Self Drive Boats in France- Where to go?
Jan 15th, 2018, 11:51 PM
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Self Drive Boats in France- Where to go?
Ourselves and two other couples want to do a self drive boat trip in France. One couple has been on the Canal du Midi for a two week stint, but we would prefer another region. None of us are really familiar with the areas where there are boat cruises, namely Charente, Brittany, Lot Valley, Loire Valley, Alsace and Burgundy. Can anyone chime in on which area would give us charming small towns and beautiful scenery, and oriented towards 40-60 somethings rather than families? Our trip would be in early September. Thanks in advance!
Jan 16th, 2018, 10:07 AM
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We took a one-way self-drive boat trip from St. Florentin to Monbard. But the company we used no longer exists, so I do not know if the itinerary which depends on the home port location is still available. I chose it because it offers a good selection of tourist attractions within walking distance of the canal de Bourgogne.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/mksfca...7622755059630/ and subsequent pictures
https://www.flickr.com/photos/mksfca...7622755059630/ and subsequent pictures
Jan 16th, 2018, 11:06 AM
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Many boats come with bicycles on them for exploring regions near docks. I think every section of France you mention has what you are looking for. Loire Valley - the classical chateau-filled part between Blois, Tours and Saumer is not navigable by any boats,
Mar 5th, 2018, 07:59 AM
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I have taken self- driving barges on Canal Nivernais in Burgundy and Canal du Rhonda a Sete near Camargue, both areas are lovely with interesting small tandem villages; the differences are one with 62 locks, the other with only one ( it gets a bit tiring with plus sea views and wildlife in
in September, the weather shall be nice on both canals. If it’s too late, the water might be choppy on Canal Sete, as the wind blowing right from the sea, make it a bit harder to park the boat.
in September, the weather shall be nice on both canals. If it’s too late, the water might be choppy on Canal Sete, as the wind blowing right from the sea, make it a bit harder to park the boat.
Mar 6th, 2018, 09:35 AM
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Thanks Judy. Did you rent bicycles and if so, did you find that useful? We’ve booked our boat on the Lot River, so just settling on details now. Fingers crossed for good weather, although it’s also beautiful and green in the drizzle.
