Loire Valley, Nevers - Briare 2026

Loire Valley, Nevers - Briare

The Loire Valley between the cities of Briare and Nevers in the heart of France is a very well suited region for a relaxing bike and barge holiday. Following the flow of the Loire River you gently ride through the green countryside with charming little villages and old castles and palaces.

The rich landscape boasts many fruitful vineyards. Especially well known are the Sancerre and Pouilly Fumé wines. You will also see impressive examples of canal building engineering along the Canal lateral du Loire. The small city of Briare with its picturesque locks and aqueduct is our starting point.

Through a beautiful region of lakes and past castles you will cycle along the Loire and visit Chatillon-sur-Loire with its impressive locks. In between you will ride to St. Brisson Forest and through seemingly endless vineyards. On the way to the city of Nevers you will also visit the ancient Roman town of La Charité-sur-Loire with a 16th century stone bridge and the Château of Apremont, dating back to the 12th century and lavishly surrounded by gardens. The final destination of this week, the historical town of Nevers, is in itself already worth a visits of a few days.

Day 1 Nevers Arrival and welcome at the barge on the mooring place.

A short test ride in the area to get used to your bicycle. After diner there will be an evening walk through the old town of Nevers. The city is famous for its ceramics and it is also one of the major pilgrimage centres of France because the city has kept the body of Bernadette Soubirous (1844-1879). The Old Town, with its narrow winding streets, is full of many buildings and palaces dating from the 17th century.

Day 2 Nevers - Guetin, 23 km

We start this week in the heart of France with a short ride from the town of Nevers where there are many sites to see including the winding streets filled with houses dating back from the 14th to 17th century. The origins of Nevers date back to Roman times. Nevers is since the 5th century the seat of the bishop and has among others a castle and a few interesting churches. To start of the holiday you can enjoy a glass of local wine on the several terraces in town.

Day 3 Guetin - Beffes, 37 km

Today you will start from the small village of Guetin on the Canal Lateral du Loire. On the way a visit to the aqueduct over the Allier River with its two impressive locks both measuring about 9 meters high is a must do! Riding north to Beffes you pass nice wooded areas with again many nice villages and country estates. Later in the day you will end up in the small town of Apremont, where you will have the opportunity to visit the 12th-century castle and surrounding fabulous gardens.

Day 4 Beffes - Sancerre, 38 km

Right after breakfast you will hop on your bikes and begin this days cycling tour through the region of the Pouilly Fumé wines to La Charité-sur-Loire, an ancient Roman town. Crossing the 16th century stone bridge to the center, there is a splendid view overlooking the town and its Notre Dame church. Continue towards the destination of today, Sancerre.

Day 5 Sancerre – Sury-Près-Léré, 34 km

Sancerre wines, and especially the white wines, are famous all over the world. The first mentioning of winegrowing in this region dates back to the 6th century. Until the 19th century the region mostly grew Pinot grapes, but after a disease that devastated the grapes Sauvignon is now mostly grown. And with success! The ride today takes you on a picturesque route right across the Sancerre vineyards and through the surrounding villages. In Ménétréol, situated under the Sancerre vineyards, there will be an opportunity to try some wine before returning to the Clair de Lune.

Day 6 Sury-Près-Léré - Briare, 38/51 km

Riding south from Cours-les-Barres you pass nice wooded areas with again many nice villages and country estates. Later in the day you will end up in the small town of Apremont, where you will have the opportunity to visit the 12th-century castle and surrounding fabulous gardens. After, you will continue to the sleepy village of Gimouille on the Canal Lateral du Loire. On the way a visit to the aqueduct over the Allier River with its two impressive locks both measuring about 9 meters high is a must do!

Day 7 Briare – Rogny-les-sept-Écluses- Briare 50 km

Your last bike ride this week will lead you to the castle of ‘Pont Chevron,’ situated on a small, picturesque lake. Around lunchtime you will be in the village Rogny-les-Sept-Écluses, known for its historic seven locks. Via the 16th-century castle near Bléneau you will cycle through a region of lakes to Ouzouer-sur-Trézée and eventually back to Briare. A worthy ending of your bike adventure in the heart of France.

Day 8 Briare

end of the tour The tour ends after breakfast: debarkation before 10 AM

Included

• All nights on board (incl. bedding, towels, soap)
• Breakfast and dinner on board
• Lunch packages when on the road
• Coffee and tea on board
• Tour guide, cycles with the group
• Town walks with tour guide
• Free WiFi (limited available in lounge and on deck)
• Road book, 1x per cabin
• Travel documents + cycling guide app incl. GPS-tracks
• Ferry fares on the route

Not included

• Bicycle rent, bike insurance included
• Entrance fees to museums; approx. € 45,-
• Personal insurance

Special details

• Rental bike per week, bike insurance included € 120,-
• E-bike per week, bike insurance included € 235,-

• Special meal requirements (vegetarian/ pescatarian, or if they are on a medical diet), please indicate this when booking.
• In case of gluten free or lactose free diet there is an additional charge of € 100,- per diet per week. When ordered upon arrival the additional charge is € 150,- per diet per week, to be paid on site.
• Unfortunately, we are unable to offer vegan meals. The space in the kitchens on our ships is limited (for storage and preparation) and therefore we cannot guarantee that the meals are completely vegan.
• We do not allow private e-bikes on board (due to safety regulations).
• Dutch Barge Cruises reserves the right to cancel tours with fewer than 12 participants up to 21 days prior to the date of departure.
• The program is subject to change without notice due to weather, nautical reasons like bridges and locks, technical issues and other unforeseen circumstances .