80+ waterways – Key facts, km by km details, maps, navigation guides and PDF downloads. 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. It will also have a fully fitted kitchen – the luxury boats are modern and very high-spec – and all bedding required. Nestled into the southern regions of Mediterranean France, the Canal du Midi has become one of the most popular waterways for holidaymakers looking for a boating holiday in France. Closest airports: Toulouse-Blagnac, Carassonne-Salvaza. Waterways Holidays Ltd {"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"FAQPage","mainEntity":[{"@type":"Question","name":"Where can I cruise on a self-drive hire boat? ","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. The waterways are peaceful and set between hills and forests. The locks are closed on 1st May. "}},{"@type":"Question","name":"This will be our first time. A UNESCO world heritage site, this is the oldest major operating canal system in the world, completed in 1681. A mountainous region with beautiful scenery, watersports, history, tasty local cuisine, cycling and hiking. Generally, lock keepers do not work on Bank Holidays and therefore depending on the region, the locks may be closed on these days. 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. Whilst some locks are mannual, most locks are automatic and operated by a lock keeper who may request your assistance. Not to be missed is the medieval castle at Josselin, designated a 'monument historique' since 1928. Explore by boat, barge or ship – what are the differences? Closest airport: Strasbourg, Metz Nancy. We have created a partnership with the 4 largest boat rental company in France. Take time to discover regional delicacies and fine wine whilst on your boating holiday in France. Unspoilt countryside, picturesque towns and craggy castles. There are dozens of possible cruises, along a single canal or into other inter-connected waterways. (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. Le Somail (Canal du Midi). For barge holidays in France or a canal boat hire, familiarize yourself with the rules before leaving the dock. Price Band = whole boat, per week Outline guidance only – hire prices vary by boat size, season and location. The interiors of this wonderful vessel echo the décor and ambience of a French manor … Let's navigate in England, Belgium, Ireland, The Netherlands, on the Canal du midi and discover the Brittany, Burgundy, river Lot, Camargue. 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. Prefer a boating holiday in the UK? 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. Easily accessible, the Loire Valley is approximately 2.5 hours from Paris by car and encompases the heart of French village life. Embark one of our 6 luxury barges for a cruise on France’s Canals in 2021. Your search ends here. Enjoy a slower pace of life as you explore the many towns and villages along the way. The Canal du Midi is a World Heritage Site, an amazing 17th century feat of engineering. from £900 per week, Great value boats, from all the fleets Long-time associated with fine food and wine, the Burgundy region is crossed by three major canals – the Canal de Bourgogne, the Canal du Nivernais and the Canal de Briare. 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. An enquiry response will be accurate and fully up-to-date. A canal cruise in France means lots of relaxation as your self-drive boat glides slowly along, and plenty of expeditions on dry land too, maybe on a bike along the towpaths and trails – France has lots of these – or a gourmet break or a visit to a major tourist site. Welcome aboard the French Hotel Barge Alegria for an exclusive vacation cruise on the canal du Midi – South of FRANCE, Imagine yourselves... cruising the tranquil waterways of France aboard the beautiful modern and unique péniche hôtel Alegria, pampered by your crew...Alegria: the only de luxe Boutique-Barge on the Canal du Midi in Languedoc.. Thinking of a new and fun way to travel around a country? Travel by boat on the canals is s-l-o-w and speeding destroys not only your peaceful holiday but the canal banks too. 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. from £550 per week. document.write(new Date().getFullYear()); Read our introduction, Saverne (Canal de la Marne au Rhin). Some boats also have a bow and stern thruster to assist movement sideways. The bases at Capestang and Le Somail are located on 'Le Grand Bief', a 54km lock free pound that runs between Argens and Beziers through the heart of the Minervois wine region. If history is your thing, then Northern France makes an ideal destination. 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. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996, it is lined by plane trees and cypress trees which provide welcome shade … . Where charges exist, they are between approximately €10 and €50. welcome. From Vermenton, cruising options include the medieval city of Auxerre via the River Yonne. Rich biodiversity, sandy beaches and bustling medieval towns and ports make for a fun filled holiday in the south of France. The Charente is a peaceful region of France and perfect for wine tasting as there are Cognac and Pineau vineyards. 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. Comprehensive detailed navigational information, km by km, Sete west to Toulouse. Waterways of France. Closest airports: Toulouse-Blagnac, Carassonne-Salvaza, Capestang (Canal du Midi). Midi ~ Languedoc. Burgundy – Nivernais – Loire. Enjoy local cider and Breton butter biscuits. get the facts! Locks: Passage through locks and bridges is free. Here comes the sun. Dating back to the 19th Century, the Canal de Garonne starts at Castets-en-Dorthe and meets the Canal du Midi at Toulouse. France has an amazing 8,000 km (5,000 miles) of wonderful navigable rivers and canals. Local specialities include Armagnac, duck breast, Agen prunes and Buzet wines. French barge cruise holidays allow you to go where you want and do as you please. Explore the best French Canals through Barge Cruises. Frp, Harskirchen, cruise to Sarreguemines which is famous for its ceramics or to Saarbrucken which is just over the German border. The French network of waterways includes 100 canals and rivers, totaling over 8,000 kilometers. See life pass you by on canals, rivers and lakes. Closest airports: Paris-Orly, Nantes Atlantique, Sablé sur Sarthe (La Sarthe). ","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Almost anywhere! There's something for everyone here; historic castles, abbeys, local annual festivals, numerous waterfront villages, and excellent gastronomy. 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. Local specialities for food lovers include 'mouclade' oysters, melon, meats, snails and cheese. If so, how do I get back to my car? View all our boating holidays in France. Perfect for history lovers, the region boasts Medieval castles and villages as well as abbeys, chapels and manors. Don’t worry, instruction is given before you set off. The Canal du Nivernais links the Loire Valley to the Seine Valley. Yes, but it’s not quite like a car. Shorter cruises will require that you return to base A. 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! Mooring: Generally, you are able to moor where you like, as long as you are not causing an obstruction, disturbing local or wildlife or on private property. Almost anywhere! Ideal for beginners, there aren't many locks there are lock keepers to give you a helping hand. The waterways in Brittany are devoted entiely to pleasure boating. Fishing: You'll need to purchase a licence to fish. 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. The locks are open all season. 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. Sireuil (La Charente). view our video and Port sur Saone (La Petite Saone). There are over a hundred hire boat bases throughout France that each keep a (limited) number of differently-sized boats for couples, families and groups. All our hire bases have English speakers and you'll receive a warm welcome and full tuition on arrival. It's recommended that you have previous boating experience if cruising on the River Doubs. 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. Registered in England: 04906301. 250 boat models, 12 countries, 28 Boating regions and 115 departure bases. "}},{"@type":"Question","name":"Can I take a one-way cruise? 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. These canal cruisers are the most modern in Europe, and designed for intimate, relaxing cruising. Essential navigation guides, maps and books from publishers Breil, Fluviacarte and Imray. 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! The region is great for fishing where you may be lucky to catch pike, carp, catfish and bream. 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. Shorter cruises will require that you return to base A. For parents, children – and grandparents! When you collect your boat it will be freshly cleaned and set up with a gas bottle, a full tank of diesel and a full tank of water to last your week. Some boats also have a bow and stern thruster to assist movement sideways. Bank Holiday dates: 1st May, 14th July and 1st November. 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 French canals and rivers travel scenic countryside and ancient towns, with each area having its own particular culture, history and architecture. Nestled in the Languedoc wine region, the Canal du Midi is an ideal location for wine tasting holidays. Join the Canal de la Sarre at Gondrexange and explore lakes, beaches, swimming and watersports. 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. Photograph: Buddy Mays/Alamy The stunning Ouche Valley, the wide river Saone . Camargue and blue Mediterranean. The locks are closed on 1st May. We drove a canal boat from Le Boat Vacations for 1 week through the French countryside of Bourgogne. Don’t worry, instruction is given before you set off. Closest airports: Paris-Orly, Nantes. Many of the locks are open during the day (please check opening hours) but close at lunchtime. World renowned. 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. and wine! The main sites in Auxerre include the Cathedral of St. Étienne and the Abbey of Saint-Germain. Closest airports: Paris-Orly. France Boating Holidays and River Cruises. On your Canal du Midi cruise, tour vineyards, visit wine caves and taste free samples. We have explored the rivers and canals of France on our own boat since 2003, logging up over 10,000km along most waterways, in most regions, at all times of year. Boats (within size limits) can pass through from the English Channel to the Med. The locks on the Canal de Garonne are closed 1st May, they are open all season on the Blaise. Closest airports: Paris airports, Vermenton (Canal du Nivernais). There’s no harm in asking questions when considering boat holidays in France canals. There are purpose built moorings in many towns and villages. Paris and the Canal Saint-Martin, the canals of Burgundy, the canals of Alsace, Provence and Camargue... embark … So choose your destination, find your own perfect style of boat and then book direct with our trusted boating holiday providers. Closest airports: Paris-Orly, Venarey les Laumes (Canal de Bourgogne). The sun-kissed Canal du Midi in Southern France is perhaps the most famous canal in the World. 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. Trèbes, Homps, Ventenac, Paraza, Marseillette and Capestang offer much for wine connoisseurs! Attractions include the 16th Century Castle of King Henri IV in Nerac and the 12th Century Abbey and Cloister in Moissac. Discover Hidden France. Do you need previous experience or qualifications? BOATING HOLIDAY CRUISING ON THE FRENCH CANALS. Northern France. 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