Hodie

A friend of mine and are planning a trip through France the first two weeks in July and are looking for a short barge trip, 1-2 days maximum. We would really like it in Burgundy, but will consider any other areas as well. Thank you!

Sarastro

What specifically do you mean by <i>barge trip</i>?

If you are referring to barge hotels, turnkey operations which have staff and their own chefs and of which there are a good number operating in Burgundy, these usually operate on one week itineraries. They are not setup for simple overnight excursions.

If you are referring to self-driven boats, you might find a company that will accommodate you over the weekend but again, most of these itineraries are 5-7 days in length. One or two days is really not a sufficient time frame to attempt to checkout a crew, provision the boat, and cover any distance.

These are like apartment rentals in Paris; allow for at least 5 days to a week, particularly in July when there is a bigger fleet demand.

Hodie

Thank you the quick reply! I see why I haven't been able to find anything now. What we are looking for is just a leisurely day trip down a river, just for a different perspective I guess of the countryside. Wouldn't have to be a barge.

kybourbon

http://www.locaboat.com/en/383/short-breaks.html

Sarastro

I do not know of any in Burgundy but what you are looking for is commonly call <i>Bateaux promenades</i>. You are not going to travel south just for a day on a canal but there are several operators in Aigues Mortes:

http://www.croisieres-camargue.com/
http://www.pescalune-aiguesmortes.com/

Also farther west along the Canal du Midi.

http://www.bateaux-du-soleil.com/
http://www.penichecarabosse.com/
http://www.croisieres-du-midi.com/cdm_fr.asp

There was one operating on the Cher River in the Loire Valley.

http://www.avac41.fr/

The most well know are the Bateaux Mouches that operate on the Seine in Paris:

http://www.canauxrama.com/
http://www.bateaux-mouches.fr/
http://www.vedettesdeparis.com/
http://vedettesdupontneuf.com/

Gretchen

You might be able to find a short river cruise on the Seine. We did the week on a barge in Burgundy--all catered--and it was terrific, but not for a day.