Traditional boat trip Inland waterway transport, a living heritageBoat Trip Boat Trip
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Traditional boat trip Inland waterway transport, a living heritage

The Loire, the Vienne, the Cher, the Indre and the Creuse: no fewer than 5 major rivers criss-cross Touraine! For a long time, gabares, toues, fûtreaux and other barges were used to transport goods, but nowadays it’s happy holidaymakers who enjoy a trip on these traditional boats.

Exceptional landscapes

Enjoy an unforgettable experience as you cruise the majestic waters of Touraine, and soak up the unique atmosphere. The boatmen are as passionate as they are friendly, sharing their knowledge of this unique environment with you. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to see Touraine from a different angle, especially as conviviality is often the order of the day on board!

Ici vivre est un art – Episode 1
Ici vivre est un art – Episode 1
Ici vivre est un art – Episode 1

The history of inland waterway transport

In Touraine, as in other places, rivers have long been vital arteries for trade, commerce and daily life. As far back as the Middle Ages, these waterways were used by wooden boats designed to transport goods as diverse as salt, wine, timber and the tufa stone used to build the châteaux of the Loire. Adapted to the shallow waters and the vagaries of these waterways, these traditional flat-bottomed boats enabled the Loire Valley to develop until the 19th century, when the railways supplanted the inland waterways.

Hire an electric boat

Back to the 21st century! Come to Chisseaux and hire an electric boat from La Bélandre without a licence, sail on the Cher and admire the Château de Chenonceau.