THE LOIRE VALLEY Love To Travel Canada

_____________________________________ Bike / Barge Tour from Gare du Nord (8 days)

Route Gare du Nord - Cours-les-Barres - Apremont - Menetreol - Beaulieu - Briare

– Rogny les-Sept-Ecluses - Rogny - Paris

Price: $1,410.00 USD (2015 pricing) per person based on double occupancy.

High season supplement of $120.00 USD

will apply for departures August 30 through to September 26

Please note this price may fluctuate based on the current exchange rate.

Payment in full at time of booking will protect against any future currency fluctuation.

Anna Maria IV - Standard Plus Class Boat

This ship is especially suited to motor the narrow French canals. The relaxed atmosphere

aboard makes you feel at home. Most cabins have private facilities though two cabins share

a bathroom.

All cabins have a sliding window and an electrical fan.

Capacity: 14/20 passengers

Length x Width: 38 x 5.05 meters

Bed length: 1.90 x 0.70 meters

Cabins: 7 bunk bed cabins with private facilities; 2 cabins with shared bathroom

All the cabins have a wash basin, and contain bunk beds with only 2 per cabin possible

Helmets are not available on board

The area of the Valley of the Loire between the cities of Nevers and Montargis in France is a

very suitable region for a relaxing bike & barge holiday.

This area, approximately 100 kilometers in length, offers a landscape with slightly rolling

hills and a mild climate. During the summer it is dry but never too warm. The Loire Valley

region also knows a rich history and culture. The many impressive castles and small villages

make this cycling holiday a unique experience. Of course you will get a taste of the fine

Loire wines during this holiday!

Day by Day Itinerary

Saturday

Halfway the afternoon you leave from Gare du Nord by coach to Cours-les-Barres. You

arrive in the beginning of the evening at the ship where you meet your tour leader and the

crew and settle in. Subsequently dinner will be served aboard.

Sunday

Cycle trip: +/- 50 km. From Cours-les-Barres you cycle to the town of Apremont. You may

visit the 12th century castle and its fabulous gardens. After that we cycle on to the beautiful

town of Nevers. The trip ends again in Cours-les-Barres.

Monday

Cycle trip: +/- 55 km. First we sail in the morning to the village of Beffes. The cycle trip

takes you to La Charite-sur-Loire, an ancient Roman town. Crossing the 16th century stone

bridge to the centre, you have a splendid view over the town and its Notre Dame church.

Then you enter the region of the Pouilly Fume wines. In Menetreol, situated under the

Sancerre vineyards, you will be given the opportunity to try some wine.

Tuesday

Cycle trip: +/- 50 km. For a start you visit Sancerre and then take a picturesque route right

across the Sancerre vineyards. Your cycle ride continues and passes several wine villages

that are situated in impressive and attractive scenery. The trip ends in Beaulieu, the stop

for the night.

Wednesday

Cycle trip: +/- 40 km. By bicycle you pass the historic locks of Chatillon-sur-Loire and the

aquaduct that will take you over the river Loire later on. After St. Brisson, where you pass a

nice castle, you start your way back to the barge, while enjoying the fresh forest air in the

Foret de St. Brisson. In the evening you cross the river Loire through the magnificent

aquaduct and stop for the night in Briare.

Thursday

Cycle trip: +/- 45 km. First you have some time to explore Briare. The cycle trip leads to

the castle .Pont Chevron. which is picturesquely situated at a small lake. Via Ouzouer-sur-

Trezee you go right across an area with some lakes to the 16th century castle near Bleneau.

Your trip ends in the village Rogny-les-Sept-Ecluses, known for its seven historical locks.

Friday

Cycle trip: +/- 50 km. The barge will stay in Rogny. Today you will cycle to the market in

Chatillon-Coligny, from where the trip continues to the castle in La Bussiere. Via Escrignelles

the tour ends back in Rogny.

Saturday

In the morning you may wish to go for a stroll. At approximately 11.30 hrs. Your guide &

crew will say good-bye and you travel by coach to Paris.

(subject to changes)

Included in tour:

Stay aboard in double cabin (8 days/7 nights)

Full board (breakfast & packed lunch + 3-courses dinner)

Tour leader

Visit to Castle

Visit Winery

Information booklet

Bicycle with 21 gears and cycle bag Transfer Paris/Gare du Nord-Barge v.v.

Not included in tour:

Journey to and from Paris Gare du Nord

Bicycle insurance 16.5 Euro per person

Excursions not in program

Drinks on board

Gratuities to crew

Travel Insurance