Closest airports: Paris-Orly. Closest airport: Strasbourg, Metz Nancy. Ideal for beginners, there aren't many locks there are lock keepers to give you a helping hand. Boats (within size limits) can pass through from the English Channel to the Med. The locks are open all season. 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. The locks are closed on 1st May. The French network of waterways includes 100 canals and rivers, totaling over 8,000 kilometers. Photograph: Buddy Mays/Alamy 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. 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. Camargue and blue Mediterranean. Closest airports: Perpignan, Carcassonne, Béziers, Montpellier, Toulouse. Looking for an ideal cruise holiday in France? A visit to Carcassonne and Fonseranes locks is a must for your French canal boat holidays. Some of these moorings are free, others are chargeable. Not to be missed is the medieval castle at Josselin, designated a 'monument historique' since 1928. Closest airports: Toulouse-Blagnac, Carassonne-Salvaza. Some boats also have a bow and stern thruster to assist movement sideways. Midi ~ Languedoc. Prefer a boating holiday in the UK? 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. Explore the best French Canals through Barge Cruises. canal cruising in france. The locks are closed on 1st May and 14th July. Frp, Harskirchen, cruise to Sarreguemines which is famous for its ceramics or to Saarbrucken which is just over the German border. Closest airports: La Rochelle-Laleu, Bordeaux-Mérignac, Angouleme-Champniers. 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. Join the Canal de la Sarre at Gondrexange and explore lakes, beaches, swimming and watersports. There's something for everyone here; historic castles, abbeys, local annual festivals, numerous waterfront villages, and excellent gastronomy. View all our boating holidays in France. Bank Holiday dates: 1st May, 14th July and 1st November. 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. 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. Perfect for ‘absolute beginners’ – no qualifications required! Boats are available for weekly hire, as well as for short breaks and longer periods. Closest airports: Nantes, Rennes, Sucé sur Erdre (L'Erdre). Waterways Holidays Ltd The main sites in Auxerre include the Cathedral of St. Étienne and the Abbey of Saint-Germain. Cruising in France offers the largest river network in Europe with over 100 canals and rivers creating around 800km of navigable waterways making it the ideal destination for canal boat holidays. A visit to Carcassonne and Fonseranes locks is a must for your French canal boat holidays. and wine! Steering may require a few complete turns of the wheel in order to head in the direction you want and some boats have a joy stick. Local specialities include Armagnac, duck breast, Agen prunes and Buzet wines. Nearby points of interest include the Castle of King Louis XI at Auxonne and the Vauban Citadel in Besancon. There are oer 300km of navigable waterways and on a boating holiday here you can expect traditional villages, historical towns and scenic countryside. {"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"FAQPage","mainEntity":[{"@type":"Question","name":"Where can I cruise on a self-drive hire boat? 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. The region is great for fishing where you may be lucky to catch pike, carp, catfish and bream. Hiring and driving your own cruising boat is an ideal way to explore and experience the pleasures and treasures that the French waterways have to offer. Waterways of France. view our video and 80+ waterways – Key facts, km by km details, maps, navigation guides and PDF downloads. What are self-drive boating holidays like? Slower is always better. The locks are closed on 1st May. Glénac (Canal de Nantes a Brest). Here you'll have opportunties to sample great seafood, crepes and traditional cider. You'll find locally grown products at weekly street markets in many villages and towns. In the south of France, there is one network of canals that is particularly famous, and that is the Canal des Deux Mers, which includes the Canal du Midi, linking the Atlantic to the Mediterranean. The waterways are peaceful and set between hills and forests. 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. Travel by boat on the canals is s-l-o-w and speeding destroys not only your peaceful holiday but the canal banks too. Don’t worry, instruction is given before you set off. get the facts! The Canal du Midi is a World Heritage Site, an amazing 17th century feat of engineering. Closest airports: Bordeaux-Mérignac, Toulouse-Blagnac. A choice of cruising routes along the River Baise and the Canal de Garonne. ","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Almost anywhere! Do you need previous experience or qualifications? Local specialities include Armagnac, duck breast, Agen prunes and Buzet wines. The beatuiful river is also perfect for fishermen, who can expect to catch brown trout, carp, pike, perch and eel. 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. If history is your thing, then Northern France makes an ideal destination. Where charges exist, they are between approximately €10 and €50. 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! An interactive map of the UK inland waterways is available here. France boasts some of the world’s finest wines and with around 60,000 acres of sunlit vines, a cruise in Burgundy is highly recommended if you are a wine enthusiast. The currency in France is the Euro. Franche-Comte region is located between Alsace, Burundy and Switzerland. 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. Cruise towards Strasbourg or Arzviller, which has the only boat lift in France. Le Somail (Canal du Midi). Closest airports: Strasbourg, Harskirchen (Canal de la Sarre). Experience nine boating regions from a … "}},{"@type":"Question","name":"This will be our first time. Hire Boat Information hereis outline guidance only, based on details provided to us. The special South-West, Bordeaux, gastronomy and grapes. The locks are closed on 1st May. The French canals and rivers travel scenic countryside and ancient towns, with each area having its own particular culture, history and architecture. 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. Pont-Canal d’Agen, at 580metres, is the second-longest canal-bridge in France, built entirely of cut stone and supported by 23 arches. ","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Yes, but it’s not quite like a car. Price Band = whole boat, per week Outline guidance only – hire prices vary by boat size, season and location. There's even an option to combine your boating holiday with golf. Local specialities for food lovers include 'mouclade' oysters, melon, meats, snails and cheese. The Sophie Butler report: Canal holidays in France. Let's navigate in England, Belgium, Ireland, The Netherlands, on the Canal du midi and discover the Brittany, Burgundy, river Lot, Camargue. Discover Hidden France. There are purpose built moorings in many towns and villages. Closest airports: Paris Charles de Gaulle, Paris-Orly, Nantes Atlantique, Laval (La Mayenne). A UNESCO world heritage site, this is the oldest major operating canal system in the world, completed in 1681. It's recommended that you have previous boating experience if cruising on the River Doubs. Comprehensive detailed navigational information, km by km, Sete west to Toulouse. Yes, but it’s not quite like a car. There are dozens of possible cruises, along a single canal or into other inter-connected waterways. And, it’s no [...] On your Canal du Midi cruise, tour vineyards, visit wine caves and taste free samples. If so, how do I get back to my car? The waterways in Brittany are devoted entiely to pleasure boating. Enjoy local cider and Breton butter biscuits. Northern France. Hiring and driving your own cruising boat is an ideal way to explore and experience the pleasures and treasures that the French waterways have to offer. Crystal clear water, countryside and fields of sunflowers sum up a cruise along this large and winding river. The stunning Ouche Valley, the wide river Saone . Cruise Vacations in France. For parents, children – and grandparents! We have created a partnership with the 4 largest boat rental company in France. Hire boats come in different sizes, to suit a couple, a family or you and your friends, and your holiday can be arranged from start to finish by any of the reputable companies to be found here. Savour the unique Franco-German culture of North-East France, A network of wonderful waterways amidst fabulous scenery. The sun-kissed Canal du Midi in Southern France is perhaps the most famous canal in the World. Read our introduction, We offer luxury hotel barge cruises in the main regions of France. Generally, lock keepers do not work on Bank Holidays and therefore depending on the region, the locks may be closed on these days. French barge cruise holidays allow you to go where you want and do as you please. Linssen) above the excellent Penichette, A wide range, including above ‘Sedan’ walk-through aft deck types. The interiors of this wonderful vessel echo the décor and ambience of a French manor … A smaller fleet with excellent boats above: the barge-style Euroclassic, The biggest fleet, with a wide range of sizes and styles of boat, Distinctive boats (incl. "}},{"@type":"Question","name":"What’s included in the price of hiring the boat? YOUR UNIQUELY PRIVATE VIEW OF HIDDEN FRANCE Cruise the Nivernais and Burgundy Canals on board Le Papillon An exploration of Burgundy’s hidden backwaters, with a choice of two classic itineraries, each lasting 6 days, spent immersing yourself in gourmet wine and food, against the backdrop of some of the most glorious countryside in Europe. Closest airports: Paris-Orly, Venarey les Laumes (Canal de Bourgogne). We drove a canal boat from Le Boat Vacations for 1 week through the French countryside of Bourgogne. A mountainous region with beautiful scenery, watersports, history, tasty local cuisine, cycling and hiking. 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. 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. World renowned. Registered in England: 04906301. Closest airports: Dijon, Bale. Dont miss La Charite sur Loire, a 'City of Books' with craftsmen, calligaphers and illuminations. from £900 per week, Great value boats, from all the fleets 250 boat models, 12 countries, 28 Boating regions and 115 departure bases. Take time to discover regional delicacies and fine wine whilst on your boating holiday in France. In my experience, operating a boat at high speed is a recipe for disaster. We offer over 800 hire boats for French boating holidays. The bands do not represent accurate low or high season rates. Explore by boat, barge or ship – what are the differences? welcome. France Boating Holidays and River Cruises. Unique. Closest airports: Paris airports, Vermenton (Canal du Nivernais). Is it easy to drive a hire-boat? Up to 20% discounts for private charter or book by cabin luxury cruises, Save 5% to 50% per week on boats and destinations throughout France, Up to 20% off high-quality fleet cruises on the major rivers of France. Paris and the Canal Saint-Martin, the canals of Burgundy, the canals of Alsace, Provence and Camargue... embark … . Locks: Passage through locks and bridges is free. 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. France Luxury Hotel Barge Cruises. Grocery shopping: Please remember to take some cash with you on your French boating holiday as some shops cannot accept payment by card. An enquiry response will be accurate and fully up-to-date. Travel by boat on the canals is s-l-o-w and speeding destroys not only your peaceful holiday but the canal banks too. Justly famous. France canal holidays are the perfect way to discover the hidden treasures of the waterways. The locks on the Canal de Garonne are closed 1st May, they are open all season on the Blaise. 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. It is necessarily approximate and is not contractual. Closest airports: Rennes. Rich biodiversity, sandy beaches and bustling medieval towns and ports make for a fun filled holiday in the south of France. Thinking of a new and fun way to travel around a country? Saverne (Canal de la Marne au Rhin). World heritage. Perfect for history lovers, the region boasts Medieval castles and villages as well as abbeys, chapels and manors. France canal holidays are the perfect way to discover the hidden treasures of the waterways. Bellegarde (Canal du Rhone a Sete). Boat holiday specialist in France since 1997. Now it gives relaxed cruising in the south of France sunshine - a perfect boating holiday for experienced or first-time cruisers - as cultural, gastronomic or leisurely as you please. 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. Such a variety of places and scenes, such a variety of different waterways to explore and people to make friends with. ","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"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. Attractions include the 16th Century Castle of King Henri IV in Nerac and the 12th Century Abbey and Cloister in Moissac. Don’t worry, instruction is given before you set off. For barge holidays in France or a canal boat hire, familiarize yourself with the rules before leaving the dock. Unspoilt countryside, picturesque towns and craggy castles. Embark one of our 6 luxury barges for a cruise on France’s Canals in 2021. We recommend that the ladies drive the boat and the men do the rope work; techniques develop with practice but the latter requires more physical strength."}}]}. 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. We recommend that the ladies drive the boat and the men do the rope work; techniques develop with practice but the latter requires more physical strength. To comply with Government restrictions we are taking new boating holiday reservations for boat hire commencing from 4th July 2020 onwards. From Vermenton, cruising options include the medieval city of Auxerre via the River Yonne. Attractions include the 16th Century Castle of King Henri IV in Nerac and the 12th Century Abbey and Cloister in Moissac. Another popular destination for a France barge holiday is the sun-drenched Canal du Midi in the South of France. See life pass you by on canals, rivers and lakes. Easily accessible, the Loire Valley is approximately 2.5 hours from Paris by car and encompases the heart of French village life. 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. Closest airports: Beziers, Carcassonne, Montpellier, Toulouse, Port Lauragais (Canal du Midi). A beautiful canal full of charm, the Canal du Nivernais has excellent restaurants serving regional cuisine and fine wine. ","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. Book today. River Cruise Holidays in France. from £550 per week. Grez-Neuville (L'Oudon). Canal and river boat holidays in Europe: readers’ travel tips Canal plus … a boat moored up on the tranquil Burgundy Canal, eastern France. 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. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996, it is lined by plane trees and cypress trees which provide welcome shade … Cruiser Boat Holidays in France. The region has excellent cuisine and is famous for it's local produce, Sancerre wines, arts and crafts and historical sites. Hotel Boat Holidays in France. It will also have a fully fitted kitchen – the luxury boats are modern and very high-spec – and all bedding required. The information published here results from more than ten years personal experience cruising the waterways from north to south and east to west. 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. Gloves will help protect you. These canal cruisers are the most modern in Europe, and designed for intimate, relaxing cruising. The boats are offered in immaculate condition, are well-equipped and well-maintained, and available to drive away on your cruise from hire-boat bases (ports) throughout France. Your search ends here. Enjoy a slower pace of life as you explore the many towns and villages along the way. Closest airports: Toulouse-Blagnac, Carassonne-Salvaza, Capestang (Canal du Midi). The locks are automatic in this region. The locks are open all season. (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. The Canal de Bourgogne connects the Seine Valley at Laroche with the Saône Valley at St-Jean-de-Losne, covering a total distance of 242 km. Whilst some locks are mannual, most locks are automatic and operated by a lock keeper who may request your assistance. No!, and you will be given whatever guidance you need before you set out – there are simple controls, rather like driving a car, and basic waterways ‘rules of the road’. The best boats, from all the fleets France has an amazing 8,000 km (5,000 miles) of wonderful navigable rivers and canals. 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.. 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. All our hire bases have English speakers and you'll receive a warm welcome and full tuition on arrival. Port sur Saone (La Petite Saone). Buzet (La Baise). Great for couples, families, groups – and their pets. We’ve partnered with the best four self-drive fleets, large and small, offering a huge range of boats Our Unique Expertise – France, Cruising the Waterways and Self-Drive Boating from £1,250 per week, High quality boats, from all the fleets 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. The canal has lots of straight sections that pass through pretty countryside as well as plenty of historic towns and villages. Closest airports: Paris-Orly, Nantes. Have English speakers and you 'll find locally grown products at weekly street markets in many villages and.! Direct with our trusted boating holiday in France canals drove a Canal boat holidays in France catfish and.. Craftsmen, calligaphers and illuminations with it ’ s jacuzzi and deckchairs, while you admire. East to west Cloister in Moissac of these moorings are free, others chargeable. 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