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With over 50 years of experience and expertise, we're passionate about providing unbeatable vacations on the water.
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World’s largest fleet
We have more river and canal boats available than any other operator, available to hire between April and October. Our wide range of boats sleeps between 2-12 people.
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No boat license required
That's right! You can rent and captain your own boat for a short break (3 nights minimum), a week or longer. We'll show you everything you need to know before you set off.
  • Book Now! Pay Later
    Take advantage of our low deposits and secure your boating vacation today with just a 25% deposit. 2nd payment (up to 50%) is due by December 31st, 2024. Balance due 90 days before departure.
  • Gold Trusted Service Award
    Gold Trusted Service Award
    Awarded by Feefo, which independently collects reviews from our customers, the award recognizes businesses that consistently deliver a world-class customer experience.
  • rozet badge
    Boating expertise since 1969
    With over 50 years of experience and expertise, we're passionate about providing unbeatable vacations on the water.
  • Boat
    World’s largest fleet
    We have more river and canal boats available than any other operator, available to hire between April and October. Our wide range of boats sleeps between 2-12 people.
  • Buoy
    No boat license required
    That's right! You can rent and captain your own boat for a short break (3 nights minimum), a week or longer. We'll show you everything you need to know before you set off.
  • Book Now! Pay Later
    Take advantage of our low deposits and secure your boating vacation today with just a 25% deposit. 2nd payment (up to 50%) is due by December 31st, 2024. Balance due 90 days before departure.
  • Gold Trusted Service Award
    Gold Trusted Service Award
    Awarded by Feefo, which independently collects reviews from our customers, the award recognizes businesses that consistently deliver a world-class customer experience.
  • rozet badge
    Boating expertise since 1969
    With over 50 years of experience and expertise, we're passionate about providing unbeatable vacations on the water.
  • Boat
    World’s largest fleet
    We have more river and canal boats available than any other operator, available to hire between April and October. Our wide range of boats sleeps between 2-12 people.
  • Buoy
    No boat license required
    That's right! You can rent and captain your own boat for a short break (3 nights minimum), a week or longer. We'll show you everything you need to know before you set off.
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Blog
/Loire River Cruising Chatillon Decize

The Loire Valley: Cruising from Chatillon to Decize

Le Boat
July 29, 2019

Our sales and marketing support Nicci, recently went on her first Le Boat trip in June. Along with other members from the Le Boat global sales team, she got to cruise on the Grand Classique along the popular Loire River. The route was from Chatillon sur Loire to Decize, a popular trip with our South African customers. Let’s discover the Loire along its waterways filled with charming villages, spell-binding scenery and good wine!

 

Wine tasting

Our first stop was Sancerre, a popular wine producing region with many farms to visit and sample the produce. My personal favourite was the pinot noir and I highly recommend spending a day here for our wine-loving South Africans.

 

sancerre wine tasting

 

 

Mooring into Montilinard

We moored into La Chapelle which is a 2km cycle from the main town called La Charite. La Charite is really pretty and its quirky little rooftops reminded me of the cityscape in the Mary Poppins movie. There’s also a karaoke bar for those interested in a night out!

 

la charite loire valley

Apremont

We moored nearby one of the most beautiful bridges, the Pont Canal de Guetin a large Romanesque style bridge reaching across the Loire River. The nearest town, Apremont, lies 6 km in from the mooring area and it is absolutely beautiful. It was voted one of the top 10 most beautiful towns in France. An old castle fort looms over the valley and further in you can find a classic French chateau near the riverbank.

 

apremont loire valley

 

The Big Lock

A challenge we all experience when canal barging…are locks! Narrow gates along the waterways to deliver us safely onto the next part of our journey. At Vers Marseilles le Aubigny, we encountered a double lock before venturing into Nevers. Nevers is a big town and a great place to spend your last day before handing in your boat at the base in Decize. Nevers has plenty of outdoor attractions in the summer which will delight the kids or young at heart.

 

big log loire valley

 

My first barging trip with Le Boat was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. Cruising itself is incredibly relaxing and the work we all do on board help bring you and the team closer. I can’t wait to do my next Le Boat trip!

 

Happy boating!

Nicci

Sales and marketing support at Le Boat SA

 

Barge the Loire Valley today