Bucket list experience:
Loire Valley, France
Chambord Chateau
France’s longest river, the Loire, stretches for 1,012km, meandering right through the UNESCO-listed heart of the Loire Valley. Several companies run cruises, both on the Loire and its tributaries the Cher and Vienne, often in reconstructions of the strange wooden sailing vessels that used to ply the river carrying goods.
Couples seeking romance can sign up to a private sunset cruise on the Amarante, followed by a night sleeping alone on board, anchored on the water or at a sandy beach. The crew will come and serve you breakfast in the morning.
Boat tours are a convenient and serene way to take in the Loire’s best scenery – idyllic countryside and peppered with fairytale chateaux.
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Destination Guide >There are multiple operators, each leaving from different departure points; most offer trips daily between April and October. Trips vary from 1.5-3 hours, and you need to be at the departure point 15 minutes in advance. Private group bookings are possible all year round by arrangement.
Most boat tours only run April-October. Departure times and days vary by operator, but usually there are 2-3 departures each day
Saumur, Pays de la Loire, France
Take in two rivers – the Loire and Vienne – on a trip with the CPIE. The traditional flat-bottomed, cabined wooden boats leave from the historic church at Candes-Saint-Martin.
Best for ages: 18+ | £16 | 1-3 hours
Tours, Centre-Val de Loire, France
Boat trips on the Cher in Le Belandre are more touristy, but take you right through the arches of the Chateau de Chenonceau. Tours depart from Maison Eclusiere de Chisseaux, from April to October. Private cruises are also available.
Best for ages: Any | £9 | 1-3 hours
Tours, Centre-Val de Loire, France
Take the lovely wooden sailing boat La Saponiere from St-Dye-sur-Loire (near Chambord, April to October). Options include an evening tour to discover the sounds of the Loire, and bring-your-own picnic trips.
Best for ages: Any | £9 | 1-3 hours
Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first
Saint-Etienne-de-Chigny, Centre-Val de Loire, France
Stately chateau hotel in a magical woodland setting where Louis XIII once came hunting.
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Veigne, Centre-Val de Loire, France
Relaxed, stylish family-run chateau hotel, well located in the heart of the Loire Valley.
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Turquant, Pays de la Loire, France
This quirky, rustic-chic hotel in a troglodyte hamlet has a cave pool and makes a good base for sightseeing.
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Montsoreau, Pays de la Loire, France
Gorgeous designer boutique hotel and spa, located in a tranquil village right by the River Loire.
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Destination guides including or relevant to this experience
Loire Valley, France
Extraordinary historic chateaux, authentic village life, and superb wine blend in this beautiful UNESCO-listed valley.
