Within the Nantes city limits, a number of exciting neighborhoods exist, providing visitors with a variety of retail, food, and historic attractions. 2:30 pm on foot or by bus Tour along the banks of the Loire (2:00). All Rights Reserved. The information published here results from more than ten years personal experience cruising the waterways from north to south and east to west. The BEST Loire Valley Tours and Things to Do in 2023 - FREE Visiting the Loire Valley from the states this summer with the fam. Loire River Cruises 2023 | French Castles Cruise | CroisiEurope Cruises Loire Valley Tours & Trips Just a short journey from Paris will see you arrive in the picturesque Loire Valley - a UNESCO listed destination. Loire River Cruise From Nantes to Loire Chateaux 2023/24 - French Waterways Looking to embark on a different kind of vacation? The best tours in Nantes according to Viator travelers are: Tours in Nantes that are 1 hour or less are: These Nantes experiences are providing additional COVID-19 safety measures: These hidden gems in Nantes may have limited interaction with crowds: What tours in Nantes are taking additional safety precautions? Deals of The Week . The MS Loire Princesseis aspecially designed vessel for the river Loire, a particular waterway, an invitation to explorebeautiful scenicFrance. Being that it's the final day of this 4-day journey, you might as well splurge a little on hotel accommodations in Tours for your vacation finale. Of course there are other lodging options as well, and no matter what hotel you decide on, you are pretty much guaranteed to enjoy your stay in Tours. The most happening area seems to be concentrated in the Bouffay district - an old town pedestrian zone surrounded by the city's most prominent historic architecture. At 7 am, we will pick you up at your hotel in Nantes and head to the castles within the Loire region, one of the most visited areas in France! 5 cultural highlights from the Pays de la Loire region In the Loire Valley the number of wines tasted depend on the range of wines that are produced at the wineries. Terms, Conditions, Copyrightand Privacy Statement, Contact Address french-waterways.com 2 Michaels Court, Hanney Road, Southmoor, OX13 5HR, UK PortLalande, 47260 Castelmoron-sur-Lot, France, RIVER CRUISES ALONG THE LOIRE VALLEY, FRANCE, Luxury Hotel Barging Burgundy, Nivernais, Briare and Loire canals, France's UNESCO World Heritage Sites from the waterways, 11 Loire Valley chteaux you simply cannot miss. Enjoy a magical cruise along the Loire and discover medieval castles and the Escal'Atlantic. Our groups department is at your disposal from Monday to Friday The following tours are just some examples of itineraries. It is not connected with VNF Voies Navigables de France, the national waterways management authority. Horse lovers will be delighted by a tour of the Cadre Noir, and watching a training session or performance of the spectacular dancing horses is a thrill. During the 2 hour journey, an English-speaking guide will reveal the history of these majestic buildings. These Loire Valley Walking tours are taking additional COVID-19 precautions: Welcome to Nantes: Private Tour with a Local; Loire Valley: Vouvray Vineyard Tour and Wine Tasting; Top Attractions in Loire Valley 1 Chateau de Blois. French national response to Hollywood Disneyland. During the visit, you'll be able to appreciate both the luxurious furnishings of the rooms and the castle's beautiful gardens. Again, in an attempt to avoid the crowded expressway system that spans the Loire Valley, on your journey to Saumur from Angers, it's recommended instead that you follow a less-frequented highway, the D952, making sure to stop at the many Loire Valley Chateaus that line the banks of the Loire River, including the ever-popular Chateau de Saumur. THE 10 BEST Loire Valley Tours & Excursions - Tripadvisor The tour includes pick-up from hotels in the centre of Nantes. Loire Valley Tours - Nantes Forum Evening Nantes 80 are open to the public and here we pick our favourites to get you started. Architecture-wise, Anger's most prominent attraction is the Castle Fortress of Angers, a massive medieval fortress comprising 17 towers, and featuring a one of a kind tapestry depicting the Apocalypse easily one of the most well-maintained medieval tapestries in existence today. 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. Loire Valley Half Day with Villandry and Azay-le-Rideau Castles from Tours, Tour of a Vineyard, Winery & Cellar with Wine Tasting in Vouvray, Loire Valley, Hot-Air Balloon Ride over the Loire Valley, from Amboise or Chenonceau, Loire Valley Wine Tour in Vouvray and Montlouis, Loire Valley Half Day Wine Tour from City of Tours : 2 wine tastings in Vouvray, Loire Valley Day Tour Chambord and Chenonceau plus Lunch at a Private Castle, Rivau Castle (Chateau du Rivau) Tours & Tickets, Rochemenier Cave Village (Rochemenier Village Troglodytique) Tours & Tickets, Machines of the Isle (Les Machines de L'ile) Tours & Tickets, Chteau des Ducs de Bretagne (Castle of the Dukes of Brittany) Tours & Tickets, Boissire du Dor Zoo (Zoo de la Boissire du Dor) Tours & Tickets, Chteau du Plessis-Bourr Tours & Tickets, Jean Lurat Contemporary Tapestry Museum (Muse Jean-Lurat) Tours & Tickets, Nantes Art Museum (Muse d'Arts de Nantes) Tours & Tickets, Jules Verne Museum (Muse Jules Verne) Tours & Tickets, St. Mark's Basilica (Basilica di San Marco), Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum Tours and Tickets, Pearl Harbor National Memorial Tours and Tickets, Art Institute of Chicago Tours and Tickets, Aquarium of the Pacific Tours and Tickets, Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met) Tours and Tickets. Up to 50% OFF. Visit Nantes and The Machines of the Isle of Nantes, a gallery that recreates the imaginary world of the famous writer Jules Verne. There are more than 1,000 within reach for a day trip. You can choose a starter and a main course, or a main course and a dessert. Like much of France, discotheques (dance clubs) are prevalent in Angers, and offer visitors a variety of electronic dance music to groove to. For more details, click on "Learn more". Things to do in Loire Valley Things to do in Nantes Nantes Tours Questions? If not where should be base? Find the best 7 day tours to Loire Valley with TourRadar. 3/ Puy du Fou. Ready to visit an island monastery, tour a Loire Valley chteau, and enjoy coastal walks? Bring the whole family with these incredible rates on passenger vans in France. Cycle with your family along France's Loire a Vlo The best Half-day Tours in Loire Valley according to Viator travelers are: These Loire Valley experiences are providing additional COVID-19 safety measures: These hidden gems in Loire Valley may have limited interaction with crowds: What are the best Half-day Tours in Loire Valley? Discover Saint-Nazaire and admire its shipyard and the Escal'Atlantic which immerses you in the world of steamships from the beginnings of their gigantic construction to life on board. Free! Password must be 8-16 characters and contain at least one lowercase letter, one uppercase letter, one number and one special character. Our specialist river cruise partners Other highlights include a true-to-scale Roman arena, Viking live action scenes, a flying . Relax and enjoy the sites from the comfort of the passenger seat, as your private driver whisks you away to your destination. Lower Lower: A maritime region called Pays Nantais ("Nantes Country"). Share to: Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email, Your email address will not be published. Chenonceaux, Nantes, St-Nazaire, Ancenis, Bouchemaine, Angers Age Range 1 to 99 year olds Ship MS Loire Princesse Regions Loire Valley, Pays de la Loire, Northern France . Embark on a cruise on the Royal Loire River whose beauty is legendary. Paris - NANTES - SAINT-NAZAIRE - NANTES - ANCENIS - CHALONNES-SUR-LOIRE - The Chteaux of the Loire Valley - ANCENIS - NANTES - Paris. Or 6 Best Day Trips from Nantes - France Today THE TOP 10 Loire Valley E-Bike Tours (UPDATED 2023) - Viator Discover the magic of the Chateaux of the Loire and visit Nantes and its historical treasures. Loire Valley Road Trip: Loire Valley Tour by Car Itinerary - Auto Europe Medieval cobbled streets and the bustle of bars and restaurants are the order of the day in Angers. The closest to Bouchemaine, however, is probably one of the best. Nantes Loire Valley Tour Guide - Trips from Paris But in many circumstances, the wineries of the Loire Valley produce different types of wines including reds, whites, ross and sometimes sparkling or sweet . Behind the tram line, Graslin is a smooth extension of the historic center of the city, along the former arm of the Loire. Can't find it? The Machines of the Isle of Nantes is now the main competitor of the Disneyland amusement park near Paris. Known locally as the Garden of France, the Loire Valley's abundance of vineyards, orchards, and asparagus fields contributes greatly to the restaurant scene, and when coupled with the regions many historic towns and castle attractions, it basically guarantees that travelers of all backgrounds will find something that peaks their interest, and provides an unabated view into French heritage. The very place for metal music : the Hellfest festival, Homepage / Your stay / Practical information / Tours for Groups / Loire valley tours. 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. Nantes Travel Guide and the main attractions. Essential navigation guides, maps and books from publishers Breil and Imray. Loire Valley Escorted Tours | Loire Valley Breaks Near the confluence of the Maine River and the Loire, Angers is one of the lesser-known cities of the Loire Valley. Illumination and illumination. With some of Frances finest and grandest chteaux, world class wine tasting and fascinating history all around, a barge cruise on the Loire River has something to delight and entrance everyone. The former area of the shipyard, the piers and the industrial zone, turned into a huge techno-amusement and recreation park, through the streets of which the giant Big Elephant (Grand lphant) from the stories of Jules Verne walks. View complete description. Best Wineries to Visit in the Loire Valley - Winerist Magazine Visit La Divatte traditional brewery (1: 30 2:00) Both options will include drinks and coffee. Loire Valley, France (Nantes, Tours and Bourges) - GolfWRX How to get there: Drive (1 hour 45 mins). Looking to embark on a different kind of vacation? 01 Jun 2023 00:03:14 Loire Valley Castles Day Trip, Nantes Tours, France is a beautiful bastion of French culture, and an excellent destination to close-out an already fantastic journey. Asian restaurants and Italian pizza, food for every taste. Periodically, festivals and holidays are held at Ponton Belem, old and ancient ships, including medieval ones under sail, moor here. Saumurs rich military history is also on display at the Cavalry Museum and Armor Museum, where you can browse the impressive collections of military uniforms, weapons, and tanks. By the end of the 20th century, Nantes began to experience deindustrialization, reclassifying into the service sector, culture, tourism and entertainment. Feydeau Quarter. Loire Valley Tours Tours, Sightseeing & Cruises How to Get Around E-Bike Tours Questions? This includes an average layover time of around 9 min. The region's rich history contributes significantly to Saumur, as a host of abbeys, chateaus, and castles populate the area, including the famed Chteau de Saumur, the Monsoreau Chateau, and the Abbaye de Fontrevraud - the burial grounds of Eleanor of Aquitane, Richard the Lionheart, and Henry II. Hop on one of the shuttle boats for a short cruise across the port, then stroll around the waterfront or stop for lunch at one of the waterfront restaurantsthe seafood here is as delicious as you might expect. Karma Street is the center of the citys nightlife. Loire valley tours - Visit nantes vineyard Discover Saint-Nazaire and admire its shipyard and the Escal'Atlantic which immerses you in the world of steamships from the beginnings of their gigantic construction to life on board. Perched on a small island off the coast of Normandy, the gravity-defying hilltop monastery of Mont St-Michel is one of Frances most enduring postcard images. Tourist and entertainment techno-center Ponton Belem. Required fields are marked *. The combination of antiquity and interior in a modern style. And lots and lots of music. NANTES - SAINT-NAZAIRE - NANTES - ANCENIS - The Chteaux of the Loire Valley - CHALONNES-SUR-LOIRE- Angers - NANTES. Le Bigoudan - a famous creperie known for its range of unique hard ciders. For travelers eager to sample some of the Vouvray specialty wines, be sure to head over the Domaine Huet vineyard, where for nearly 100 years, the Huet family has been making some of regions most heralded vintages. At the western tip of the Loire River, Nantes has Atlantic beaches, medieval chteaux, and island escapes, all within day-trip distance. Prices : 36/p : With restaurant menu Auberge du Val de Loire - 45 pers. This elevated position offers a magnificent panoramic view of the city and the island of Nantes. from 8:30 to 12:00 am and from 1:30 to 5:30 pm The Florentine genius spent his last years of life in Amboise, in the service of King Francis I. For the ultimate luxury hotel experience, a night at Chateau D'Artigny is in order. Our Loire Valley tours are available between April and October and run for 6 days and 5 nights, with a minimum of 2 guests. We would like to visit some of the great chateaus in the Loire Valley. From Nantes to Sancerre, the Loire Valley vineyards stretch along the majestic river of the same name. A former island in the heart of Nantes overlooking the Loire, contains ancient buildings, parks, a swimming pool and shops. After touring past the many famous Loire Valley chateaus, why not seize the opportunity to stay in one, and live like a king (or queen!) Famous for its rich cultural, hisoric and natural heritage, aLoire Valley cruise is also ideal todiscoverAngers, the capital of historic Anjou,and situated along theflowered coast. Theyll be delighted to tell you more and find you your perfect river cruise on the Loire. The nightlife scene, like in many other small French cities, is expectably quiet, though discotheques and clubs are available; the party lifestyle surrounding such establishments is fairly controlled. Just east of Tours is the Vouvray commune in the Loire Valley, famous for its Chenin Blanc grape varietals, and crafting sweet desert wines, and dry sparkling wines. 145km (90 miles); 2-3 days Combining emblematic wines with picturesque landscapes, this road trip passes white tufa (limestone) villages overhanging the Loire and vineyards rolling out as far as the eye can see. We currently dont have any scheduled dates for this activity. How to get there: Drive (1 hour 40 minutes) or take the train (1 hour 3 minutes). Tours is packed with amazing old-world architecture, top-tier wine tasting opportunities, and comprehensive retail offerings for the shopping lover in all of us. Dont miss: A walking tour of the historic town. Up to 20% discounts for private charter or book by cabin luxury cruises, Save 5% to 50% per week on boats and destinations throughout France, Up to 20% off high-quality fleet cruises on the major rivers of France. Serbie-Kosovo, l'autre dossier brlant des Europens aprs l'Ukraine I want to travel in a maximum group size of up to: Copyright TourRadar. If you cancel 48 hours before the activity starts, we will refund you 50%. PRICES AND DATES. The small sandy beach fills up quickly whenever the sun comes out, but the biggest draw is the coastal hiking trail, which runs all the way along the coast, linking the many beaches and resort towns. Congratulations! A: The best Half-day Tours in Loire Valley according to Viator travelers are: Loire Valley Half Day with Villandry and Azay-le-Rideau Castles from Tours. The history of the city is connected with Brittany. I want to travel in a maximum group size of up to: Copyright TourRadar. Since that time, there are still strong communist sentiments here and a popular front has been active, since after the industrialization of the city, many shipyard workers live here. Explore Saint-Nazaire where you can admire the shipyard where the Queen Mary II was built. 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. Tours, the largest city in the area, will offer beautiful views of the Old Town and over the river. Once the seat of the Dukes of Brittany, you can explore their impressive castle, the Chateau des ducs de Bretagne, the citys charming medieval quarter and one of the tallest cathedrals in France. Deadline: June 6, 2023 https://buff.ly/3Eow5ud . General terms and conditions of sales 2023, CroisiMag - April 2023 | News from the bridge, CroisiMag March 2023 | News from the bridge, CroisiMag - February 2023 | News from the Bridge, CroisiMag - January 2023 | News from the Bridge. Water, lights, trees. Behind the seaport, from where sea excursions begin, a long gallery of local vegetation, various types of plants, has been built. maximum) or the winetasting tour to lAuberdire wine property (30 pers. Taste all the specialities of The Loire banks during a whole day trip for you group. Later, the Breton capital was moved to the Rhine, but Nantes still remained a major commercial and industrial city. What Half-day Tours in Loire Valley are good for avoiding crowds? There is not only wine in the Nantes vineyard, there is also beer! For a smaller French town, Angers is surprisingly accommodating in the lodging department, and a variety of hotel offerings are available. Typically 70 services run weekly, although weekend and holiday schedules can vary so . Bouchemaine is the gateway to the fabled Chateaux of the Loire Valley. Oh yeah, entry to the gardens is free, seven days a week. We have 5 tours that range from 5 days up to 6 days. Let Auto Europe help you plan a one-of-a-kind France road trip through the Loire Valley. Our exclusive itinerary will also take you to the heart of France's culinary heritage with a tour of theMuscadet regionknown for thewines of the Loire. This site is reCAPTCHA protected and Google's privacy policy and terms of service apply. Regardless what time of year you find yourself in Saumur, be sure to sample the local wines, and mushrooms - a regional specialty. Please contact us :+00 (0) 2 40 54 24 22. As you depart Saumur and head for Tours, stick to the D952 once again. Chaumont-sur-Loire: Domaine of Chaumont Skip-the-Line Ticket. and coffee, the tour to the brewery (50 pers. Whether you are eager to sample the regions famous wine vintages, or eager to explore ancient ruins, this detailed itinerary will serve as your guide, making sure to lead you to the best Loire Valley wine tours, castles, and hotels - guaranteeing a memorable and exciting vacation in France. An important gourmet detour to learn about the riches of the territory. The northeastern end of this place passes into the Erdre, a tributary of the Loire and into the water channel, from where river excursions in the surroundings begin. From Tuesday to Friday. 10:30am Wine tasting tour at lAuberdire wine property (1: 30) Thats not to mention the glorious riverside boulevards, top class restaurants, lively bars and cultural attractions. 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. Morning Villandry & Azay-le-Rideau chteaux - Morning Enjoy the famous French Art de Vivre with this delightful morning including the visit of the elegant chateau of Azay-le-Rideau and the Chateau de Villandry and its unique gardens. Admire the views as you follow the scenic cliff-top trail or climb down into the rocky coves to swim or stretch out on the sand. 10 Best Loire Valley Tours & Trips 2023/2024 at Panache Cruises My question is would Nantes be a good place to base ourselves to do this ? From a single day tour to a 5 day escapade or more Our itineraries are crafted to give you the very best of the Loire Valley. 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 Europes largest ship yard to explore. Therefore, below we present the main areas of Nantes and local attractions that are worth seeing with a guide or on your own. On the hill is the Jules Verne Museum, and on the embankment near the port is the Naval Museum and the real warship of the French Navy Maille Breze. Visit a hop field with explanations on the cultivation of this climbing plant. You've made it to Angers from Nantes, and day two of your epic journey through the Loire Valley and all its incredible sites, has officially begun. In its most characteristic stretch, from the hills of Sancerre to the city of Angers, it flows past an extraordinary parade of regal chteaux, majestic palaces and sweeping vineyards; unsurprisingly, when it came to choosing which should be awarded the title of World Heritage Site, UNESCO bestowed the label on the entire valley. If fancy hotels aren't really your cup-of-tea, don't fret - Nantes has an epic selection of hotel choices, possible to accommodate the needs and wants of any traveler. The Great French Revolution in the Battle of Nantes in 1793 made it the capital of the Vende uprising. This 230-km trail follows the River Loire past majestic chateaux, wild islands . Loire Valley castles & museums Travel guide and tips, Nantes City evening, the Castle (Loire Valley sightseeing tour). What Half-day Tours in Loire Valley are taking additional safety precautions? Randovelo Loire Valley : 23 cycling tour (s) Also called "le Jardin de la France" (France's garden), the Loire Valley is a UNESCO world heritage site. Angers' imposing medieval castle stands sentry over the riverfrontclimb the ramparts for a view over the Old Town, then head inside to admire the magnificent Tapestry of the Apocalypse. Rising in the Massif Central, the Loire River is Frances longest waterway, winding its way over 630 miles to the Atlantic coast at Saint-Nazaire. 82T Leve du Roi Ren Saint-Mathurin-sur-Loire 49250 LOIRE AUTHION - FRANCE (+33) 9 83 84 49 35. contact[@]loiresecrets.com They can be customized to fit your own needs. An experience you will never forget ! Loire Valley Private Tours, France | Loire Secrets Travel Beloved by Impressionist painter Renoir, this idyllic island juts into the ocean off the Venden coast and is fringed with sandy beaches, salt marshes, and lush pine forests. Musee Jules Vernes houses replicas . Most of the buildings belonged to ship owners. Here are monuments to King Louis XVI and the heroes of the First World War, the Walk of Fame and memorials. sustainable development. french-waterways.com (founded 2003) is independent and impartial. Near the confluence of the Maine River and the Loire, Angers is one of the lesser-known cities of the Loire Valley. When comparing France's regions for their travel and vacation potential, the Loire Valley stands out as a premier destination for a fully-immersive experience of French culture, ranging from ancient architecture, to meticulously crafted culinary genius. Luneau welcomes you for a tour and an explanations on their production method river cruise in France. Far from the center of Nantes, best accessed by taxi or guided car if Nantes is included in the Loire Valley Tours. Commonly described as the "heart" of the Loire Valley, Saumur is famous for its world-renowned wines, and an immaculately preserved 10th century chateau overlooking the Loire River - the Chteau de Saumur. The Loire can be divided into 4 main areas. Prepare to be amazed as you (re)discover Puy du Fou, the award-winning theme park dedicated to history and fantasy! Old town and tourist center. Up to 50% OFF. There are thousands of years of winemaking heritage in this gorgeous UNESCO World Heritage Site, and as a result the Loire Valley's four key sub-regions (Nantes, Anjou-Saumur . Visit the Loire Valley vineyards - wine tourism The presence of a large island in the center of the city and sufficient depth of the river made it possible to engage in shipbuilding. First stop is the hilltop Chteau de Saumur, where youll be rewarded with a magnificent view along the Loire River. Check out our favourite best films set in France and see if you agree! Loire Valley Tours | RiverLoire After lunch, we'll go to the famous royal castle of Amboise. Afterwards, head down through the cobbled lanes of the Old Town, with its half-timbered buildings and atmospheric terrace cafs. The Loire River is the largest river in France; its waters serve as the lifeblood for surrounding vineyards and villages, affording those who travel along its banks a glimpse into a rarely seen view of France, a view unfettered by touristy post-cards, and Eiffel Tower photo ops.