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Loire Valley - Briare to Nevers 8 Day Bike and Barge Tour (Guided)
The Loire Valley between the cities of Briare and Nevers in the heart of France is a very well suited region for a relaxing bike and barge holiday. Following the flow of the Loire River you gently ride through the green countryside with charming little villages and old castles and palaces.The rich landscape boasts many fruitful vineyards. Especially well known are the Sancerre and Pouilly Fumé wines. Both wines are reckoned to be among the most prestigious in the world. You will also see impressive examples of canal building engineering along the Canal lateral du Loire. The small city of Briare with its picturesque locks and aqueduct is our starting point. On the first day you will ride to Rogy-les-Sept-Ecluses via the Pont Chevron castle. Through a beautiful region of lakes and past castles you will cycle along the Loire and visit Chatillon-sur-Loire with its impressive locks. Wine-tasting in the region of Sancerre and the Pouilly Fumé wines can not be missed. In between you will ride to St. Brisson Forest and through seemingly endless vineyards. On the way to the city of Nevers you will also visit the ancient Roman town of La Charité-sur-Loire with a 16th century stone bridge and the Château of Apremont, dating back to the 12th century and lavishly surrounded by gardens. The final destination of this week, the historical town of Nevers, is in itself already worth a visits of a few days.
Our carefully selected routes will lead you along the most beautiful spots of the country. The average daily distance is around 45 kilometers. Most participants prefer riding in a group with the cycling guide, but you can also ride individually. A road book is included (1x per cabin). Gps-tracks can be provided by e-mail.
Aboard there is a big and cozy salon with big windows for a perfect view. The barge is 34.15 meters long and 5.05 meters wide, which makes it possible to boat in France with its narrow locks. Cabin Plan: 3 double cabins (with double bed). 5 twin cabins with split level beds cabins (L-shape). 1 single cabin. All cabins are provided with: air-conditioning, private shower/toilet, sink (in cabin), central heating, 220 voltage, windows/portholes that open. Hair dryers are available on board. There is limited storage space in the cabin. We recommend 1 suitcase per person. You can slide the suitcase under the bed.
If you would like to rent a bike (115 EUR) or an E-Bike (225 EUR), please contact [email protected] when booking
This tour also runs from Nevers to Briare
Slow Tours offers a range of Bike and Barge Tours through Europe
Arrival at 3 pm and welcome at the barge on the mooring place. Try-out bike ride in the surrounding countryside
Briare - Rogny-les-sept-Ecluses - Briare 50km
Our first real bike ride this week will lead us to the castle of ‘Pont Chevron,’ situated on a small, picturesque lake. Around lunchtime on this first cycling day you will be in the village Rogny-les-Sept-Écluses, known for its historic seven locks. Via the 16th-century castle near Bléneau you will cycle through a region of lakes to Ouzouer-sur-Trézée and eventually back to Briare
Briare - Sury-Près-Léré, 38/51 km
Today we start with a visit to the magnificent aqueduct over the Loire River in Briare. With some luck and good planning you might see the Clair de Lune pass through here, high above the river. Later you ride to St. Brisson, where you will see the impressive medieval castle. Further on you will pass the historic locks of Châtillon-sur-Loire. The bike ride towards Sury-Près-Léré leads you through typical French countryside with rolling hills, country estates and small villages.
Sury-Près-Léré — Sancerre, 34 km
Sancerre wines, and especially the white wines, are famous all over the world. The first mentioning of winegrowing in this region dates back to the 6th century. Until the 19th century the region mostly grew Pinot grapes, but after a disease that devastated the grapes Sauvignon is now mostly grown. And with success! The ride today takes you on a picturesque route right across the Sancerre vineyards and through the surrounding villages. In Ménétréol, situated under the Sancerre vineyards, there will be an opportunity to try some wine before returning to the Clair de Lune.
Sancerre — Beffes, 38 km
Right after breakfast you will hop on your bike and start the day with a cycling tour through the region of the Pouilly Fumé wines to La Charité-sur-Loire, an ancient Roman town. Crossing the 16th century stone bridge to the center, you have a splendid view overlooking the town and its Notre Dame church. Continue towards the destination of today, Beffes.
Beffes– Guetin, 37km
Riding south from Beffes you pass nice wooded areas with again many nice villages and country estates. Later in the day you will end up in the small town of Apremont, where you will have the opportunity to visit the 12th-century castle and surrounding fabulous gardens. After, you will continue to the sleepy village of Guetin on the Canal Lateral du Loire. On the way a visit to the aqueduct over the Allier River with its two impressive locks both measuring about 9 meters high is a must!
Guetin – Nevers, 23 km
We end this week in the heart of France with a short ride to the town of Nevers where there are many sites to see including the winding streets filled with houses dating back from the 14th to 17th century. The origins of Nevers date back to Roman times. Nevers is since the 5th century the seat of the bishop and has among others a castle and a few interesting churches. To celebrate the end of your cycling week you can of course also take a well-earned rest on the several terraces in town and enjoy the local wine.
Nevers
After breakfast: debarkation before 10 AM
Tours marked with are special prices.
| Start | End | Max. No. Guests | Accommodation | Price p.p. | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 10 2025 | Jun 17 2025 | 20 | Single rooms | 1,610€ | ||
| Double rooms | 1,590€ | |||||
| Jun 24 2025 | Jul 01 2025 | 20 | Single rooms | 1,505€ | ||
| Double rooms | 1,450€ | |||||
| Jul 08 2025 | Jul 15 2025 | 20 | Single rooms | 1,505€ | ||
| Double rooms | 1,450€ | |||||
| Jul 22 2025 | Jul 29 2025 | 20 | Single rooms | 1,505€ | ||
| Double rooms | 1,450€ | |||||
| Aug 05 2025 | Aug 12 2025 | 20 | Single rooms | 1,505€ | ||
| Double rooms | 1,450€ |
If you would like to drive yourself before or after your tour, ask us for a quote on any brand new Renault, Peugeot or Citroen vehicle for driving in Europe.
Pick up your vehicle from most capital cities in Europe and return it to your drop off destination. Top insurance cover. Email [email protected] for a competitive quote
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