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France: The Loire

Canoeing on the Loire

Trip code: B05LR

Average customer rating 4.5 / 5(2 verified reviews)

Self-Guided Canoeing
5 nights hotel-to-hotel
CO₂ rating 1/5
Agent supplied app

Trip highlights

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

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Trip details

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.

What's included

Included

  • 5 nights in 3-star and 4-star accommodation
  • All breakfasts
  • Navigation app
  • Luggage transfers between hotels
  • Transfers day 4 and 5

Not included

  • Flights
  • Travel insurance

Travel options

Our travel specialists can arrange flights, rail and transfers to this holiday from wherever you are. Call us to plan your journey. +44 1606 720099

Itinerary

Route map, with each night's stop marked
The full route, night by night. Select the map to view it full screen.

Day 1 · —Arrival in Blois

Arrival in Blois

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

You stay at Hotel Novotel

Novotel Blois
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Hotel Novotel

Blois

  • Air conditioning
  • Hairdryers
  • Minibar
  • Safe
  • Swimming pool
  • Tea & coffee
  • Television
  • Wifi access

Located 5-minutes from the historic town centre of Blois, the Hotel Novotel is in the heart of the administrative zone. Opposite the Halle aux Grains, and is only 15 minutes by foot from the Château de Blois and Maison de la Magie, making it a perfect base for sightseeing.
Completely renovated in 2018, each room at the Novotel Blois Centre Val de Loire is modern and comfortable.

Day 2 · 20km/12.4miBlois - Chaumont sur Loire

Blois - Chaumont sur Loire

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).

Day 3 · 19km/11.8miChaumont sur Loire - Amboise

Chaumont sur Loire - Amboise

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 Bellevue Amboise
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Hotel Bellevue

Amboise

  • Air conditioning
  • American Express
  • Hairdryers
  • Mastercard
  • Minibar
  • Safe
  • Shops
  • Television
  • Visa cards
  • Wifi access

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 · 4km/2.5miChenonceaux

Chenonceaux

Short transfer in the morning to Chenonceau. 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 Chateau 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 La Roseraie Chenonceaux
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Hotel La Roseraie

Chenonceaux

  • Air conditioning
  • American Express
  • Hairdryers
  • Mastercard
  • Safe
  • Swimming pool
  • Television
  • Wifi access

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 · 14km/8.7miAmboise - Vouvray - Tours

Amboise - Vouvray - Tours

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 Artist Hotel

Artist Hotel Tours
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Artist Hotel

Tours

  • Air conditioning
  • American Express
  • Hairdryers
  • Mastercard
  • Safe
  • Shops
  • Television
  • Visa cards
  • Wifi access

The contemporary design of the hotel, with many references to the 7th Art, exudes a cosy and relaxing atmosphere. An artistic way of life, but with all the comfort, perfect to enjoy a relaxing city break: queen size beds, air conditioning, fitness room and a lounge bar.

Each morning, a delicious breakfast buffet is served from 6.30 am to better meet the expectations of our business clientele or early bird.

Day 6 · —Leave Tours

Leave Tours

Extending your holiday

Artist Hotel Tours
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Artist Hotel

Tours

  • Air conditioning
  • American Express
  • Hairdryers
  • Mastercard
  • Safe
  • Shops
  • Television
  • Visa cards
  • Wifi access

The contemporary design of the hotel, with many references to the 7th Art, exudes a cosy and relaxing atmosphere. An artistic way of life, but with all the comfort, perfect to enjoy a relaxing city break: queen size beds, air conditioning, fitness room and a lounge bar.

Each morning, a delicious breakfast buffet is served from 6.30 am to better meet the expectations of our business clientele or early bird.

Novotel Blois
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Hotel Novotel

Blois

  • Air conditioning
  • Hairdryers
  • Minibar
  • Safe
  • Swimming pool
  • Tea & coffee
  • Television
  • Wifi access

Located 5-minutes from the historic town centre of Blois, the Hotel Novotel is in the heart of the administrative zone. Opposite the Halle aux Grains, and is only 15 minutes by foot from the Château de Blois and Maison de la Magie, making it a perfect base for sightseeing.
Completely renovated in 2018, each room at the Novotel Blois Centre Val de Loire is modern and comfortable.

What our travellers say

Weather perfect , the Loire was beautiful not too crowded plenty of places to stop and picnic.interesting historic towns to stay in and chateaux to visit.hotels good and food good. Canoes and equipment good.transfers worked fine.

A Valued Customer

Well organized, all perfect

Mr Levy
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Positive impact

Carbon score for this trip

8.0

Kg CO₂e

per person, per night

Relative to other Headwater trips

We measure emissions from the parts of the holiday we organise — including accommodation, in-trip transport, meals and activities — and express them as CO₂e per person, per night. Our label doesn’t include your travel to and from the start of the trip. As a Certified B Corp, Headwater is committed to reducing this figure and to positively impacting local communities, the local environment and our staff. Learn more

From£1,449per person