A trip on a traditional Loire river boat
Have you ever seen a traditional Loire river boat? It is a flat-bottomed, wooden boat that was once used to travel down the River Loire for fishing or transporting goods. So how about a trip along the Loire like in the age of the bargemen?
The port of Chouzé-sur-Loire
Life in the village of Chouzé is closely interlinked with its river, the Loire. The former trading port is still a famous stopover for Loire boatmen.
On the Quai des Sarrazins, there are dozens of traditional Loire boats, including “toues cabanées”, “chalands de Loire”, “gabares” and “fûtreaux”. These boats have travelled along the river and tributaries for centuries. Today, Chouzé-sur-Loire is still one of the few villages in Touraine where you can sail all the year round.
For a journey back in time to the flourishing era of the bargemen, stop off at the Musée des Mariniers (boatmen museum) in Chouzé. Here you will find a remarkable collection of everyday objects, models of Loire boats and traditional tools belonging to the craftsmen of yesteryear (clogmakers, basket makers, etc.).
A boat trip along the River Loire
Enjoy a one-hour tip on board the Martinienne, a boat anchored just in front of the Boatmen Museum in Chouzé. A cruise along the Loire in this traditional Loire vessel with a cabin is a chance to enjoy some wonderful views over the villages of Chouzé and Candes-Saint-Martin on the opposite bank.
Leaving from Montsoreau, you can set off on the Belle Adèle for a trip lasting one and a half hours on board a “toue”, a traditional Loire boat. You will be treated to a 360° view over landscapes filled with history from Montsoreau to Candes-Saint-Martin.
A night on the Loire on board the Amarante
If you want to enjoy even more peace and quiet on the river combined with an exceptional experience, then spend a romantic night on the Amarante.
You can make the cruise last a little bit longer with a dinner and a night on board the 30-metre traditional Loire boat at anchor in Candes-Saint-Martin.
Sail along the River Loire and the Vienne as the sun sets, savour the Touraine specialities during a dinner for two on the boat and then spend the night on board! In the morning, the boatmen will bring you breakfast before weighing anchor and the return to dry land.
