Embark on MS Loire Princesse on join this 8-day cruise along the Loire Valley. Take your bike and discover this sublime region and explore emblematic sites. Ride along the legendary river lined with castles, abbeys and beautiful natural landscapes which are still a major source of inspiration to many artists.
Highlights
Discover sumptuous and varied landscapes along the Loire River
Visit the most beautiful villas in on the seaside resort in La Baule
See the impressive medieval castles and quaint villages in Ouden
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Board the ship at 6:00 pm and settle into your cabins afterwards. The crew prepared welcome cocktails as you settle on board. Sit back and enjoy a presentation about your CroisiBike vacation.
Your bike trip this morning will follow the curves of the Loire River. Pass under verdant canoples in magnificent forests and enjoy the peacefulness of the river. This journey takes you to Saint-Etienne-de-Montluc and around Lavau-sur-Loire. Enjoy your picnic lunch and jump back in your bike this afternoon to continue the trip. In the southern-most part of the Loire, discover sumptuous and varied landscapes. At the end of the day, arrive in the old port city of Saint-Nazaire on the Atlantic coast. Take a tour of the shipyard museum before returning to the ship.
Bike itineraries: to Lavau-sur-Loire 17 mi./27.4 km. (400 ft./122 m. elevation gain) - to Saint-Nazaire 35 mi./56.3 km. (600 ft./183 m. elevation gain) - from Nantes to Saint-Nazaire: 45 mi./70.8 km. (100 ft./305 m. elevation gain).
Today, begin your trip to La Baule, a spectacular seaside resort where the most beautiful villas in France majestically line the ocean beaches. Continue on to the Guérande salt marshes, and have some free time to visit on your own. Spend the rest of the afternoon cruising.
Bike itinerary: to La Baule 8 mi./12.9 km. (200 ft./61 m. elevation gain) ¿ to the salt marshes 21 mi./33.8 km. (600 ft./183 m. elevation gain).
Set off today for Oudon, known for its impressive medieval castle. This journey brings you through quaint villages before returning to the ship. Spend the afternoon catching some rays on the sun deck. Enjoy the dinner and an evening of entertainment.
Bike itinerary: to Oudon 19 mi./30.6 km. (698 ft./213 m. elevation gain) ¿ to Ancenis 25 mi./40.2 km. (801 ft./244 m. elevation gain).
Day 5: The Loire Valley and its Châteaux | Bouchemaine
Take the minivan to the starting point of today's journey into the heart of the Loire Valley, passing in front of the most beautiful castles in the world. Take some time to stop at the Château de Villandry. Once owned by Napoléon Bonaparte, this majestic palace includes what many consider to be the most stunning gardens ever conceived. The water garden and decorative flower garden are not to be missed.
Get back on your bikes for a pleasant trip to Château d'Azay-le-Rideau, one of the oldest Renaissance castles in France. After your picnic lunch, spend the afternoon touring the Château d'Azay-le-Rideau on your own. Finish up today's journey with a glimpse of vineyards and troglodyte homes before you arrive at your final destination, Saumur.
Return to the ship in Bouchemaine and enjoy an evening of dancing.
Bike itineraries: to Villandry 16 mi./25.7 km (600 ft./183 m. elevation gain) to Rigny-Ussé 39 mi./62.8 km (1401 ft./427 m. elevation gain) - to Saumur 43 mi./69.2 km (1499 ft./457 m. elevation gain).
Today's trip begins with a ride along the south bank of the Loire. Pass through Les Ponts-de-Cé - the scene of a brief conflict between Marie de Medici's troops and her son's army in 1620 - and Brissac Quincé, where the Château de Brissac is located. After the picnic lunch, spend the afternoon at the Château de la Mulonnière where you can taste some of wines. Continue through the charming countryside and return to the ship. Enjoy an evening of entertainment.
Bike itineraries: to Thouarcé 21 mi./33.8 km (699 ft./213 m. elevation gain) - to Bouchemaine 39 mi./62.8 km (1299 ft./396 elevation gain) - to Rochefort-sur-Loire 31 mi./72.4 km. (1400 ft./457 m. elevation gain).
Begin this trip in Chalonnes-sur-Loire (or Bouchemaine depending on the water level) for your last journey through the Loire. The ship is waiting in Ancenis at the end of the morning. Cruise this afternoon towards Nantes. Spend one last afternoon on the sun deck enjoying the scenery float by. Tonight is the festive gala evening and dinner.
Chalonnes-sur-Loire bike itinerary: 31 mi./38.6 km. (1400 ft./122 m. elevation gain)
Day 8: Nantes | Disembark
1 Breakfast
Enjoy one last buffet breakfast on board before disembarking at 9:00 a.m.
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Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
Rates are dynamic and fluctuate based on capacity. Contact us for a specific quote.
Main Deck A
18 double-occupancy cabins equipped with a private bathroom with shower, hairdryer, safe, desk/dresser, flat-screen TV, and telephone. The bed faces the window to better admire the scenery.
Main Deck- Cat B
6 double cabins
1 suite
equipped with a private bathroom with shower, hairdryer, safe, desk/dresser, flat-screen TV, and telephone. The bed faces the window to better admire the scenery.
Main Deck- Cat C
23 double cabins
1 single cabin
equipped with a private bathroom with shower, hairdryer, safe, desk/dresser, flat-screen TV, and telephone. The bed faces the window to better admire the scenery.
Upper Deck A
30 cabins (29 double-occupancy cabins, one cabin for persons with reduced mobility) equipped with a private bathroom with shower, hairdryer, safe, desk/dresser, flat-screen TV, and telephone. The bed faces the window to better admire the scenery.
Upper Deck-Cat B
4 double cabins
equipped with a private bathroom with shower, hairdryer, safe, desk/dresser, flat-screen TV, and telephone. The bed faces the window to better admire the scenery.
Notes
20% discount on children between 2-10 years
30% discount for 3rd person in triple cabin
Initial deposit is 30%, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 100 days prior to departure by Bank transfer or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
The trip might have been the absolute best of our lifetime (thus far). We particularly want to commend our guide Peter in the Guilin area-he was so incredibly attentive, energetic, enthusiastic-and absolutely dedicated to ensuring that our meals were 100% vegetarian.
