Loire River: Biking Cruise

Welcome to France! On the first day of your trip, meet your trip leaders at the Nantes Train Station and shuttle to the town of Clisson, once described as heaven on earth. Once in the village, feel a Tuscan vibe and wonder if you have left France for a day in Italy. Enjoy lunch at La Bonne Auberge before heading over to meet your bicycle. Afterwards, your leaders fit your bike and give you a brief safety talk before you are off to your first ride of the week, passing enchanting vineyards and farmlands along la Route du Muscadet.

Muscadet is the largest wine area in the Loire Valley, and it sells 90 million bottles each year. It is known for its dry light and floral wine, which is made from the Melon de Bourgogne grape. As you cycle through this luscious wine area, your trip would not be complete if you did not stop to take a sip. When you pass the village of Chateau Thebaud and reach Poiron Dabin, take a rest and taste some wine before heading back on the trail towards Nantes. Later that day, step aboard your luxurious ship and settle into your cabin. You then meet for a welcome reception and are introduced to the crew. A gourmet dinner is served onboard the ship.

The Muscadet Route: 24 Miles (800 ft Elev. Gain)

Wake up aboard your luxurious ship and enjoy a leisurely breakfast. This morning your ride follows the curves of the Loire River where you enjoy the canopy of some beautiful forests while being treated to views of the river. You cycle through the countryside, making your way through the town of Saint-Etienne-de-Montluc and towards the outskirts of Lavau-sur-Loire before being treated to a typical lunch. In the afternoon, get back on your bike and keep following the curves of the Loire River. Take in all of the beautiful, varied scenery as you cycle towards the south-most western part of the Loire region. Later in the afternoon arrive to the ancient harbor town of Saint-Nazaire, located off of the Atlantic Ocean. The town is a historic waterway, and for any history or naval buffs among you, this is the place to be. Everywhere you look, view the remnants of war battles. This is the setting of the book Das Boot, so that should tell you of the town’s storied past. Before getting back onboard your ship, learn the seasoned art of shipbuilding as you take a tour of the Saint-Nazaire shipyard. Settle in your cabin before gathering in the MS Loire Princesse dining room for a delectable meal.

Lavau-sur-Loire Route: 17 Miles (400 ft) 
St. Nazaire Route: 35 Miles (600 ft)
Nantes to St. Nazaire Route: 44 Miles (1,000 ft)
Cruise Nantes to St. Nazaire: 2:00 to 6:30 PM

Your ride this morning takes you through the Marais Salants de Guerande. If you are looking for extra miles, you can either start cycling straight from the ship, or if you do not feel up to it, you can get a boost in the minivan and transfer to the city of La Baule. La Baule is a beautiful seaside resort that caters to some of France’s wealthiest seaside residences. Once there, make sure to look at all of the enchanting villas before cycling onto an almost traffic-free route through the salt marshes de Guerande, classified as a “Site Natura" since 2000. Later that morning, arrive in the town of Guerande, and take the time to go on a self-guided visit. The medieval town is full of historic significance, and its fortified wall is one of the best preserved in the country. As proof of its historic vibe, it is a member of France’s Towns and Regions of Art and History. Following your tour, keep riding though the Briere Regional National Park before boarding the ship just in time for lunch. In the afternoon and as you cruise through the French waters to your next destination, take time to relax on your terrace and enjoy the scenery.

La Baule Route: 8 Miles (200 ft) 
Marais Salants Route: 21 Miles (600 ft)
Guerande Route: 34 Miles (1,000 ft)
Cruise St. Nazaire to Ancenis: 1:00 PM to 00:00 AM

Wake up today in the town of Ancenis, home of the medieval and Renaissance castle, the Château d'Ancenis. Once again, you have the option to start cycling straight from the ship or after a short transfer, this time to the town of Oudon, famous for its medieval tower perched on a rocky outcrop from where river traffic could be watched. The ride takes you through many pleasant villages like Oudon; Le Cellier, famous for its chateau which used to be the residence of the late French actor, Louis de Funes; and Mauves-sur-Loire. Feel free to take a short, self-guided visit of Oudon before getting onto your bicycle. Midday, hop back onto the ship for a nice lunch as you begin to sail towards your next destination. This afternoon, stroll the decks and look out onto the streaming water and landscapes as you take the time to relax. In the evening, a gourmet dinner is served as you arrive into the town of Bouchemaine where you settle in for a good night’s sleep before waking tomorrow for your next adventure.

Oudon Route: 19 Miles (700 ft) 
Ancenis Route: 25 Miles (800 ft)
Cruise Ancenis to Bouchemaine: 1:00 to 8:00 PM

This morning embark on a 1-hour drive to the Château de Villandry, starting with a visit of some of the most beautiful gardens in France. This 16th-century treasure was bought in the early 1900s by Joachim de Carvallo who restored the gardens to their original Renaissance grandeur. Today, his grandson takes care of the domain. It includes a water garden, an ornamental flower garden, and some vegetable gardens. Later, hop onto your bike and take a scenic ride to the chateau of Azay le Rideau, which is one of the earliest French Renaissance chateaux, for a visit. Later that morning, keep cycling over to have lunch in Rigny Usse before visiting the chateau in town, which has the distinction of being one of Walt Disney’s inspirations for some of the Disney castles. Following the visit, finish today’s route by cycling through vineyards and troglodytes houses until you reach the final biking destination of Saumur for a transfer back to the ship for dinner and an evening of music and dancing onboard.

Villandry Route: 16 Miles (600 ft) 
Rigny Usse Route: 39 Miles (1,400 ft)
Saumur Route: 43 Miles (1,500 ft)

Start your day with a bountiful buffet breakfast onboard. Begin today’s route on a loop ride on the south bank of the Loire. Cycle by the Ponts-de-Cé, which is known for its short rebellion that is called the Drôlerie des Ponts-de-Cé or Les Ponts-de-Cé’s Joke. Then make your way past Brissac Quince, home of the Chateau de Brissac. Lunch today is served at a local restaurant in the village of Thouarce. After lunch, hop back on your bicycle as you make your way back towards the ship. However, you cannot end this portion of the trip without stopping to visit the enchanting Chateau la Mulonniere to test out the local flavors at a wine tasting. Following your stop, continue on through the bewitching French landscapes as you make your way back to the ship. Once you have boarded the ship again, you are served a delectable dinner. Remember to get a good night’s rest, though, because you do have one last exciting day ahead of you.

Thouarce Route: 21 Miles (700 ft) 
Bouchemaine Route: 39 Miles (1,300 ft)
Rochefort-sur-Loire Route: 45 Miles (1,500 ft)

After breakfast this morning, leave the chateaux behind and head toward the town of Nantes. You have the option of beginning to cycle straight from the boat or taking a short transfer to the town of Challones-sur-Loire. As the ship cruises towards Ancenis, spend one last morning exploring France on your bike. As you arrive in Ancenis, once more get back onto the ship where you enjoy lunch. In the afternoon, stand by the rails as you overlook the shore. While you are enjoying your time afloat, the ship cruises from Ancenis to Nantes. This evening, your trip concludes with a farewell dinner onboard.

Cruise Bouchemaine to Ancenis: 8.30 to 12.30 PM
Chalonnes-sur-Loire Route: 24 Miles (400 ft) 
Bouchemaine to Ancenis Route: 35 Miles (600 ft)
Cruise Ancenis to Nantes: 1:30 to 7:30 PM

Enjoy one last leisurely breakfast onboard the ship before meeting up with your trip leaders and disembarking. From here, a short drive to the train station of Nantes marks the end of this unforgettable trip.

*The cruise schedule may vary according to tides and the order of the excursions may be changed to ensure the best organization of your cruise. For the safety of passengers, the captain and crew of the boat may decide to modify the navigational itinerary. The cruise schedule may vary according to tides and arrival times at ports of call may be subject to change.