canal cruising in France

Cuising canals and rivers in France and in the old Europe is a delightful, peaceful and unforgetable. Being a guest onboard a luxury barge or at the helm of our Classic Penichette, you will always fall under the magic spell of the unique river cruising atmosphere. No matter the size of the boat, canal cruising is unique. Certainly the most relaxing holidays you can think of.

Canal boat or hotel barging ? Self-drive canal boat and hotel barging are very different. Both may cruise on the same canals but life on board is not the same:

	- Hotel barging in France is a bit like a luxury hotel with a Chef just for you onboard and all sightseeing activities pre-organised. All our barges are fairly up-market with rate (fully inclusive) starting from 1160 euros per person per week.
	Self-drive canal boats in France, Germany, Holland, Ireland,Italy and now Poland, come in different size. Much smaller than a canal barge. Self-drive canal boats can be compared to floating self-contain apartments accommodating up to 12 persons. Price starts from 721 euros per week for two persons.

CANAL BOAT RENTAL (self-drive)

We represent 3 canal boats rental companies in France: Locaboat Holidays, Cardinal Boating Holidays & Anjou Navigation

Locaboat Holidays boat rental has bases just about everywhere in France. Locaboat Holidays boats are also available in Ireland, Italy, Holland, Germany and Poland.

Cardinal Cruisers Luxury EUROPA 400. 600 & ultimate 700 feature spacious saloon, comprehensively equipped kitchen and luxurious double cabins each with en-suite bathrooms

Anjou Navigation is situated close to the Loire Valley, within 1 hour from Paris by TGV. Sailing the river Sarthe is very easy to navigate. We recommend this trip for beginners

No licence is required to pilot a canal boat in France. When you get to the base, you will be given a personal lesson and you will learn quickly how simple and enjoyable it is to drive a canal boat
There are numerous bases to start from and each region has its own character. No matter which route you take, all rivers are fun, with plenty of villages and constant scenic countryside. In most cases, you have the possibillity to choose between return and one-way trip
Going through locks with a canal boat is fun, even if the first one is always a bit tense. Some locks are automatic, some are hand-operated, others are run by a lock keepers. (Our favorites). Make sure to have a little chat with them and don't hesitate to buy vegetables, home jam, etc.. if they have some on display..
For more information on canal boats, contact us.

HOTEL BARGING
Your floating hotel cruises gently along, while you relax, enjoy the fine wines and excellent French cuisine, the company of fellow passengers - new friends, family, or old acquaintances. Take a guided tour around the many castles, markets, battlefields and ancient monuments, or go off exploring on your own. Whatever you do, the dedicated and highly trained professional staff will be there to look after you. Our Captains ensure a safe and yet exciting passage along your chosen route, our Chefs prepare a wide range of exquisite food to suit every taste, our Tour guides are knowledgeable and enthusiastic, and our stewards & stewardesses ensure that our high standards are maintained throughout your cruise. Indulge yourself !
We are agents for the leading barging companies European Wbaterways (also known as Go Barging) and several privately owned barges.

		Esperance Unique boat of its kind! Experience genuine refined French hospitality aboard this Exclusive 5* trendy private barge, beautifully decorated. For 2 couples.
		Marjorie II Holland tulip cruises - Impressionist cruises Burgundy & Special Golf cruises

European Waterways
La Belle Epoque - L'Art de Vivre - Alouette -L'Impressionniste - Anjodi - Nymphea - Renaissance - Hirondelle - La Reine Pedauque- Enchanté - Savoir Faire - Napoléon - Athos - La Dolce Vita

Le Phenicien
Escorted 5 days bike tour in Provence.

Lorraine
Burgundy & Alsace
22 Passengers

Luciole
Scenic escape in Burgundy
a glass of Chablis in hand

Clair de Lune
Beziers - Carcassonne - Avignon

		Who Knows In the heart of Burgundy
		Etoile Ideal for families

Time in Paris