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Loire Valley - Nevers to Briare 8 day Bike and Barge Tour (Guided)
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.
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 E-bike (225 EUR), please contact [email protected] when booking
This tour also runs from Briare to Nevers
Slow Tours offers a range of Bike and Barge Tours in Europe
Nevers
The barge is moored in Nevers on the outskirts of the center of town in Embranchement de Nevers, Chemin de Halage. You are expected to arrive at our barge between 1 PM and 2 PM. When you arrive on board, you can settle in and enjoy a cup of coffee or tea. It is also a good moment to become acquainted with the tour leader, skipper and crew and of course your fellow passengers.
During dinner aboard the ship, the program for the next day and the global planning of the week are discussed. Instructions on cycling and safely procedures will also be given. After diner there will be an evening walk through the old town of Nevers. The city is famous for its ceramics and it is also one of the major pilgrimage centres of France because the city has kept the body of Bernadette Soubirous (1844-1879). The Old Town, with its narrow winding streets, is full of many buildings and palaces dating from the 17th century.
Nevers – Guetin, 23 km
We start this week in the heart of France with a short ride from 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 start of the holiday you can enjoy a glass of local wine on the several terraces in town.
Guetin – Beffes, 37 km
Today you will start from the small 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 do! Riding north to Beffes you pass nice wooded areas with again many nice villages and country estates. Continue towards the destination of today, Beffes.
Beffes— Sancerre, 38 km
Right after breakfast you will hop on your bikes and begin this days 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, there is a splendid view overlooking the town and its Notre Dame church. Continue towards the destination of today, Sancerre.
Sancerre — Sury-Près-Léré, 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 to Sury-Près-Léré.
Sury-Près-Léré – Briare, 38/51 km
Todays bike ride to Briare leads you through typical French countryside with rolling hills, country estates and small villages. On the way you will pass the historic locks of Châtillon-sur-Loire and ride on to St. Brisson, where you will see the impressive medieval castle. We end the day with a visit to the magnificent aqueduct over the Loire River in Briare. We spend the last two nights moored in the typical French small-town of Briare
Briare – Rogny-les-sept-Écluses- Briare 50 km
Your last bike ride this week will lead you to the castle of ‘Pont Chevron,’ situated on a small, picturesque lake. Around lunchtime 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. A worthy ending of your bike adventure in the heart of France
Briare end of the tour
The tour ends after breakfast: debarkation before 10 AM.
Tours marked with are special prices.
Start | End | Max. No. Guests | Accommodation | Price p.p. | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Sep 09 2024 | Sep 16 2024 | 26 | Single rooms | 1,800€ | ||
Double rooms | 1,675€ | |||||
Sep 23 2024 | Sep 30 2024 | 26 | Single rooms | 1,610€ | ||
Double rooms | 1,540€ | |||||
Oct 07 2024 | Oct 14 2024 | 26 | Single rooms | 1,510€ | ||
Double rooms | 1,400€ | |||||
Jun 03 2025 | Jun 10 2025 | 26 | Single rooms | 1,610€ | ||
Double rooms | 1,590€ | |||||
Jun 17 2025 | Jun 24 2025 | 26 | Single rooms | 1,610€ | ||
Double rooms | 1,590€ | |||||
Jul 01 2025 | Jul 08 2025 | 26 | Single rooms | 1,505€ | ||
Double rooms | 1,450€ | |||||
Jul 15 2025 | Jul 22 2025 | 26 | Single rooms | 1,505€ | ||
Double rooms | 1,450€ | |||||
Jul 29 2025 | Aug 05 2025 | 26 | Single rooms | 1,505€ | ||
Double rooms | 1,450€ | |||||
Aug 12 2025 | Aug 19 2025 | 26 | Single rooms | 1,610€ | ||
Double rooms | 1,590€ |
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
Shows in English in Paris: Paris offers a wide variety of shows accessible to English-speakers. One-man shows, classic & modern theatre, musicals, cabarets and more are all performed in the city every night. You can get the full programme of shows in Paris to fit your city break dates by emailing [email protected]