Itinerary

Day 1 (Sat):
Paris to Cours-les-Barres

You will be collected at the Gare du Nord in Paris at approximately 15.00 hrs and transferred by coach to your floating hotel in Cours-les-Barres. There you will be introduced to your crew and guide before enjoying your first evening meal with your fellow guests.

Day 2 (Sun):
Cours-les-Barres to Apremont to Cours-les-Barres, 31 miles (50km)

You disembark and cycle to Apremont, where you can visit the 12th century castle and its fabulous gardens. Continue to the town of Nevers, then back to the barge.

Day 3 (Mon):
La Chapelle-Montlinard to Ménétréol, 34 miles (55km)

Sailing to the village of Beffes then a cycling trip to the charming town of La Charité-sur-Loire, an ancient Roman town. Crossing the 16th century stone bridge to the centre, you have a splendid view over the town and its Notre Dame church. Then you enter the region of the Pouilly Fumé wines. The barge will be waiting in Ménétréol, situated under the Sancerre vineyards, where you will be given the opportunity to try some of the fine local wines.

Day 4 (Tue):
Ménétréol to Beaulieu, 31 miles (50km)

You start with a visit to the historic town of Sancerre-sue-Loire. Your cycle ride then follows a picturesque route through the Sancerre vineyards, passing several wine producing villages set in the most idyllic scenery. The trip ends in Beaulieu, the stop for the night.

Day 5 (Wed):
Beaulieu to Briare, 25 miles (40km)

You cycle past the historic locks of Châtillon-sur-Loire and the aquaduct that will take you over the river Loire later. After St. Brisson, where you can see the castle, you start your way back to the barge, while enjoying the fresh forest air in the Forêt de St. Brisson. In the evening you cross the river Loire over the magnificent aquaduct and stop for the night in Briare.

Day 6 (Thu):
Briare to Rogny-les-Sept-Écluses, 28 miles (45km)

Before the cycling starts you will have some time to explore Briare. The cycle tour leads to the castle ‘Pont Chevron’ which is picturesquely situated by a small lake. Via Ouzouer-sur-Trézée you cycle across a landscape dominated by lakes to the 16th century castle near Bléneau. Your trip ends in the village Rogny-les-Sept-Écluses, known for its seven historical locks.

Day 7 (Fri):
Rogny to Châtillon-Coligny to Rogny, 31 miles (50km)

Today you will cycle to the pretty market in Châtillon-Coligny, and then on to the castle in La Bussière. Via Escrignelles the tour ends in Rogny-les-Sept-Écluses to rejoin the boat.

Day 8 (Sat):
Rogny to Paris

In the morning you may wish to go for a stroll around Rogny-les-Sept-Écluses. At approximately 11.00 hrs your guide & crew will say good-bye when you board your coach for the return journey to Paris, Gare du Nord arriving approximately 14.30.

Each next tour will be in reverse: starting Rogny and ending in Cours-les-Barres.