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Travel from Moulin de Nitray to Montrichard in the Loire Valley
In the afternoon, you will be met at the St Pierre des Corps Train Station by Nymphea crew. From here, relax as you are chauffeured to the barge, moored nearby in the petite village of Moulin de Nitray. A traditional champagne welcome and introduction to the crew awaits you, before your first of many gourmet dinners aboard.
A morning cruise through two locks takes us to the quaint town of Larcay, mooring under the weeping willows. Relax on deck and admire the scenery slipping by. Your Tour Guide escorts you on an afternoon excursion to Chateau de Villandry, with its world-renowned renaissance gardens. Return to the barge for dinner and drinks aboard.
After a morning cruise past no less than six private chateaux, we tie up opposite the hamlet of Vallet, a cluster of classic Tourangeau architecture grouped around its 18th century mill. Laze on deck and watch the scenery go by. This afternoon’s excursion is to Amboise on the banks of the Loire, for visits to the Royal Chateau D'Amboise and the Clos Luce, Leonardo Da Vinci's home. Back onboard, Chef is crafting another gourmet dinner.
A morning cruise may include a stop at the tiny landing stage next to Domaine de Fontenay. A two-minute walk brings you to their courtyard for a tasting of their range of Touraine wines as an aperitif before lunch moored at Blere. In the afternoon, cruise under the 5- arch bridge of the impressive Chateau de Chenonceau and moor at Chisseaux. From here, your Tour Guide accompanies you on a guided visit at the Chateau. Tonight’s dinner is ashore at a local bistro.
Relax on deck during a morning cruise. This afternoon’s excursion is to Valencay, one of the Loire's most splendid chateaux and the home of Napoleon's foreign minister, Talleyrand. Once back onboard, cruise to the next lock and disembark or a visit to one of the area's more unusual dwellings, La Magnaneraie. The Coquillat family have grown up in this hillside troglodyte habitation, which has been in turn wine cellar, quarry for the tuffeau stone, and lastly a silkworm nursery. Return to the barge for a late evening cruise and dinner aboard.
This morning, a short stroll takes us into one of the largest weekly street markets in Touraine. There is much to explore at the 12th Century Chateau of Foulques Nerra, overlooking the medieval town square. Visit the local vineyard of the Meriau family, to taste the vintages of Touraine. Back onboard, an afternoon cruise passes under Chenonceau once again and arrives at the hamlet of Nitray in time to visit the Chateau and its rose garden. Enjoy an aperitif from their vineyards before returning to the barge for the Captain's Farewell Dinner.
After breakfast, you will be chauffeured to the St. Pierre des Corps Train Station.
Please note: this is a sample itinerary which may be subject to change depending on local conditions
“Having Captain Leigh as your guiding hand during the cruise ensures you don’t waste time visiting pointless tourist traps. Leigh’s passion for everything Francais is never more obvious than with his knowledge of the local wines and wineries. Onboard, there is much eating and wine tasting to be done. The quality of food and wine is outstanding, as one would expect of a French chef using all local produce.”
– Dave B, Nymphea
Are you ready to visit the famed chateaux
throughout the Loire Valley?
