Wm

We have experience with renting a self-drive boat and cruising canals in France. We have done the Loire Lateral canal and the Saone River, both in May. We thoroughly enjoyed this leisurely way to see France. We would like help choosing our next canal boat adventure. Your experience with this form of travel in other areas of France would be most appreciated.

Sarastro

Your first choice for a follow on voyage should be le Canal du Midi (in one direction only). After that perhaps Burgundy but la Charante, le Canal du Rhone a Sete, or Alsace all have much to offer.

Michael

We did the Canal de Bourgogne one way for one week from St. Florentin to Monbard. I picked that route because it had more important sites right by the canal than other canals (2 chateaux, the Buffon forges, the Tonnerre hospice). We used Rives de France.

Jean

You might want to read this article on Canal du Midi:

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationwo...,6681231.story

One of my clearest memories of a trip to France that my family took in the early 1960s when I was a young girl was barging on the Canal du Midi. The canal truly is a work of art, and the loss of the plane trees is/will be just tragic. I guess what I'm saying is, See it now!

Wm

Has anyone experienced the River Lot trip?

Michael

The question is: why the Lot rather than the Canal du Midi or any other proffered itinerary?

The pictures between the two maps are of our trip:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/mksfca/...57622755059630

jan47ete

Living in Israel, cruising the Yangtze and touring China for 3 weeks, safari in Kenya, 2 months in Tuscany, Syrian treasures, Pyraminds, Abu Simbel and the Nile, European Xmas Markets were all fabulous. But a top trip for me was the Canal du Midi from Castelnaudry to Bezeirs. Just fabulous!

Wm

Thanks so much for your replays to my post. We will be traveling with friends who have already do the du Midi so wanted to just explore other options.

Sarastro

I have travelled the Charante River, Alsace, Burgundy, the Canal du Rhone a Sete, and the Canal du Midi and which all have their own particularly interesting aspects for those travelling along their waterways, the Canal du Midi offers more interesting stops (towns, monuments, wineries, and various side trips) than any other route. It´s been a fixture of the French countryside since the 17th century and is a absolute marvel of engineering and designer tenacity. The more you know of its history, the more you will be in awe of the fact that is even exists.

With confidence, I recommend the Canal du Midi as the trip for those wanting the ultimate canal experience.

jenmorg

Read my trip report entitled "Paris, Canal du Midi and Caunes Minervois" from last year.

DeniseGirardin

Do any of you have any experience renting from Les Canalous? We have read a couple of negative reviews and are looking for more information concerning that rental company. Thanks so much.

soogies

Saving

janisj

DeniseGirardin . . . This thread is five years old -- it would be much better to start a new one of your own.