An iconic river and a legendary tourist destination, the Loire is an invitation to adventure and wildlife. But which route should you choose to discover it by canoe?
Few waterways are as inspiring. Often described as the last wild river in France, the Loire awakens the spirit of adventure and the need to reconnect with nature. A growing number of aspiring explorers are embarking on its entire journey, from source to sea, by canoe or kayak.
But with 700 km of easily navigable, the choice can be difficult, as not everyone has three weeks to spare, nor necessarily the soul of a long-distance sailor.
Camping on the islands, marveling at the castles, feeling far from civilization, admiring the birds, immersing oneself in history… These are the aspirations of canoeists on the Loire.
The Loire between Le Cavereau and Saumur
The section of the river linking Le Cavereau to Saumur concentrates all the assets of the Loire over a 150 km stretch. Two major cities mark it, Blois and Tours, which one passes through quite quickly without feeling oppressed.
Amboise is also a must-see stop to admire its castle, its lively streets and the Clos Lucé, Leonardo da Vinci's home.
LOIRE KAYAK guides you to the most beautiful sights to see from your canoe between Le Cavereau and Saumur. This section offers the most beautiful postcard views of the Loire Valley.
Loire Kayak offers canoe and kayak trips, from 1 day, 2 days… up to 8 days depending on your choice, between Le Cavereau and Saumur: See our trips
Between St-Dyé-sur-Loire and Chaumont-surLoire
It is more for the atmosphere of the small villages and the famous castles that one will choose one part or another of this excellent route.
Upstream from Blois, we should mention the charm of Saint Dyé sur Loire (former port of Chambord) and Cour sur Loire, the castles of Collier and Ménars.
In Blois, you will marvel at the Jacques Gabriel bridge, perhaps the most beautiful on the river.
Twenty kilometers further down, the Château de Chaumont sur Loire leaves one speechless.
Loire Kayak offers canoe and kayak trips ranging from one hour to a full day between Le Cavereau and Chaumont: See the routes
The Loire from Amboise to Tours: the Loireislands, a paradise for birds
The twenty or so kilometers that separate Amboise from Tours feature some of the most beautiful and largest islands in the Loire, a paradise for birds. Among them: terns, black-headed gulls, gulls, cormorants, grey herons, little egrets and kingfishers.
Although less obvious to observe, the beaver is omnipresent and we enjoy learning about its characteristic smell, spotting its tracks on the sand or its many snack spots.
After weaving between the sandbanks, another signature feature of the Loire, the troglodyte houses of Rochecorbon announce the arrival in Tours. Beneath the famous Wilson Bridge, one of the river's most turbulent rapids roars, but it can be navigated fairly easily at summer levels.
The Loire after Langeais
Shortly after Langeais, whose castle also deserves a visit, paddlers will inevitably fall in love with Bréhémont and its quay where some toues, gabares, sapines and other fûtreaux are moored, these boats of yesteryear which have marked the history of Loire river navigation.
Further down in , the riverside cafes Loire encourage a break, while the countless small islands are so many invitations to bivouac, which one will strive to carry out without leaving a trace. sur Loire
The walk can continue to Saumur, offering a final castle that the river will allow you to admire from yet another unique angle.
Fancy discovering the Loire by canoe?
Whether with friends or family, enjoy a half-day kayak or, why not, a multi-day canoe trip ?
To ensure the experience doesn't turn into a nightmare, it's essential to have a good guide, the right equipment, and to choose the right stretch of river.
While sit-on-top kayaks arevienneperfectly suited for trips, a true Canadian canoe is better for a multi-day or even week-long journey. Loire Kayak is here to advise you.
