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The Loire Valley

Enjoy a short-break cruise along the legendary River Loire from Nantes, on a unique paddlewheeler river cruise ship

Cruise Only
4 nights

River Cruise Holiday
  • Chateau Villandry
  • Nantes

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Join Loire Princess on this unique cruise, new for 2022, along the royal River Loire. Experience the beauty of the Loire Valley, and visit the elegant famous chateaux.

There is the chance to tour the Saint Nazaire shipyard, one of the largest and well-renowned in Europe. Once the birthplace of the most outstanding French transatlantic liners, today it is the construction site for elegant cruise ships. Enjoy scenic cruising towards Ancenis, and choose to either enjoy a wine-tasting experience, or a thrilling helicopter ride for the best views of the Loire Valley.

From Bouchemaine, perhaps take a guided tour of Angers and its historic districts, or visit Brissac castle and its cellars, complete with a wine-tasting session. A highlight of this cruise is an included excursion to the chateaux of the Loire, with lunch at Villandry.

E179 Operated by CroisiEurope

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The Loire Valley Itinerary - NDN_PP

Day 1 - Nantes (France) - Saint Nazaire

Embark your ship in Nantes. This afternoon there is an optional excursion tour of Saint Nazaire. Visit Escal'Atlantic, a museum that explores the historic ocean liner experience, and the Saint-Nazaire shipyard, one of the largest shipyards in Europe (this excursion must be booked in advance and a valid passport must be produced in order to gain access to the shipyard). Return on board in Saint-Nazaire.

Day 2 - Saint Nazaire - Ancenis

Spend this morning cruising towards Ancenis. In the afternoon, choose from two optional excursions: The Muscadet Wine Route and Clisson, a charming medieval town or experience the Loire from above on a helicopter ride (this excursion must be booked in advance).

Day 3 - Ancenis - Bouchemaine - Angers

Cruise towards Bouchemaine, and choose from two excursions - a guided tour of Angers, its historic districts and the famous Apocalypse tapestry, or a tour of Brissac castle and its cellars complete with a wine-tasting session.

Day 4 - Bouchemaine - Ancenis

Today a full day excursion is included, to discover the Castles of the Loire Valley. Return on board in Ancenis. Tonight enjoy a gala dinner and evening. The ship will start sailing towards Nantes.

Day 5 - Nantes

Disembark after breakfast, at approximately 10am

Price Includes

  • 4-nights accommodation on board ship in air-conditioned twin/double cabin with shower and toilet
  • All meals aboard ship plus tea or coffee after lunch and dinner
  • Unlimited complimentary house wine, beer, mineral water and soft drinks on board
  • Entertainment on board
  • Cruise Manager
  • Gala farewell dinner
  • Port taxes

Price Does Not Include

  • Cruise only prices do not include flights or transfers
  • Optional Excursions (must be pre-booked at least 4 weeks before departure or bookable on board subject to availability)
  • Gratuities
  • Personal insurance and expenses

Additional Information

  • Optional Classic Excursions:
  • Guided tour of Saint Nazaire -.We'll begin our visit with the Escal'Atlantic, which ingeniously retraces the history of Norman and French ocean liners through a unique experience. Then we'll continue on to the Saint-Nazaire shipyard, one of the largest and well-renowned in Europe. Once the birthplace of the most outstanding French transatlantic liners, today it is the construction site for elegant cruise ships. While following a tour especially designed to better understand the complexity of constructing these truly modern floating palaces, you'll discover the immensity of this site (267 acres), the stunning logistics, and the advanced technology required to build the ships.
  • The Muscadet Region - We'll pass through several villages that are testimony to the strong winegrowing identity in the region. We'll travel to La Chapelle Heulin and stop at the Château Cassemichère (or similar site). This exceptional site invites you to discover its history-filled vineyards, visit its cellars and taste* the dry, light, fruity and aromatic wine. We'll continue towards Clisson, a charming medieval city with 15th century vestiges and a slight Italian feel.
  • Optional Discovery Excursions:
  • Chateau de Brissac - We'll leave by coach for a visit to the Château de Brissac, located about nine miles from the city of Angers. Known as the tallest royal residence in France, it contains 204 rooms, monumental staircases and never-ending hallways. Acquired by René de Cossé in the 16th century, Château de Brissac is still owned by the Cossé-Brissac family. Its park contains some magnificent shady spots under centuries-old trees, and the castle's spectacular decorations and the breathtaking Belle Époque theater are definitely not to be missed! At the end of our visit, we'll discover the castle cellars and enjoy a wine tasting*. Afterwards, we'll return to the ship.
  • Helicopter ride - We’ll take you to the airport in Ancenis. Upon your arrival, you’ll meet your pilot and head out for a helicopter tour of the Loire. You’ll enjoy a bird's-eye view of breathtaking landscapes. You’ll fly over the tower in Oudon, whose medieval architecture reaches towards the sky, dominating the city of Ancenis, then farther along the châteaux de Clermont, a Renaissance-era building in the style of Louis XIII that was also the home of French actor Louis de Funès. Next you’ll notice the Île d’Or golf course, built in a unique setting on one of the islands of the Loire. The minutes tick by and soon it’s time to return to Ancenis. On the way back, you’ll fly over Champtoceaux, without a doubt one of the most beautiful panoramic views of the Loire.

Special Features

  • CroisiEurope is the leading French river cruise company. Their ships have a distinctly French flavour, the service and the food having received much praise from Blue Water Holidays customers. Staff and passengers come from many European countries. Excursions are offered with commentary in English via a headset
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Map for The Loire Valley
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