Cruising the Legendary Loire Valley By Barge

Cruising the Legendary Loire Valley By Barge

Taking a leisurely cruise on a hidden canal in France has caught the imagination of many travelers, even the most jaded. It’s no surprise given that passengers experience an intimate view of the charming French countryside, spend elegant evenings dining on gourmet meals, are pampered with excellent service and are offered interesting things to do ashore. Tours of Distinction offers this very special cruise of the Hidden Canals of the Loire Valley on a twenty passenger canal barge.

Dole, France

About Barge Cruising in the Loire Valley

Navigating through centuries-old waterways in the heart of the Loire Valley on a slow-moving barge with no more than twenty guests is a completely different experience from other river cruises where passengers share space with more than 100 people and sail on crowded rivers through several countries.  Barge cruising in France with Tours of Distinction is intimate, slower, and smaller giving passengers the time to experience this network of waterways that crisscross the Loire Valley.

The scenery is diverse and has been cherished by residents and visitors alike.  As the barge plies its way down this network of waterways you will see bucolic villages, chateaus, a fortress or monastery, charming towns, and a lush landscape of vineyards, forests, and orchards. Many artists and poets, such as Jean de la Fontaine, Baudelaire, and Victor Hugo have been inspired by the natural beauty of this region that was once the residence of French royalty during the Renaissance.

The Briare Aqueduct in Briare, France

Waterways in the Loire Valley

Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2002, and referred to as “the Garden of France” the Loire is also known as “the last wild river” because it is the only river in Western Europe that has not been canalized. It is famous for its unspoiled scenery – quaint medieval villages, fairytale castles, fabulous vineyards, amazing asparagus fields and fruit orchards.

At one time, this river was a lifeline of communication, trade, and transportation. It is the longest river in France flowing 634 miles from the Cevennes region to the Atlantic Ocean at St. Nazaire. For more than 2000 years this river was the main transportation route linking the provinces with the major trade centers.

Up until the 19th century, the Loire was the most important waterway bringing merchandise from the middle of the country to the port in Nantes. In its heyday, barges steamed up these canals transporting everything from grain, fruit, cheese, and wine to timber and even pig iron. The opening of the Canal de Briare in 1642 further expanded trade by linking it to the Seine.

Scenic French CanalsAristocrats and well to do people took to the water in the 1800s by using stylish water taxis as a means of transportation in order to avoid the discomfort of traveling on primitive roads. Things changed in the 1800s when the railroad was built reducing the need for the river as a means of transportation. The unique steamships that once plied the river disappeared by the beginning of the 20th century and only sailors on traditional flat-bottomed vessels sailed the river.

Today, nearly one hundred years later, like the passengers on those fashionable water taxi’s a new sleek vessel has emerged as a way to enjoy the scenic essence of this historic and stunningly beautiful waterway. On this cruise, with Tours of Distinction,  passengers will visit the timeless towns of Nevers, Marseilles Les Aubigny, Chapelle Montlinard, Menetreol Sous Sancerre, Lere, and Briare.

M/S Deborah

M/S Deborah - FoyerM/S Deborah - Dining RoomPassengers will cruise like royalty on the specially chartered M/S Deborah with only clients from Tours of Distinction aboard. Large windows capture scenic views on the contemporary inspired main deck. The tastefully appointed lounge and dining room also feature windows with views and the expansive sundeck affords panoramic views of the magnificent countryside.

M/S Deborah - CabinOn the Hidden Canals of France, just twenty passengers will spend six nights on the M/S Deborah that includes five lunches, six dinners, and six breakfasts. The M/S Deborah built in 2016 has 11 spacious cabins, all have a view and include a private bath with a shower, TV, radio, cabin to cabin telephone, safe and air-conditioning.

M/S Deborah - LoungeThis luxurious barge also has a spacious lounge with a bar, a restaurant and of course a sun deck with chaise lounges and umbrellas. If that is not enough, this floating palace also has a Jacuzzi near the bow of the ship, bikes and free wi-fi.

Tour Highlights

This tour, the Hidden Canals of France, Loire Valley is more than just luxuriating on a magnificent vessel, it is also about fine dining, excellent wine, visiting historic sites and attractions, vineyards, farms, and castles.

  • Highlight - Take a walking tour by lantern light on the winding streets of Nevers with houses that date to the 14th century.  The next morning the tour will begin with a  visit to the Espace Bernadette Soubirous, the final resting place of the country girl from Lourdes that claimed to have seen the Virgin 18 times.  Later tour the famous Ducal Palace built in the 15th  and 16th centuries and one of the principal feudal edifices in central France, go shopping in the Old Town, or relax in Republic Square.  Chateaux!
  • Highlight - Tour the privately owned Fontmorigny Abbey established in 1149 under Saint Bernard’s authority.  This former Cistercian Monastery is  so serene. Here you will admire the Abbey Church, ruins of the Cloisters and wander in the abbot’s garden.   Afterward, continue on to one of the most beautiful villages in France,  Apremont-sur-Allier.  The heart of this amazing village is the Chateau and its Parc Floral.  Take a fairytale walk through the garden that is punctuated with waterfalls, buildings and of course a lavish arrary of flowers.  This Park has been awarded the “Jardin Remarquable” by the French Ministry of Culture and Communication.Gardens
  • Highlight - Founded in 1059, the medieval town of La Charite-sur-Loire is famous for its Clunisian priory that is a remarkable example of Burgundian Romanesque art.  Surrounded by soaring ramparts, this site along with its church, Way of St. James is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  Many buildings including the Priory Church of Notre-Dame from the 11th and 12th centuries, the Sainte -Croix bell tower, 18th-century cloisters, monks’ cellar and Benedictine garden make this site ideal for exploring.  Don’t miss a stroll down picturesque side streets and into a labyrinth of bookshops, calligraphers, illuminators, and binders making this a perfect town for book lovers and shoppers. Dole, France
  • Highlight -  With vineyards overlooking the river, wine enthusiasts will enjoy a visit to the town of  Pouilly-sur-Loire, that is noted for the white wine known as Pouilly-Fumé.  Some of the vines go back to the 8th century!  Tours and tastings are included!Wine Tastings!
  • Highlight - Seemingly lost in time, the enchanting village of Sancerre is sure to charm you.  There are many artisanal producers here to tempt you as well - winemakers, cheese makers, bakeries and outdoor cafes.  For the strong of wind, climb Fief Tower, the only remaining tower of a 14th-century castle.  The climb rewards with  panoramic views of the gorgeous Loire Valley. Loire Valley, France
  • Highlight - Cruise through the Briare Aqueduct whose 14 masonry supports were built by the Eiffel Company. This masonry and steel bridge was the longest navigable aqueduct in the world up to 2003.The Briare Aqueduct in Briare, France

Additional Tour Highlights

This escorted canal cruise includes one-night accommodation in Paris at Mercure Paris La Sorbonne, six nights on the M/S Deborah, a twenty passenger canal barge, motor coach and airplane transportation and bicycles. In addition, the tour includes six breakfasts and dinners and five lunches as well as seven shore excursions as highlighted. There will be a Paris city tour, a full-time tour director from Tours of Distinction as well as local guides. There will be one evening of local entertainment and one pre-dinner wine and cheese pairing.

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