French Canal Holidays on the Loire

On the edge of the Nivernais Loire region of Burgundy, the gently sloping Canal Lateral e la Loire follows the course of the River Loire and affords spectacular views of the surrounding vineyard-clad hilltops and the beautiful River Loire itself.

With few locks to operate, this is an easy place to cruise. Cruising the surrounding network of waterways - the Canal du Nivernais, the River Yonne and the River Seine provides a perfect opportunity to see this gentle and peaceful region from a unique perspective.

From our base at Chatillon-sur-Loire, beautiful villages to visit include Montargis, known as the 'The Venice of Gatinais' because of its many canals and humpbacked bridges and Briare for its famous Eiffel Aqueduct.

The vineyard clad hilltops surround the hilltop village of Sancerre where wine-tastings of this classic Loire wine are available. Nevers is famous for producing the oldest china in France; its quaint streets converge on the splendid Ducal Palace.