Le Boat in France - Canals / Rivers

[Mirage35]

We did a week trip in Alsace this fall (Canal de la Marne au Rhin) with Nicol's, one of Le Boat's competitors. Le Boat has a base in the area as well. It's our only canal experience in one of our favourite corners of France. If you go there, stick with the section through the Vosges mountains west of Saverne; east of Saverne (except for Strasbourg) isn't as interesting.

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[Macblaze]

Originally Posted by Saleen411

We are interested in a le boat charter next summer. Are there any favorite canals that can be shared?. We are interested in a one way trip. Thanks

We've done the Canal de Nivernais, The Alscace and Canal Latéral à la Garonne with LeBoat. The routes and bases have changed slightly in the last couple of years so our experience is a bit out of date.

What do you like? Old churches? Wine? Eating out? They are all a little different. As a holiday, my favourite was the the Garonne as we ended our trip with 5 days in Bordeaux and that was fantastic. The canal was pretty, we took a side trip to Nerac (well worth it) and drank a lot of wine.

Nivernais, was my favourite canal so far. We did a few side trips by cab (the cathedral at Vezalay is a must) and enjoyed the peace and quiet and beauty. As a bonus, if you are a rock climber, there are some good climbs canal-side. We took the train from and to Paris and got to see some of the must-see's there before and after our cruise.

The Alscace was really, really pretty until you cross the mountains and then pretty flat and boring until you get to Strasbourg which isn't that far and was a great couple of days. But there is some tremendous history along the way and some great side trips. The route has tunnels and a boat lift which are plusses experience. This was our only "there and back" and I much preferred the one-ways. If you try this one, make some time to head up the Moselle and visit Trier afterwards. You won't regret it.

All our trips were 11-14 days and I don't think I would consider a shorter one. If you have any specific questions, ask away...

Bruce

[Saleen411]

Thank you all for the helpful replies. I have much to research based on the help of your responses. Again, thank you all.

What do you like?

We love wine, good food and eating out. We were hoping for picturesque countryside, villages and wineries. We love history, historical sites and the odd old church or cathedral. Did I mention we esp. love WINE and good food? :big grin:

What you say about the Garonne and Bordeaux sounds perfect. I will look at all the other places you mentioned as well.....thank you so much Bruce.

Jerry

[PhiSig1071]

Lot of talk about France, have any of you ever chartered a canal boat in Belgium? I love Belgian beer and my wife loves Belgian chocolate, so we and another couple were thinking of a Belgian canal trip in '18.