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.
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 LoireItinerary
Briare...Dompierre
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.
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 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 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’.
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.
Two beautiful river banks but so different
Waterway
Canal de Briare, canal latéral à la LoireItinerary
Briare...BriareThe 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.
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 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.
The seven locks of Henri IV
Waterway
Canal de BriareItinerary
Briare...BriareA 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.
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.
Pénichettes Classique®
The traditional Pénichette®, very easy to pilot and perfect for couples and families.
From 2 to 7 people.
Pénichettes Aft-Deck®
A spacious and well-lit boat, characterised by its lovely protected terrace at the rear.
From 2 to 12 people.
Pénichettes Flying Bridge®
One of the latest range of Pénichettes®, offering considerable comfort thanks to their double inside and outside helm positions.
From 2 to 12 people.
Pénichettes Evolution®
Based on the strengths of the existing family of Penichettes®, this new generation of boats offers a completely new cruising experience.
Linssen
Choose one of the finest yachts with the Linssen Grand Sturdy 34.9 boat! Elegance, high-quality furnishings and comfortable sailing are the hallmarks of these renowned boats.
From 2 to 6 people.
Europa
Cosy, elegant and designed as small yachts, the Europa boats offer decidedly modern comfort and aesthetics.
From 2 to 6 people.
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:
