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Briare itself is a small town located on the East bank of the River Loire, to the SE of Orleans. It is easily accessible , located a mile from one of the autoroutes going South from Paris to the Middle and South of France. Briare's main feature is the amazing bridge or aqueduct, built in cast iron, that was built in the 19th Century to take the Briare Canal across the River Loire. A very long bridge. Essential viewing! We walked on the canal tow path from St Fermin on the West bank to Briare, looked round the town for several hours, then back. Watrerway lovers will enjoy the several canls that meet here. The town is the site of a huge factory, closed in the 1960's but still open in part as a museum, making mosaic and glass beads and buttons. The museum is in urfgent need of a refresh, but is well worth a visit . The church in the middle of town is covered with mosaics in the French Art Nouveau and Romanesque styles. Essential viewing too. The River Loire and its valley extends for hundreds of miles, so Briare is one of many towns and villages , lost of historic and architectural interest, set within beautiful countryside along the river. This is not the area of the Loire with the greatest number of Chataeux, but there are still many in the area. Briare and its area is well worth a trip and a stay of several day. It is easy to hire a kayak and go on canoe trips on the Loire which is classed as a large natural river, or hire a bike or e bike to cycle the miles of level paths along the river. There are several restaurants in the town-- notably in the canal area to the Centre / North area of town.

Briare is a lesser known town on the Loire. Well worth a visit to view the aquaduct which carries the canal over the River Loire. The aquaduct was built by Gustave Eiffel. Service at La Glacier Restaurant was poor and long-winded. We walked out after half an hour after trying and failing to get a drink.

Small and quiet town, nice and relaxed, we stayed 2 nights, probably 3 or 4 would allow you to see more. We visited the Pont-Canal, the canal museum and the Chateau de Bussiere but it would have been good to have another day to visit a few more things.

It has to be one of the best kept secrets the Loire river is so beautiful and picturesque and totally quiet! The restaurant Le Petit St Trop is a gem fantastic food and fantastic service and worth every penny!