Cruising under the Château de Chenonceau: boat or canoe

Can you go under the Château de Chenonceau by boat?

Yes. The château spans the Cher and the river is navigable under its arches. La Bélandre runs guided cruises there from the Chisseaux lock, 2 km from the château and 47 min (62 km) from the cottage.

• Sightseeing cruise: March to November.
• Meal cruise: June to October.
• Licence-free boats: for hire, June to October.

The landing stage is on rue de la Plage in Chisseaux, next to the Écluse campsite, with a car park. Arrive 15 min before departure and book ahead in season.

What about by canoe?

Canoë Company in Civray-de-Touraine (52 min, 65 km) hires out Canadian canoes on the Cher to paddle down to the château and under the gallery. The base has a riverside bistro that prepares aperitif baskets to take on board. In summer, departures run from morning into the evening.

Should you visit the château as well?

Yes if it is your first time: from the water you see the gallery and the piers, not the interiors or the gardens. The Château de Chenonceau is 52 min (62 km) from the cottage. A typical day: château in the morning, lunch, then cruise or canoe in the afternoon when the light moves round to the west.

What else is nearby?

Montrichard, 40 min from the cottage, is on the way: a keep, a summer beach on the Cher and cellars in the tuffeau stone. The Amboise Val de Loire tourist office covers Chenonceaux and Chisseaux. For the Loire, see our guide to boat trips on the Loire. The house in Romorantin sleeps 6 (allow €130 a night for 4 guests, taxes and fees included): see rates and booking.