Barging
in France Barging along the great canals and rivers of France, aboard the best
hotel-barges. A
barging tour of France is a fun, relaxing way to explore some of the most scenic
aspects of the country. Your boat travels slowly through the French countryside
to places that will be new even to the most experienced traveler. A chance for
you to discover historic abbeys and castles - to learn about the regional history
and culture. There will be time to go shopping in a market town - time to take
a drink in a village cafe. You will feel at home in France - meeting local people
- and yet never far from your floating home! We recommend you hire bicycles with
your barge so you can explore little villages and towns. The
description of each barge has been provided by the boat owners and indicates the
level of comfort on board. We think that you will be pleased at how welcoming
they are - many with colorful soft furnishings, varnished wood paneling and decor
designed to accentuate the character of the vessel. Some cabins are extremely
spacious and luxurious. All cabins have private bathrooms, outward facing portholes
or windows and space enough to accommodate the long distance traveler. The barges
have dining and bar facilities and sundecks with good all round views to watch
the countryside drift by.
Areas
to barge: The
Loire Valley ... Is as rich in legend as it is in beauty. And you will notice
that fortunately, little has changed over the centuries. Talk to a cheese maker
and find out why his is the most famous goat’s cheese in France.Wind your way
through the narrow streets of a centuries old village, perhaps discovering hidden
shops with hand-painted pottery or stumble across an open market on your own.
Provence,
Camargue and the South of France Five distinctly different waterways along the
River Rhone, the Petit Rhone, the Rhone-Sète canal, Thau lagoon and the Midi Canal,
passing picturesque fishing villages, colourful markets and the Alpilles foothills.
Experience the colour and light that inspired Impressionist painters such as Van
Gogh and Cézanne and see pink flamingos, white horses and black bulls. The
300 year old Canal du Midi skirts the sun-drenched shores of the Mediterranean
before meandering inland through ancient villages and Roman fortifications towards
the famed wine region of Bordeaux. The pace of life is relaxed and lulls you into
unwinding as you cruise the tree lined Canal du Midi. You will discover a marvellous
blend of ancient Gallo- Roman and traditional influences reflected throughout
this region of historic importance. The cuisine is a delicious combination of
both Provençal and traditional flavours. Fresh seafood and regional specialities
with the excellent local Corbières and Minervois wines produce an unforgettable
repertoire of meals. | 
