Burgundy, the Loire, the Nivernais: these names are enough to start dreaming. It is an intimate and rich houseboat cruise that will take you to sail on the rivers and canals of the most beautiful French regions. On its banks you will meet imposing castles, ancient villages and cities of medieval origin, but also wide valleys with woods, meadows and vineyards. The fascinating Canal du Nivernais, Canal Lateral à la Loire and Canal de Bourgogne allow access to some of the most beautiful French sailing areas. Sail along these canals to discover France on a houseboat without the need for a skipper, you can take the boat independently!
| DEPARTURE BASE | Fontenoy-le-Château, France |
| OTHER DEPARTURE BASES |
Saint-Jean-De-Losne, France
Branges, France
|
| DEPARTURE TIME | Check-in at 5:00 pm on Saturday - Check-out at 9:00 pm on the following Saturday |
Included services
Houseboat
Practical trial of navigation
Bed linen and towels
Custom route
Technical support
Locks tolls
Not included services
Transfers to/from the Marina
Food and beverage
Harbour and buoy fees
Local tax
Final cleaning (from €130)
Fuel (approx. €150)
|
|
| SERVIZI OPZIONALI |
Bicycles
Deposit insurance
Travel insurance
|
| PRICES |
From €1.759 per houseboat. |
| CRUISE SUGGESTIONS |
Migennes - Sens - Joigny - Migennes Decize - La Charité sur Loira - Decize |
Additional information
| Language | International crew and guests |
|---|---|
| Class | Houseboat |
| Product ID | 313 |
Loira and Nivernais, France ID 313 View More
This is an example itinerary suggested by the BeBlue skippers who are experts in the navigation area. The route can be planned on the needs of the group before departure or during navigation.
Day 1: Check-in
Check-in available in the afternoon at the Charter offices in the Embarkation Marina. After finishing the quick procedures of taking over the boat (technical check-in) and boarding the galley, you can enjoy an aperitif and dinner near the Marina or alternatively set sail immediately and enjoy the first sailing.
Day 2
We are now far from Decize, with its ruins and the beautiful church of Saint-Aré, and are approaching Gannay-sur-Loire, an important port in times gone by. Strolling through its streets, you can admire beautiful 17th-century houses including the so-named Bardets, famous for its colourful bricks. It is also worth visiting the famous Boucard ceramics, where all kinds of objects are produced: animal sculptures, vases and much more.
Day 3
The third day is dedicated to sailing from Gannay to Digoin, far to the south along the course of the Loire. During this day, you can totally relax and immerse yourself in the lush, green vegetation of its banks or scan the horizon at the end of the endless grazing fields as you glide gently over the water to your next stop.
Day 4
Disembarkation at Digoin. Situated on the Loire River at the confluence of the Arroux and the Bourbince, this town is inextricably linked to its rivers. Thanks to its location, it has been an important trading town since the Middle Ages. Explore its streets and immerse yourself in the timeless atmosphere that the buildings from medieval to modern times have to offer. Treat yourself to some delicacies from the local cuisine, it's worth it!
Day 5
Finish your trip in Paray-le-Monial, a pretty, picturesque village where you can take a relaxing stroll through the winding streets to discover the village's treasures, such as the basilica du Sacré-Cœur and the splendid town hall. Place Lamartine is also worth a look.
Day 6
The day is devoted to sailing back to the port of departure. Drive north along the river and past Digoin, take advantage of this for a last tour of the town if you wish.
Day 7
For your last day, stop to visit the small town of Dompierre-sur-Besbre, situated on a hill above the port. Although small, it stands out for the beauty of its squares and boulevards where you can rediscover the colonial style. The cafés and restaurants dotted around the centre are perfect for having a drink sitting comfortably on a terrace with a picturesque view of the canal.
Day 8: Check-out
Disembarkation is scheduled in the early morning after breakfast.
The itinerary may be subject to variations based on weather conditions, safety conditions and the technical assessments of the captain of the boat. This program is intended as indicative and not binding.
Burgundy, Nivernais and Loire, France - ID 313 View More
Day 1: Check-in
Check-in available on Saturday afternoon from 17:00 at the base of Chatillon sur Loire, where you will enjoy a short walk on the medieval cobblestones to discover the ruins of the castle and the ancient houses of the winemakers. It is located near Briare, a town that has the most famous of the works reserved for inland navigation, the Canal Bridge, the longest in Europe designed by G. Eiffel, the man who built the Eiffel Tower.
Day 2
Beginning your southbound voyage, moor at St-Satur to visit Ménétréol, with its half-timbered houses and typical winegrowers' houses, and Sancerre, a medieval village built around its castle, from where you can admire the vineyard landscapes and taste its famous wine Le Blanc de Sancerre.
Day 3
Another exciting day awaits you! Take your bicycles and visit the unmissable centre of Charité sur Loire, where you will find a multitude of booksellers. Be amazed by its magnificent Romanesque church, an important pilgrimage destination. Then a small diversion by canal will bring you to the gates of Nevers, a city of noble medieval origins where there are many and, above all, very interesting sights to see, such as the cathedral and the Palais Ducal, the historical residence of the Dukes of Nevers, with its spectacular Renaissance façade, and the old pottery quarter.
Day 4
The navigation then takes you to Chevenon, where you can admire the magnificent medieval fortress. To do something different, you can visit (12 km from the city) the Magny-Cours Circuit, where Formula 1 fans will love visiting the museum with its exceptional collection of cars, the Formula 1 simulator and an outdoor go-kart track.
Day 5
Your next stop is Decize, situated at the crossroads of waterways. A town rich in history, here you can see the ancient fortified walls and castle ruins. Also worth visiting are the Romanesque Church of St. Aré and the town hall square with its clock tower. You will then start your ascent up the Canal du Nivernais with a stop at Cercy la Tour, from whose tower you will be able to admire the beautiful landscape that surrounds you.
Day 6
Your navigation continues to Chatillon en Bazois, a large town where you cannot miss the Chatillon Castle, one of the oldest castles belonging to the Count of Nevers, dating back to the 12th century.
Day 7
Your journey then ends in Tannay, a small fortified village on the Yonne Valley, with a series of towers jutting out over the rooftops. In the heart of the village you will find Les Caves Tannaysiennes, where you can buy a bottle of the region's delicious wine.
Day 8: Check-out
Check-out is scheduled in the morning by 09:00.
The itinerary may be subject to variations based on safety weather conditions and the technical assessments of the captain of the boat. This program is intended as indicative and not binding.
CLASS: HOUSEBOAT - MAGNIFIQUE
The Magnifique has four very comfortable cabins. Two rear cabins with two single beds that can be converted into a double bed, each with a bathroom and shower. Two front double cabins share a bathroom and a separate shower stall. The interior saloon is very spacious and suitable for large groups also for dining inside. It can be converted into a large double bed. The kitchen is very spacious and is equipped with 2 large 120L fridges, hob with cooker, oven and grill, microwave and storage space.
The large upper deck is covered by the bimini and offers plenty of seating around a table ideal for al fresco dining. A refrigerator for drinks is located outside. For those who enjoy swimming, the back of the boat provides easy access to the water via a special platform and ladder.
Technical sheet:
| Type | Houseboat |
|---|---|
| Model | Magnifique |
| Length | 14.50 m |
| Beam | 4.10 m |
| Bow thruster | Yes |
| Cabins | 4 double + dinette |
| Berths | 8 + 2 dinette |
| WC/Showers | 3 |
| Water tank | 1.000 lt |
CLASS: HOUSEBOAT - MINUETTO 6+
All cabins on the Minuetto are equipped with very comfortable beds. Two out of three have beds that can be converted into singles or doubles, while the forward cabin has a double bed. All cabins are equipped with ventilation, heating, and electrical outlets. Each bathroom has a sink, electric toilet, 220v sockets and a separate shower area. The large interior saloon with convertible dinette allows for two more comfortable berths.
The large upper deck can comfortably accommodate the entire crew. The helm station and relaxation area can be covered by the bimini (folding canopy/tent) to shelter from the sun. Two large sundecks are ideal for those who like to sunbathe. Rear platform for entering the water. This houseboat is equipped to accommodate wheelchair users on board.
Technical sheet:
| Type | Houseboat |
|---|---|
| Model | Minuetto 6+ |
| Length | 13.50 m |
| Beam | 4.10 m |
| Bow thruster | Yes |
| Cabins | 3 double + dinette |
| Berths | 6 + 2 dinette |
| WC/Showers | 2 |
| Water tank | 920 lt |
| Extra | Available for wheelchairs (on request) |
BeBlue reserves the right to substitute the boat presented in the catalog ( or not included in the catalog ) with another boat of similar class and characteristics.
