Cours-les-Barres (France)
Cruise Port schedule, live map, terminals, news
Region
France Rivers
Local Time
2026-10-24 06:05
48°F 8.8°C
Mod. breeze5.6 m/s
53 °F / 12 °C 45 °F / 8 °C
Cours-les-Barres is a Loire River cruise port and a village (population around 1000, land area approx 20 km2/8 mi2) located approx 40 km (26 mi) east of Bourges (Cher department's capital, on Yevre River). The rural commune is part of France's Centre-Val de Loire/Centre-Loire Valley region (Cher department) and comprises the village plus several hamlets on the banks of Loire River and the Loire canal (running parallel to the river).
As cruise port, Cours-les-Barres was included in CroisiEurope's 2023 schedule of the luxury hotel barge Raymonde.
| Date / Time | Port |
|---|---|
| 04 Apr 18:00 - 05 Apr 11:00 (overnight) | Departing from Briare |
| 05 Apr 18:30 - 06 Apr 12:30 (overnight) | Lere |
| 06 Apr 18:30 - 07 Apr 12:30 (overnight) | Menetreol-sous-Sancerre |
| 07 Apr 17:00 - 08 Apr 13:00 (overnight) | Herry |
| 08 Apr 17:30 - 09 Apr 08:30 (overnight) | Cours-les-Barres |
| 09 Apr 17:30 - 10 Apr 09:00 (overnight) | Arriving in Nevers |
The cruisetour (6-day itinerary) features overnight stays in all canal ports and was priced from ~USD 3100 per person with double occupancy.
The settlement was officially established in the early-13th-century (1208) by the Barres family (Eudes des Barres, lord of La Guerche). The town's tourist attractions are the Eglise Saint-Pantaleon (13th-century church), Ecluse du Canal de Givry (1841-built Givry Canal lock), and Pont de Fourchambault-Givry (rail bridge connecting Loire's both banks).
Loire Lateral Canal (1838-opened, length 196 km / 122 mi) runs between Briare and Digoin, connecting Canal du Centre (Digoin to Chalon-sur-Saone) with Canal de Briare (interconnecting Loire and Seine/Briare to Buges). Cours-les-Barres' scenery is marked by forests (~35%), cultivated fields/arable land (~28%), grasslands (~24%), with the urbanized land being just ~4%). In 1982, 1999, 2003 and 2016, the town suffered considerable damages caused by Loire's floods and landslides/mudslides.
Exploring Cours-les-Barres
Cours-les-Barres is a quiet canal-barge stop rather than a conventional cruise terminal. Easy independently for a short village and towpath walk; organized excursion recommended for attractions farther afield. The immediate surroundings suit a relaxed stroll, but a substantial sightseeing visit requires transport.
Getting Ashore
The village’s halte nautique is on the Canal latéral à la Loire, below the village center near Place de l’Église. Canal barges moor alongside rather than using sea-port tenders. Confirm your boat’s precise mooring with the crew before planning your walk.
From the village landing, a short uphill path leads toward the church and mairie. There is no need for a transfer to explore this small central area. For trips outside the village, arrange transport and the return journey in advance; do not depend on finding a taxi waiting at the mooring.
Best Ways to Spend Your Time
Village and Canal Towpath
Allow 45–90 minutes for the village center, the exterior of Église Saint-Pantaléon and a waterside stroll. This is the simplest independent option, particularly during a late-afternoon arrival. The canal path is mostly level, with a short climb into the village. Church entry depends on whether it is open.
Apremont-sur-Allier and Its Floral Park
With arranged transport, Apremont offers a more substantial outing: village lanes, houses overlooking the Allier and the landscaped Parc Floral. Allow 2–3 hours at the destination, plus travel and your return margin. A cruise excursion is convenient; an independent visit is practical with a prebooked return transfer.
The park opens seasonally, so check admission arrangements for your visit. Garden paths include gravel, slopes and steps, making some areas difficult for passengers with limited mobility. The village and riverfront offer a shorter alternative to the full garden visit.
Guétin Aqueduct and Double Lock
Arrange a transfer to Le Guétin to see the canal carried across the Allier and the adjoining double lock. Allow around an hour on site for views, photographs and a short walk. Watching a boat negotiate the locks depends on passing traffic.
This is a separate outing from the Cours-les-Barres landing. Ask the crew whether your cruise already passes the aqueduct before booking additional transport.
Self-Guided Walking Route
Easy: Village Center and a Short Canal Walk
Start: the village halte nautique, if your barge is moored there. This flexible out-and-back route covers approximately 1.5–2 km (0.9–1.2 mi), depending on how far you continue beside the canal. Allow 25–35 minutes of walking, or 45–75 minutes with stops.
- Start beside the canal at the mooring and waterside green space.
- Take the path uphill toward the mairie and Place de l’Église.
- Stop at Église Saint-Pantaléon to view its exterior.
- Look around the small village center and memorial before returning downhill.
- Follow the accessible towpath for a short countryside stroll, then retrace your steps to the barge.
The main effort is the short village slope. Towpath surfaces may be uneven or muddy after rain. Keep clear of the canal edge and share the path with cyclists.
Planning Your Return
- Check the next departure and mooring with the crew: a barge may move while passengers take an organized excursion.
- For independent transfers, agree on the pickup point and allow time for delays before the stated all-aboard time.
- Carry water and wear suitable walking shoes; countryside paths can offer limited shade.
- For an evening stop, prioritize the nearby walk unless transport and attraction access have been confirmed.