La Loire

A capricious but royal river, the Loire was a major transport axis until the 19th century. Aboard their toues, gabares, and futreaux, the Loire mariners ensured the supply, from town to town, of wine, fruit, salt, cereals and regional building materials, like slate and tuff eau. Valuable products imported
from the colonies, including spices and chocolate, were loaded at the port of Nantes and taken back up the Loire to grace the high tables of chateaux. Today, canoes and kayaks are tied up at the old wooden landings. A few fi shermen remain but the river is now, predominantly a kingdom for water sports.

The Loire Valley is part of UNESCO’s World Heritage list as a living, cultural landscape. This international recognition defines the largest listed site in France. It stretches for 280 km, between Sully-sur-Loire and Chalonnes-sur-Loire.

Being aboard the “Saumur-Loire” boat off ers excellent views of the town of Saumur, its château and its beautiful tuff eau facades. It is also an opportunity to observe birds through stories and comments from an enthusiastic guide. Tasting of local produce on board.
Note: lunch and dinner cruises possible and shuttle services available between Saumur and Montsoreau and between Saumur and Gennes/Le Thoureil.
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Denis Rétiveau, winemaker and a Loire lover, welcomes you aboard his traditional passenger launch “L’Etoile qui rit”. The very gentle glide of the boat allows you to come closer to birds and to fully enjoy the landscape. Possibility of tasting wine and eating on board, outings at sunset.
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By embarking aboard the Amarante or Belle Adèle, you will see landscapes steeped in Vienne-Loire history and the villages of character, Montsoreau
and Candes-Saint-Martin. Commented trips, gourmet-buffets trips, dusk excursions and overnight stays by reservation.
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The Gravelot, a replica of an 18th century traditional tow barge, offers personalised cruises on the Loire to explore the local heritage, landscapes, fauna,
flora, gastronomy and Loire valley wines. Philip, the captains, will often take out his accordion to play a few bargemen’s tunes.
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Aboard a “toue sablière” boat, Patricia or Alain will share their passion for the Loire’s natural environment and traditional sailing. The maximum
capacity of 12 passengers favours an authentic atmosphere and discussions at the relaxed rhythm of the river. And why not rent out the boat with the skipper as your personal tour guide, perfect for a trip with family or friends!
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