The weather was perfect last week-end in the Loire Valley. Guillaume and I took the opportunity to go back along the Loire and explore it 2 different ways.

We first took a gabarre tour at sunset. The gabarre used to be the big barge that were transporting all goods until the train was built. In the Loire river it used to be 300 gabarres a week, up and down the river. These boats would be pushed by the currents on their way to Nantes...and to come back, they would use a square sail navigating downwind.

While touring, you can taste some local products such as Ste Maure goat cheese, Rillettes de Tours and a local "saucisson"...with some rosé wine made from a very old grape variety that was used in the XVIth century because of its excellent conservation potential.

We could see all kinds of birds:  Egrets and Herons, troglodyte Swallows that dig their nests in the sand of the river banks, even an Osprey...which is rare in the Loire Valley. Getting closer to an island we could look at a beaver swimming along the shore.

An excellent way to discover this amazing river is to rent a bike for a day and ride through the small villages, get to Langeais castle or Villandry gardens through country paths...and at your own pace. You can stop at a quaint restaurant, or have a picnic on the beach. We have found a new itinerary that follows the river...and coming back, we went through the apple and pear orchard...and some vineyards as well! A very nice day to relax and enjoy Touraine sweet life!

France Just For You

Experts in self-drive tours in France

Travelers Reviews

5.0
Judy
I can echo everything that has been said in the previous three reviews. The personalization of this entire trip was incredible and Emilie communicated quickly and completely, both in the planning of the trip and after we were in France. My husband and I were spending four weeks in France in celebration of our 50th anniversary. We were a little …
Cynthia
On my second trip with France Just For You (FJFY) this October I drove through Normandy and Brittaney. It was a wonderful trip and FJFY is an amazing travel agency. Their customized and detailed guidebook covers everything you need to know about visiting France from practical information about traffic signs to insights about the French people and …
Roger
For my wife and me, Emilie planned three weeks of wonderful experiences. She was quick to respond to questions and crafted an itinerary which suited us. The selection of places to see, things to do, and where to eat were superb. Emilie added a charming personal touch. As it was our 30-year anniversary, she arranged for an accommodation to welcome …
Lynne & Jeff
In 2013 I had 2 big reasons to plan a trip to France: a new grand baby boy in Avignon, and I wanted to surprise my husband with a trip to Normandy. He absolutely loves anything and everything he can find to read or watch that is related to WWII. So, I started exploring online for a custom tour designer that could put together a great itinerary for …
Cat & Family
One would think driving in a different country where cars are on the wrong side of the road and you don’t speak the language for 11 day trip would not be a smart decision. France Just for You is definitely the travel consultant you go to. Emilie’s very quick replies to queries, personal knowledge of having been to places recommended and …
Elizabeth from the US
An amazing trip through Southern France! This is the second trip we have booked with Émilie and her talented team at France Just for You and we couldn’t be happier. Based on our inputs, they designed an excellent trip for my husband, myself, my sister and sister-in-law using the Southern France from West to East as a template. We added several days …