Departing from our base in Briare, head north towards the Canal de Briare or turn the other way towards Sancerre to enjoy some goat’s cheese and famous wines.

Loire and Loing in a few words…

The Canal de Briare was built during the reign of Henri IV. The spectacular locks at Rogny are no longer in use but well worth visiting. You sail through the wooded Puisaye region, dotted with lakes. To the North of the town of Briare, the Canal du Loing will lead you to the centre of Montargis, where the canal follows waterside streets lined with half-timbered houses. You then travel towards Nemours, its waters well stocked with fish, then Ferrières, ChâteauLandon and Moret-sur-Loing, which brings you into the heart of the Gâtinais region. Travelling south from Briare, you cross the Loire over the remarkable Briare canal bridge, the work of Gustave Eiffel. The Canal Latéral à la Loire will then take you towards Sancerre and Apremont-sur-Allier, with its fine gardens.

Boat on the Briare canal bridge

The
highlights of Briare

  • The Briare Canal Bridge, at 662 metres long, is a marvel of French waterways heritage that you can cross by boat
  • You can stop off at Sancerre to try its superb red or white wines and local delicious goat cheeses

our routes departing from Briare

The routes shown are only suggestions; don’t forget that you can stop wherever you like on your cruise.

The pleasures of water and wine, art villages

Waterway Canal de Briare, canal latéral à la Loire
Itinerary BriareBriare canal bridge Cosne-sur-LoireSancerreLa Charité-sur-LoireNeversDecizeDompierre

Waterway

Canal de Briare, canal latéral à la Loire

Itinerary

Briare...Dompierre
Duration of stay
1 week
Navigation time
4h30 / day
Distance traveled
176 km one way
Number of locks
33
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Briare

Briare canal bridge

The Briare canal bridge, designed by engineers Léonce-Abel Mazoyer and Charles Sigault, was for many years the world’s largest canal bridge. At 662 metres long, it allows canal boats to cruise across the Loire while their crews enjoy the superb views.

Cosne-sur-Loire

At the crossroads of two regions (Burgundy and Berry) and 3 AOC vineyards, Cosne-sur-Loire is a very pleasant place to stay and discover. Situated on the banks of the Loire in a privileged environment, you will be able to discover its heritage rich in history.

Sancerre

Sancerre stands majestically above the vineyards on its rocky outcrop, 332 metres high. Explore this charming little village during your cruise, and don’t forget to try its famous red and white wines.

La charité-sur-Loire

La Charité-sur-Loire developed around the priory, which was founded in 1059 by the powerful Cluniac order. The old quarter still retains the main elements of its original structure, giving the town its special charm. It's a must-see stopover for anyone taking boating holidays on the canal Latéral à la Loire.

Nevers

Nevers has a remarkable history. It’s worth stopping here on your canal cruise to visit the ducal palace, considered to be one of the first Loire châteaux. Also take the time to discover the local speciality: earthenware, in particular the famous ‘bleu de Nevers’.

Decize

Tie up your canal boat at Decize, "the angler’s paradise", to indulge your passion for fishing. Don’t forget to visit the historic Burgundy heritage, or just use the many shops to restock your boat and stroll around.

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Dompierre

Two beautiful river banks but so different

Waterway Canal de Briare, canal latéral à la Loire
Itinerary BriareBriare canal bridgeChâtillon-sur-LoireSancerreLa Charité-sur-LoireMarseilles les AubignyBriare

Waterway

Canal de Briare, canal latéral à la Loire

Itinerary

Briare...Briare
Duration of stay
1 week
Navigation time
4h30 / day
Distance traveled
154 km return trip
Number of locks
30
halte_nautique
Briare

Briare canal bridge

The Briare canal bridge, designed by engineers Léonce-Abel Mazoyer and Charles Sigault, was for many years the world’s largest canal bridge. At 662 metres long, it allows canal boats to cruise across the Loire while their crews enjoy the superb views.

Châtillon-sur-Loire

Châtillon-sur-Loire is located in the south-east of the Loiret department, on the left bank of the Loire. The town is bordered by the canal running alongside the Loire and preserves the remains of an ancient city. It is a welcoming town, with a restful environment, where green and river tourism is very present.

Sancerre

Sancerre stands majestically above the vineyards on its rocky outcrop, 332 metres high. Explore this charming little village during your cruise, and don’t forget to try its famous red and white wines.

La charité-sur-Loire

La Charité-sur-Loire developed around the priory, which was founded in 1059 by the powerful Cluniac order. The old quarter still retains the main elements of its original structure, giving the town its special charm. It's a must-see stopover for anyone taking boating holidays on the canal Latéral à la Loire.

Marseilles les Aubigny

Located at the confluence of the Aubois and the Loire, you will discover, during your boat cruise, the history of this village, home to the largest port between Briare and Digoin as well as the last shipyard in the Centre region.

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Briare

The seven locks of Henri IV

Waterway Canal de Briare
Itinerary BriareRogny-les-Sept-Écluses Briare

Waterway

Canal de Briare

Itinerary

Briare...Briare
Duration of stay
Week-end
Navigation time
6h / day
Distance traveled
42 km return trip
Number of locks
34
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Briare

Rogny-les-Sept-Écluses

A staircase lock begun under Henri IV and completed under Louis XIII to connect the Loire with the Seine. Although the lock is no longer operating, it's worth stopping your Pénichette here to admire this feat of engineering.

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Briare

If you want to book this cruise
Browse online the availabilities

our boats available

Departing from our Briare base, we can offer the range of canal boats shown below. To see the full range of cruises available, please see our self-drive boat pages or contact our team who can help you to choose.

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Your departure
base Briare

LOCABOAT HOLIDAYS

Gare d’Eau des Prés Gris
45250 – Briare
FRANCE

If you have already booked your cruise and you want to reach your departure base:

+33 (0)2 38 29 13 14

[email protected]

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