Sail your way to delicious Belgian handmade chocolates, or vibrant and robust Belgian beers. The town is colourful, lively and has a fine selection of seafood restaurants. If you want a relaxing holiday, taking a slow boat up a French canal is hard to beat. Locaboat Holidays has been the industry specialist for boating holidays and waterways cruises since 1977. The Béziers Tourist Office (www.beziers-tourisme.fr) for more about the Locks Festival at Fonseranes, This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. If not, you can always sail on to the city of Venice itself. If you want, spend time in one of their many specialist shops. Berlin itself has more bridges than even Venice does, and almost 100 canals to explore. Every waterway is a beautiful one there, especially when, Germany might not be the first place you think of when the best canal and riverboat holidays in Europe are mentioned. more. Prices … Don't miss the canal bridge which takes boats across the river Orb. When you think of channels and Italy, the first thing that comes to mind is Venice. Reading Time: 5 minutes (Last Updated On: 26/09/2020) Travelers looking for the Best Canal and River Boat Holidays in Europe can rest easy knowing Europe has terrific sights.However, to know where to go for the best sailing vacation ever, you have to do some research. The Canal du Midi offers a wonderful journey through the sun-drenched vineyards and pretty villages of Languedoc - France's most prolific wine producing region. The pace of life is relaxed and lulls you into unwinding as you cruise this … Boating holidays in the Burgundy Saône Franche Comté area provide the ideal way to explore a unique waterways region. A visit to Carcassonne … Luxury French canal boat holidays. The pace is slow but just because you're on the water it doesn't mean you can't also enjoy a little of life's finer things as you float along. This article contains a discussion by Tripadvisor members concerning the above topic. The Venetian lagoon is vast, cut through with canals, and it offers a unique experience for travelers who love boating. Still travelling west, you will pass through Castelnaudary (home of cassoulet), before crossing the border into Midi Pyrenees, and on to Toulouse, where the Canal du Midi joins another canal which runs beside the river Garonne all the way to the Atlantic. Canal du Midi This is the canal which featured in Rick Stein’s ‘French Odyssey’. Here are our top five best canal and riverboat holidays in Europe: France is a beautiful country with many possible destinations for a channel or riverboat holiday. Burgundy Saône. What’s more, in urban areas there are also charming little cafes to see. Each boat listed below has its own separate page of details, photographs and an enquiry form. And those who love nature will undoubtedly enjoy the unspoiled wilderness and richness of the wildlife. A canal boat holiday is an enjoyable (and extremely relaxing) way to explore Burgundy Credit: Andia The only drawback is the fact that the locks close for lunch. What’s especially charming is that along the way you can see stunning palaces, medieval castles, and quaint old towns. Further west, the Canal passes through Carcassonne, one of the most photographed French towns, with its medieval citadel perched on a hill. A few of France’s regions stand out in that regard: the Midi, region of Aquitaine, and the Camargue. My … 250 boat models, 12 countries, 28 Boating regions and 115 departure bases. While a lot of industrial canalside buildings are left to fall into disrepair, … It stretches for more than 170 metres. If not, you can always sail on to the city of Venice itself. While the Belgian waterways aren’t traditional in the sense of offering breathtaking rural surroundings, they can certainly take you to some exciting places. France Afloat is unique in being both a family business and actually being based in France. For starters, you can visit the enchanting islands Torcello, Burano, and Murano that have a lot to offer. Perhaps no other place can boast such smooth sailing through tiny villages and next to so many beautiful sights. At an average leisurely speed of 5 kilometres an hour, plus the days spent exploring all the … Nestled in the Languedoc wine region, the Canal du Midi is an ideal location for wine tasting holidays. However, this country is far from lacking in beautiful waterways to explore. - You can click here to, Best Canal And River Boat Holidays In Europe, Travelers looking for the Best Canal and River Boat Holidays in Europe can rest easy knowing Europe has, France is a beautiful country with many possible destinations for a channel or riverboat, Southern France’s Camargue is slightly more, When you think of channels and Italy, the first thing that comes to mind is, For starters, you can visit the enchanting islands Torcello, Burano, and Murano that have a lot to offer. However, this country is far from lacking in beautiful waterways to explore. you can either take our photos and text and just give us credit with a link to this blog post. Burgundy is a holiday destination that has … Here are selected details from French Waterways’ comprehensive directory of self-drive hire boats in France. A visit to Carcassonne and Fonseranes locks is a must for your French canal boat holidays. The first is Canal du Midi, a World Heritage Site and the oldest artificial waterway in Europe that still follows its original course. Finally, Aquitaine will capture your heart as you cruise through its luscious valleys, look at its waterfalls and breathtaking cliffs. The town was the birthplace of Pierre-Paul Riquet, a former tax inspector who masterminded the canal and sunk his fortune into it. Nivernais is reputed to be one of France’s prettiest canals providing gentle cruising through its … At the Mediterranean end of the Canal, the seaside town and port of Sète makes a fine starting point for a journey. Another impressive sight is the Malpas Tunnel, reported to be the first tunnel ever built for a navigable canal. Boating in France allows you to enjoy the sights and sounds of this amazing country. The country of waterways had to find its place on the list, owing to its stunning views, scenic routes and the ease and tranquility of sailing. Belgium has a great bonus on its side when it comes to the best canal and riverboat holidays in Europe. France has an amazing 8,000 km (5,000 miles) of wonderful navigable rivers and canals. In France, every path you take is enchanting, and experiencing it fully is a wonderful feeling. Each of them has unique qualities. commented on by travelers at this time. Choose from over 400 French built Penichette self-drive boats in different styles and specifications. The Sophie Butler report: Canal holidays in France. The country will welcome you with a pure delight for all the senses. travel plans. A visit to Carcassonne and Fonseranes locks is a must for your French canal boat holidays. Dear Simon, Thank you for taking the time to write a five star review of your boating holiday in France. Barge holidays and motor boat holidays can be taken from many places along the Canal. Perhaps no other place can boast such smooth sailing through, If you want to be kind to your users, you can guide them directly into our search pages. French boat hire on the Canal de Bourgogne and Canal du Nivernais, Canal de Garonne and Canal du Midi As it travels through the landscape of Languedoc Roussillon, the Canal is extremely picturesque, often serene, and shaded for much of its length by trees. Then there is Ypres, a stunning place full of historical significance and unique Flemish sights, sounds, and flavors. Penichette Boat Holidays in France. Sign up today to hear about our best offers. Answer 1 of 42: I have been searching the internet for weeks trying to decide on a canal trip in France. Let's navigate in England, Belgium, Ireland, The Netherlands, on the Canal du midi and discover the Brittany, Burgundy, river Lot, Camargue. and, as such, some of the information contained herein may be outdated and cannot be There are five countries with fantastic canal and riverboat holiday options. If you want, spend time in one of their many specialist shops. From noon … Nearby you can explore the historic site of Ensérune and the pretty town of Capestang. … Inventor of the Pénichette ®, Locaboat is as famous for the friendliness and quality of its customer service as for the comfort and easy handling of its boats. There’s a multitude of routes to take, including sailing down the River Charente. The most important thing is to choose a region and then a boat or … Boats are available for weekly hire, as well as for short breaks and longer periods. 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. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore Germany in this unique and relaxing way. But boating isn’t always so easy breezy. TOP FIVE MOST POPULAR BOATING HOLIDAYS IN FRANCE Everybody has heard of the Canal du Midi, after all it is France’s most famous canal! There is a certain romance in the air of Bruges, similar to Venice. Book Your Train Tickets with Save A Train and enjoy! Do you want to embed our blog post onto your site? BOATING HOLIDAY FRANCE GUIDE Choosing the right boating holiday in France can be easy if you follow my 3-step guide! Far better to just sit back in the shade of the plane trees, enjoy the scenery, and let all your troubles float away. Another popular destination for a France barge holiday is the sun-drenched Canal du Midi in the South of France. Sometimes one-way journeys are possible, but that's not necessarily the most relaxing way to travel, since the start and finish may be a fair distance apart, meaning you have to clock up a lot of miles to reach your end point in time. There are over 2700 miles of inland waterways in France and an integral part of this system is a 750-mile network of french canals linking up the main french rivers. While you’re traveling the Camargue, you can study the lush nature and birdlife. Built by Pierre-Paul Riquet in the 17th century, the Canal du Midi was made a UNESCO heritage site in 1996 and is … Imagine looking at the tulips swaying in the breeze while passing through the Frisian region. Ten (or more) people can enjoy a great boating holiday … The Canal itself, which starts in Toulouse and finishes in the Thau Lagoon near Sète, has 175 miles of navigable waterway. The Languedoc Roussillon tourism committee (www.sunfrance.net/UK) for information on the Canal du Midi in the Languedoc Roussillon region. A nice breeze, being surrounded by friends and family, and the best views around equal paradise. You can visit them all, or choose the one that appeals to you most. The perfect way to discover the country is on a french canal cruise. Travelers looking for the Best Canal and River Boat Holidays in Europe can rest easy knowing Europe has terrific sights. Pricing Details – Boating holidays in France (Brittany) with Le Boat The Dukes of Brittany Cruise – One-way from Nort-sur-Erdre to Messac, via La Roche Bernard. Along the way, cruising down the Midi, you can see Le Somail and Carcassonne, two charming medieval settlements. There's a Locks Festival at the site in June. Please take this into account when making your Or click here: https://iframely.com/embed/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.saveatrain.com%2Fblog%2Fbest-canal-river-boat-holidays%2F– (Scroll down a little to see the Embed Code), My blog writing is the easiest way to get highly relevant, researched, and professionally written content, I try to make it as engaging as I possibly can. Two regions stand out from the rest: Mecklenburg and Brandenburg, with their, For example, Bruges is certainly worth visiting, and exploring it by canals, Then there is Ypres, a stunning place full of historical significance and unique Flemish sights, sounds, and flavors. When you rent a boat from Locaboat, … Book today. Different sources quote from 7 to 9 locks, but there are certainly a lot of them, and they take the canal across a height difference of more than 20 metres. Topics include Transportation, Dining Scene, For Foreign Visitors & more! One of the most relaxing and pleasant ways to explore southern France is by taking a holiday on the Canal du Midi, which was built in the 17th century to link the Atlantic with the … Top 6 Canals to Cruise in France. If you visit during late August, you can see the nautical jousting tournaments for which the town is famous. Here is a list of the main UK operators and … And if you love good food and great wine, you can try Midi’s famous Minervois and Corbieres, and cassoulet, a local delicacy. The Dutch countryside and its waterways offer a great experience. We pride ourselves on delivering excellent customer service and we are pleased to … And the charming medieval structures and chocolate shops only add to the atmosphere. However, to know where to go for the best sailing vacation ever, you have to do some research. Germany might not be the first place you think of when the best canal and riverboat holidays in Europe are mentioned. Boat holiday specialist in France since 1997. For example, Bruges is certainly worth visiting, and exploring it by canals makes the trip even more exciting. This bonus is the Flemish region and the beauty of its waterways. Penichette holiday bases on the major canals and … We have looked at the Loire/Burgandy area, this looks nice but some of the reviews … One of the most relaxing and pleasant ways to explore southern France is by taking a holiday on the Canal du Midi, which was built in the 17th century to link the Atlantic with the Mediterranean, and is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. France is at its best away from the main tourist trails, and canals like the Briare, Nivernais, Burgundy and Canal du Midi … The Cheapest Train Tickets Website In The World, https://iframely.com/embed/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.saveatrain.com%2Fblog%2Fbest-canal-river-boat-holidays%2F, https://www.saveatrain.com/routes_sitemap.xml, https://www.saveatrain.com/ru_routes_sitemap.xml, 10 Most Beautiful Coastal Towns In Europe, 7 Most Amazing Football Stadiums In Europe. What’s certain is that you’re going to have some famous canal and river rides on these holidays. Go Barging covers England, Scotland, Ireland, France, Italy, Germany and the Czech Republic. Imagine passing by traditional-looking Dutch windmills, with their recognizable appearance and charm. That includes destinations that offer the best channel and riverboat holidays in Europe. These include the series of locks at Fonseranes, near Béziers. Planning a Riverboat Vacation in Europe? We have created a partnership with the 4 largest boat rental company in France. On your Canal du Midi cruise, tour vineyards, visit wine caves and taste free samples. Please note that the discussion was closed to any additional postings as of Nov 1, 2016 Béziers itself is worth a visit, even an extended stopover. There's a statue of Riquet in the town, where the main drag is named after him. There are some impressive engineering feats along its course which are now regarded as historic works of art. However, your German canal and riverboat holiday adventure could also take you towards Potsdam and Brandenburg. If you want to see the best of European sights and exquisite waterways, you will find them in Italy. Don't leave without a present - Get Coupons and News ! No list of best European destinations can be complete without the Netherlands. Gloucester Docks. Every waterway is a beautiful one there, especially when the weather is good. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since … But even more so than sailing the canals of Venice itself, the Italian coast is a highlight itself. Italy’s got plenty to offer with its beautiful rivers, and the canals of Venice are a must-see. There are five countries with fantastic canal and riverboat holiday … Luxury French boating holidays … Move on to River Brenta or Sile River for more scenic tours of the Italian countryside. I have owned a narrowboat in the UK but this was my most memorable experience. This work of Pierre Paul Riquet completed in 1681. As you'd expect the barges are wider than narrowboats and accommodate six to 12 people. View all our boating holidays in France. In this link, you will find our most popular train routes –, Copyright © 2020 - Save A Train, Amsterdam, Netherlands. Rent a boat on the majestic Saône, one of the most … • Several companies offer boat hire on the Canal du Midi, including Locaboat and … Sail your way to delicious Belgian, The Dutch countryside and its waterways offer a great experience. Let’s get into some tips for boat holidays in France canals… Tips for boat holidays in France canals. A seven-night self-drive cruise … Nivernais is reputed to be one of France’s prettiest canals providing gentle cruising through its … Southern France’s Camargue is slightly more modern, with a beautiful sunny climate and the closeness of the Mediterranean sea. Here are Drifters’ Top 11 canal boat holidays for 2021: Explore the Staffordshire countryside from Kings Orchard – in March 2021, Drifters will be opening a new narrowboat hire base at Kings Orchard Marina ... Look out for otters on the Montgomery Canal … Two regions stand out from the rest: Mecklenburg and Brandenburg, with their fascinating canals and lakes surrounded by lush forests. 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