The Loire, A Royal River Cruise
- Duration
- 6 Days
- Prices:
- On request
Discover western France in style and comfort as you cruise down the Loire. This Europe cruise embarks in Nantes, taking you through historic medieval towns in some of France’s most beautiful countryside.
Please see LEFT BAR for ship details and other cruise info.
This 6-day cruise along the Loire lets you bask in the beauty and history of western France. Cruise the favourite rivers of kings, wander medieval streets surrounded by Renaissance architecture, and of course, taste your way through the region’s delicious wines, cheeses, and treats.
Founded over 2,000 years ago, there’s no question, Nantes is an invitation to walk through history. Once an important port, Nantes remains a lively city in Western France, with a large student population. You’ll sail there along the Erdre, declared France’s most beautiful river by King Francois, and take an excursion to the seaside city of Saint-Nazaire. Once in Nantes, enjoy a guided tour, then spend the afternoon sailing to Ancenis.
Time to explore the wineries of the Loire! Set off along the Muscadet Wine Route, including a visit to La Chapelle Heulin, and the Cassemichere Chateau. Visit the cellars and taste the flavours that have been produced in this region for centuries. Back on board, sail to Bouchemaine, dropping anchor for your visit to Angers. A model of French ‘bon vivre,’ this arts loving town contains the medieval fortress of King Rene, with its renowned Apocalypse tapestry. Explore the remnants of Gothic and Roman style art until you arrive in Doutre for a visit to the Cadre Noir. For anyone interested in horsemanship and the art of riding, this may be the highlight of your trip. Visit the stables and Prestige tack room of the Cadre Noir School before returning to your ship.
Ever dreamed of roaming a French castle? Today is your day as you visit the Castles of the Loire Valley, starting at Azay-le-Rideau. Explore the Renaissance chateau, then visit Usse Chateau in Rigny Usse. Exploring this 16th century castle feels like being immersed in a fairy tale with all its turrets and steeples. Best of all, it’s still inhabited today. Returning to your ship, enjoy an excursion along the Angevine Corniche. Pass through delightful villages and stop at viewing points for some of the region’s best photo opportunities.
Arrive in Nantes in the evening for a gala farewell dinner before you depart.
- Duration
- 6 Days
- Prices:
- On request
Itinerary View Trip Map
Nantes
Passengers are welcome to board our ship at 6:00 p.m. After comfortably settling into your cabins, we'll introduce our crew at a welcome cocktail before dinner.
Join us on an where we'll board a local boat for a cruise on the Erdre River, one of the most beautiful in France.
| Meal Plan | Dinner |
|---|---|
| Duration | 5 Nights |
| Accommodation |
MS Loire Princesse |
| Location | View map |
-
MS Loire Princesse
The MS Loire Princesse, built in 2014, cruises on the Loire between Saint-Nazaire and Angers. CroisiEurope drew inspiration from days past to build a unique, hi-tech ship for cruising the Loire, which is inspired by an ancient technique - the paddle wheel. The MS Loire …
The MS Loire Princesse, built in 2014, cruises on the Loire between Saint-Nazaire and Angers. CroisiEurope drew inspiration from days past to build a unique, hi-tech ship for cruising the Loire, which is inspired by an ancient technique - the paddle wheel.
The MS Loire offers you a wide range of luxury. The beautiful restaurant features a sit down service for all passengers at once and the delicious cuisine and the delightful service makes it even better. In addition, your ship features a lounge bar with large picture windows and a dance floor for enjoying the evening. But you can also have a drink on the vast sun deck with chaiselounges.
The MS Loire Princesse is the first a cruise ship with cabins that has ever cruised along the Loire.Photo gallery
Photo 1 of 1
Nantes - Saint Nazaire
This morning, join one of the following excursions:
CLASSIC : Guided tour of Nantes and the Castle of the Dukes of Brittany.
DISCOVERY: Nantes, the Machines de l'Ile, secret courtyards and covered passageways.
In the afternoon, take part a tour of Saint Nazaire, a town on the sea. We'll visit Escal'Atlantic, a museum that explores the historic ocean liner experience, and the Saint-Nazaire shipyard, one of the largest shipyards in Europe (this excursion must be booked in advance through your travel agency. Each passenger will be asked to produce a valid passport in order to gain access to the shipyard).
We'll return on board in Saint-Nazaire. Enjoy an evening of dancing.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner |
|---|
Saint Nazaire - Ancenis
We'll spend this morning cruising towards Ancenis. In the afternoon, join one of the following excursions:
CLASSIC : The Muscadet Wine Route and Clisson, a charming medieval town.
DISCOVERY: Helicopter ride(2), the Loire from above (this excursion must be booked in advance through your travel agency).
Enjoy an evening of entertainment.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner |
|---|
Ancenis - Bouchemaine - Angers
We'll cruise towards Bouchemaine. Join one of the following excursions:
CLASSIC : Guided tour of Angers, its historic districts and the famous Apocalypse tapestry.
DISCOVERY: Tour of Brissac castle and its cellars complete with a wine-tasting session.
Enjoy an evening of entertainment.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner |
|---|
Bouchemaine - The Chateaux of the Loire Valley - Ancenis
Join us on a full-day excursion to discover the Castles of the Loire Valley. We'll return on board in Ancenis.
Tonight's our gala dinner and evening. Our ship will start sailing towards Nantes.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner |
|---|
Nantes
Enjoy one last buffet breakfast before disembarking at 10:00 a.m.
End of our services.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast |
|---|
Other Information
DEPARTURES:
2023: MS Loire Princesse: Aug 9, 14, 24, 29; Sep 18, 23, 28; Oct 3
PRICE INCLUDES:
- Double-occupancy cabin with shower in private bathroom
- Meals and beverages as indicated
- Excursions as mentioned
- On-board entertainment
- Welcome cocktail
- Gala dinner
- All port fees
- Assistance from on board multi-lingual host/hostess
- Travel assistance and repatriation insurance
PRICE EXCLUDES:
- Travel insurance
- Visas if required
- Gratuities
- Items of a personal nature
- Transfers
- Booking fees
- All international and domestic airfares and airfare taxes unless specified
- Drinks on the wine list, champagne at the bar, drinks served during excursions/transfers
- Cancellation and baggage insurance
TERMS AND CONDITIONS:
Prices are "from" per person based on twin/double share accommodation and for travel in low season. Seasonal surcharges and blackout dates may apply. Limited seat/spaces and all pricing is subject to change and availability. Rates for single or triple travellers are available on request - please enquire.
3 Oct 2023
