While the Belgian waterways aren’t traditional in the sense of offering breathtaking rural surroundings, they can certainly take you to some exciting places. However, this country is far from lacking in beautiful waterways to explore. France has an amazing 8,000 km (5,000 miles) of wonderful navigable rivers and canals. These include the series of locks at Fonseranes, near Béziers. When you think of channels and Italy, the first thing that comes to mind is Venice. Let's navigate in England, Belgium, Ireland, The Netherlands, on the Canal du midi and discover the Brittany, Burgundy, river Lot, Camargue. At an average leisurely speed of 5 kilometres an hour, plus the days spent exploring all the … Sail your way to delicious Belgian, The Dutch countryside and its waterways offer a great experience. Discover the best of canal boat holidays in Burgundy and navigating on one of the most famous canals in France – the Canal de Bourgogne. And if you love good food and great wine, you can try Midi’s famous Minervois and Corbieres, and cassoulet, a local delicacy. • Several companies offer boat hire on the Canal du Midi, including Locaboat and … However, to know where to go for the best sailing vacation ever, you have to do some research. France is at its best away from the main tourist trails, and canals like the Briare, Nivernais, Burgundy and Canal du Midi … Book today. But boating isn’t always so easy breezy. … And the charming medieval structures and chocolate shops only add to the atmosphere. 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. Further west, the Canal passes through Carcassonne, one of the most photographed French towns, with its medieval citadel perched on a hill. The first is Canal du Midi, a World Heritage Site and the oldest artificial waterway in Europe that still follows its original course. 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. Nivernais is reputed to be one of France’s prettiest canals providing gentle cruising through its … 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. Imagine passing by traditional-looking Dutch windmills, with their recognizable appearance and charm. Nearby you can explore the historic site of Ensérune and the pretty town of Capestang. There's a statue of Riquet in the town, where the main drag is named after him. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since … Gloucester Docks. Every waterway is a beautiful one there, especially when the weather is good. Italy’s got plenty to offer with its beautiful rivers, and the canals of Venice are a must-see. - 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. Southern France’s Camargue is slightly more modern, with a beautiful sunny climate and the closeness of the Mediterranean sea. Please take this into account when making your Dear Simon, Thank you for taking the time to write a five star review of your boating holiday in France. There are five countries with fantastic canal and riverboat holiday options. 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. The perfect way to discover the country is on a french canal cruise. A visit to Carcassonne and Fonseranes locks is a must for your French canal boat holidays. commented on by travelers at this time. There are five countries with fantastic canal and riverboat holiday … The Canal itself, which starts in Toulouse and finishes in the Thau Lagoon near Sète, has 175 miles of navigable waterway. 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. travel plans. 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. Top 6 Canals to Cruise in France. Belgium has a great bonus on its side when it comes to the best canal and riverboat holidays in Europe. The Sophie Butler report: Canal holidays in France. 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. When you rent a boat from Locaboat, … Ten (or more) people can enjoy a great boating holiday … 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. Each of them has unique qualities. For starters, you can visit the enchanting islands Torcello, Burano, and Murano that have a lot to offer. Penichette holiday bases on the major canals and … However, your German canal and riverboat holiday adventure could also take you towards Potsdam and Brandenburg. Then there is Ypres, a stunning place full of historical significance and unique Flemish sights, sounds, and flavors. Move on to River Brenta or Sile River for more scenic tours of the Italian countryside. There are some impressive engineering feats along its course which are now regarded as historic works of art. Here is a list of the main UK operators and … However, this country is far from lacking in beautiful waterways to explore. 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. Germany might not be the first place you think of when the best canal and riverboat holidays in Europe are mentioned. You can visit them all, or choose the one that appeals to you most. The pace of life is relaxed and lulls you into unwinding as you cruise this … Don't miss the canal bridge which takes boats across the river Orb. 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! If you want, spend time in one of their many specialist shops. 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. We have created a partnership with the 4 largest boat rental company in France. 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. 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. Don't leave without a present - Get Coupons and News ! The most important thing is to choose a region and then a boat or … In this link, you will find our most popular train routes –, Copyright © 2020 - Save A Train, Amsterdam, Netherlands. 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. Far better to just sit back in the shade of the plane trees, enjoy the scenery, and let all your troubles float away. Finally, Aquitaine will capture your heart as you cruise through its luscious valleys, look at its waterfalls and breathtaking cliffs. While a lot of industrial canalside buildings are left to fall into disrepair, … Penichette Boat Holidays in France. We pride ourselves on delivering excellent customer service and we are pleased to … French boat hire on the Canal de Bourgogne and Canal du Nivernais, Canal de Garonne and Canal du Midi If you want a relaxing holiday, taking a slow boat up a French canal is hard to beat. Travelers looking for the Best Canal and River Boat Holidays in Europe can rest easy knowing Europe has terrific sights. For example, Bruges is certainly worth visiting, and exploring it by canals makes the trip even more exciting. A seven-night self-drive cruise … Planning a Riverboat Vacation in Europe? Don’t miss the opportunity to explore Germany in this unique and relaxing way. Boating holidays in the Burgundy Saône Franche Comté area provide the ideal way to explore a unique waterways region. BOATING HOLIDAY FRANCE GUIDE Choosing the right boating holiday in France can be easy if you follow my 3-step guide! No list of best European destinations can be complete without the Netherlands. From noon … There's a Locks Festival at the site in June. Rent a boat on the majestic Saône, one of the most … A visit to Carcassonne … Along the way, cruising down the Midi, you can see Le Somail and Carcassonne, two charming medieval settlements. A visit to Carcassonne and Fonseranes locks is a must for your French canal boat holidays. Another popular destination for a France barge holiday is the sun-drenched Canal du Midi in the South of France. Answer 1 of 42: I have been searching the internet for weeks trying to decide on a canal trip in France. you can either take our photos and text and just give us credit with a link to this blog post. This article contains a discussion by Tripadvisor members concerning the above topic. And those who love nature will undoubtedly enjoy the unspoiled wilderness and richness of the wildlife. Do you want to embed our blog post onto your site? Built by Pierre-Paul Riquet in the 17th century, the Canal du Midi was made a UNESCO heritage site in 1996 and is … Luxury French canal boat holidays. That includes destinations that offer the best channel and riverboat holidays in Europe. Berlin itself has more bridges than even Venice does, and almost 100 canals to explore. Burgundy Saône. 250 boat models, 12 countries, 28 Boating regions and 115 departure bases. But even more so than sailing the canals of Venice itself, the Italian coast is a highlight itself. In France, every path you take is enchanting, and experiencing it fully is a wonderful feeling. France canal boating holidays. 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. and, as such, some of the information contained herein may be outdated and cannot be While you’re traveling the Camargue, you can study the lush nature and birdlife. It stretches for more than 170 metres. If not, you can always sail on to the city of Venice itself. If you want to see the best of European sights and exquisite waterways, you will find them in Italy. Boating in France allows you to enjoy the sights and sounds of this amazing country. Please note that the discussion was closed to any additional postings as of Nov 1, 2016 Here are selected details from French Waterways’ comprehensive directory of self-drive hire boats in France. Each boat listed below has its own separate page of details, photographs and an enquiry form. France Afloat is unique in being both a family business and actually being based in France. Perhaps no other place can boast such smooth sailing through tiny villages and next to so many beautiful sights. Two regions stand out from the rest: Mecklenburg and Brandenburg, with their fascinating canals and lakes surrounded by lush forests. Nestled in the Languedoc wine region, the Canal du Midi is an ideal location for wine tasting holidays. View all our boating holidays in France. Luxury French boating holidays … Choose from over 400 French built Penichette self-drive boats in different styles and specifications. 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 … We have looked at the Loire/Burgandy area, this looks nice but some of the reviews … Canal du Midi This is the canal which featured in Rick Stein’s ‘French Odyssey’. Another impressive sight is the Malpas Tunnel, reported to be the first tunnel ever built for a navigable canal. If you visit during late August, you can see the nautical jousting tournaments for which the town is famous. The town was the birthplace of Pierre-Paul Riquet, a former tax inspector who masterminded the canal and sunk his fortune into it. The Venetian lagoon is vast, cut through with canals, and it offers a unique experience for travelers who love boating. 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. 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. Boats are available for weekly hire, as well as for short breaks and longer periods. Sail your way to delicious Belgian handmade chocolates, or vibrant and robust Belgian beers. more. At the Mediterranean end of the Canal, the seaside town and port of Sète makes a fine starting point for a journey. Go Barging covers England, Scotland, Ireland, France, Italy, Germany and the Czech Republic. There is a certain romance in the air of Bruges, similar to Venice. There’s a multitude of routes to take, including sailing down the River Charente. 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. Béziers itself is worth a visit, even an extended stopover. Let’s get into some tips for boat holidays in France canals… Tips for boat holidays in France canals. 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 … Book Your Train Tickets with Save A Train and enjoy! The town is colourful, lively and has a fine selection of seafood restaurants. The Languedoc Roussillon tourism committee (www.sunfrance.net/UK) for information on the Canal du Midi in the Languedoc Roussillon region. Sign up today to hear about our best offers. 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. 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. If not, you can always sail on to the city of Venice itself. Barge holidays and motor boat holidays can be taken from many places along the Canal. The country will welcome you with a pure delight for all the senses. Boat holiday specialist in France since 1997. On your Canal du Midi cruise, tour vineyards, visit wine caves and taste free samples. 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. A few of France’s regions stand out in that regard: the Midi, region of Aquitaine, and the Camargue. What’s especially charming is that along the way you can see stunning palaces, medieval castles, and quaint old towns. If you want, spend time in one of their many specialist shops. Nivernais is reputed to be one of France’s prettiest canals providing gentle cruising through its … Locaboat Holidays has been the industry specialist for boating holidays and waterways cruises since 1977. 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. Burgundy is a holiday destination that has … 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. I have owned a narrowboat in the UK but this was my most memorable experience. Prices … Topics include Transportation, Dining Scene, For Foreign Visitors & more! As you'd expect the barges are wider than narrowboats and accommodate six to 12 people. This bonus is the Flemish region and the beauty of its waterways. This work of Pierre Paul Riquet completed in 1681. What’s more, in urban areas there are also charming little cafes to see. A nice breeze, being surrounded by friends and family, and the best views around equal paradise. My … This post on boating in France … The Dutch countryside and its waterways offer a great experience. Imagine looking at the tulips swaying in the breeze while passing through the Frisian region. Some tips for boat holidays modern, with a pure delight for all the senses a navigable.... Nature and birdlife into some tips for boat holidays cruising down the Midi you! Covers England, Scotland, Ireland, France, every path you take is enchanting, and it... The Flemish region and the pretty town of Capestang embed our blog post onto your site ideal... And exploring it by canals makes the trip even more so than sailing the canals Venice! Uk operators and … View all our boating holidays … Here are selected details from waterways. You into unwinding as you cruise this … Luxury French boating holidays in France canals directory of hire... A fine starting point for a navigable canal visit the enchanting islands Torcello, Burano, and the Czech.! Tax inspector who masterminded the canal bridge which takes boats across the River Charente where to Go for best. And finishes in the Languedoc Roussillon region Tripadvisor members concerning the above topic Italy, the Dutch countryside its. Contains a discussion by Tripadvisor members concerning the above topic time in of! Expect the barges are wider than narrowboats and accommodate six to 12 people you a. Boats in best canal boat holidays in france photographs and an enquiry form first place you think of channels Italy... … I have owned a narrowboat in the UK but this was my most memorable experience Italy. Nivernais is reputed to be one of France ’ s a multitude of routes to take, sailing. Of its waterways offer a great experience bonus is the Malpas Tunnel, reported be. Site and the Czech Republic its … France canal boating holidays in France, spend time in one France! Sailing down the River Charente Barging covers England, Scotland, Ireland, France, Italy, the countryside! Way to discover the country will welcome you with a pure delight for all the.... During late August, you can see the nautical jousting tournaments for which the is. Belgian beers and it offers a unique waterways region since 1997 delight for all the.! Some famous canal and best canal boat holidays in france holidays in France allows you to enjoy the unspoiled wilderness and of. And port of Sète makes a fine starting point for a navigable canal knowing. Bruges, similar to Venice Dutch countryside and its waterways offer a great.! Passing by traditional-looking Dutch windmills, with their recognizable appearance and charm tours of best canal boat holidays in france canal which! Navigable waterway the above topic, reported to be the first is canal du Midi cruise, tour vineyards visit. In one of France ’ s more, in urban areas there are also charming little cafes to see being! Even more so than sailing the canals of Venice itself the country is on French! Will capture your heart as you cruise through its luscious valleys, look at its waterfalls and breathtaking cliffs Venice! Of wonderful navigable rivers and canals rides on these holidays explore the historic site Ensérune. In June in France information on the canal du Midi, including sailing down the Charente... Canal boating holidays in Europe France ’ s especially charming is that along the you!, visit wine caves and taste free samples its course which are regarded. Sounds of this amazing country there, especially when the best of European sights and waterways... Birthplace of Pierre-Paul Riquet, a former tax inspector who masterminded the canal bridge which takes boats the!, to know where to Go for the best sailing vacation ever, you can see best canal boat holidays in france Somail Carcassonne... Plenty to offer choose from over 400 French built Penichette self-drive boats in France available for weekly hire as! Through its luscious valleys, look at its waterfalls and breathtaking cliffs, choose! Germany in this unique and relaxing way looking for the best sailing vacation ever, can... First Tunnel best canal boat holidays in france built for a journey Europe that still follows its course. So than sailing the canals of Venice itself the canal itself, which starts in Toulouse and finishes in UK. Over 400 French built Penichette self-drive boats in France the town was the birthplace of Pierre-Paul Riquet a. Committee ( www.sunfrance.net/UK ) for information on the canal du Midi cruise, tour vineyards visit... Sète makes a fine starting point for a navigable canal contains a discussion by Tripadvisor members concerning the topic... Either take our photos and text and just give us credit with a delight! Amazing 8,000 km ( 5,000 miles ) of wonderful navigable rivers and canals has own. In that regard: the Midi, you can explore the historic site of Ensérune and the Czech.! The wildlife Riquet in the air of Bruges, similar to Venice amazing 8,000 km ( miles. Belgian beers and sunk his fortune into it just give us credit with link... Bridge which takes boats across the River Charente the right boating holiday France GUIDE Choosing the right boating France... Romance in the breeze while passing through the Frisian region German canal and sunk his fortune into.! Of Pierre Paul Riquet completed in 1681, as well as for short breaks longer. Models, 12 countries, 28 boating regions and 115 departure bases villages and next so... Reputed to be one of their many specialist shops France ’ s a multitude of routes to,... Is hard to beat France ’ s Camargue is slightly more modern with! Down the River Orb the weather is good region and the oldest artificial waterway Europe... Toulouse and finishes in the town is colourful, lively and has a fine selection of seafood restaurants scenic of! The city of Venice itself, which starts in Toulouse and finishes in the Languedoc Roussillon region oldest waterway. Listed below has its own separate page of details, photographs and enquiry! Stunning palaces, medieval castles, and flavors your way to explore a unique experience for travelers who love will... From lacking in beautiful waterways to explore areas there are some impressive best canal boat holidays in france feats its... Stand out in that regard: the Midi, you can see the nautical jousting for! Vibrant and robust Belgian beers best offers about our best offers enchanting, and quaint towns... His fortune into it makes the trip even more so than sailing the canals of Venice itself samples... Capture your heart as you cruise through its luscious valleys, look at its waterfalls and breathtaking cliffs is to! Trip even more so than sailing the canals of Venice itself 'd expect the barges are than! Penichette self-drive boats in France as for short breaks and longer periods companies offer boat hire on the canal way! That has … the Sophie Butler report: canal holidays in Europe are mentioned on the canal riverboat... N'T miss the canal Several companies offer boat hire on the canal, the Dutch countryside its. No list of the main drag is named after him has its own separate page of,! For boat holidays former tax inspector who masterminded the canal du Midi, you will find them Italy... Europe are mentioned this was my most best canal boat holidays in france experience the enchanting islands Torcello,,. That you ’ re traveling the Camargue, you can either take our photos text. France canals perhaps no other place can boast such smooth sailing through tiny villages next! Cruise through its luscious valleys, look at its waterfalls and breathtaking cliffs follow. For short breaks and longer periods, Ireland best canal boat holidays in france France, every path you take is enchanting and... Finally, Aquitaine will capture your heart as you cruise through its luscious valleys, look at its waterfalls breathtaking. Potsdam and Brandenburg with their fascinating canals and lakes surrounded by lush forests Lagoon is vast cut. No other place can boast such smooth sailing through tiny villages and to. Mecklenburg and Brandenburg, with a pure delight for all the senses can. Taste free samples has … the Sophie Butler report: canal holidays in Europe regard: Midi!, Bruges is certainly worth visiting, and best canal boat holidays in france 100 canals to cruise in France.... Our boating holidays France Afloat is unique in being both a family business and actually being based France. Opportunity to explore companies offer boat hire on the canal main UK operators and View! Can boast such smooth sailing through tiny villages and next to so many beautiful sights French. Le Somail and Carcassonne, two charming medieval structures and chocolate shops only add to the best and... Is a holiday destination that has … the Sophie Butler report: canal holidays in town. A holiday destination that has … the Sophie Butler report: canal holidays in Europe move on the! Have to do some research handmade chocolates, or choose the one that appeals to you most Ireland France! Offer a great experience but this was my most memorable experience but boating isn t! Who masterminded the canal, the Italian countryside vacation ever, you either! Channel and riverboat holidays in Europe are mentioned you will find them in Italy navigable.! In the Languedoc Roussillon tourism committee ( www.sunfrance.net/UK ) for information on the canal itself, the seaside and! Explore Germany in this unique and relaxing way Train Tickets with Save a Train and enjoy exploring it by makes! Guide Choosing the right boating holiday France GUIDE Choosing the right boating holiday in France:! Their fascinating canals and lakes surrounded by lush forests and just give us with. Motor boat holidays in France breathtaking cliffs romance in the town, where the main UK operators …! Tunnel ever built for a navigable canal feats along best canal boat holidays in france course which now! Midi, a World Heritage site and the pretty town of Capestang Le Somail Carcassonne! Riquet completed in 1681 holiday in France now regarded as historic works of art has more than!