Barge Vacations
ABOUT
For over 10 years Barge Vacations has specialised in creating travel itineraries to France and offering a barge experience to their clients. In that time they have explored every nook and cranny of France and beyond, attended every barge show in France and have participated in every ‘Rendez-Vous’ en France Travel Show (hosted by ATOUT FRANCE ).
Being a part of the barge industry has allowed Barge Vacations to visit nearly all of the barges on offer, including the self-boating options and their hubs. Experiencing a canal barge week firsthand establishes the ins and outs of each barge, its itinerary and region, and allows them to get to know the owners and their crew. This insight and understanding has been imperative to insuring that they are offering the most suitable option for their passengers. It is one thing to ‘sell’ a particular barge experience, but it is another thing to be able to exude the understanding of each barge and the regions explored to clients, as they are all so different.
DESTINATION INFORMATION
MAPS
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France
Rivers in France
Click here to request a quote from Barge Vacations
Request QuoteSAMPLE ITINERARIES
Enchante Barge - Canal du Midi Cruise
Savannah Barge - Canal du Midi
Tango Barge - In Bordeaux
UNIQUE & SPECIAL EXPERIENCES
Barging is a unique experience within itself! This experience is made even more appealing by the fact each Barge experience can be tailored to your interests and taste. Biking, Culinary, Family, Golfing or Exclusive Ladies trips are just some of the themes you can tailor your trip around. Follow the link below to explore the multitude of themes and experiences on offer or come up with a theme of your own!
DESTINATION SHOWCASE
Canal du Midi
The Canal du Midi is a 240 km long canal in Southern France. Originally named the Canal royal en Languedoc and renamed by French revolutionaries to Canal du Midi in 1789, the canal was at the time considered one of the greatest construction works of the 17th centuary.
Canal de Garonne
The Canal de Garonne, formerly known as Canal latéral à la Garonne, is a French canal dating from the mid-19th century which connects Toulouse to Castets-en-Dorthe. The remainder of the route to Bordeaux uses the river Garonne. It is the continuation of the Canal du Midi which connects the Mediterranean with Toulouse.
Burgundy Canal
The Burgundy Canal is a canal in Burgundy in central eastern France. It connects the river Yonne at Migennes with the Saône at Saint-Jean-de-Losne. Construction began in 1775 and was completed in 1832.
Canal du Nivernais
The Canal du Nivernais links the Loire with the Seine following approximately the course of the river Yonne in a south to north direction, first climbing northeast and north to cross the Morvan watershed, then roughly following the course of the river Yonne, south to north.
Canal du Centre
The Canal du Centre, originally known as the Canal du Charollais, is a French canal running from Digoin, where it now joins the Canal latéral à la Loire, to the River Saône in Chalon-sur-Saône. It was opened in 1792 and was the first watershed canal allowing boats to pass from the north of France to the south.
Canal latéral à l'Aisne
The Canal latéral à l'Aisne is a canal in northern France, which connects the Canal des Ardennes at Vieux-lès-Asfeld to the canalised river Aisne at Condé-sur-Aisne. It is 51.3 km long, with 8 locks. It runs alongside the Aisne River.
The Canal entre Champagne et Bourgogne
The Canal entre Champagne et Bourgogne, previously named Canal de la Marne à la Saône, is a canal in north-eastern France connecting the towns of Vitry-le-François and Maxilly-sur-Saône. It is a summit level canal of Freycinet dimensions connecting the Marne and the Saône.
LOCAL WEATHER
FRANCE
Three types of climate may be found within France: oceanic, continental, and Mediterranean. The oceanic climate, prevailing in the western parts of the country, is one of small temperature range, ample rainfall, cool summers, and cool but seldom very cold winters.
The continental (transition) type of climate, found over much of eastern and central France, adjoining its long common boundary with west-central Europe, is characterized by warmer summers and colder winters than areas farther west; rainfall is ample, and winters tend to be snowy, especially in the higher areas.
The Mediterranean climate, widespread throughout the south of France (except in the mountainous southwest), is one of cool winters, hot summers, and limited rainfall. The mean temperature is about 11°C(53°F) at Paris and 15°C(59°F) at Nice.
In central and southern France, annual rainfall is light to moderate, ranging from about 68 cm (27 in) at Paris to 100 cm (39 in) at Bordeaux. Rainfall is heavy in Brittany, the northern coastal areas, and the mountainous areas, where it reaches more than 112 cm (44 in).