One of the most relaxing ways to explore a country is on a barge holiday. France has some of Europe's most beautiful canals and waterways that are simply waiting to indulge the discerning traveller in a unique, comfortable and very enjoyable holiday. Cruising along at a leisurely pace, watching the world go by while sipping a chilled glass of wine and taking in the country from a completely new perspective are just a few of the advantages of embarking on a barge holiday. France, despite being our closest neighbour, is so very different in every aspect. From the towering chateaux to the quaint cobbled villages, and from the extensive vineyards to the colourful markets, there is so much in France just waiting to be discovered.
There are some excellent travel companies that offer the concept of a barge holiday. France is one of the most popular destinations, with some top quality hotel barges, professional crews and a reputably high-class service. These holidays are ideal for those people wanting to charter a boat for their group's exclusive use, or for those couples or friends looking to meet other like-minded people and share a more social holiday.
Cruising the Loire Valley
The Loire Valley is one of the most spectacular regions in France with its main tributary, the River Cher, being used to transport people and cargo for over two thousand years. This region is known as The Valley of the Kings, and when you consider the incredible beauty it is easy to see why. In times gone by, French royalty adopted this area and made it their own, commissioning the building of the many magnificent castles that are still preserved in all their glory here today.
There are numerous castles in the area open to the public and there will be ample opportunity to take a guided tour from your barge and visit one or two. Marvel at the immense scale of Chambord, revel in the mystical appearance of Azay-le Rideau or visit the Amboise, with its intriguing link to Leonardo de Vinci. Castles, such as Villandry and Chaumont-sur-Loire have some beautiful gardens, and the likes of Le Grand Pressigny even houses a museum. It is little wonder that this specular area of France has been awarded a world heritage status by UNESCO.
Explore the old town of Tours, the principle town of the Loire Valley. The modern city still embraces its past and there is plenty of opportunity to explore the more historical areas of the town. Venture down to Place Plumereau, with its restored half-timbered houses, or spend a few hours discovering the paintings of Rembrandt and Degas at the Musee des Beaux-arts. A lovely town to wander around, Tours has some lovely authentic French cafes, pastry shops and some wonderful culinary delights on offer around every corner.
The city of Blois is also worth a stop over. Dominated by its cathedral and the famous Chateau de Blois, the town is also well known for its chocolate connection. Auguste Poulin opened a confectionary factory here in 1848, and although it is now closed the legacy lives on everywhere in the city.
When choosing a barge holiday, France simply opens up. You can explore at a leisurely pace, choosing when you want to get involved in the guided tour options and when you would just prefer to relax on the boat - it's an ideal way to spend your well deserved time away.
Paul Newman is the Marketing and E-Systems Executive for European Waterways, a provider of luxury, all-inclusive barge holidays. If you're looking for a barge holiday, France is an ideal destination. Cruises are also offered in Holland, Italy and the UK.
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