RIVER CRUISES ALONG THE LOIRE VALLEY, FRANCE
Nantes ~ St Nazaire ~ Angers ~ Loire Chateaux

Rising in the Massif Central, the Loire River is France’s longest waterway, winding its way over 630 miles to the Atlantic coast at Saint-Nazaire. A river cruise here is characterised by an array of elegant chateaux that have been home to French royalty and nobility for centuries, as well as fascinating medieval towns and the famous Loire Valley vineyards, of course.


We’ve partnered with the expert team of Cruise Connoisseurs at the award-winning firm Panache Cruises, who have a combined experience of over 100 years in the cruise sector and will create the perfect cruise for you.

Speak direct to a Panache Connoisseur by calling  ☎  0161 513 8208   Panache is open seven days a week, ten hours a day between 09:00 and 19:00 UK time. They’ll be delighted to tell you more and find you your perfect river cruise on the Loire.

Your river cruising enquiry will be sent to Laurie Reitman who has over 20 years of experience, traveled all over the world, and cruised on more than 15 of the top river and ocean lines.

Speak direct to Laurie by calling 469-269-3763. She will be delighted to tell you more and find you your perfect river cruise in France. Please tell Laurie that you’re making contact through French Waterways.

Our expert partners
at Panache Cruises
will find you the perfect
river cruise in France

CONTACT US
0044 161 513 8208


Our expert partner
Laurie Reitman
will find you the perfect
river cruise in France

469-269-3763

A selection of Loire river cruises

Showing 6 of 66 cruises

MS Loire Princesse by CroisiEurope From
£1,591pp
Loire
CroisiEurope

The Loire Valley, a Royal legacy (port-to-port…
ABOARD
MS Loire Princesse

Destinations: Nantes, Loire
Class: Premium
Departure: 26 Sep 2025
Length: 5 nights
MS Loire Princesse by CroisiEurope From
£1,397pp
Loire
CroisiEurope

The Loire Valley, a Royal legacy (port-to-port…
ABOARD
MS Loire Princesse

Destinations: Nantes, Loire
Class: Premium
Departure: 22 Aug 2025
Length: 5 nights
MS Loire Princesse by CroisiEurope From
£1,591pp
Loire
CroisiEurope

The Loire Valley, a Royal legacy (port-to-port…
ABOARD
MS Loire Princesse

Destinations: Nantes, Loire
Class: Premium
Departure: 05 May 2025
Length: 5 nights
MS Loire Princesse by CroisiEurope From
£1,329pp
Loire
CroisiEurope

The Loire Valley, a Royal legacy (port-to-port…
ABOARD
MS Loire Princesse

Destinations: Nantes, Loire
Class: Premium
Departure: 31 Oct 2024
Length: 4 nights
MS Loire Princesse by CroisiEurope From
£1,320pp
Loire
CroisiEurope

Royal New Year cruise on the Loire (port-to-port…
ABOARD
MS Loire Princesse

Destinations: Nantes, Loire
Class: Premium
Departure: 28 Dec 2025
Length: 5 nights
MS Loire Princesse by CroisiEurope From
£2,066pp
Loire
CroisiEurope

From the Châteaux of Chambord and Chenonceau…
ABOARD
MS Loire Princesse

Destinations: Paris, Nantes, Loire
Class: Premium
Departure: 15 Apr 2025
Length: 5 nights

Typical Loire River Cruise Itineraries, Tours, & Activities

Nantes to Nantes River Cruises

All Loire river cruises begin and end in Nantes, a charming city that is worth the trip alone. Once the seat of the Dukes of Brittany, you can explore their impressive castle, the Chateau des ducs de Bretagne, the city’s charming medieval quarter and one of the tallest cathedrals in France. That’s not to mention the glorious riverside boulevards, top class restaurants, lively bars and cultural attractions.

Saint-Nazaire & Ancenis

Embarking on your cruise, you will most likely travel downstream first to visit Saint-Nazaire on the Atlantic coast – an atmospheric port that is full of maritime history with Europe’s largest ship yard to explore.

Cruising up river past Nantes, you soon arrive at Ancenis, an ancient medieval town complete with a stunning castle that has its origins as far back as 934. This is also the heart of Muscadet country, so a tasting tour to one of the historic wine producers of the area is a must.

Cruising the Chateaux of the Loire Valley

Bouchemaine is the gateway to the fabled Chateaux of the Loire Valley. There are more than 1,000 within reach for a day trip. The closest to Bouchemaine, however, is probably one of the best. Chateau d’Ussé is quite literally the fairy-tale castle, being the fabled inspiration behind Sleeping Beauty with its cream stone and enchanting turrets and steeples. Chateau Azay-le-Rideau is a spectacular sight, being set on an island on the river Indre, while Chateau de Villandry is quite rightly known for its amazing gardens.

Wine and Dine in the Loire Valley

Medieval cobbled streets and the bustle of bars and restaurants are the order of the day in Angers. The 13th century Chateau d’Angers houses the world’s largest medieval tapestry. There’s wine tasting to be done here too, with Muscadet, Anjou and Samur wines all produced nearby, as well as Cointreau liqueur.

With some of France’s finest and grandest châteaux, world class wine tasting and fascinating history all around, a barge cruise on the Loire River has something to delight and entrance everyone.


Beautiful Loire Places


Cruise Options in and around the Loire

River cruise France specialists

Find the perfect River Cruise

Our specialist river cruise partners
will give you expert friendly advice

River Cruises

Hotel barge luxury cruise France Burgundy Loire NIivernais

Luxury Hotel Barging – Burgundy, Nivernais, Briare and Loire canals

Lie back and let the skipper and crew take care of everything. Great food. Fine wine. Unique.

Hotel Barges

Self-drive hire boating holiday canal barge cruise France Burgundy Loire Nivernais

Self-Drive Canal Boating – N Burgundy

Go your own way. Explore the pleasures and treasures of the Northern Burgundy waterways.

Self-Drive


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