River and Canal Tourism

The Loire Valley: Royal River

The Loire Valley showcases coordinated regional tourism:

Château Circuit

  • Chambord: Renaissance magnificence
  • Chenonceau: Spanning the river
  • Villandry: Garden perfection
  • Hundreds more: From ruins to restored palaces

Integrated Development

  • Loire à Vélo: 800 km cycling route
  • Wine tourism: Integrated with château visits
  • Cultural events: Son et lumière shows
  • Sustainable transport: Electric vehicles and boats

Waterway Renaissance

France's canal network experiences tourism revival:

Canal Tourism Products

  • Boat rentals: Self-drive experiences
  • Hotel barges: Luxury floating hotels
  • Cycling paths: Towpaths converted to cycling routes
  • Waterside accommodation: Lock-keeper cottages as gîtes