FRANCE

Canal Boat Holidays in France.

The canal system in France was, like most of the European systems developed fully during Industrial Revolution. They were the essential transportation system, which allowed the movement of large quantities of coal, iron ore and steel products. They are considered to be some of the best features this period, as they were built with great engineering skill and a respect for the lands through which they traversed.

We can arrange for the flights and boat hire to make a great family vacation. The fun of a moving home, with the ability to ‘stop-where-you-please’ and to be able to walk into the towns and villages alongside the canal for coffee with the delicious french pastries and cakes, meals or just to ‘stretch your legs’.

The choices are wide, you can traverse Brittany, Picardy, Central or Southern France, even into Germany. The canal boats can accommodate from 4 to 12 persons, although for maximum confort it is best to take a boat slightly larger than the number traveling. This is because there is usually a berth in the living quarters which means if anyone wants to stay up late, it stops the table being converted into a bed.

This plan shows the typical layout of a canal boat, they have their own galley (Kitchen) and a small shower. This particular layout is for 7 persons maximum, 4 to 5 comfortably. The list of equipment is a below.

These holidays offer a great chance to see the French countryside at a reasonable pace, the normal cruising speed is about 5 knots,

A beautiful half timbered house over the canal.

Navigating a boat is not difficult, you can pick it up in a few minutes, but the locks need a little help on the first occasion, and do need a bit of physical strength to operate. Once mastered, however, they loose their terror and you will enjoy all the running around and making your way through these, all in all it makes a great holiday for all ages.

The Saone is one of France’s most attractive rivers, with few locks, there are beautiful countryside scenes, with the wonderful natural stone generously proportioned farm houses and buildings, their windowboxes gay with flowers. The well preserved villages in the Maconnais and the Dole Region are a constant delight. Working your way north, along the Canal des Vosges, through the forest of the Vosges a brilliant display of ash, birch, silver birch and other trees making an magnificent avenue as you glide though the waters of the canal. You will pass through the towns of Fontenoy-le-Chateau and Epinal. After Dole, you will join the Canal du Rhone au Rhin. This canal follows the route of the River Doubs, past rocky cliffs and through pleasant woodland slopes. The approach to Besancon is through a 394 metre long tunnel, you emerge into the town and look up to see that you have passed underneath the Great Fortress, built by Vauban the 17^th Century. You can stop and explore this wonderful town. That being one of the great advantages of this form of holiday.

Day 1 Depart Hong Kong on flight of your choice For Paris

Day 2 Arrive Paris transfer to train for journey to Vesoul, then a 20km drive to Scey sur Saone where the boat are moored.

Join your barge and undergo basic instruction on the vessel.

Day 3 through Day 7 Transiting the canals at leisure on your Canal barge

Day 8 Return the barge to the Operators at Scey-sur-Saone. Transfer to the station for journey to Paris, Transfer to the airport for flight home to Hong Kong

Prices are based on group traveling together and sharing one canal barge. As the price will vary with the number of passengers and the class of boat, please call for the price.

Price Includes:-

Round trip Economy Class tickets with your chosen Airline

Met at Airport

Transfers between airport station and Station and Barge dock.

Canal Barge as booked, with no meals, you will be able to buy provisions at the dock, or you may choose to eat at canal side restaurants..

Price Excludes:-

Airport Tax and Airport security Charges.

Visa, if required.

Personal expenses for drinks etc.

Prices are subject to change, by the Airline or Operator, without notice.