A Royal Legacy

NANTES / EMBARKATION

Your ship awaits in Nantes. After boarding in the evening, settle into your cabin before heading to the lounge bar, where you can meet the crew while you enjoy a welcome cocktail. Tonight, enjoy a cruise of the Erdre. Learn the rich history of this river, which was called “the most beautiful in France” by King Francis I, as you spot the many castles on its embankments.

NANTES / SAINT-NAZAIRE

This morning, set off on a tour of Nantes. In the medieval quarter of Bouffay, marvel at the narrow streets on your way to the Gothic-style cathedrals of St. Peter and St. Paul. Île Feydeau, a wealthy, 18th-century neighbourhood, is an “island” on land. See the Graslin Theatre and the famous Passage Pommeraye shopping centre before exploring the Castle of the Dukes of Brittany—a Renaissance-era Breton monument with an aura of old-world charm.

SAINT-NAZAIRE / ANCENIS

Spend the morning taking in sweeping views of the Loire Valley from the ship’s deck, arriving in Ancenis in the early afternoon. Here, set off on an excursion along the Muscadet Wine Route. As you pass delightful villages, you’ll witness the longstanding tradition of wine-making in the region. Next, tour La Chapelle-Heulin, stopping at the Château de la Cassemichère. In this pastoral paradise, discover the history of the vineyard, visit the cellars, and taste the dry white wine, which has fruity and floral notes. After, head for Clisson, a 15th-century medieval village with Italian origins and flavour. Back on board the ship, dinner and an evening of entertainment awaits you.

ANCENIS / BOUCHEMAINE / ANGERS

World-renowned for its rich cultural heritage, Angers is also an economic centre whose inhabitants enjoy a high quality of life. Here, you’ll visit the 13th-century fortress of King René, which is home to the most significant collection of medieval tapestries still in existence today: the Apocalypse Tapestry. After, cross the city of canons with its numerous relics of Gothic-style architecture before arriving in la Doutre, in the heart of Angers.

BOUCHEMAINE / THE LOIRE CHÂTEAUX / ANCENIS

Today, travel by coach to see the castles of the Loire Valley. Your first stop is the Château d’Azay-le-Rideau. Built on an island in the middle of the Indre river, the construction was financed by Gilles de Berthelot, a wealthy patron of Francis I who wished to blend innovative Italian architectural elements with the traditional French style. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this exceptional château is a pinnacle of Renaissance refinement.

NANTES / DISEMBARKATION

Following a buffet breakfast on board and a farewell from the crew, disembark mid-morning in Nantes and prepare for your onward journey.