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
Our expert partner
Laurie Reitman
will find you the perfect
river cruise in France
A selection of Loire river cruises
Showing 6 of 65 cruises
£1,441pp Loire
The Loire Valley, a Royal legacy (port-to-port…
ABOARD
MS Loire Princesse
Destinations: | Nantes, Loire |
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Class: | Premium |
Departure: | 27 Aug 2024 |
Length: | 5 nights |
£1,786pp Loire
Family Club - The Loire Valley, a Royal legacy…
ABOARD
MS Loire Princesse
Destinations: | Nantes, Loire |
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Class: | Premium |
Departure: | 02 Aug 2024 |
Length: | 5 nights |
£1,662pp Loire
The Loire Valley, a Royal legacy (port-to-port…
ABOARD
MS Loire Princesse
Destinations: | Nantes, Loire |
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Class: | Premium |
Departure: | 13 Jul 2024 |
Length: | 5 nights |
£1,591pp Loire
The Loire Valley, a Royal legacy (port-to-port…
ABOARD
MS Loire Princesse
Destinations: | Nantes, Loire |
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Class: | Premium |
Departure: | 05 May 2025 |
Length: | 5 nights |
£1,397pp Loire
The Loire Valley, a Royal legacy (port-to-port…
ABOARD
MS Loire Princesse
Destinations: | Nantes, Loire |
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Class: | Premium |
Departure: | 29 Jun 2025 |
Length: | 5 nights |
£2,066pp Loire
From the Châteaux of Chambord and Chenonceau…
ABOARD
MS Loire Princesse
Destinations: | Paris, Nantes, Loire |
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Class: | Premium |
Departure: | 22 Aug 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
Find the perfect River Cruise
Our specialist river cruise partners
will give you expert friendly advice
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.
Self-Drive Canal Boating – N Burgundy
Go your own way. Explore the pleasures and treasures of the Northern Burgundy waterways.