Loire Valley - Nevers to Briare Guided Barge Tour

The Loire Valley between the cities of Nevers and Briare 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. You will also see impressive examples of canal building engineering along the Canal lateral du Loire. The old city of Nevers with its winding streets, castle and churches is our starting point. On the way to the wine city of Sancerre you will visit the Château of Apremont, dating back to the 12th century and lavishly surrounded by gardens as well as the ancient Roman town of La Charité-sur-Loire with a 16th century stone bridge and Notre Dame cathedral. In between you will ride to St. Brisson Forest and through seemingly endless vineyards. Through a beautiful region of lakes and past more castles you will cycle along the Loire and visit Chatillon-sur-Loire with its impressive locks. Briare with its picturesque locks and aqueduct is the final destination of this week.

Tour Character - level 2

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.

Your Accomodation:

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.

Highlights:

• Nevers city of art and history
• Pouilly Fume Vineyards
• Beautiful Sancerre
• Ride along the Loire River

Included in this tour:

• All nights on board, (8 days / 7 nights), cabin in the booked category;
• Full board (7 x breakfast, 6 x self-made picnic lunch for bike tours, 7 x three course dinner)
• Use of bed linen and 2 towels (change of towels possible)
• Coffee and tea on board
• Tour guide, cycles with the group
• Min. 3 city walks with the tourguide
• Free WiFi is limited available in lounge and on deck
• Road book, 1x per cabin
• Ferry fares on the route
• Bike insurance (with bike rental)

Not included:

• Bicycle rental
• Entrance fees to museums; approx. € 45,- per tour
• Personal insurance/ Cancellation insurance (optional)
• Other drinks on board (cash payment on board)
• Contribution Dutch Guarantee Fund (Insolvency Protection)

If you would like to rent a bike (115 EUR) or E-bike (225 EUR), please contact [email protected] when booking

Notes:

• Minimum 12 participants
• The mooring place of the barge in Nevers: Embranchement de Nevers, Chemin de Halage.
  The nearest airport to the embarkation point of the barge is Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG). By train it is about 2,5 hours to the railway station in Briare (approx 30 EUR). Walking distance from the train station to the barge is about 20 minutes. A taxi from the airport in Paris to the mooring place will take about 2,5 hours.
• In case of gluten free/lactose free/vegan meals there is an additional charge of € 100,- per diet per week. When ordered upon arrival the additional charge is € 150,- per diet per week, to be paid on site.
• The tour ends one week later in Briare after breakfast at 10 AM. The mooring place of the barge in Briare: in the Canal Lateral á la Loire, at the Rue du Pont Canal
• Prices are quoted for double cabins. If you would like a twin split level cabin, please let us know. Single cabins are limited and on request.

This tour also runs from Briare to Nevers

Slow Tours offers a range of Bike and Barge Tours in Europe

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