River Cruises in Loire Valley
4.5 stars on(8,099 reviews)- Choose from 10 Loire Valley tours
- 6 verified reviews from TourRadar travelers
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10 best river cruise Loire Valley tours
Compiled by
MelissaLoire Valley travel expert at TourRadar
- From the Châteaux of Chambord and Chenonceau to the Loire Valley (10 destinations)
- From the Châteaux of Chambord and Chenonceau to the Loire Valley (7 destinations)
- Christmas on the Loire (port-to-port cruise)
- Christmas on the Loire
- The Loire Valley, a Royal legacy (port-to-port cruise) (7 destinations)
- The Loire Valley, a Royal legacy
- Royal New Year cruise on the Loire (port-to-port cruise)
- Châteaux of the Loire Valley Chambord and Chenonceau and Cruise on the Royal Loire River (port-to-port cruise)
- The Wild, Majestic Loire River
- The Loire Valley, a Royal legacy (port-to-port cruise) (8 destinations)
From the Châteaux of Chambord and Chenonceau to the Loire Valley (10 destinations)
1 Review by TourRadar travelers
The magnificent MS Loire Princesse sails the Loire River to medieval Château d'Angers, home of the famous Apocalypse Tapestry. Wine tasting beckons at Château Cassemichère, followed by tours of Clisson's 15th-century ruins and Bouchemaine's scenic riverbanks. The 7-day journey features evening entertainment and gourmet French cuisine.
Duration 7 days Destinations Paris, Chambord, Chenonceaux, Nantes, St-Nazaire, Ancenis, Bouchemaine, Angers Age Range up to 99 year olds Ship MS Loire Princesse Operator CroisiEurope River Cruises From
- NZ$6,827
From the Châteaux of Chambord and Chenonceau to the Loire Valley (7 destinations)
1 Review by TourRadar travelers
The MS Loire Princesse glides through the royal Loire Valley, showcasing legendary châteaux including Chambord and Chenonceau. Wine tasting awaits at Château de Brissac, home to France's tallest castle facades. Regional performances and a gala dinner provide evening entertainment.
Duration 7 days Destinations Paris, Nantes, St-Nazaire, Ancenis, Bouchemaine, Angers Age Range up to 99 year olds Ship MS Loire Princesse Operator CroisiEurope River Cruises From
- NZ$4,311
Christmas on the Loire (port-to-port cruise)
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“Amazing food and service, overall good value.”
Linda, traveled in December
MS Loire Princesse welcomes guests through the Loire Valley to Château d'Azay-le-Rideau and Chinon's wine cellars. Luxury river travel includes gourmet dining, regional wines, and guided château tours. Christmas celebrations and exclusive access to historic sites enhance the journey.
Duration 6 days Destinations Nantes, St-Nazaire, Ancenis, La Chapelle-Heulin, Clisson, Bouchemaine, Angers, Azay-le-Rideau, Chinon Age Range up to 99 year olds Ship MS Loire Princesse River Loire Operator CroisiEurope River Cruises From
- NZ$2,236
The majestic MS Loire Princesse flows through the Loire Valley's waterways to Château d'Azay-le-Rideau and Chinon's wine cellars. Christmas Eve dinner delights guests alongside regional wine tastings and guided tours of medieval castles. Comfortable cabins offer panoramic river views.
Duration 6 days Destinations Nantes, St-Nazaire, Ancenis, Angers, Bouchemaine, Azay-le-Rideau, Chinon Age Range up to 99 year olds Ship MS Loire Princesse River Loire Operator CroisiEurope River Cruises From
- NZ$3,399
MS Loire Princesse carries visitors along the royal Loire Valley, showcasing Nantes' Machines of the Isle and Saint-Nazaire's Escal'Atlantic museum. Medieval Clisson reveals its charms along the Muscadet Wine Route, while optional helicopter tours provide aerial château views. Gourmet dining and regional wines complete the experience.
Duration 5 days Destinations Nantes, St-Nazaire, Ancenis, Bouchemaine, Angers Age Range 1 to 99 year olds Ship MS Loire Princesse River Loire Operator CroisiEurope River Cruises From $2,357
20% Off- NZ$1,886You save $471
The scenic Loire Valley unfolds aboard MS Loire Princesse with its panoramic cabin views. Highlights include Escal'Atlantic museum, medieval Clisson on Muscadet Wine Route, and tours of magnificent châteaux. This 5-day adventure features French cuisine and evening entertainment.
Duration 5 days Destinations Nantes, St-Nazaire, Ancenis, Bouchemaine, Angers Age Range up to 99 year olds Ship MS Loire Princesse River Loire Operator CroisiEurope River Cruises From
20% Off- NZ$3,639
The MS Loire Princesse sails through Loire Valley's historic waterways, stopping at Château d'Azay-le-Rideau and Chinon's vineyards. Guests savor wine tastings and tour the Castle of the Dukes of Brittany. A special New Year's Eve celebration highlights the cruise to Chalonnes-sur-Loire.
Duration 6 days Destinations Nantes, St-Nazaire, Ancenis, Chinon, Bouchemaine, Angers Age Range 1 to 99 year olds Ship MS Loire Princesse Operator CroisiEurope River Cruises From
20% Off- NZ$2,750
Châteaux of the Loire Valley Chambord and Chenonceau and Cruise on the Royal Loire River (port-to-port cruise)
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“Life on board is excellent, the Croisi Europe crew is very good, but I would not recommend this specific (Loire River) cruise to any friend.”
Junia, traveled in October
MS Loire Princesse carries passengers along the Royal Loire to the region's finest châteaux. The journey features Muscadet wine tasting at Château Cassemichère, visits to Villandry's three-tiered gardens, and scenic sailing past riverside landscapes with gourmet meals and drinks included.
No departure dates availableDuration 7 days Destinations Paris, Chambord, Chenonceaux, Nantes, St-Nazaire, Ancenis, Bouchemaine, Angers Age Range up to 99 year olds Ship MS Loire Princesse River Loire Operator CroisiEurope River Cruises 
MS Loire Princesse charts a course through the Loire Valley, stopping at the prestigious Cadre Noir riding school and enchanting Château d'Ussé. French cuisine delights passengers between Nantes and Chalonnes-sur-Loire, while experts guide tours of medieval fortresses and Renaissance châteaux.
No departure dates availableDuration 5 days Destinations Nantes, Ancenis, Angers, Saumur, Brittany Age Range up to 99 year olds Ship MS Vivaldi River Loire Operator CroisiEurope River Cruises The Loire Valley, a Royal legacy (port-to-port cruise) (8 destinations)
1 Review by TourRadar travelers
MS Loire Princesse takes guests through the Loire Valley, featuring visits to Brissac Castle and Muscadet vineyards. The six-day river journey combines wine tasting, gourmet French cuisine, and tours of Nantes' Jules Verne-inspired attractions.
Duration 6 days Destinations Nantes, St-Nazaire, Ancenis, Bouchemaine, Angers Age Range up to 99 year olds Ship MS Loire Princesse Operator CroisiEurope River Cruises From
20% Off- NZ$2,798
What our customers ask about River Cruises in Loire Valley
How long are typical Loire Valley river cruises and what is the itinerary structure?
Loire Valley river cruises run 5-7 days with most journeys beginning and ending in Nantes. The MS Loire Princesse takes travelers through key destinations like Saint-Nazaire Ancenis and Bouchemaine offering daily trips to the region's châteaux and historic landmarks. Some packages extend to Paris with stays at select hotels such as Villa Montparnasse. As one TourRadar traveler notes "The 6-day cruise provided a perfect balance of river sailing and château visits though actual cruising time was limited by river conditions."
What are the main highlights and attractions visited during a Loire Valley River Cruise?
A Loire Valley river cruise takes you to celebrated landmarks including the grand Château de Chambord the elegant Château de Chenonceau and Nantes' creative Machines de l'île. Ships like the MS Loire Princesse dock at medieval towns including Ancenis and Saint-Nazaire. Visitors can see the renowned Cadre Noir equestrian school in Saumur and explore Château d'Ussé which gave life to Charles Perrault's "Sleeping Beauty." A TourRadar traveler shares "The food and service were amazing though river conditions can affect sailing times in Nantes."
When is the best time to take a Loire Valley river cruise?
Loire Valley cruises operate from April through October each period bringing its own character to the journey. Spring months reveal castle gardens in full bloom while summer offers ideal temperatures for exploring sites like Château d'Azay-le-Rideau and Villandry Gardens. Fall brings the excitement of wine harvests particularly in the Muscadet region. One TourRadar traveler notes "The autumn weather was perfect for exploring both the river and châteaux though water levels can affect cruising times."
What shore excursions are available during Loire Valley river cruises?
The excursions span from château explorations to wine experiences. Visitors can tour the Saint-Nazaire shipyards explore the Escal'Atlantic ocean liner museum and walk through medieval towns like Clisson. Some tours offer helicopter rides above the Loire Valley or boat trips on the Erdre River. Added options include visits to Nantes' Machines de l'île and Angers' castle housing the Apocalypse Tapestry. TourRadar reviews confirm the excursions provide "excellent variety and historical insight."
What transportation options are available to and from the cruise?
Nantes serves as the main hub for Loire Valley cruises with coach transfers available from Paris. All planned excursions include transportation using comfortable coaches for château visits and local tours. Some trips starting in Paris include stays at 3-4 star hotels like Villa Montparnasse with transfers to the ship. A TourRadar traveler confirms "The transfer arrangements were well-organized though it's important to book Paris transfers in advance."
What is included in the dining experience on Loire Valley river cruises?
The dining program features French cuisine and local specialties. Aboard the MS Loire Princesse guests enjoy breakfast buffets multi-course lunches and dinners plus welcome drinks and gala events. Most beverages during meals and at the bar come included except premium selections. Special activities feature wine tastings at venues like Château Cassemichère in Muscadet. According to a TourRadar traveler "Amazing food and service the dining experience rated 5/5 throughout the journey."