Loire Valley, The Upper Loire & Western Burgundy

Loire Valley

A fairytale region of exquisite Renaissance châteaux, Royal French history and contrasting waterways.

Loire Valley

Upper Loire & Western Burgundy

Domaine la Perrière

Renaissance cruising past the 7-lock flight at Rogny-Les-Sept-Ecluses

Vineyards of Sancerre

Château d'Amboise

The Loire Valley

The River Loire and its main tributary, the River Cher, have carried cargo and passengers for over 2,000 years, since pre-Roman times. The Valley of the Kings is a timeless region of spectacular beauty and grace and we are delighted to offer the only hotel barge navigating the heart of the real Loire Valley.

Here, the aristocracy of France have built their castles and palaces over the centuries and you will have the opportunity to visit architectural gems such as the châteaux of Villandry, Valencay and, most memorably, Chenonceau - which Nymphea actually cruises under! Private tastings of Touraine and other fine local wines are also a highlight.

Further east, the upper reaches of the River Loire meet Western Burgundy where France's oldest canal, the Canal de Briare, crosses the mighty river by way of Gustav Eiffel's spectacular aqueduct. A cruise on this canal aboard the opulent hotel barge Renaissance offers a taste of the Loire with visits to elegant châteaux, as well as a foray into the vineyards of Sancerre.

Luxury Hotel Barge La Nouvelle Etoile also cruises in this region, for details of her route please visit our website.

Typical Cuisine Aboard

Gastronomy

Filet Mignon de Veau aux Champignons de Saumur; Feuilleté de Crottin de Chavignol; Filet de Sandre Sauce Échalotes et Persil; Friture d'Éperlans Sauce Tartare

Wine Cellar

Domaine Clément Lissner, Riseling Grand Cru; Domaine Jean Teiller, Menetou-Salon; Domaine Franck Breton, La Coulée des Muids; Domaine de la Cotelleraie, Le Vau Jaumier

Cheese Board

Valencay; St Maure de Touraine; Selles sur Cher; Pouligny St Pierre; Crottin de Chavignol; Ami du Chambertin; Chabichou du Poiton; Epoisses