Barging & River Travel ...Many Choices

It is a reality that you can’t afford to miss. Barging in France can cost less than a holiday with car, train or bus travel, restaurants, gas etc.

On a modern air conditioned barge you can see the best of France or many other countries and be totally relaxed at all time.

You have the choice of region and the choice of companies as you can see on the web. Some arrange hotels for you while others provide staterooms. They are usually air conditioned and well appointed. The barge will also provide bicycles if that is your desire and for excursions off the boat, they provide transport.The sites are memorable. You can see the Champagne  country, Burgundy, Soane, Loire, Dijon, Seine, Chablis, Beaune or Avignon, Provence,Normandy or the Canal du Midi. The Rhone River is recommended all the way to Arles.

Each barge is a floating fantasy well appointed and of different capacity. You can join a group or perhaps organize your own group of 6 or even 12 friends.

This is not the same as river boating or chartering your own sailing yacht in places like Greece. I’ve done them all and would be happy to share my experiences with you.

For toll free information in North America call toll free 1 877 642 2743 or 1 888 264 3983

The price often included train charges to the point of debarkation but I suggest you consult your travel insurance plan before you depart. Tipping of 5-10% is recommended and expected.

There’s a barge at Chenenceau on the Loire or at Venice. You can take a tour then return to your barge. Nothing is easier.

Barges carry as many as 50 passengers. They are anywhere from 16 feet wide and 80 to 129 feet long.

You can also rent a smaller barge and captain it yourself. This is perfect for a group of friends or a family. Of course you will have to decide on your off boat activities.

Aside from barging, there are small river boats and Turkish Caiques that you can hire with a captain and crew. The one time I was involved in such a charter was in Greece and it was one of the best holidays I ever had. In India I spent only one night on a houseboat. It was relaxing but not something I’d do again. In Russia, the trip was not first class and while it was OK I’d rate it as 4 or 5 out of 10.

Cost should be checked as well as what is included or not, including insurance.

 Note: There are barges operating in many countries including Germany, Great Britain and all along the Danube.