8 Day Brittany and Loire Valley Cruise on Loire Princess Paddleboat
NANTES - VANNES - QUIBERON - CARNAC - AURAY - VANNES - NANTES - SAINT-NAZAIRE - NANTES - ANCENIS - CHALONNES-SUR-LOIRE - THE CHATEAUX OF THE LOIRE VALLEY - ANCENIS - NANTES
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Villandry Chateau
Begin your vacation with an exclusive three-day trip through Brittany, a proud French region with a more-than-thousand-year-old heritage that has spread its influence across the area. From the prehistoric megaliths in Carnac to the wave-beaten coasts of the Quiberon Peninsula, set off on a journey through a stunning region shaped by humans and nature alike. Top off your Breton experience with breakfast and a visit to Auray, a charming village on the Gulf of Morbihan. Then climb aboard for a cruise on the Loire, the royal river with legendary scenery.
DAY 1: NANTES - VANNES
Our coach will pick you up at the Nantes train station at 3 p.m. or the Nantes Atlantique Airport at 3:30 p.m. to begin the trip through Brittany. We'll arrive in Vannes at the end of the afternoon, where you'll check into the four-star hotel* for dinner and the night.*
.DAY 2: VANNES - QUIBERON - CARNAC - AURAY - VANNES
Breakfast will be served at the hotel.
Included excursion in the morning: The wild coastline of Quiberon. This panoramic tour introduces you to the Quiberon Peninsula by taking you along spectacular coastal roads dotted with quaint seaside towns and sweeping ocean views to the tip of the peninsula, known as Conguel Point. You'll discover the city of Quiberon and pass in front of the first French thalassotherapy center created by Louison Bobet in 1964.
Enjoy lunch in Quiberon.
In the afternoon, join us for an included guided tour of the prehistoric ruins in Carnac. The beautiful seaside city of Carnac is home to several fields of prehistoric stone alignments containing over 3,000 megaliths. The area is one of the world's most important standing stone concentrations, erected between 7,000 and 5,000 years ago. Your guide will explain all the theories surrounding this mystery, and you'll be able to visit the alignments up close.
Before we return to the hotel, enjoy some free time in Auray. Explore the Saint-Goustan fishing port in this charming, typically Breton village.
We'll return to Vannes for dinner and the night.
DAY 3: VANNES - NANTES - SAINT-NAZAIRE
Breakfast will be served at the hotel.
This morning, the included excursion is a guided tour of Vannes. Discover the medieval city of Vannes and its fortifications during an urban stroll. Our tour guide will recount the city's history within the confines of the old city walls. This is a great way to learn about the beautiful medieval and Renaissance-style architecture. Your tour will bring you to the Jardin des Remparts, ancient washhouses, Poterne Gate, and Connetable Tower. Step back in time while sauntering through the narrow streets lined with half-timbered homes.
We'll enjoy lunch in an authentic creperie. Buckwheat crepes are part of the region's deep heritage. Take part in a genuine cultural experience with a crepe and a bowl of hard cider.
After our visit, we'll leave by coach for Nantes, where you'll board our ship at 6 p.m. After comfortably settling into your cabins, we'll introduce our crew at a welcome cocktail. Our ship will begin to cruise towards Saint-Nazaire.
DAY 4: SAINT-NAZAIRE - NANTES
This morning, join us for the optional excursions for both package: tour of Saint Nazaire, a town on the sea. We'll visit Escal'Atlantic,?a museum that explores the historic ocean liner experience, and the Saint-Nazaire shipyard, one of the largest shipyards in Europe (this excursion must be booked in advance through your travel agency. Each passenger will be asked to produce a valid passport in order to gain access to the shipyard).
In the evening, join us on an optional excursion for both packages: we'll board a local boat for a cruise on the Erdre River, one of the most beautiful in France.
DAY 5: NANTES - ANCENIS
This morning, join us for the optional excursions proposed :
CLASSIC : Guided tour of Nantes and the Castle of the Dukes of Brittany.
DISCOVERY: Nantes, the Machines de l'le(3), secret courtyards and covered passageways.
This afternoon, join us for the optional excursions proposed :
CLASSIC : The Muscadet Wine Route and Clisson, a charming medieval town.
DISCOVERY: Helicopter ride(2), the Loire from above (this excursion must be booked in advance through your travel agency).
DAY 6: ANCENIS - CHALONNES-SUR-LOIRE - ANGERS(1)
We'll cruise towards Chalonnes-sur-Loire. Join us for the optional excursions proposed:
CLASSIC: Guided tour of Angers, its historic districts and the famous Apocalypse tapestry(5).
DISCOVERY: Tour of Brissac castle(4) and its cellars complete with a wine-tasting session.
Enjoy an evening of entertainment.
DAY 7: CHALONNES-SUR-LOIRE - THE CHATEAUX OF THE LOIRE VALLEY - ANCENIS
Join us on a full-day included excursion for both packages to discover the Castles of the Loire Valley. We'll return on board in Ancenis. Tonight's our gala dinner and evening. Our ship will start sailing towards Nantes.
DAY 8: NANTES
Enjoy one last buffet breakfast before disembarking at 10:00 a.m. End of our services.
(1) Optional excursions.
(2) Guided visits do not guarantee that you will see the riders and horses at work during the visit, particularly if the Cadre Noir de Saumur is away, or during competitions.
**Please note that this is a bi-lingual ship with information provided in both English and French, and an international cruise host on board.**
For reasons of navigation and passenger safety, the Captain of the ship reserve the right to modify the itinerary of the cruise.
There might not be any other english speaking guests on these dates.
2025 RATES:
Departure |
Ship |
Main Deck |
Upper Deck |
|---|---|---|---|
| 28-Apr-25 | Loire Princess | $2,574 | $2,880 |
| 22-Jun-25 | Loire Princess | $2,806 | $3,113 |
| 31-Jul-25 | Loire Princess | $2,574 | $2,880 |
| 14-Sep-25 | Loire Princess | $2,806 | $3,113 |
| 9-Oct-25 | Loire Princess | $2,806 | $3,113 |
Prices Include: Full board cruise from dinner of the first day to breakfast of the last day in a double cabin with showers and toilets, welcome drink, entertainment, the excursion to the Castles of the Loire, the Captain's evening, the assistance of our hostess on board, and port taxes. DRINKS PACKAGE INCLUDED - Soft Drinks, as well as tea and coffee specialties, Beer, sparkling white wine, Cremant and Prosecco (in a glass), as well as open wines and daily recommendations from the wine menu (by the glass), Cocktails and long drinks throughout the day and evening.
Prices Do Not Include: Drinks, not listed above, insurance and optional excursions.
