Détours en Loire: Sailing between nature and conviviality

The history of Détours en Loire?

How did the idea come about? I spent a lot of time on the Loire as an amateur fisherman. I had a small boat and often organised trips with friends. We'd stop off on a beach to picnic, bivouac and barbecue. I realised that, every weekend, friends and family wanted to take part in these outings. That's when I said to myself: "Why not go further? So I bought my first boat, restored it and gave it a try. On the side, I'm a carpenter, so I knew it wouldn't be a full-time activity, but rather a seasonal pleasure.

Why did you choose the Ancenis region?

It seemed logical, because I used to live here, on the banks of the Loire. I live in Le Cellier, and this is the area where I've always sailed. It's an area I'm very attached to. Even if other places are beautiful, this is where I feel at home. It's become my adopted country, even though I'm not originally from here. The Loire inspires and amazes me every day.

The Détours en Loire concept?

I love the idea of taking an hour-long boat trip to enjoy the countryside. But I've always thought that adding a touch of conviviality, like an aperitif or a dish to share, would make the experience even more enjoyable. Today, I offer public walks where you can sign up on your own or in a small group. What I really like are the private tours for groups who come to celebrate a birthday or spend some time with friends, with the plancha and everything you need to cook on board.

What formulas do you offer?

Every evening, we offer aperitif walks. We provide aperitif baskets with local produce, but you can also bring your own picnic - that's part of the concept. The main thing is to have a good time on the water. For companies, I regularly offer privatisation with more complete packages including meals.

What's your role on the boat?

I think you discover the Loire by listening to nature. Even though my role is above all to pilot the boat, I can share my knowledge of the Loire with those who wish to do so. There are many ways to enjoy a trip: some people just want to relax, others prefer to learn more about the surrounding nature. My aim is to create a friendly and pleasant atmosphere. Sometimes there's a real bond that develops between the passengers and us, the pilots, which makes the experience even more special.

What's special about your boat?

It's a boat that I built myself last year. I put a lot of thought into designing it to suit our needs. It allows you to enjoy the outdoors when the weather's fine, but also to stay sheltered in a small cabin when the weather's bad, which gives it a cosy atmosphere. The boat is inspired by the traditional "toues cabanées" of the Loire, but modernised for added comfort.

Will you be offering cruises throughout the year?

We start the season in April, and each period has its own charm. Spring and summer are great with sunshine, while autumn offers magnificent colours, with particularly beautiful sunsets in September.

How far can you walk?

My playground is mainly between Mauves-sur-Loire and Ancenis-Saint-Géréon. Sometimes I go a little further, towards Nantes or Saint-Florent-le-Vieil. I don't have a predefined route; every ride is different.

What's your favourite time of year?

September is my favourite time of year. The first mists in the morning, with the sun rising, offer magical moments. In the evening too, with the low-angled light and the sunsets, it's an incredible sight.

A wonderful adventure that shows just how much the Loire can create unforgettable moments of sharing and conviviality. Thank you to Giovanni for this trip along the river! To book an unforgettable experience, visit https://detoursenloire.fr/