Day 1: Briare round trip, approx. 15 km
Individual arrival and embarkation between 13:00 and 14:00. Bike test ride through the surrounding countryside after dinner on board.
Day 2: Briare - Rogy-les-sept-Écluses - Briare, approx. 50 km
Our first real cycle tour of the week takes us to the Pont Chevron castle, which is situated on a small, picturesque lake. Around midday, you will find yourself in the village of Rogny-les-Sept-Écluses, which is known for its seven historic locks. Via the 16th century castle at Bléneau, you will cycle through a lake landscape to Ouzouer-sur-Trézée and finally back to Briare.
Day 3: Briare - Sury-Près-Léré, approx. 38-51 km
Today you start with a visit to the magnificent aqueduct over the Loire in Briare. With a bit of luck and good planning, you can see the Clair de Lune pass by here, high above the river. Later, you will travel to St. Brisson, where you will see the impressive medieval castle. Continue past the historic locks of Châtillon-sur-Loire. The cycle tour towards Sury-Près-Léré takes you through typical French countryside with rolling hills, country estates and small villages.
Day 4: Sury-Près-Léré - Sancerre, approx. 34 km
The Sancerre wines, especially the white wines, are famous all over the world. Today’s ride takes you on a picturesque route directly through the vineyards of Sancerre and through the surrounding villages. In Ménétréol, situated among the vineyards of Sancerre, you will have the opportunity to taste some wine before returning to the Clair de Lune.
Day 5: Sancerre - Beffes, approx. 38 km
Immediately after breakfast, get on your bike and start the day’s tour through the Pouilly Fumé wine region to La Charité-sur-Loire, an old Roman town. Cross the 16th-century stone bridge towards the center for a magnificent view of the town and its Notre Dame church. Continue towards today’s destination, Beffes.
Day 6: Beffes - Guetin, approx. 37 km
From Beffes, head south past beautiful wooded areas, pretty little villages and landscapes. Later in the day you will end up in the small town of Apremont, where you will have the opportunity to visit the 12th century castle and the surrounding beautiful gardens. You then continue to the village of Guetin on the Lateral du Loire canal. On the way, a visit to the aqueduct over the River Allier with its two impressive locks, each around 9 meters high, is a must!
Day 7: Guetin - Nevers, approx. 23 km
You end this week in the heart of France with a short ride to the town of Nevers, where there are many sights to see, including the winding streets with houses dating from the 14th to 17th centuries. The origins of Nevers date back to Roman times. Nevers has been the seat of the bishop since the 5th century and has, among other things, a castle and some interesting churches. To celebrate the end of your cycling week, you can of course relax on the city’s various terraces and enjoy the local wine.
Day 8: Nevers
Individual departure and disembarkation after breakfast until 10 am.
