Romance in the Loire Valley by Bike+Boat

Cycling in the vineyards of the Sancerre

Itinerary

Route

Moderate guided tour with average of 25 miles per day. Routes follow the Loire, field paths and asphalted side roads, some hilly stretches.

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  Belville-sur-Loire, approx. 32-45km
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 Belville-sur-Loire takes you through typical French countryside with rolling hills, country estates and small villages.

Day 4: Belville-sur-Loire  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 Cours-les-Barres, approx. 43 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 Cours-les-Barres 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: Cours-les-Barres  Nevers, approx. 43 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.

Day 1: Nevers round trip, approx. 15 km
Arrival between 13:00 and 14:00 and welcome on the boat at the berth. After dinner, there is an evening bike test ride through the surrounding countryside.

Day 2: Nevers – Cours-les-Barres, approx. 43 km
You start with a short ride to the village of Guetin. First take some time to visit the town of Nevers. There are many sights to see, including the winding streets filled with houses 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 a castle and several interesting churches.

Day 3: Cours-les-Barres  Beffes, approx. 43 km
Today you start in the small village of Cours-les-Barres on the Canal Lateral du Loire. On the way, a visit to the aqueduct with its two impressive locks is a must! As you ride north towards Beffes, you will pass beautiful wooded areas with idyllic villages and country estates.

Day 4: Beffes  Sancerre, approx. 38 km
Immediately after breakfast, get on your bike and start the cycle tour through the famous Pouilly-Fumé wine region to La Charité-sur-Loire, an ancient Roman town. From the 16th century stone bridge, you can enjoy a magnificent view over the town and the Notre Dame church. You then cycle on towards today’s final destination, the wine town of Sancerre.

Day 5: Sancerre – Belville-sur-Loire, approx. 34 km
Sancerre wines, especially the white wines, are famous all over the world. Today’s cycle tour takes you on a picturesque route through the wine-growing areas of Sancerre and through the surrounding villages to the charming village of Belville-sur-Loire.

Day 6: Belville-sur-Loire Briare, approx. 32-45km
Today’s cycle tour to Briare takes you through typical French countryside with rolling hills, country estates and small villas. On the way, you will pass the historic locks of Châtillon-sur-Loire and continue to St. Brisson, where you will see the impressive medieval castle. We end the day with a visit to the magnificent aqueduct over the Loire in Briare. You will spend the last two nights at anchor in the typically French small town of Briare.

Day 7: Briare Rogy-les-sept-Écluses Briare, approx. 50 km
Your last cycle tour of the week takes you to the ’Pont Chevron’ castle on a small, picturesque lake. At lunchtime you will find yourself in the village of Rogny-les-Sept-Écluses, known for its historic seven locks. You cycle past the 16th century castle at Bléneau through the lake region to Ouzouer-sur-Trézée and finally back to Briare. A worthy end to your bike and boat trip in the heart of France.

Day 8: Briare
Individual departure and disembarkation after breakfast until 10 am.

Day 1: Briare
Your journey begins in the charming little town of Briare on the Loire. Boarding takes place between 2:00 and 3:00 p.m. After checking in, there will be time to get to know the crew, tour guide, and fellow travelers over coffee or tea. During dinner on board, the tour guide will present the week’s program and provide information about the bike tours. Afterwards, you will take a short introductory ride through Briare.

Day 2: Briare – Visit to Sancerre, approx. 49 km
In the morning, you will take the train to Sancerre, famous for its fine white wine. At the Maison de Sancerre, you will learn more about the history and diversity of the wines. Afterwards, you will cycle back to Briare on the Loire-à-Vélo cycle path – a scenic stage and an ideal start to your bike tour.

Day 3: Briare – Rogny-les-Sept-Écluses, approx. 41 km
After breakfast, visit the impressive Loire Aqueduct in Briare before cycling towards Rogny-les-Sept-Écluses, famous for its seven historic locks. On the way, you will pass Gien with its castle and can take a break at La Bussière Castle. In the afternoon, the route takes you through the peaceful lake landscape around Ouzouer-sur-Trézée before you reach your destination for the day.

Day 4: Rogny-les-Sept-Écluses – Châtillon-Coligny, approx. 40 km
Today you will have the opportunity to admire the Rogny lock system. Your bike tour then takes you through rolling hills and small villages to Châtillon-Coligny. Along the route there are many beautiful places for a leisurely picnic break in nature.

Day 5: Châtillon – Montargis, approx. 50 km
You follow the Loing River to Montcresson and continue inland to Château-Renard, where Joan of Arc once stayed. After a break in the historic town center, you cycle along the Ouanne to Montargis, the “Venice of the Gâtinais,” with its numerous canals and bridges.

Day 6: Montargis – Nemours, approx. 50 km
Today, you cycle along quiet country roads towards Nemours with its 12th-century castle. On the way, it is worth stopping at the archaeological excavations of Aquae Segetae, a Roman thermal spa. Then it’s uphill to Château-Landon, picturesquely situated on a hill – ideal for a lunch break. Afterwards, you roll leisurely down to Nemours.

Day 7: Nemours – Fontainebleau – Moret-sur-Loing, approx. 48 km
Your final stage takes you along the Loing and through the forest of Fontainebleau with its magnificent castle and extensive gardens. After a visit there, you cycle on to Moret-sur-Loing, a medieval town that once inspired the painter Alfred Sisley. Stroll through the old town with its impressive city gates and the donjon.

Day 8: Moret-sur-Loing
After breakfast, it’s time to say goodbye. Disembarkation by 10:00 a.m.

Day 1: Moret-sur-Loing
Welcome aboard in Moret-sur-Loing, a picturesque medieval town near Paris. The town is famous for the impressionist Alfred Sisley, who lived and painted here. Boarding takes place between 2:00 and 3:00 p.m. After checking in, enjoy coffee or tea and get to know the crew, tour guide, and fellow travelers. During dinner on board, the week’s program and the most important information about the bike tours will be presented. Afterwards, you will take a short introductory ride through Moret-sur-Loing.

Day 2: Moret-sur-Loing – Fontainebleau – Nemours, approx. 48 km
If you didn’t have time yesterday, it’s worth taking a walk through Moret-sur-Loing in the morning to see its city gates and historic keep. Afterwards, your first bike tour begins through the forest and castle grounds of Fontainebleau – one of the most magnificent castles in France. After your visit, you will continue cycling through the rocky landscape of the Forêt de Fontainebleau and along the Loing River to Nemours with its 12th-century castle, where your ship will be waiting for you again.

Day 3: Nemours – Montargis, approx. 50 km
Today, the route takes you along quiet country roads towards Montargis, the “Pearl of the Gâtinais.” On the way, you will reach Château-Landon, situated on a hill, which offers a magnificent view of the valley and the Loing Canal – an ideal place for a break. Afterwards, you will visit the Roman excavations of Aquae Segetae, a former thermal baths complex with Celtic roots. Then it’s a leisurely downhill ride to Montargis.

Day 4: Montargis – Châtillon-Coligny, approx. 50 km
Today you will first cycle to Château-Renard, where Joan of Arc once stayed. The village with its half-timbered houses invites you to stop for a coffee or lunch break. Then you will follow small country roads via Montcresson to Châtillon-Coligny, idyllically situated on the Canal de Briare.

Day 5: Châtillon – Rogny-les-Sept-Écluses, approx. 40 km
Today’s stage takes you through quiet villages and varied landscapes to Rogny-les-Sept-Écluses, known for its seven historic locks. Along the way, there are many beautiful places to stop for a picnic in nature. Before you reboard the boat, there is time to take a closer look at this impressive technical structure.

Day 6: Rogny-les-Sept-Écluses – Briare, approx. 41 km
After breakfast, you will cycle through the idyllic lake landscape near Ouzouer-sur-Trézée to the elegant 17th-century Château de La Bussière. After a break, you will continue to the charming town of Gien with its striking castle. Finally, you will cycle along the Loire to Briare, where you can marvel at the famous aqueduct over the Loire – a masterpiece of French engineering.

Day 7: Briare – Excursion to Sancerre, approx. 49 km
Today you will take a trip to the Sancerre wine region. You will take the train to the small town, which is famous for its fine white wine. At the Maison de Sancerre, you will learn all about the history and diversity of the wines. Afterwards, you will return to Briare on the idyllic Loire-à-Vélo cycle path – a fitting end to your cycling tour through the heart of France.

Day 8: Briare
Your trip ends after breakfast. Disembarkation by 10:00 a.m.

Due to changing wind and weather conditions as well as organizational requirements we reserve the right to make changes of routing and program.

Services

  • 7 nights on board in cabin with private facilities 

  • Full board (breakfast, packed lunch for bike days, dinner) 

  • Coffee & tea on board 

  • Cycling tour guide

  • Min. 3 city walks with tour guide

  • Ferry fares

  • Free WiFi (limited available in lounge and on deck)

  • Maps and information material per cabin 

  • Cycling app and GPS Tracks

Our tip: Get your eSIM for a low-priced holiday-data package here

Dates & Prices

Dates

Merkmale

Season / Period
Type
S2   11.08. - 18.08.26
Moret-sur-Loing - Briare
S2   25.08. - 01.09.26
Moret-sur-Loing - Briare
S3   08.09. - 15.09.26
Moret-sur-Loing - Briare
S2   22.09. - 29.09.26
Moret-sur-Loing - Briare
S1   06.10. - 13.10.26
Moret-sur-Loing - Briare

Extras

Discount for children
with min. 1 full-paying person  
0-2,99 years -100%
3-11,99 years -30%
   
Bicycles & equipment
24-speed-bike incl. helmet and insurance 125
E-bike incl. helmet and insurance 235
Child bike 70
Child seat 20
Tagalong 65
Child trailer 199
   
Extras
special diet (gluten free, lactosefree)* 100
* must be mentioned when booking (vegetarian diet is free of charge)

Best - Price - Guarantee

If you would verifiably receive better conditions and/or prices from another tour operator at the time of booking we guarantee at least the same conditions PLUS 1 handlebar bag for FREE!

All prices per person in EUR

Ship

Welcome aboard the CLAIR DE LUNE! (Category Comfort Plus)

Facilities

The Clair de Lune was originally built in 1936 as a freight ship in Belgium.  In 1982 the barge was built into a passenger ship, first named ‘Steile Bank’ and ‘Summerjazz’.
Since May 2014 we redesigned it and renamed the ship ‘Clair de Lune’. Aboard there is a big and cozy salon with big windows for a perfect view. WiFi is available in a limited amount (free up to 100 MB).


Catering

The cook on board is a member of the crew and prepares the breakfast, packed lunch and a warm dinner in the evening. The catering consists of full board. Catering starts with the dinner on the arrival day and ends with the breakfast on the departure day. Vegetarian catering is possible, please announce this with reservation and discuss it again with the tour guide on site.


Cabins

There are 5 split level bed cabins, 3 double bed cabins and 1 single bed cabin available.Showers and toilets are provided in each cabin. There is air-conditioning in the cabins and the windows can be opened.


Languages on board

German, English

 

Bicycle

Important Information: It is not permitted to bring own E-Bikes on this tour!


 

Bicycles inclusive panniers

Te available bikes for this tour are either 24-speed bikes or our E-bikes. Bikes are equipped with a helmet, panniers, a lock and a water bottle. You can also rent:

  • childrens bikes (from 9 years and older, 21-speed)
  • tagalongs (5-9 years)
  • trailers (babys)
  • child seats (11 months to 5 years)

E-Bikes | Electric bikes | Pedelecs

The shiftable, low noise electric drive of our modern e-bike relieves you of some of the work and increases the pedal force up to 3 times. So you can now book a bike tour together with cyclists who have different fitness level. Acclivity can be handled easily.

Useful

Arrival - Parking - Departure

Arrival by plane

Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG)
The nearest airport to the embarkation point of the barge is Paris Charles de Gaulle. By train it is about 2,5-3 hours to the railway station in Briare/Nevers. A taxi from the airport in Paris to the mooring place will take about 2,5-3 hours.


Arrival by train

Nevers
Walking distance to the barge is about 30 minutes. By taxi it takes 10 minutes and will cost around € 30,-.

Briare
Walking distance to the barge is about 20 minutes. A taxi will take about 10 minutes and will cost around € 30,- .


Arrival by car

You can park your car free of charge in the public areas around the piers in Nevers and Briare.


Participants

Minimum: 12 persons
Maximum: 17 persons

Videos

Travel stories

4,7 of 6 Stars | 5
We spent a delightful week on board the Claire de Lune, riding from Nevers to Briare. We saw castles and cathedrals aplenty, tame and sedate canals and wild, wide, untamed rivers ... J.H. 07/24
5,8 21.08.2025 | Jørgen Eeg S. Romance in the Loire Valley by Bike+Boat

Loire 2025

Our tourguide was super efficient and had in depth knowledge of the every days program/trip. The crew were very professional and made nice company to verybody.
  • Overall satisfaction 6
  • Booking handling 6
  • Travel documents 6
  • Per-Tour information 6
  • Accomodation 5
  • Board 6
  • Route description 6
  • On-site assistance 6
  • Route-character 6
  • Bicycle + equipment 6
  • Price-performance ratio 5
more
4,4 22.07.2024 | Robert F. Romance in the Loire Valley by Bike + Boat

July 8 to 15 Bike and Barge on the Claire De Lune

We were happy overall with this trip, but we're not pleased with three aspects. 1. The trip was ranked 1-2 in difficulty, but the ride to Sancerre was definitely above a 2. 2. The places that we stopped for breaks were not well thought out. Some ...
  • Overall satisfaction 4
  • Booking handling 6
  • Travel documents 5
  • Per-Tour information 5
  • Accomodation 4
  • Board 6
  • Route description 5
  • On-site assistance 4
  • Route-character 2
  • Bicycle + equipment 3
  • Price-performance ratio 4
more
5,8 27.06.2023 | David R. Romance in the Loire Valley by Bike + Boat

Great staff made for a great tour

The four staff - Michael, Jen, Edwin, and the Captain were outstanding. Michael led us to all the sights and found great places for breaks. The food was excellent - the best yet, on any bike trip. The boat was always there at the end of the day. This ...
  • Overall satisfaction 6
  • Booking handling 5
  • Travel documents 6
  • Per-Tour information 6
  • Accomodation 6
  • Board 6
  • Route description 5
  • On-site assistance 6
  • Route-character 6
  • Bicycle + equipment 6
  • Price-performance ratio 6
more
load more travel stories

    Navigation

    My wishlist

    Forgot password

    You will receive your new password via email.
    Agency menu
    Agency-No.
    Agency
    Encashment