Camargue and blue Mediterranean. Your search ends here. Midi ~ Languedoc. Shorter cruises will require that you return to base A. Experience nine boating regions from a … The stunning region around France’s oldest canal, the Canal de Briare, is known for its châteaux, idyllic villages and, of course, its local Sancerre wines. Franche-Comte region is located between Alsace, Burundy and Switzerland. The Canal du Midi offers a wonderful journey through the sun-drenched vineyards and pretty villages of the Languedoc – France’s most prolific wine producing region. Families will enjoy a visit to 'Les Petits Bouts' adventure park in Aigues Mortes, as well as the aquarium and mini golf at Grau du Roi. Slower is always better. We recommend that the ladies drive the boat and the men do the rope work; techniques develop with practice but the latter requires more physical strength."}}]}. Join the Canal de la Sarre at Gondrexange and explore lakes, beaches, swimming and watersports. Rich biodiversity, sandy beaches and bustling medieval towns and ports make for a fun filled holiday in the south of France. view our video and Terms, Conditions, ©Copyrightand Privacy Statement, Contact Address french-waterways.com •  2 Michaels Court, Hanney Road, Southmoor, OX13 5HR, UK •  Port Lalande, 47260 Castelmoron-sur-Lot, France, Sign up now for our occasional email Newsletter about self-drive hire boating in France - special offers, new cruises and things to do in this wonderful country. Dont miss La Charite sur Loire, a 'City of Books' with craftsmen, calligaphers and illuminations. The information published here results from more than ten years personal experience cruising the waterways from north to south and east to west. Boats are available for weekly hire, as well as for short breaks and longer periods. France canal holidays are the perfect way to discover the hidden treasures of the waterways. The concentrated richness of scenery, history, culture, leisure and pleasure is such that even just a few weeks spent voyaging the canals and rivers of one small part of France is an experience you’ll never forget. Hiring and driving your own cruising boat is an ideal way to explore and experience the pleasures and treasures that the French waterways have to offer. Generally, lock keepers do not work on Bank Holidays and therefore depending on the region, the locks may be closed on these days. Some boats also have a bow and stern thruster to assist movement sideways. An interactive map of the UK inland waterways is available here. Photograph: Buddy Mays/Alamy Don’t worry, instruction is given before you set off. Embark one of our 6 luxury barges for a cruise on France’s Canals in 2021. Many self-drive boat trips will allow you to explore the Canal du Nord, the Canal de Saint-Quentin and the Canal de la Somme, where the peaceful countryside and calming open skies stand in sharp contrast to the bloody history of World War One, which played out in many key sites in this area. Closest airport: Strasbourg, Metz Nancy. 250 boat models, 12 countries, 28 Boating regions and 115 departure bases. Some boats also have a bow and stern thruster to assist movement sideways. No!, and you will be given whatever guidance you need before you set out – there are simple controls, rather like driving a car, and basic waterways ‘rules of the road’. The sun-kissed Canal du Midi in Southern France is perhaps the most famous canal in the World. There are no restrictions on travel time as locks are open all season and operated by the hirer. French barge cruise holidays allow you to go where you want and do as you please. 80+ waterways – Key facts, km by km details, maps, navigation guides and PDF downloads. For parents, children – and grandparents! The atmosphere of the South, with its colourful markets, the way of life in the South West and its hideaway villages, the Celtic atmosphere of Brittany, with its … Registered in England: 04906301. Is it easy to drive a hire-boat? Your Expert Hotel Barge Concierge. There's even an option to combine your boating holiday with golf. The canal has lots of straight sections that pass through pretty countryside as well as plenty of historic towns and villages. and wine! France has an amazing 8,000 km (5,000 miles) of wonderful navigable rivers and canals. Port sur Saone (La Petite Saone). Burgundy – Nivernais – Loire. It will also have a fully fitted kitchen – the luxury boats are modern and very high-spec – and all bedding required. We recommend that the ladies drive the boat and the men do the rope work; techniques develop with practice but the latter requires more physical strength. The locks are closed on 1st May. . Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996, it is lined by plane trees and cypress trees which provide welcome shade … Cruiser Boat Holidays in France. Discover Hidden France. Where charges exist, they are between approximately €10 and €50. Steering may require a few complete turns of the wheel in order to head in the direction you want and some boats have a joy stick. See life pass you by on canals, rivers and lakes. Gloves will help protect you. The beatuiful river is also perfect for fishermen, who can expect to catch brown trout, carp, pike, perch and eel. Here you'll have opportunties to sample great seafood, crepes and traditional cider. The Carmargue region enjoys warm sunshine for most of the year and there arent many locks so the waterways are great for boating beginners. ","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Almost anywhere! Hotel Boat Holidays in France. Saverne (Canal de la Marne au Rhin). On your Canal du Midi cruise, tour vineyards, visit wine caves and taste free samples. It is necessarily approximate and is not contractual. A choice of cruising routes along the River Baise and the Canal de Garonne. Nearby points of interest include the Castle of King Louis XI at Auxonne and the Vauban Citadel in Besancon. We drove a canal boat from Le Boat Vacations for 1 week through the French countryside of Bourgogne. Prefer a boating holiday in the UK? From Vermenton, cruising options include the medieval city of Auxerre via the River Yonne. ","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Hire boat bases are usually one-week’s cruise apart so it is often possible to start at base A and leave your boat a week later at base B. Hire-boat companies may offer to return you to your car after your cruise, or bring your car to you. Travel by boat on the canals is s-l-o-w and speeding destroys not only your peaceful holiday but the canal banks too. Many of the locks are open during the day (please check opening hours) but close at lunchtime. Things to bring on your French canal cruise holidays Gloves: The water in the canals can be very dirty and the ropes can be rough. France canal holidays are the perfect way to discover the hidden treasures of the waterways. welcome. Dating back to the 19th Century, the Canal de Garonne starts at Castets-en-Dorthe and meets the Canal du Midi at Toulouse. On-board the magnificent Renaissance you’ll be treated to the ultimate luxury barge trip in France as you travel the Upper Loire and Western Burgundy. {"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"FAQPage","mainEntity":[{"@type":"Question","name":"Where can I cruise on a self-drive hire boat? The Canal du Midi is a World Heritage Site, an amazing 17th century feat of engineering. Closest airports: Strasbourg, Harskirchen (Canal de la Sarre). Shower shoes / Flip flops / thongs : for the showers at the various ports that you can stop at. The Canal du Midi offers a wonderful journey through the sun-drenched vineyards and pretty villages of the Languedoc – France’s most prolific wine producing region. Closest airports: Paris-Orly, Plagny (Canal lateral a la Loire). To help you choose your French self-drive boat holiday here is an outline of France boat hire areas: With miles of canals and rivers, boating holidays in France give you hundreds of route options. Not to be missed is the medieval castle at Josselin, designated a 'monument historique' since 1928. There are purpose built moorings in many towns and villages. Looking for an ideal cruise holiday in France? Let's navigate in England, Belgium, Ireland, The Netherlands, on the Canal du midi and discover the Brittany, Burgundy, river Lot, Camargue. The region is great for fishing where you may be lucky to catch pike, carp, catfish and bream. If history is your thing, then Northern France makes an ideal destination. So choose your destination, find your own perfect style of boat and then book direct with our trusted boating holiday providers. The Sophie Butler report: Canal holidays in France. The major rivers, however, are out of bounds – the Seine (including Paris), the Rhine, Rhone and the Gironde – because they are too busy with commercial traffic or have strong currents or tides. The locks are open all season. The stunning Ouche Valley, the wide river Saone . At an average leisurely speed of 5 kilometres an hour, plus the days spent exploring all the fascinating places along the way and in extended stays in port, that means there’s actually many years of happy wandering waiting for you to explore and enjoy! The waterways are peaceful and set between hills and forests. A full list of extras will be supplied with your booking form, so you can purchase additional items such as cleaning kit, bar-b-cue and bikes to carry on board. What are self-drive boating holidays like? A full list of extras will be supplied with your booking form, so you can purchase additional items such as cleaning kit, bar-b-cue and bikes to carry on board. Burgundy, in France’s heartland, is one of the most popular cruising areas and is often referred to as the home of hotel barge holiday. Local specialities include Armagnac, duck breast, Agen prunes and Buzet wines. Together with the Canal de Garonne, the Canal du Midi links the Atlantic Ocean with the Mediterranean Sea and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, together with the historic fortified city of Carcassonne, a superb example of a fortified medieval town. Comprehensive detailed navigational information, km by km, Sete west to Toulouse. View all our boating holidays in France. River Cruise Holidays in France. Cast off at the helm of your self drive canal boat and take a leisurely cruise at your own pace, along the canals and rivers, among the most beautiful in Europe or unwind aboard a leisurely luxury hotel barge and meander the inland waterways of France. We offer luxury hotel barge cruises in the main regions of France. Buzet (La Baise). The Charente is a peaceful region of France and perfect for wine tasting as there are Cognac and Pineau vineyards. Closest airports: Toulouse-Blagnac, Carassonne-Salvaza, Capestang (Canal du Midi). Hire boats come in different sizes, to suit a couple, a family or you and your friends, and your holiday can be arranged from start to finish by any of the reputable companies to be found here. Le Somail (Canal du Midi). Price Band = whole boat, per week Outline guidance only – hire prices vary by boat size, season and location. Cruising in France offers the largest river network in Europe with over 100 canals and rivers creating around 800km of navigable waterways making it the ideal destination for canal boat holidays. In my experience, operating a boat at high speed is a recipe for disaster. It will also have a fully fitted kitchen – the luxury boats are modern and very high-spec – and all bedding required. Nestled in the Languedoc wine region, the Canal du Midi is an ideal location for wine tasting holidays. Canal and river boat holidays in Europe: readers’ travel tips Canal plus … a boat moored up on the tranquil Burgundy Canal, eastern France. Steering may require a few complete turns of the wheel in order to head in the direction you want and some boats have a joy stick. Grez-Neuville (L'Oudon). get the facts! The locks on the Canal de Garonne are closed 1st May, they are open all season on the Blaise. If you want a relaxing holiday, taking a slow boat up a French canal is hard to beat. Closest airport: Paris airports, Brienon (Canal de Bourgogne). There's something for everyone here; historic castles, abbeys, local annual festivals, numerous waterfront villages, and excellent gastronomy. Paris and the Canal Saint-Martin, the canals of Burgundy, the canals of Alsace, Provence and Camargue... embark … Another popular destination for a France barge holiday is the sun-drenched Canal du Midi in the South of France. Closest airports: Paris-Orly, Nantes. Up to 12 friends can share a fantastic holiday. Relax on the terrace, with it’s jacuzzi and deckchairs, while you comfortably admire the most beautiful landscapes of France. "}},{"@type":"Question","name":"What’s included in the price of hiring the boat? Closest airports: Beziers, Carcassonne, Montpellier, Toulouse, Port Lauragais (Canal du Midi). Cruise Vacations in France. Such a variety of places and scenes, such a variety of different waterways to explore and people to make friends with. There are oer 300km of navigable waterways and on a boating holiday here you can expect traditional villages, historical towns and scenic countryside. The locks on the Canal de Garonne are closed 1st May, they are open all season on the Blaise. Closest airports: Perpignan, Carcassonne, Béziers, Montpellier, Toulouse. "}},{"@type":"Question","name":"This will be our first time. An enquiry response will be accurate and fully up-to-date. Hire Boat Information hereis outline guidance only, based on details provided to us. (PS: you may unsubscribe at any time), Hundreds of boats, of all types and sizes, to choose from, Thousands of kilometres of lovely canals to explore. Closest airports: Paris-Orly. Enjoy a slower pace of life as you explore the many towns and villages along the way. We have created a partnership with the 4 largest boat rental company in France. All our hire bases have English speakers and you'll receive a warm welcome and full tuition on arrival. A beautiful canal full of charm, the Canal du Nivernais has excellent restaurants serving regional cuisine and fine wine. Perfect for ‘absolute beginners’ – no qualifications required! The region is only 2.5 hours from Paris by car and boasts a network of 300km clear water rivers which are solely used for leisure and tourism. France Boating Holidays and River Cruises. Closest airports: Paris airports, Vermenton (Canal du Nivernais). The city of Agen itself is somewhat of a hidden gem. Do you need previous experience or qualifications? Closest airports: Paris-Orly, Venarey les Laumes (Canal de Bourgogne). A visit to Carcassonne and Fonseranes locks is a must for your French canal boat holidays. We offer over 800 hire boats for French boating holidays. Locks: Passage through locks and bridges is free. Here comes the sun. Pont-Canal d’Agen, at 580metres, is the second-longest canal-bridge in France, built entirely of cut stone and supported by 23 arches. "}},{"@type":"Question","name":"Can I take a one-way cruise? The Canal du Nivernais links the Loire Valley to the Seine Valley. Yes, but it’s not quite like a car. We have all lived and worked on the inland waterways of France for many years and can offer the friendly, informed, personal advice that you need to choose the perfect boating holiday. Closest airports: Paris-Orly, Nantes Atlantique, Sablé sur Sarthe (La Sarthe). Independent, impartial and enthusiastic, we have personally visited and know every fleet and many of their boats, published here. The major rivers, however, are out of bounds – the Seine (including Paris), the Rhine, Rhone and the Gironde – because they are too busy with commercial traffic or have strong currents or tides. Local specialities for food lovers include 'mouclade' oysters, melon, meats, snails and cheese. The interiors of this wonderful vessel echo the décor and ambience of a French manor … Boats (within size limits) can pass through from the English Channel to the Med. Essential navigation guides, maps and books from publishers Breil, Fluviacarte and Imray. Attractions include the 16th Century Castle of King Henri IV in Nerac and the 12th Century Abbey and Cloister in Moissac. The best boats, from all the fleets There are dozens of possible cruises, along a single canal or into other inter-connected waterways. Trèbes, Homps, Ventenac, Paraza, Marseillette and Capestang offer much for wine connoisseurs! Leaving the Seine Valley, the canal follows the path of the River Armançon, meandering through lush countryside, passing many historic towns and Chateaux before it reaches the heart of Burgundy. from £550 per week. There’s no harm in asking questions when considering boat holidays in France canals. The locks are closed on 1st May and 14th July. 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