Loire Valley Bike & Boat
France Bike + Boat Tours
Bike the Garden of France
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Tour Type
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Skill Level
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Length8 days
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Prices from€1535 Rates
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Overview
Even the name Loire Valley breathes romance. What a lovely place for your European Bike and Boat Tour in France!
Kings, queens, dukes, and nobles came, built with opulence, lived, and ruled. This fertile river valley is sprinkled with the remnants of history with hundreds of France's large, medieval estates, the chateaux, and the villages and vineyards that surround them.
It was not just the nobility that settled here in the garden of France. Perhaps it is the charm of its gentle pace of life that also made it a sought-after location for poets and writers. Here, you will find a tangible legacy of a thousand years of rich architectural and artistic creativity.
Step back through the history of some of France's finest works of art and sample delectable cuisine and the world-famous wines of the region.
Highlights
- Loire River & Valley
- Villages & Châteaux in the heart of France
- St. Brisson Forest landscape
- Pouilly Fumé vineyards
- Beautiful Sancerre
- Nevers - city of art and history
- 12th-century Château d'Apremont-sur-Allier and lavish gardens
- Impressive examples of canal building engineering along the Canal lateral du Loire
Be sure to view all of our bike tours in France or our comprehensive list of Loire Valley bike tours.
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Itinerary
2025
Day 1: Briare, 9 mi. (15 km)
Day 2: Briare - Rogny-les-Sept-Écluses - Briare, 31 mi. (50 km)
Day 3: Briare - Sury-Près-Léré, 24 or 32 mi. (38 or 51 km)
Day 4: Sury-Près-Léré - Sancerre, 22 mi. (35 km)
Day 5: Sancerre - Beffes, 28 mi. (24 km)
Day 6: Beffes - Guetin, 23 mi. (37 km)
Day 7: Guetin - Nevers, 14 mi. (23 km)
Day 8: NeversDay 1: Embarkation in Briare between 1 and 2 pm, 9 mi. (15 km)
Your tour starts in the charming town of Briare, located in the Loiret department of Central France. Briare is often regarded as a gateway to the Loire Valley and offers a tranquil atmosphere with a blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage. Once you are settled on board, you may enjoy a cup of coffee or tea and get to know the crew and fellow passengers. During dinner, the program for the following days will be discussed, and cycling instructions and safety procedures will be given. After dinner, the tour guide will take you on your first kilometers on the bike with a short ride around the village.Day 2: Briare - Rogny-les-Sept-Écluses - Briare, 31 mi. (50 km)
Your first proper bike ride will take you to the Pont Chevron castle, nestled by a small, picturesque lake. Around lunchtime, you’ll arrive in the village of Rogny-les-Sept-Écluses, famous for its historic seven locks. From there, you’ll ride past the 16th-century castle near Bléneau, through a scenic region of lakes, and continue to Ouzouer-sur-Trézée before returning to Briare.Day 3: Briare - Sury-Près-Léré, 24 or 32 mi. (38 or 51 km)
You begin the day cycling to the magnificent aqueduct in Briare, which spans the Loire River. You might glimpse the Clair de Lune passing overhead with some luck and careful planning. Later, you’ll journey to Brisson and admire the impressive medieval castle and encounter the historic locks of Châtillon-sur-Loire as you continue your journey. The bike ride to Sury-Près-Léré takes you through the classic French countryside, featuring rolling hills, charming estates, and quaint villages.Day 4: Sury-Près-Léré - Sancerre, 21 mi. (34 km)
Winegrowing in the area of Sancerre dates back to the 6th century. Sancerre wines, especially the white wines, are renowned worldwide. Pinot grapes were widely grown in the area until the 19th century, but after a devastating grape disease, Sauvignon became the primary variety and had its success! Today’s bike ride takes you on a picturesque route through the heart of Sancerre vineyards and surrounding villages. In Ménétréol, nestled beneath the Sancerre vineyards, you’ll have a chance to try some wine before finally heading back to the Clair de Lune.Day 5: Sancerre - Beffes, 24 mi. (38 km)
After breakfast, hop on your bike and start a cycling tour through the region of the Pouilly Fumé wines to the ancient Roman town of La Charité-sur-Loire. Enjoy the splendid view of the town and the Notre Dame church as you cross the 16th-century stone bridge to the center. Continue towards your destination of the day — Beffes, a commune in the Cher department in the Centre-Val de Loire region of France.Day 6: Beffes - Guetin, 23 mi. (37 km)
Heading south from Beffes, you’ll pass through nice wooded areas with many nice villages and elegant country estates. Later in the day, you’ll arrive in the charming and picturesque town of Apremont, located in central France and is often regarded as one of the most beautiful villages in the country. There, you can explore a 12th-century castle and its surrounding fabulous gardens. From there, continue today’s journey to the tranquil village of Guétin on the Canal Latéral du Loire. Along the way, a visit to the aqueduct spanning the Allier River, featuring two impressive locks, both measuring about 9 meters high, is one you should not miss!Day 7: Guetin - Nevers, 14 mi. (23 km)
You will conclude the week in the heart of France with a short ride to the historic town of Nevers. Explore the numerous attractions that the town boasts, including the charming winding streets lined with houses from the 14th to 17th centuries. With roots tracing back to Roman times, Nevers has been the bishop's seat since the 5th century and is home to notable landmarks, including a castle and several fascinating churches. To celebrate the end of your cycling week, you can take a well-deserved rest on the several terraces in town and enjoy a glass of local wine.Day 8: Disembarkation in Nevers
End of tour after breakfast, before 10 am.Day 1: Nevers, 9 mi. (15 km)
Day 2: Nevers - Guetin, 14 mi. (23 km)
Day 3: Guetin - Beffes, 23 mi. (37 km)
Day 4: Beffes - Sancerre, 24 mi. (38 km)
Day 5: Sancerre - Sury-Près-Léré, 21 mi. (34 km)
Day 6: Sury-Près-Léré - Briare, 24 or 32 mi. (38 or 51 km)
Day 7: Briare - Rogny-les-Sept-Écluses - Briare, 31 mi. (50 km)
Day 8: BriareDay 1: Embarkation in Nevers between 1 and 2 pm, 9 mi. (15 km)
Your tour starts in the historic town of Nevers, located in central France. Once you are settled on board, enjoy a cup of coffee or tea and get to know the crew and fellow passengers. During dinner, the program for the following days will be discussed, and cycling instructions and safety procedures will be given. After dinner, the tour guide will take you on an evening walk through the old town of Nevers. The city is known for its ceramic and is one of France’s major pilgrimage sites, as it is home to the remains of Bernadette Soubirous (1844-1879). The old town, with its narrow, winding streets, has numerous buildings and palaces from the 17th century.Day 2: Nevers - Guetin, 14 mi. (23 km)
Your first proper bike ride begins in the heart of France with a short ride from the historic town of Nevers. Explore the numerous attractions that the town boasts, including the charming winding streets lined with houses from the 14th to 17th centuries. With roots tracing back to Roman times, Nevers has been the bishop's seat since the 5th century and is home to notable landmarks, including a castle and several fascinating churches. To kick off your holiday, you can enjoy a glass of wine on the several terraces in town.Day 3: Guetin - Beffes, 23 mi. (37 km)
Today, you will start from the small village of Guetin on the Canal Lateral du Loire. Along the way, a visit to the aqueduct spanning the Allier River, featuring two impressive locks, both measuring about 9 meters high, is one you should not miss! Riding north to Beffes, you’ll pass through nice wooded areas dotted with many nice villages and elegant country estates. Continue your ride until you reach Beffes.Day 4: Beffes - Sancerre, 24 mi. (38 km)
After breakfast, hop on your bike and start a cycling tour through the region of the Pouilly Fumé wines to the ancient Roman town of La Charité-sur-Lore. Enjoy the splendid view of the town and the Notre Dame church as you cross the 16th-century stone bridge to the center. Continue towards your destination of the day, Sancerre.Day 5: Sancerre - Sury-Près-Léré, 21 mi. (34 km)
Winegrowing in the area of Sancerre dates back to the 6th century. Sancerre wines, especially the white wines, are renowned worldwide. Pinot grapes were widely grown in the area until the 19th century, but after a devastating grape disease, Sauvignon became the primary variety and had its success! Today’s bike ride takes you on a picturesque route through the heart of Sancerre vineyards and its surrounding villages to Sury-Près-Lérê.Day 6: Sury-Près-Léré - Briare, 24 or 32 mi. (38 or 52 km)
Today’s bike ride to Briare leads you through the classic French countryside, featuring rolling hills, charming estates, and quaint villages. As you continue your journey, you’ll encounter the historic locks of Châtillon-sur-Loire and later admire the impressive medieval castle as you ride on to St. Brisson. You will end today with a visit to the magnificent aqueduct in Briare, which spans the Loire River. Spend the last two nights moored in the typical French small-town of Briare.Day 7: Briare - Rogny-les-Sept-Écluses - Briare, 31 mi. (50 km)
Your last bike ride will take you to the Pont Chevron castle, nestled by a small, picturesque lake. Around lunchtime, you’ll arrive in the village of Rogny-les-Sept-Écluses, famous for its historic seven locks. From there, you’ll ride past the 16th-century castle near Bléneau, through a scenic region of lakes, and continue to Ouzouer-sur-Trézée before returning to Briare. You will end your bike ride in the heart of France.Day 8: Disembarkation in Briare
End of tour after breakfast, before 10 am.Be sure to check out our comprehensive list of tours & trips including biking, hiking, multi-adventure, & more!
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Map
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Boats & Bikes
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Clair de Lune
Standard Class Boat
Touring BicycleElectric Bicycle (E-Bike)![]()
Oxford Touring Bicycle … • 24 speeds … • Handbrakes … • Step-through frame: for passengers from 4'11 to 5'10 / 150 cm - 178 cm … • Men's frame: for passengers from 4'11 to 6'8 / 150 cm - 203 cm … •… Read MoreChildren’s accessories![]()
Freebike … • 7 speeds … • Handbrakes … • With integrated battery … • For passengers from 5'1 to 6'6 / 155 cm - 198 cm … Accessories … • Pannier bag … • Bike helmet … • Bike lock … • Water bottle … Read MoreYouth bikes, tag-along bikes, trailers, and child seats are available for rental. We will provide a price quote to you as well as the child discount applicable. Read MoreOriginally built in 1936 as a freight ship in Belgium, like many of the vessels now used for biking and boating, this vessel was renovated and equipped for a new bike and boat adventure in and around Paris, launching in the spring of 2015. Read More
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Inclusions
What’s Included
- Accommodations for 7 nights on the Standard Class vessel, the Claire de Lune
- Breakfasts, packed lunches, & dinners
- Coffee & tea
- 24-speed touring bike (Oxford) equipped with panniers, water bottle, lock, & helmet
- Cycling tour guide
- Bike Protection
- Minimum of three city walks with the tour guide
- Roadbook (1 per cabin)
- GPS tracks (on request)
- Ferry fares
- WiFi (limited), available in the lounge and on deck
What’s Not Included
- Entrance fees to museums, approx. €45
- Gratuities
- Travel Insurance
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Dates & Pricing
Dates & Pricing
2025
Standard Class
Clair de Lune
Briare to Nevers
Tuesday departures
Low season: June 24, July 8, July 22, & August 5, 2025
Standard season: May 27 & June 10, 2025Nevers to Briare
Tuesday departures
Low season: July 1, July 15, & July 29, 2025
Standard season: June 3, June 17, & August 12, 2025Low season Standard season Split level bed $ 2690 £ 1369 $ 2,413 € 1590 Ft 669555 kr 235329 ₪ 5964 ¥ 260626 Mex$ 34669 NZ$ 2983 kr 19059 zł 6910 S$ 2280 kr 18637 CHF 1525 $ 1,667 $ 2927 £ 1490 $ 2,625 € 1730 Ft 728510 kr 256049 ₪ 6489 ¥ 283575 Mex$ 37722 NZ$ 3246 kr 20737 zł 7519 S$ 2480 kr 20278 CHF 1659 $ 1,814 Double bed $ 2690 £ 1369 $ 2,413 € 1590 Ft 669555 kr 235329 ₪ 5964 ¥ 260626 Mex$ 34669 NZ$ 2983 kr 19059 zł 6910 S$ 2280 kr 18637 CHF 1525 $ 1,667 $ 2927 £ 1490 $ 2,625 € 1730 Ft 728510 kr 256049 ₪ 6489 ¥ 283575 Mex$ 37722 NZ$ 3246 kr 20737 zł 7519 S$ 2480 kr 20278 CHF 1659 $ 1,814 Single $ 2783 £ 1417 $ 2,496 € 1645 Ft 692716 kr 243469 ₪ 6170 ¥ 269642 Mex$ 35869 NZ$ 3086 kr 19718 zł 7149 S$ 2359 kr 19282 CHF 1578 $ 1,725 $ 2961 £ 1507 $ 2,655 € 1750 Ft 736932 kr 259009 ₪ 6564 ¥ 286853 Mex$ 38158 NZ$ 3283 kr 20977 zł 7606 S$ 2509 kr 20513 CHF 1678 $ 1,835 Twin/double for single use $ 3773 £ 1921 $ 3,384 € 2230 Ft 939062 kr 330052 ₪ 8364 ¥ 365532 Mex$ 48624 NZ$ 4184 kr 26731 zł 9692 S$ 3197 kr 26139 CHF 2139 $ 2,338 $ 4129 £ 2102 $ 3,703 € 2440 Ft 1027494 kr 361133 ₪ 9152 ¥ 399955 Mex$ 53203 NZ$ 4578 kr 29248 zł 10605 S$ 3498 kr 28600 CHF 2340 $ 2,559 Children's discounts are offered. Please ask us!
Extra Options
Rentals
Electric bike $ 186 £ 95 $ 167 € 110 Ft 46321 kr 16281 ₪ 413 ¥ 18031 Mex$ 2399 NZ$ 206 kr 1319 zł 478 S$ 158 kr 1289 CHF 105 $ 115 Child's bike seat, incl. helmet (suitable for children from approx. 11 mo. until 5 yrs, max weight, 25 kg) On request Child's bike (21 gears) with helmet (suitable for children from approx. 9 yrs. & older) On request Tag along bike, incl. helmet (suitable for children from approx. 5 to 8 yrs, max weight, 55 lbs/25 kg) On request Bike trailer On request Dietary requests
Gluten-free, lactose-free, or vegan $ 169 £ 86 $ 152 € 100 Ft 42110 kr 14801 ₪ 375 ¥ 16392 Mex$ 2180 NZ$ 188 kr 1199 zł 435 S$ 143 kr 1172 CHF 96 $ 105 Please note that the tour prices are based on the current fuel price. Should the fuel price increase more than 5% (reference date June 2023), a supplement will be required (even for confirmed reservations).
Please Note
- Rates are per person, based on double occupancy
- Tour prices are based on the fuel costs at time prices are set, often months or years in advance. In rare cases, additional fees may apply for fuel cost increases.
- Information to read before you book
- We recommend purchasing trip insurance
- Please see our FAQ
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Extra Info
Skill Level — Easy–Moderate
This guided bike and boat tour is rated easy to moderate. You will encounter short slopes with differences in heights up to 75m or gently rolling hills. After all, you are in France! The majority of the time you will cycle along the Loire River and through the Loire Valley. You will enjoy pedaling on a section of the Loire à Vélo, a cycle path that in its totality encompasses 900 kms. The route is signposted and well-surfaced.
Airport Info
Closest international airport to either Briare or Nevers is Paris Charles De Gaulle (CDG).
Local Travel
Briare
From CDG, you can access onward travel to Briare. First, you will take the RER B from the airport to Chatelet-Les-Halles, you will then walk via underground walkways to the Chatelet metro station. Take line 14 to Bercy. From here you can then access train travel to Briare. This will take about 1 hour and 30 minutes. We advise taking a taxi to the mooring location at Canal Lateral á la Loire, at the Rue du Pont Canal.
Nevers
Directions are almost the same as traveling to Briare. However, at Paris Bercy, you will access onward travel to Nevers.Climate
Overall, the Loire Valley experiences a moderate continental climate during late spring to early fall, providing a favorable environment for outdoor activities, wine tourism, and enjoying the scenic beauty of the area. Do check local conditions before your arrival.
Recommended
Due to variations in wifi signal strength and speed, If you are dependent on a constant, strong, fast, and reliable signal at all times, please consider a a personal hot spot
Remarks
Please note that the right to cancel tours with fewer than 12 participants up to 21 days prior to the date of departure is reserved. We advise that you check the status of your departure before making your air travel arrangements.
Important to know
Travel Documents
It is each traveler's responsibility to ensure that you are in compliance with the country or countries you plan to visit. This includes and is not limited to passport validity, visa requirements and acquisition, blank passport pages required for your destination (s), etc.
US citizens: A good website to research the requirements of the Schengen Agreement and entry into other countries is travel.state.gov.
Non-EU and EU residents: Please research the requirements of your country of residence for international travel and your destination country or countries.
*Important note: Please check on the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) status as once implemented, this will be required to visit any of the 26 Schengen-member countries for tourism, business, medical, or transit. This is an additional check on security rather than a visa.Extra Stay
If you would like to plan on extra time in the Loire Valley, We recommend Booking.com for researching and reserving your extra nights. You can read a detailed description of the hotels offered including a clear listing of amenities, but more importantly, you can view customer reviews and ratings.
Tour Operator
This tour is run by CycleTours.
We value the strong relationship we have with our local partners and the services we provide.
We are not a broker.
We do not inflate tour prices.
We are simply travelers helping travelers.Would you like to learn more About Us? How about What Makes Us Different than other companies?
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Photos
![Apremont-sur-Allier, Cher, France.]()
![The Boulangerie awaits in Loire Valley, France. Flickr:Paolo Trabattoni]()
![Canal a Briare in Briare, France. Flickr:JCP24M]()
![Tasty French treats to fuel the bike ride! Flickr:John Mason]()
![Nevers, France with Pont sur la Loire & Cathédrale Saint-Cyr et Sainte-Julitte. CC:Daniel VILLAFRUELA]()
![Briare is famous for its Canal. Flickr:Brian Burger]()
![Loire Valley Bike & Boat from Nevers-Briare in France]()
![Loire Valley Bike & Boat from Nevers-Briare in France]()
![Bike rest to visit the Patisserie! Flickr:Jean-Louise Zimmermann]()
![Beautiful country manors in Apremont-sur-Allier in the Loire Valley, France. Flickr:Gabriel De Siam]()
![Château d'Apremont-sur-Allier, France. CC:Lolob]()
![Sancerre Wine vineyards in the Loire Valley, France. Flickr:Barbe Rousse]()
![Ducal Palace in Nevers, France. Flickr:Jochen Jahnke]()
![Rogny-les-Sept-Écluses, France.]()
![Cathedral in Nevers, Loire Valley, France. Flickr:Jerome Decq]()
![Apremont-sur-Allier in department Cher, Centre-Val de Loire, France. Flickr:Peter]()
![Scenic biking in Apremont, Loire Valley, France. Flickr:Peter]()
![Fresh poulet in the Loire Valley, France. Flickr:Ben Paulos]()
![Loire Valley Bike & Boat from Nevers-Briare in France]()
![Red grapes ripe for harvest to be seen in late Summer. Flickr:Allie_Caulfield]()
![Apremont-sur-Allier, Cher, France.]()
![Rosé Sancerre wine in France! Flickr:TIGER500]()
![Typical architecture of the Loire Valley in Nevers, France. Flickr:Daniel Jolivet]()
![Cycling past vineyards in Sancerre, Loire Valley, France. Flickr:JPC24M]()
![Sancerre wine tasting in Sancerre, France. Flickr:Jameson Fink]()
![Fancy food is what France is all about! Flickr:Jerome Decq 47.258728, 2.941589)]()
![Quiet street in Nevers, Loire Valley, France. Flickr:Daniel Jolivet]()
![Loire Valley Bike & Boat from Nevers-Briare in France]()
![Old gate in Nevers, region Bourgogne-Franche-Comte, France. Flickr:Daniel Jolivet]()
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