Are you looking for the perfect destination for your next family river cruise? Opt for a yacht charter in Châtillon-sur-Loire and escape on a cruise on the Loire, the country's longest river, in Burgundy. This region will dazzle you with its magnificent landscape of cultivated valleys, pastures and green hillsides. Sailing on the waters of the Loire and also on the region's canals, you will experience an unforgettable cruise on the Loire.
Discover a page of history during your yacht charter on the Loire
Châtillon-sur-Loire is far from being a simple point of departure for a quiet family cruise. Located in the department of Loiret, in the Center-Loire Valley region, this charming town, rich in history and culture, is one of the must-see villages along the Loire River.
As you stroll through the heart of the town, you will fall under the spell of the historic sites and monuments, particularly the temple of Châtillon. The neo-Gothic church of Saint Maurice and the ruins of the 12th-century Château-Gaillard also enhance the beauty of the 15th- and 18th-century houses in the medieval quarter of the upper town. Châtillon-sur-Loire is therefore an ideal destination for lovers of history and heritage, who can discover traces of a rich and varied past. Discovering the town on a river cruise on a river boat is an ideal option.
Have fun with a yacht charter in Châtillon-sur-Loire!
But the town is not just notable for its historical heritage. Awarded the Station Verte label and nestling at the heart of a Natura 2000 zone, Châtillon-sur-Loire offers yachtsmen exceptional natural surroundings. Birdwatchers can observe countless species of birds, such as the little tern, the common starling, the Mediterranean gull, the little egret and the black kite in the sublime Loire Valley of the Loiret.
Want to have fun during your visit to Châtillon-sur-Loire? Then make the most of your stopover by veering off in a number of different directions. In addition to fishing, the main activity in the region, you can go canoeing or kayaking or go hiking or cycling, while enjoying the beauty of the landscape. Younger visitors will enjoy the pleasant playgrounds and a unique horse ride. Châtillon-sur-Loire also stands out for its festive atmosphere. If you are visiting the town in June, you will have the opportunity to attend the Fête de la Musique, which fills the town with the rhythm of rock, punk and reggae.
Where can you sail on your river cruise in the Loire region?
The Loire region offers numerous sailing possibilities for your river boat cruise, whether on the Loire, Europe's last wild river, or on its tributaries and canals. Here are a few examples of sailing itineraries for river boats:
- The Loire: the Loire is the emblematic river of the Loire region, which crosses the region from the center-east to the center-west. It is renowned for its varied landscapes, its castles and its cultural heritage, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can rent a river boat on the Loire and discover the wonders of the Loire Valley, such as the historic cities of Orléans, Tours, Saumur and Nantes, the renowned vineyards of Sancerre and Chinon, or natural sites such as the Loire-Anjou-Touraine Regional Nature Park or the island of Béhuard. You can also discover the châteaux of the Loire by barge, such as the famous Château de Chambord, Château de Chenonceau and Château d'Amboise.
- The Mayenne: the Mayenne is a river that has its source in the department of the same name and flows into the Maine in Angers. It offers a peaceful and green setting, ideal for a river cruise with family or friends. You can rent a river boat on the Mayenne and sail along the Mayenne canal, which links Laval to Angers. You can enjoy the locks, decks and nautical stops that line the route. You can also visit picturesque villages such as Chenillé-Changé, Grez-Neuville or Daon, or enjoy activities such as fishing, cycling or hiking.
- The Sarthe: the Sarthe is a river that has its source in the department of Orne and flows into the Maine in Angers. It offers a varied panorama, between the Normandy bocage, the Loir valley and the Angevin plain. You can rent a river boat on the Sarthe and discover the riches of the Loire region. You can admire towns such as Le Mans, famous for the 24 Hours of Le Mans, or Sablé-sur-Sarthe, known for its biscuits. You can also visit castles such as those of Le Lude or Malicorne, or abbeys such as Solesmes or Saint-Pierre-sur-Erve.
- Nivernais Canal: The Nivernais Canal is an ideal destination for your river cruise on the Loire. This canal connects the Loire to the Yonne, crossing the regions of Centre-Val de Loire and Bourgogne-Franche-Comté. You can rent a river boat without a license and navigate at your own pace, enjoying the varied landscapes, historical heritage and local gastronomy. You can also visit picturesque towns and villages, such as Auxerre, Clamecy, Corbigny and Châtillon-en-Bazois. You can also stop off at various points along the canal and enjoy the activities on offer, such as fishing, cycling or hiking.
How much does a yacht charter on the Loire cost?
In the table below, we have made a rough calculation of the average price of a river cruise in Chatillon-sur-Loire according to the season and the size of the boat.
| Type of boat | High season July and August | Mid-season June and September | Low season April, May and October |
|---|---|---|---|
| River boat with 2 cabins | 2000 USD | 1500 USD | 1000 USD |
| River boat with 3 cabins | 3000 USD | 2000 USD | 1500 USD |
| River boat with 4 cabins | 3500 USD | 3000 USD | 2000 USD |
Please note that these yacht charter prices are indicative and may vary according to different parameters: the size and style of the boat, the duration and period of the stay, the services included or optional, and demand.
Do you need a license to do a yacht charter in the Pays de la Loire?
No, you don't need a license to rent a river boat in the Pays de la Loire. You can rent a river boat without a license and navigate the waterways in complete safety. You will receive an introduction to driving the boat and the navigation rules before you set off. You can then fully enjoy your river cruise. If you prefer, you can also opt for a river cruise with a skipper. A skipper will allow you to experience safe navigation on the waters of the Loire during your cruise and will be able to help you discover the most beautiful places in the region.
When to set off on your yacht charter in the Loire region?
River boat cruises in the Loire region are possible all year round, but some seasons are more favorable than others for enjoying the region's climate, landscapes and activities. Here are a few tips for choosing the best time for your cruise:
- Spring is the ideal season to admire the blossoming nature, the budding vineyards and the castles of the Loire. The temperatures are mild and the days are long. It is also the period when the rates are lowest and there are fewer tourists.
- Summer is the most popular season for a boat cruise in the Loire Valley during the school vacation period. The sun is shining and there are many water activities. It is also the period when prices are highest and bookings are essential.
- Autumn is the ideal season to enjoy the shimmering colors of the shafts, vines and fruits. The temperatures are still mild and there are fewer tourists. It is an ideal time for a peaceful navigation during your river cruise.
- winter is the least favorable season for a boat cruise in the Loire region, as the weather is often cold and damp. However, you can enjoy the charm of the region in the winter light and with the Christmas festivities.
Good to know
| Number of boats available | 1 190 |
|---|---|
| Average price per week | $2,436 |
| Minimum weekly price | $794 |
| Maximum price per week | $4,662 |