River Cruises in Loire Valley
Explore a wide diversity of river cruises through Loire Valley. We have 12 cruises that vary from 5 days to 8 days. With the greatest number of departures in July, this is also the most popular time of the year.
10 best river cruise Loire Valley tours
Compiled by
MelissaLoire Valley travel expert at TourRadar
- The Loire: between cultural immersion, traditional folklore and local flavors (port-to-port cruise)
- The Loire Valley, a Royal legacy (port-to-port cruise)
- From the Châteaux of Chambord and Chenonceau to the Loire Valley
- Murmurs of the Loire: A Cruise Through Heritage and Legends (port-to-port cruise)
- Family Club - The Loire Valley, a Royal legacy (port-to-port cruise)
- Christmas on the Loire
- Royal New Year cruise on the Loire (port-to-port cruise)
- Beautiful Brittany and Royal Opulence in the Loire (port-to-port cruise) (from Vannes to Nantes)
- Fall Festival: The Wild, Majestic Loire River
- The Loire Valley, a Royal legacy
Duration 5 days Destinations Nantes, St-Nazaire, Guérande, Ancenis, Langeais, Fontevraud-l'Abbaye Age Range All Ages Welcome Ship MS Loire Princesse River Loire Operator CroisiEurope River Cruises From
- US$875
Duration 6 days Destinations Nantes, Brittany, Clisson, Angers, Ancenis Age Range All Ages Welcome Ship MS Loire Princesse Operator CroisiEurope River Cruises From
- US$2,339
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, Chambord, Chenonceaux, Nantes, St-Nazaire, La Chapelle-Heulin, Clisson, Azay-le-Rideau, Villandry, Angers Age Range All Ages Welcome Ship MS Loire Princesse River Loire Operator CroisiEurope River Cruises From
- US$3,725
Duration 6 days Destinations Nantes, St-Nazaire, Guérande, Ancenis, Langeais, Fontevraud-l'Abbaye, Saint-Laurent-de-la-Plaine Age Range All Ages Welcome Ship MS Loire Princesse River Loire Operator CroisiEurope River Cruises From
- US$1,071
Duration 6 days Destinations Nantes, Brittany, Clisson, Angers, Ancenis Age Range All Ages Welcome Ship MS Loire Princesse Operator CroisiEurope River Cruises From
- US$1,844
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.
No departure dates availableDuration 6 days Destinations Nantes, St-Nazaire, Ancenis, Angers, Bouchemaine, Azay-le-Rideau, Chinon Age Range All Ages Welcome Ship MS Loire Princesse River Loire Operator CroisiEurope River Cruises 
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, Azay-le-Rideau, Chinon, Angers Age Range All Ages Welcome Ship MS Loire Princesse River Loire Operator CroisiEurope River Cruises From
- US$1,743
No departure dates availableDuration 8 days Destinations Vannes, Carnac, Nantes, St-Nazaire, Clisson, Ancenis, Azay-le-Rideau, Villandry, Chalonnes-sur-Loire, Angers Age Range All Ages Welcome Ship MS Loire Princesse Operator CroisiEurope River Cruises 
No departure dates availableDuration 5 days Destinations Nantes, Ancenis, Angers, Fontevraud-l'Abbaye, Saumur, Rigny-Usse Age Range All Ages Welcome Ship MS Loire Princesse River Loire Operator CroisiEurope River Cruises 
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.
No departure dates availableDuration 5 days Destinations Nantes, St-Nazaire, Ancenis, Clisson, Azay-le-Rideau, Villandry Age Range All Ages Welcome Ship MS Loire Princesse River Loire Operator CroisiEurope River Cruises
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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."