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If you’ve always wanted to try out a canal holiday, France should be at the top of your destination list. Not only is it easy to get to, but the country’s waterways are some of the best in Europe and wind their way through attractive villages and historic towns, UNESCO World Heritage sights, and let’s not forget the wine tasting opportunities! There are so many routes to choose from, so here are a few of our favourites that we think should feature on your itinerary. Canal du Nivernais Starting in Auxerre, the Nivernais route is steeped in art and history. The town’s cobbled streets will capture your heart while the impressive Cathedral of St Etienne and Abbey of St Germain will be a delight for those interested in Gothic architecture. If you do visit, you must take a look inside the abbey as this is where you’ll find some of the oldest murals in France. If you happen to have a penchant for wine as well as history, this is a wonderful route. The Nivernais winds its way through many vineyards in the Auxerrois region. You can sample the local wines in several villages along the way and if you have time, you must visit Les Caves de Bailly Lapierre which showcases enormous wine cellars where mushrooms were harvested before they were converted to viticulture! As you can see already, if you want to include a mixture of gastronomy and history on your canal holiday, France has a lot to offer. Canal de Garonne This water channel was created in the 19th century to provide a safe and reliable way for boats to travel between the Mediterranean and Atlantic. It’s 193km long and crosses the beautiful river Agen over a stunning aqueduct - at 530 metres it’s the second-longest boat bridge in France and boasts 23 arches. A highlight on this route is the historic town of Moissac. If you manage to stop here, be sure to visit the Abbey of Saint Pierre and marvel at the Pont du Cacor, which was also built in the 19th century from beautiful Toulouse brick and Quercy stone. But the real star of this trip is the city of Agen itself. With its 12-century cathedral and pretty timber-framed homes, it’s a secret gem for sure. Canal du Midi For history lovers planning a canal holiday, France has plenty to offer, but this waterway is a must-see. Running for 240km, a journey along this canal features a tunnel, several aqueducts, and the disused trade route which has been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Today, you can disembark at points along the way and enjoy wine tastings, sightseeing, and cycling. If you are a history buff, you’ll know that Carcassonne is the crowning jewel of the region, and if you take this route, you really must visit. There are also plenty of medieval villages to see, including the beautiful 12th-century castle, Chateau Comal. This is just a glimpse into the wonders that France’s waterways have to offer. If you’re looking for a relaxing holiday with beautiful views and plenty of history, a holiday on the water might just be for you. Author Plate Paul Newman is the Marketing and E-Systems Executive for European Waterways, the UK's most respected provider of all-inclusive, luxury barge holidays. Whether it’s a river boat cruise or a canal holiday; France or Italy or Scotland, Paul is first in line to endorse the perks of a slow-paced barge cruise to anyone looking for a unique holiday experience.
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