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If you are contemplating going on a barge holiday in France, an incredible world of scenic canal routes, vivid culture and great food awaits – but with all the tempting destinations on offer, it can be hard to decide where to go. With its proud heritage of water transport, France has some of the most interesting and attractive waterways in the world, and choosing one of the country’s historic canals is a good way to start planning your adventure. Here are three of the finest, each with their own charm to entice the traveller. Canal du Midi The Midi – the name that most French people will know the South of France by – is a famously idyllic region, home to seemingly endless acres of scenic farmland, gentle warm weather, and an easy-going pace of life. A barge holiday in France along the Canal du Midi, which provides a passage from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean, takes you through a region dating from the 17th century and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. It provides one of the most relaxing getaways it is possible to have: cruising along under the tree-shaded banks, dipping into local history and culture, and sampling the warm flavours of Occitan cuisine. Highlights along the route include historic Carcassone and beautiful Beziers. Canal du Centre Running through the heart of the country, the Canal du Centre is collectively made up of a number of smaller waterways including the Briard, Loire, Lateral and Centre, offering a peaceful and picturesque network of canals and an exceedingly pleasant setting for a barge holiday in France. Also flowing through the Loire region, the rivers Loire and Cher are flanked by grand old chateaux and sites of cultural interest, making a visit to this part of the country a perfect blend of historic splendour and provincial tranquillity. Especially popular with photographers, there are several points along the way that provide breathtaking views across the Loire Valley. Canal de Bourgogne Connecting the Seine and the Rhone, the Canal de Bourgogne has long been one of the most important waterways in France, dating from the late 18th century and running past many noteworthy sites, including the ruins of the Abbey de Cluny and the remains of a Roman settlement at Malain – not to mention the scenic fields and vineyards that make the Burgundy region famous. This is a fantastic region for those interested in delving into local history on their barge holiday in France, filled as it is with remnants from many different eras, while it is also great for fans of French cuisine – some classic dishes, including coq au vin, originate in Burgundy. An especially interesting feature of the Canal de Bourgogne, meanwhile, is its 189 locks and traditional lock basins. Paul Newman is the Marketing and E-Systems Executive for European Waterways. We can provide you with a luxury, all-inclusive barge holiday in France. Cruises are also offered in Holland, Italy and the UK.
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