French Canal boat

Does anyone have any advice on self-driving canal boats in France? I am thinking about the Burgundy area (Nivernais?), but should I be thinking of one of the other areas?
Thanks!

Nutmeg--I don't know anything about the subject myself, but you might want to take a look at Eva's report here

Nutmet - Look at "Le Boat" in France. They seem to have boats throughout France.

I just booked one for next summer but have never used them before.

Maria and Steve: Which canal did you choose?

Thanks for the link Carol. Looks like they had fun except for the lockkeeper strike. But then it is Europe... Seemslike someone is always on strike in Europe...

So jealous! A canal boat in Burgundy or the Lorie Valley is my dream retirement trip. It is still a couple years away, but it will happen. We are hoping to do a smaller private barrage with two other couples, with a chef! You know me wine and food is a major part of any vacation.

I look forward to following along as you decide on the boat, the trip, and all the considerations that go along with a vacation like this. I would only recommend that you plan on at least 3 days in France before you get on the boat, and 2 more days after you get off. Ease in and out of trip like this one.

The other great area is further south on the Canal du Midi. This goes from the Atlantic coast near Bordeaux all the way down to the Med near Beziers. A bit too far for a one or two week trip but the stretch down near the Med is beautiful. Not saying this is better than Burgundy, just another option.

Can't help with boat rental companies as I've been looking to buy my own. Le Boat as mentioned earlier is part of the TUI group same as Moorings/Sunsail so you can be pretty certain of what you'll get but there are many smaller outfits that are probably just as good.

Carol has kindly linked my trip report. We used Le Boat, and as others have noted, they are part of the Moorings group (but note that they don't give discounts for repeat customers across lines, so I've you've ever used Moorings or Sunsail before, Le Boat doesn't care). These barges can't be any easier or more comfortable; in fact, if you're used to sailboats, you're over-qualified and need to quash any instincts to try to fix things yourself. The only tools you need are a hammer (to drive in the stake to which you'll tie your boat) and a phone (to call the base).

Even though we had cruddy weather, our barge trip through a stretch of the Canal du Midi (chosen for how few locks there are) was one of my favorite vacations ever. It's such an easy, laid-back way to travel. And the wine!

Can't give you much guidance on Burgundy, but if you have any other questions about the experience in general, let me know.

I have been spending time on You Tube, looking at various canal trips. I have always wanted to do Burgundy, like you were saying, Tom, with chef and AI! However, we have a friend who ran a sailboat here for 20 years, then bought a Sea Ray and brought it down single-handed from the states. I think he is probably over-qualified, but I won't have to mess with the locks. LOL.

Eva: We have been looking at the Canal du Midi, too. I heard that the famous trees are all dying and it's not as pretty as it was once?

And Tom, we would probably be spending a couple more weeks, some in Paris, then maybe Switzerland? Or back to Italy? Or another part or France? <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Wink.gif" alt="" />

Yes, Nutmeg, the trees are dying, which is so sad. But there are long, long stretches where they are still intact, and I'm so glad we got to see them, because they are truly lovely, forming a canopy over the canal. The government is working very hard to stop the spread of the virus, and replace the trees they remove.

Nutmeg - We chose the Midi Canal. Warmer and good wine

I can understand it being warmer, but better wine than Burgundy? I keep thinking the towns in Burgundy are more picturesque, but I obviously need more education. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Wink.gif" alt="" />

I have never been to either place... yet <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />
Hopefully both in the next 5 years.
However, when it comes to wine Nutmeg you are correct - Burgundy wins! Once again, when one talks about wine, art, or good food it is always best to end a statement with IMHO.

Wine is absolutely a matter of "IMHO"! The major wine region we visited on our Canal du Midi trip was the Languedoc (and also Minervois, Corbieres and St. Chinian). They call the Languedoc the "New World" wine region of France -- and not necessarily in a complimentary way. But if you like American, Australian and South American styled wines, the Languedoc is perfect for you. And if you love bright, crisp rose wines, you'll be in heaven here.

Sounds like somewhere I need to visit! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />

Eva,

Well put! I would not disagree with a thing you wrote. The wines of the Languedoc are young and vibrant. They are much more approachable, especially from a cost a standpoint, and the Rosé from the Languedoc, and Provence to the west, are my favorite from anywhere.

The reds and whites from Minervois and Corbieres (both AOCs of Languedoc) heavily rely the traditional Rhone grapes, but it is the spice added by Carignan which sets them apart (IMHO). These two regions often overlooked by many, but have not escaped my racks in the basement. Bang for the Buck you cannot go wrong.

Having said that… From a wine perspective I use this analogy - back in the day, the Beatles were much more popular and well known than the Queen of England, but the Queen was still the Queen – Burgundy is still the Queen in the Wine World and the wines from Languedoc are much more fun (IMHO).