France : The Loire

Canoeing on the Loire

Trip code: B05LR

Self-guided canoeing

5 nights,
hotel-to-hotel

Flights
available

Navigation App

SUMMARY

  • Peaceful waters, relaxing atmosphere and enchanting places at the heart of the nature
  • Listed as Unesco World Heritage, the Loire river is the longest river of France and is inextricably linked to the country's History
  • Splendour of the 'jewel' in the Loire crown, the Renaissance Chateau de Chenonceau, Blois, Amboise and Chaumont are waiting for you

WHAT'S INCLUDED?

  • 5 nights accommodation
  • All breakfast and 1 evening meal included
  • Navigation app
  • Luggage transfers between hotels
  • Transfers day 4 and 5

TRIP DESCRIPTION

Take a deep breath ...and glide gently on the Loire. Paddle at your own rhythm in a very quiet environment, where only bird songs and light breeze will guide you along your day. Chateaux and vineyards on the riverbanks, traditional fishing boats on the Loire, fish swimming under the canoe here are your followers for the day. Disconnect and immerse yourself in the wonderful peaceful nature. Stop for a picnic lunch or a nap on one of the wild sandy beaches of the river or alternatively explore places such as Robinson, one of the islands of this large river. Here it is a stress free zone. In the evening, comfort is provided in your selected 3* family run hotels. Enjoy for dinner the local cuisine and wines for a perfect end of the day.

Terrain

The canoeing is safe, not demanding, and we give you a lesson on handling your canoe before you set off. There are no major weirs to carry your canoe round, and the flow of the water does much of the work for you, so you can travel downstream looking out for imposing and magnificent chateaux.

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DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY

 

Day 1: Arrival in Blois

Explore the cobbled streets, arcaded squares and impressive chateau of this pretty riverside town before dinner.

You stay at monarque.

hotel details



Hotel Le Monarque, Blois

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Mastercard
Visa
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Aircon
Safe


One of our bestsellers in Blois! Located in Blois, 400 m from Blois Castle, Hôtel Restaurant LE MONARQUE boasts a restaurant, bar and free WiFi throughout the property. Private parking is available on site, subject to availability. Every room is fitted with a flat-screen TV. Each room is equipped with a private bathroom with a hairdryer. You will find room service at the property. A buffet breakfast including cold meats, eggs and hot drinks is served every morning.

Room upgrades: Please contact us for details.

Day 2: Blois - Chaumont sur Loire (Mosnes) (20km/12.4mi)

Paddle the amazing Loire river providing fantastic views. Follow the peaceful river and discover the fauna and flora. Have a break on one of the wild island, before arriving at foot of the majestic Chateau of Chaumont sur Loire. In the village, do not miss its spectacular chateau, which hosts the International Garden Festival (May-Oct).

You stay at Domaine des Thomeaux.

hotel details



Domaine des Thomeaux, Mosnes

HOTEL WEBSITE      

Mastercard
Visa
AmEx
Pool
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Aircon
Safe


The Hotel Restaurant Domaine des Thomeaux is a beautiful historic 18th century manor-house nestled in the heart of a 7-hectare park. The dominant theme in this hotel is the invitation to travel, with a different country in each room. Relax at the spa center with hammam, jacuzzi, sauna and rooms for body treatments (exfoliation and massages...).

Day 3: Chaumont sur Loire - Amboise (19km/11.8mi)

Paddle at your own rhythm in a very quiet environment between traditional fishing boats, ducks, birds. Stop for a picnic lunch or a nap on one of the wild sandy beaches of the river. Stop in front of the royal chateau of Amboise. Take some time explore this charming town of Amboise where the greatest Kings of France lived.

Visit the flamboyant Royal Palace and the elegant Clos Luce, a C15 manor house where Leonardo da Vinci lived and worked for the last few years of his life. 

You stay at Hotel Bellevue.

hotel details



Hotel Bellevue, Amboise

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Shops
Mastercard
Visa
AmEx
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Minibar
Aircon
Safe


Situated in the centre of Amboise in the Centre region, this hotel is just 50 m from Château d’Amboise. It offers a terrace and a lounge bar and restaurant. Each of the soundproofed guest rooms at Hotel Bellevue is equipped with a flat-screen TV and free WiFi access. They also include a private bathroom with a shower or a bathtub. Breakfast including fresh fruit, bread and cakes is served in the spacious breakfast room or on the terrace on sunny mornings. Eggs, bacon and sausages are also provided. Drinks can be enjoyed in the hotel’s bar.

Day 4: Montrichard - Chenonceaux (12km/7.5mi)

Short transfer in the morning. After several days on the large Loire river, you will now experience navigation on a smaller one. Stroll along the banks of the Cher to discover the flora and fauna of the valley, and of course the Château de Chenonceau from a new angle, as you pass under the arches of this magnificent architectural masterpiece!

Visit the impressive Chateau de Chenonceau, one of the best-known of the Loire chateaux and marvel at the gardens.

You stay at Hotel La Roseraie.

hotel details



Hotel La Roseraie, Chenonceaux

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Mastercard
AmEx
Pool
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Aircon
Safe


Ideally situated in the centre of Chenonceaux and just a 400m from the chateau, the Hotel La Roseraie, built in the 18th century offers comfortable rooms and a wonderful place to relax after a day walking or sightseeing with its garden and pool.

Day 5: Amboise - Vouvray - Tours (14km/8.7mi)

Short transfer in the morning. Starting at the foot of the Château d'Amboise, you'll find yourself in the mood for natural wonder. Birds, peace and quiet and plenty of islets to take a break!

In Vouvray, private transfer to Tours to discover the old and vibrant quarters of Tours city and especially the 'Place Plumereau', a beautiful square with half-timbered houses.

You stay at Hotel Mirabeau.

hotel details

 equivalent

Hotel Mirabeau, Tours

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Shops
Mastercard
Visa
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV


Discover all the charm and elegance of a 19th century mansion. This hotel will charm you with its family spirit and its spacious and bright rooms, served by an elevator for your comfort. Take advantage of the tree-lined and sunny terrace to enjoy a delicious breakfast or a moment of relaxation at the bar, and let yourself be carried away by the spirit of our hotel, where every moment is a moment of pleasure.

Day 6: Leave Tours

Extending your holiday

If you'd like to extend your trip with extra hotel nights we recommend: Hotel Mirabeau, Tours; Hotel Le Monarque, Blois.

hotel details

 equivalent

Hotel Mirabeau, Tours

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Shops
Mastercard
Visa
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV


Discover all the charm and elegance of a 19th century mansion. This hotel will charm you with its family spirit and its spacious and bright rooms, served by an elevator for your comfort. Take advantage of the tree-lined and sunny terrace to enjoy a delicious breakfast or a moment of relaxation at the bar, and let yourself be carried away by the spirit of our hotel, where every moment is a moment of pleasure.



Hotel Le Monarque, Blois

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Mastercard
Visa
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Aircon
Safe


One of our bestsellers in Blois! Located in Blois, 400 m from Blois Castle, Hôtel Restaurant LE MONARQUE boasts a restaurant, bar and free WiFi throughout the property. Private parking is available on site, subject to availability. Every room is fitted with a flat-screen TV. Each room is equipped with a private bathroom with a hairdryer. You will find room service at the property. A buffet breakfast including cold meats, eggs and hot drinks is served every morning.

Room upgrades: Please contact us for details.

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These tour only prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from £273.

We can book your flights, protected by ATOL and ABTA. Please ask at time of enquiry.

TRAVEL DETAILS

If you choose a flight inclusive package with us, you will fly into Paris airport.

We hold an ATOL License and are fully ABTA bonded, so you can book your flights with us in confidence. We can book most airlines and will advise you of your most convenient airport and flight options.

Flight prices vary massively and change quickly. At Headwater we will sell you your flights at the same price you can buy them yourself. We simply add £35 per person to cover your flight protection, to learn more please click here.

OPTIONAL UPGRADES
  • Flights from London or any available regional airport*
  • Airport parking and airport hotels
  • Priority at Security and Fast Track
  • Airport lounge access
  • Priority boarding and extra leg-room seats
  • Business/club/first class fares

Subject to availability and dependent on service provider, please ask at time of enquiry and book early to avoid disappointment. *Unfortunately, due to the airline themselves we are unable to book Ryanair.

REVIEWS

Prompt and helpful reply to my requests
Wanted to adapt the trip and this was no problem.
Megan is super helpful. Have been arranging trips via her for several yearsExcellent serive now.

1 Nov 2024

We did cycling tour of the Stockholm archipelago - well organised, super routes, great hotels. And the chance to look around Stockholm also - a beautiful city. Highly recommend.

Catherine Turner, 1 Sep 2024

Efficient and friendly service

Christopher Cooke, 2 Mar 2024

This was my first booking with Headwater.
Initially my experience of booking was quite negative as I was given incorrect and confusing information at the start being promised things the company could not honour. I was then passed onto another consultant without explanation who initially made things worse. Once passed onto the manager Stephanie Johnson, she was superb in sorting out all the issues and I felt very happing about booking the trip.

20 Feb 2024


Self-guided canoeing

5 nights,
hotel-to-hotel

Flights
available

Navigation App

5 nights from £1179

CHOOSE A DEPARTURE

Call: 01606 720199

 

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