We rented canoes to paddle down the Cher past Chateau Chenonceau in June. We must have been in advance of the tourist season as there were surprisingly few non-local people in this area, for example, Chenonceau was popular, but not mobbed.
The Canoe Company had only one person manning the rental shack when we arrived (we had not booked in advance). He was dropping others off upriver, so we had to wait 30 min or so. Once he was there, he was quick and efficient in getting us started on our journey. The cost for the 6 km route was 18 euro per person; 20 euro had we wanted the 12 km route.
The river is very calm; only a few places with anything resembling a current. A peaceful float down to the incredibly picturesque Chateau Chenonceau. Unfortunately you're not allowed to get out of your boat to walk around the grounds (the castle doesn't sell admission at the waterfront), but the exterior is far more interesting than the interior, anyway. For my tourist dollars, this is the most beautiful chateau in France, and to paddle through and around it was incredible. read more