival 08/08/2018
FROM $ 3,289 per person
Ship : Ms Déborah Anchors : 5
Sold out

* Price based on double occupancy

Sales

  • Child discount (2-9 years) : - 20%
  • 3rd person discount in triple cabin : - 30%

Formalities

Valid passport required. Non-EU nationals are advised to consult their embassy or consulate.
Included :
Not included

Your cruise with all meals from dinner the first evening to breakfast on the final day - onboard drinks included (except for drinks from our special lists) - double-occupancy cabin with shower in bathroom - the transfer by coach from Paris to Nevers - the transfer by coach from Briare to Paris - the excursions mentioned in the program - assistance from our onboard multi-lingual host/hostess - welcome cocktail - gala dinner - travel assistance and repatriation insurance - all port fees.

Drinks from our special lists, or drinks ordered during excursions or transfers - cancellation and baggage insurance - personal expenses.

Shore Excursions

6 Shore excursions
CLASSIC EXCURSIONS PACKAGE
Included in tour package Deux Marines Museum and Tourist Train in Briare Sancerre and a goat farm Pouilly Sur Loire La Charité-sur-Loire and a farm Fontmorigny Abbey and Apremont-sur-Allier Nighttime stroll through Nevers with lanterns...
Classic
Discover

Deux Marines Museum and Tourist Train

We'll leave by tourist train for a tour of Briare, first admiring the Briare Aqueduct, whose 14 masonry supports were built by the Eiffel company. Until recently, it was the longest navigable aqueduct in the world. We'll also pass by the Town Hall an...

Duration 2h15

Sancerre and a goat farm

We'll leave from Léré for Sancerre and have a tour of the city on foot. Set in the historic Berry region, Sancerre overlooks the gorgeous Loire Valley. We'll first admire the view and the vineyards. The guided tour will then tak...

Duration 4h00

Pouilly Sur Loire

We'll leave Ménétréol-sous-Sancerre for the picturesque town of Pouilly-sur-Loire, where we'll visit the Tour de Pouilly-Fumé: a wine-tourism center. Overlooking the river, the vineyard enjoys a microclimate and to...

Duration 3h30

La Charité-sur-Loire and the Ferme des Barreaux

We'll leave from Chapelle Montlinard for La Charité-sur-Loire and begin our visit with the Sainte-Croix-Notre-Dame church, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the Way of St. James. We'll then head to the Benedictine gardens and the ruin...

Duration 3h45

Fontmorigny Abbey and Apremont-sur-Allier

We'll leave from Marseille les Aubigny for the Fontmorigny Abbey, a privately-owned French historical monument. A former Cistercian monastery, the present owners have tried to bring the abbey back to life, and it has now become one of the main cultur...

Duration 4h30

Nighttime stroll through Nevers with lanterns

At nightfall, we'll leave on a romantic tour on foot of Nevers with lanterns. You'll travel back to medieval times as we stroll through the winding streets and along the river's edge. We'll return on board by coach.     Duration : approx. 2:00 W...

Duration 2h00
Discover

Ships

Several ships available for this cruise

Ms Déborah

Ms Déborah

2 Decks

For the safety of our passengers, the captain and crew of the boat may decide to modify the navigational itinerary.

Alcohol can be harmful to your health. Please drink in moderation.

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