France is a land of waterways – rivers, canals and sea and a cruise is one of the best ways to explore the country’s many charms and diverse landscape. But not just any old cruise. There’s a lot of choice but for me, the cruise company that stands out above all others is CroisiEurope. They are a family-owned, French company based in Strasbourg. I’ve been on five cruises with them and loved every moment. It’s a wonderful way to experience the culture, gastronomy and historic treasures of France. And you’re thoroughly spoiled from the minute you arrive to the minute you leave.

So, here’s why I think CroisiEurope are the best cruises in France…

All-inclusive and 5 Star cuisine – The best cruises in France

When you board ship, you unpack – and that’s it until you go home. There’s no packing and unpacking. There’s no rush, no stress and no need to keep paying for things separately. Everything is all-inclusive – meals, wine and most drinks (some alcohol does cost extra like Champagne).

The standard of French cuisine on board is outstanding. Three and four course lunches and dinners every day – unless you’re on an excursion where meals may be in a restaurant (also inclusive). And the wine is seriously good, not cheap plonk, but really good wines with a choice at meals. There’s an open bar and soft drinks, tea and coffee always available. Let’s just say, don’t go on a cruise to go on a diet.

And that’s not all. Also included in the fare is travel assistance and repatriation insurance which really gives you peace of mind when travelling (especially in these post-Covid days).

Brilliant itineraries and excursions

Cruising gives you the time to really savour your time in France. You’ll get to see a lot in a short amount of time whilst also having the time to relax. Every cruise offers a range of excursions that take in the most beautiful sites, historic places, picturesque villages, vineyards, castles and more. You won’t be rushed on and off coaches. And you won’t be left to sort out your own entry to sites. Everything is included. The guides that CroisiEurope provide are always excellent, and they always make sure that English speakers get an English speaking guide.

CroisiEurope’s French cruises include the stunning island of Corsica across the Mediterranean Sea. The rivers Loire, Seine, Garonne, Gironde and Dordogne, plus Rhone and Saone. And the canals of Alsace, Champagne, Burgundy, Ile de France, the Loire and Provence. They also have themed cruises – Christmas, New Year, Wine, Beaujolais Nouveau and gastronomy (I’m definitely on board with the Paris to Normandy Fine French Cuisine cruise with Michelin star dining via Monet’s Garden and the caves of the Louvre!).

You’re not just a customer – you’re a guest

None of the ships are big. You won’t find thousands of passengers wandering about trying to find something to do. The staff to passenger ratio means you are looked after in a way you just don’t get on a huge cruise ship. The staff get to know your likes and dislikes, your favourite tipple, or that you might need a bit of extra help when on an excursion.

On one cruise I did, a 92 year old Canadian man was fulfilling his dream trip and did struggle to climb a fort with steep stairs and one of the crew came along to help him. It’s things like this that make a cruise great and you feel that passenger are treated as individuals. Staff make you feel that they have a real appreciation that this is a special experience. And they go out of their way to make it so. There’s evening entertainment ranging from crew shows to fabulous entertainers. And yet, even with all this, the cruises are really good value.

4 ways to cruise France

Cruise by barge

Barges have limited amount of passengers (usually no more than 22) and travel on some of France’s most beautiful water ways. These floating hotels offer a relaxed pace of cruise, total pampering and the chance to visit some of the more off-the-beaten track locations. My Provence barge cruise included visits to Arles with its Roman ruins, the exquisite village of Saint-Guilhem-le-Desert, Gorgeous Aigues-Mortes with its stunning pink sea, and several magnificent towns and villages. Spotting pink flamingos flying across a rose-coloured sky at dusk whilst sipping a cocktail in the jacuzzi on the Anne-Marie barge is a moment I will remember forever.

Cruise by River

Cruise through history and stop off at some of the most beautiful ports of France. Avignon, Lyon, Bordeaux, Arles, Marseille, Martigues  and many more ports are featured. And en route you’ll visit castles and vineyards, gorgeous little villages, historic towns, ancient abbeys and much more.

Themed cruises

Every CroisiEurope cruise prides itself on its gastronomy and wines, but some themed cruises take it to a whole new level. If you love French cuisine and wines – join one of their gastronomy or wine cruises and be prepare to be very, very happy. They are famous for their Christmas and New Year cruises to Alsace in particular, where Strasbourg is known as the ‘capital of Christmas’. Spoiled doesn’t cover it. Celebratory, festive and thoroughly indulged – cruises where you leave the stresses and cares of every day behind and simply enjoy the whole magical experience.

Mediterranean cruise to Corsica

I can honestly say the cruise from Nice to Corsica was one of the best travel experiences I’ve ever had. We sailed around the island stopping at picturesque ports, connecting with the local culture and customs, indulging in Corsican gastronomy, wine tasting, historic cities and discovering the most magnificent scenery. It was absolutely fantastic. The highlight for me was the brilliant local English speaking guides who showed us real Corsica – in all its glory. And breakfast at dawn on the sun deck as we sailed into Ajaccio…

These really are the best cruises in France.

Find out more and book your cruise experience at croisieurope.co.uk 

The post The best cruises in France appeared first on The Good Life France.

Take a tour of France that doesn’t involve a bus or multiple hotel room changes. Discover the most beautiful beaches of France and go sailing without millionaire prices. Have an adventure on your own, with friends or with family. A sailing holiday is a lot of fun and a great way to make new friends…

The answers to all your sailing holiday in France questions.

Are sailing holidays affordable if you have a budget? What is included in the booking price?

There are several different types of sailing holidays. The sort where you relax and cruise or holidays where you get more involved and become part of the crew. Some ships offer an individual berth or cabin, meaning guests can share their sailing holiday with like-minded people, and in doing so, share the cost. Some companies add on general boat expenses such as fuel and mooring fees. Each holiday is unique – you can even find experiences with a hostess and a dedicated chef.

Do I have to share a cabin with someone on a sailing holiday?

Many holidays offer the option to book a single spot (or berth), a whole cabin, or the entire boat! So, depending on whether you’re travelling solo, as a couple, a family, or group of friends – there is a form of reservation to suit you! Many solo travellers do share cabins. But, if you’re looking for a little more privacy, and would like a cabin to yourself – simply let the organising skipper know, and he will propose a cabin price.

As a total novice and travelling solo, where is best for me to learn sailing in France?

The French coast is diverse and rich, which makes it a privileged playground for sailing. In fact, depending on the region you choose, your cruise will be very different!

For beginners who want to acquire some basics, and maybe discover a passion, I would recommend the South of France and more precisely the French Riviera. The calm waters of the Mediterranean Sea are ideal for beginners who have always dreamed of hoisting the mainsail, tucking in the genoa and learning to steer! In addition, the picturesque ports of the region allow you to practice your manoeuvres.

You can for example, head to Hyères and the Porquerolles Islands for a sailboat cruise. Here you’ll discover one of the most beautiful natural paradises on the French Riviera. Imposing cliffs interspersed with creeks, turquoise waters, warm southern sunshine, the sweetness of the Mediterranean and the charm of Provence are combined to offer you a superb holiday. While teaching you the basics of navigation, your skipper will help you discover the charm and glamour of the colourful villages of the Côte d’Azur’s seaside. Always attentive, the skipper will be delighted to share his knowledge with you and answer your questions.

Where would you recommend for a sailing trip in France for two friends who like adventure?

For the more experienced sailors, Brittany’s coast can be an attractive destination for those with a taste for adventure and for those looking for a challenge.  The tide, currents, numerous rocks and islands add a spice of complexity. You can enjoy excellent sailing conditions with wind, a temperate climate and landscapes that change with the rhythm of the tides. For example sail in the Gulf of Morbihan and its many islands and islets, the island of Groix, Belle Ile, the islands of Houat and Hoëdic. Or choose the Finistère, with Concarneau, the island of Sein, the bay of Audierne, the Crozon peninsula and the Glénan archipelago. On these two magnificent water bodies, all the elements are gathered for technical learning in complete safety, in an iridescent landscape of changing lights and colours.

I’m a mum with two teenagers – is a sailing holiday a good idea?

One of the positives of sailing holidays is the flexibility.

• Choosing to travel alone, or share the boat with another family
• Having the freedom to adapt and tweak the itinerary with your skipper to suit your needs and wishes
• Being able to drop anchor or stop in a harbour and go ashore to explore the coastal towns at your leisure
• Enjoy time as a family, allow the kids to explore beaches, snorkel, or do water-sports

It is this personalisation of sailing holidays that makes them original family adventures. They can be tailored to the style and characteristics of you and your family.

What different kind of sailing experiences are available?

There are many different formats of sailing trip available, and in hundreds of different destinations, in every ocean around the world! As well as holidays that are centred around relaxation, exploring destinations and cultures, there are also flotillas (groups of boats sailing together), regattas and races, adventure-centric trips, sport & wellness infused sailing trips (that include activities such as yoga, water-sports, and hiking), and trips that are focused on learning how to sail.

I want a sailing holiday where I can learn a little bit about sailing. But really I want to relax – is that possible? Where should I go?

There are plenty of stunning sailing destinations in Brittany and along the French Riviera.  Great areas if you can combine learning to sail with some heavy relaxation in a beautiful setting. The French island of Corsica that lies to the south east of the French mainland also has some idyllic locations. Bonifacio and the Lavezzi Islands that face Sardinia and the Maddalena Archipelago being particularly popular for family holidays!

Want to pick up some sailing knowledge, or sharpen your skills? Send the skipper organising the trip you are interested in a message and let him know. Skippers are truly passionate about sailing and are usually delighted to share their expertise!

Are there sailing holidays suitable for a group of 10 friends?

Groups of this size have a couple of exciting options! You can make a whole boat reservation on a boat that is big enough to host 10 travellers. On each holiday listing, there is a section towards the bottom that shows some information about the boat. In this case, a catamaran would be perfect. Most catamarans have at least 4 large cabins. There’s often plenty of communal space, including a netting on the front of the boat. Perfect for those looking to relax!

Another option for a group of this size would be joining in a flotilla trip. Flotillas usually contain between 2 and 10 boats, all following the same itinerary. This sort of trip is great if you are looking to have an adventure with friends. It’s also good for making new friends.

Happy sailing!

The post Guide to sailing holidays in France appeared first on The Good Life France.

Bobbing about on the sea was never more fun than now. Never more accessible either. And never as easy to find the perfect sailing holiday off the coast of France for you. And, there are prices to suit every budget.

You’ll find every sort of sailing holiday in France. From Corsica to the Mediterranean, from Normandy and Brittany to the Arcachon basin. You might be amazed at the many types of sailing holidays there are. Learn to sail breaks for a weekend or longer to relaxing tours, wellness, flotilla, catamaran and more!

France is the perfect place for those wanting to learn to sail with thousands of miles of coastline. Maybe you’re a complete beginner and just want to learn the ropes, set sail and then relax. Or you may want to take your skipper exams. The key to happiness is choosing the sailing course that’s right for you. Whether you’re travelling solo, a couple, friends or family – there’s a sailing holiday to suit you. You’ll be coached by professionals and have fun as well as learning. There’s also lots of time to swim, snorkel and explore on land.

Learn to sail holidays in France

Soak up the ambiance and sublime scenery from on board your boat – priceless but it doesn’t have to be expensive (even in the summer months) …

Family sailing holidays in France

What’s an ideal family holiday for those with teens? You guessed right – sailing holidays are just about perfect. It’s a great way to bond as you get engrossed in learning about sailing and enjoy working as a team whilst having a real adventure. If your teens like to capture those perfect moments and send selfies to their friends – they’re going to be happy onboard. There’s not much that beats relaxing on the deck of “your” boat and diving into the clear blue waters of the Med. You’ll be stopping at ports along the French Riviera, snorkelling along the coast of Brittany… You get the picture, and so will your kids. With safety first, experienced and patient skippers, the stunning coastline of France and a wide range of experiences to choose from, you’ll make memories to cherish.

Corsica Sailing holidays

Join the ranks of the international yachting crowd who sail around the gorgeous island of Corsica and indulge in a holiday you’ll never forget. Corsica sailing holidays range from relaxed cruising for a week or more, one day discovery tours, wellness break, marine life. There’s even the chance to participate in the famous Calvi on the Rock Festival with its moonlit beach concerts.

Dive into the glittering waters, laze in secluded coves on silky white sand and explore secret grottoes. Wander the little streets of Corsica’s most beautiful seaside towns and dine on rustic fare flavoured with herbs and the freshest fish, washed down with local, chilled wine.

What’s not to love!

The post All sorts of sailing holidays off the coast of France appeared first on The Good Life France.

If the idea of a sailing holiday in France floats your boat and you thought it might be too expensive or only for couples and groups – think again. No longer are sailing trips the preserve of the rich and famous. And, if you’re travelling solo you don’t have to share a cabin with a stranger. France offers a huge range of sailing holidays, from the Mediterranean to the Atlantic.

Learn to sail in France – or just cruise and relax

France is spoilt for choice when it comes to beautiful seaside cities and towns and stunning beaches. Plus there are islands galore from the picturesque islets which pepper the Gulf of Morbihan to the larger sunshine island of Corsica. Taking a tour by water is one of the most fun and exhilarating ways to experience the coastal beauty of the legendary French coastline from the French Riviera to Brittany and Normandy, Corsica and the Cote d’Azur.

Hiring a boat with or without a crew is expensive. However, lots of holiday companies offer trips where join like-minded travellers on a boat with a skipper and crew or join a skipper and be part of the crew and it really isn’t going to blow your budget.

Sailing holidays for solos, couples and families

Most sailing holidays require you to share a cabin. But, some do offer single berth breaks – check the details when you’re searching. It’s an ideal way to have an adventure. Some companies also offer you the chance to check in advance who your fellow passengers will be. It’s a great way to make new friends.

It’s also a perfect holiday for couples and families, especially teens, as there’s so much to do. Take part in the navigation and running of the boat if you want. Relax if you don’t. Sailing holidays range from a day, perhaps cruising the Bay of Arcachon, to a weekend, a week or longer. And for some holidays you can even book the whole boat.

Enjoy lazy hours on deck soaking up the sun. Swim and snorkel in secluded coves and relax on remote beaches which you’ll have all to yourself. Discover a new location every day from the well known hotspots such as Antibes and Saint Tropez or less well known destinations such as gorgeous Porquerolles. Time to explore the places where you dock is built into many tours according to what sort of sailing holiday you want and where. You’ll get the chance to enjoy fabulous lunches and dinners ashore or on board.

Learn to Sail holidays

You don’t need sailing qualifications to join a trip. But, if you want to learn about sailing, there are loads of courses available. From Normandy to the French Riviera you can join a boat holiday where you’ll lean to read maps, navigate the tides, deal with strong currents, address sail settings and steer the boat.

The post The best sailing holidays in France appeared first on The Good Life France.

The Mayenne River offers 200km of waterways to discover the rich heritage and picturesque countryside of the Pays de le la Loire. A perfect cruise location for nature lovers, famous for its locks, each of which has its own charm and character – the bakery lock where you’ll find an explanation of the history of bread, the grocery lock, restaurant lock and more. It is also great for its riverside taverns and pretty towns where boats can moor up and taste the delectable local food and wine. Mayenne River cruises are ideal for first time pilots as Monika Fuchs from Germany finds out…

We had never heard of the River Mayenne until last July when we went on a houseboat tour from Daon to Laval for a four day adventure. The Mayenne is one of those rivers in France where you can rent a boat as an absolute beginner and you don’t need a boat license to navigate the river.

I and my fellow travel blogger guests had never been on a houseboat before, and we didn’t know what we were getting ourselves into. When we saw the boat we had rented we started to have second thoughts. The Gabrielle, our boat, turned out to be the biggest in the small houseboat harbour of Daon, and we only got a short introduction on how to handle the boat and the river. Luckily we had two keen-to-drive men on board, who were intent on steering, even through the narrowest locks and under the lowest bridges. We quickly fell into a daily routine with the women doing the cooking and cleaning and the men taking care of the boat.

Once we had settled in to this day to day procedure we realised how lucky we were to have chosen the Gabrielle. Each of us had enough space to himself to sometimes just retreat and relax or we could join in the activities on board as and when we wished. This made for a very relaxing tour where we could enjoy the beautiful surroundings we were passing through. We saw impressive chateaux on the hills along the river and historic towns like Château Gontier and Laval. We also got the chance to see more remote places for overnight stays, one of which presented us with a nice frog concert in a nearby pond.

When we docked in one of the towns along the river, each of us chose what interested him most: some went to relax in a spa, others enjoyed the beautiful gardens of Châteaux Gontier, while the third couple went to the local zoo to see the monkeys. In Laval we made use of the the bikes on board to discover the town and its historic environs.The bikes also came in handy en route since there were cylcle trails along the river all the way from Daon to Laval. Sometimes we docked to let some of our passengers go for a bike ride and we’d pick them up at a spot further down the river.

This trip was the the most relaxing time with lots of beautiful views along the river and in the towns. The local cuisine was excellent and there were great opportunities to discover this pretty stretch from Daon to Laval by bike and boat.

Monika Fuchs is a German travel journalist and blogger.

The post Mayenne River cruises appeared first on The Good Life France.

Fabulous castles, picturesque countryside, rolling vineyards, medieval towns and magnificent cities, an Alsace river cruise is a great way to discover this beautiful region. Waterways framed by mountains and forests, floating along scenic and tranquil waterways, Reza Amirinia takes an all inclusive Alsace river cruise and falls in love with the adventure of new places, new faces and the Alsatian location…

I often prefer to stay in self-catering accommodation when I am travelling in Europe. Sometimes if it is a short visit, I stay in a hotel. I mostly prefer homemade food to eating in restaurants. I always like to explore the area and cannot wait to go out of the hotel and discover places.

The idea of a river cruise in a floating hotel was a new experience for me. I knew it would limit my movements and I would be bound to eat the food cooked by the barge’s chef. Besides, I had to mix with complete strangers to share time and places. I had no idea what to expect when I decided to embark on CroisiEurope’s floating hotel in Alsace.

Alsace River Cruise

My wife and I took a taxi from Strasbourg airport to CroisiEurope’s base in the south of Strasbourg to join the MS Madeline which has a capacity of 24 passengers. We were very early and found the seven crew members in their t-shirts and jeans still preparing for the arrival of guests. Nevertheless, we were warmly welcomed by Florence, the hotel barge manager, a cheerful ex-police woman who had only recently joined the company.  We were shown to our cabin, which was very bright and airy with a window just a little above the waterline. It was a compact but sizeable bedroom with a small wardrobe, desk, TV and en-suite shower room. It was all we needed for a comfortable journey on the French waterways.

We had a few hours before the boat officially started to cruise and decided to take the tram to the city centre for a quick visit and to gather information about places of interest. We just had time to visit the amazing Cathedral Notre-Dame de Strasbourg, a delicate spectacle combining Romanesque and Gothic architecture. We climbed the stairs to the roof of what is the sixth highest cathedral in the world for a magnificent panoramic view of the city.

Back on the boat it was time to join the other guests for a welcome cocktail reception where Florence introduced Camille, the captain and other crew members in their nicely tailored uniforms and gave us an overview of the cruise trip and the excursions.

This was followed by dinner on board whilst the boat floated towards the town centre. There we transferred to a smaller city river boat for a sight-seeing tour of the city, followed by a walking tour of the old town.  It was love at first sight for me, getting a brief glimpse of a scenic and charming city full of historic landmarks, and many houses with Romanesque architecture, seeing a capital city hosting European institutions and a UNESCO world heritage site.

Dinner was a friendly affair. We all sat around a large table and it was a good opportunity to get to know everyone while Zultan, the restaurant manager, served the food with a friendly manner.

Romain, the chef came forward with his specialty for the night. He told my wife and me, “I have organized special foods for you from a good selection of vegetables, fish and halal meat”. We were very impressed that the crew was so considerate, mindfully observing our needs. The food was an excellent example of delicious French cuisine and the boat had a homely and comfortable atmosphere.

Our boat moored in Strasbourg overnight. Our one-week adventure on board a floating hotel continued in the morning when the boat started sailing at 7 AM. The sounds of the engine woke me up. I looked through my bedroom window to watch the slow movement of the water ripples. It was pouring with rain outside and the raindrops splashed melodically in front of me. It had a soothing effect that made me want to sleep longer but breakfast beckoned.

The continental buffet breakfast had plenty of options along with fresh local bread. It was very pleasant eating while watching the scenery keep changing along the canal Du Marne in the early morning breeze. We navigated towards Saverne gliding through valleys and going through many locks.

Our boat, MS Madeline was a hotel barge that had been built by CroisiEurope only a few months earlier, launched to serve in the Alsace region from April to November. The interior design of this 24-passenger barge with smooth modern décor is very appealing. One of the cabins is specially designed for disabled people. The boat featured a small bar, restaurant, Jacuzzi, sun deck and several bikes for guests to discover hamlets and villages through accessible and comfortable cycle tracks along the rivers.

I used the bike a few times to discover the countryside and small towns near the canal, getting off in one lock and joining the boat at the next lock which gave me a lot of flexibility and pleasure as well as being able to take in the fabulous scenery.

I asked the other guests about their experience, the food and cycling were firm favourites.  For me, the most enjoyable aspect was meeting new people. The guests aged 50 to 85 from UK, USA and New Zealand were great. More importantly perhaps, we had a wonderful crew who created a good atmosphere for everyone and their attention to detail was outstanding.

The cruise was a real pleasure and everything went very smoothly. We truly felt at home. I felt that the crew were serving us from their heart; it was as though we were at a close friend’s party for a week. They all worked together very well providing the highest level of service possible. Although people’s moods may have changed daily, they never stopped smiling.

The excursions were well planned to give us a real taste of the Alsace region and life in France. We visited Waltenheim, Wingersheim, Saverne, Chateau de Hohbarr, Lutzelbourg, Arzviller Inclined Plane, Xouaxange, Lagarde and Sarrebourg. Each visit was a separate chapter with an astonishing story. All proved to be wonderful places to visit.

A canal cruise through the waterways of Alsace really is an excellent way to taste French cuisine and explore the splendour of the countryside and its beautiful villages.

Paris to Honfleur with CroisiEurope Life in the slow lane…
CroisiEurope a French family success story

Mohammad Reza Amirinia is a freelance writer and journalist with a passion for documentary photography, street photography and photojournalism: www.amrinia.com

The post Alsace River Cruise with CroisiEurope appeared first on The Good Life France.

A cruise on the beautiful Canal du Rhone is to float deep into the heart of France, a chance to experience the famous nature reserves of the Camargue, a tranquil break that takes in several key destinations on the Rhone to Sète route…

I always dreamed about living on a houseboat and a boat trip starting from Bellegarde on the Canal Du Rhone near Nimes in South West of France was a great opportunity to experience the lifestyle I hankered after…

I arrived at the Port of Bellegarde to take a self-drive cruise with my wife and two friends and met with the manager Ralfe, who presented us with a ten-year-old boat, one of their top models. This beautiful €300,000 boat is a compact floating house with chic interior design incorporating all facilities necessary for a short holiday break. There were two en-suit bedrooms. One with a higher ceiling and reasonable space to move around and store things. The second one was more spacious with a small wardrobe. It is very comfortable and safe, designed to make you feel as though being at home. The small kitchen had surrounding windows which opened up on to a large swimming pool bathed in sunshine and onto lovely countryside and leafy green edged canals. You cannot get any closer to nature; cooking and eating while navigating at a slow pace and passing through small historic villages and fruit filled vineyards.

Our cheerful instructor gave us an induction about the boat with a few handbooks and a driving lesson. One of the big advantages to hiring one of these boats is that you do not need a license to drive on French Canals. I must tell you, it is a good idea to practice turning and reversing before you set off on your journey.  It is simple to move forward, but you need to be vigilant at all times and keep the steering wheel in the centre.

Life on the boat was a new adventure, exploring the canal’s tranquility, emptiness and silence was another. The slow-motion boat floated at the same pace as the fish below and the birds hovering above. Watching other cruisers and people navigating or mooring near the port is part of the experience; it seemed as if we were joining a club, mixing with a new community. We sensed that there were new opportunities, different adventures, it opened a new window on our complex world.

The 60 miles of Canal du Rhone a Sète connects the Rhone River flowing from Beaucaire to the Etang de Thau at Séte. It was constructed around 1800, is at sea level and mostly straight.  It passes through the Camargue Regional Park, which is in a vast delta formed by successive displacements of the river Rhone.

We cruised at a gentle speed of 6.5 km per hour.  We were slower than the runners and cyclists who passed us by effortlessly. It compelled us to accept patience and calmness through the slow pace of the boat and made us feel very relaxed.

It was not long before we reached the small town of Saint-Gilles, famous for its Benedictine Abbey. Our journey took us through French waterways, wetlands, lakes and saltwater lagoons close to the sea. The marshlands are covered by water spikes and sea grass.

We watched entranced as the scenery changed, and birds flew round the boat. A grey heron guarded an entry to one of the waterways, watching over strangers entering its territory. As we approached slowly, it took flight and landed further out in front of us. It repeated its performance several times before returning to its nest.

It was sunset when we reached the medieval city of Aigues-Mortes with its old fortress in the heart of marshlands. The tower of Constance cast shadows on the surface of the canal, mysterious and inviting. This prominent heritage site in the Camargue was like a beautiful diamond cut from rough stones – and very handy to tie up the boat at the port just below the Tower of Constance.

We left the wonders of the lagoons behind and arrived in the city of Frontignan, mooring by a very low bridge that is only lifted twice a day. While we were waiting, we witnessed the game of Le Joutes (jousting in boats) being played in the canal – a most surprising sight. Two elbow shaped boats, each with a raised prow on one side propelled by several oarsmen. The game is similar to a duel of medieval knights, but in boats.

We had been warned not to go through the Etang de Thau at Sète in windy weather as it can by quite hazardous, particularly for beginner sailors like us. Fortunately, the winds were gentle but still, it was like navigating at sea, surfing the waves.

The end of our journey was reached at the city of Marseilles, the Canal du Rhone a Sète certainly has many amazing features and a lot to offer anyone seeking a boat holiday in France…

Read more about Sète  – a captivating town with an enchanting lagoon, fabulous gastronomy and its wonderful network of canals that make it the Venice of the south of France.

Mohammad Reza Amirinia is a freelance writer and journalist with a passion for documentary photography, street photography and photojournalism: www.amirinia.com

The post A cruise on the Canal du Rhone to Sete appeared first on The Good Life France.

The 300 year old Canal du Midi (241KM long) is a UNESCO World Heritage site and connects the Garonne River to the Thau Lagoon on the Mediterranean. Together with the 193 km long Canal de Garonne, the Canal du Midi forms the Canal des Deux Mers – joining the Atlantic Sea to the Mediterranean Sea.

Hugging the edges of the sun-drenched shores of the Mediterranean the Canal makes its way inland, through vineyards, picturesque villages and famous towns.  It is the perfect place for cycling or walking along scenic tow paths, relaxing on deck watching the scenery go slowly by…

The canal runs from the city of Toulouse and passes through some of the Languedoc Roussillon’s most beautiful towns, villages and countryside. It takes in arched bridges, aqueducts and locks as it wends its way cross country shaded by plane trees, the water glimmering gently in the sun.

The Canal was designed by Pierre-Paul Riquet who died just one week before its completion. Riquet’s legacy is stunning including the Repudre Aqueduct, the first canal bridge to be built in France and the second in the world.

Follow the river towards Beziers and the Canal du Midi crosses two ingenious engineering solutions; ‘Les neuf ecluses’ – a staircase lock of 8 chambers and nine gates, allowing boats to be raised to a height of 21.5m over a distance of 300m.

A cruise on this beautiful river is a marvelous way to while away the hours.  With a glass of locally produced wine, a fabulous lunch, and those wonderful views – it doesn’t get much better.

We moored up at a village called Mirepesset – and what makes this place particularly special is the fact that the Canal goes over the River.

River cruising, gorgeous villages, fabulous gastronomy and wines, walks or cycling on the tow parth – a day on the Canal du Midi is full of fun and action, as much, or as little as you like!

The post Canal du Midi France appeared first on The Good Life France.

Early on a Friday evening, I arrived in Paris at Gare du Nord, hopped in a taxi and 30 minutes later embarked on the MS Boticelli river boat which was moored along the Seine, right by the Eiffel Tower. I was there to take a five day, four night voyage with CroisiEurope on the Seine, from Paris to Honfleur by boat via Rouen and several other bucket list towns…

MS Boticelli

Ms Boticelli is a very pretty boat indeed and is owned by France’s leading river cruise company CroisiEurope. I was greeted at the reception desk and shown to my double room (very roomy!) and given a table number for dinner. The receptionist told me I speak French well and I told her I’m trying my best! She immediately offered to change me from the table of English speakers I had been assigned to – so that I could practice with French speaking guests. It was the little personal touches like that on this cruise that made it stand out and left me feeling that this family run business really does care about its clients.

I decided to stick with the English speaking table and I’m glad I did as my charming table neighbours came  from the US, Australia and UK and it was good to get their take on this cruise. This was a 4 night voyage and everyone had chosen it for its excellent value and because no other company offers a short cruise option like this taking in several bucket list destinations – Paris and Honfleur via Rouen.

Every member of staff speaks English, French and most of them speak several other languages too.

The boat goes at a leisurely pace and thanks to its relatively small size for a cruiser of this calibre, it is perfect for mooring right in the centre of the towns where it stops.  The ship is immaculately clean, all gleaming brass rails, chandeliers, sparkling wood floors and comfy sofas and chairs, it feels very luxurious. Moving around is easy and there is a spacious lounge, restaurant and good-sized, air-conditioned bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms.

Paris to Honfleur and back

We started with cocktails and dinner whilst sailing along the Seine as the sun went down. Then we returned up river when darkness fell for a romantic night time cruise, arriving back at the Eiffel Tower exactly as the lights started sparkling.

Overnight we travelled to the beautiful riverside town of Les Andelys for an optional tour excursion. I stayed on board to cruise the Seine and enjoy going through the huge locks and had a fabulous time up on deck, the scenery was stunning along the river. Those who went on the tour re-embarked at Rouen – without fail everyone said it had been an excellent trip.

Then it was on to lovely Honfleur 355km from Paris by river, arriving in the early hours of the next morning. We had the whole day free and an optional tour in the afternoon to see the local sights. Honfleur at any time of the year is gorgeous. There is so much to see and wandering those little streets, sitting round the harbour in one of the many little cafés and brasseries, watching the world go by is a joy. I joined the Deauville, Trouville, Calvados distillery optional tour which lasted around 4 hours with time in the famous towns and  a chance to taste the famous liqueur of Normandy.

The evening was spent in Honfleur too which gave us a chance to see the town lit up and to join in the lively night life. A band played at l’Albatros bar, chairs and tables spilled onto the cobbled walk ways around the harbour and children played on the carousel – it was a magical night.

On the fourth day we floated back to Paris, stopping off to spend the morning in gorgeous Rouen arriving early enough to be exploring before the town woke up – it was bliss having it to myself for a little while.

We cruised back up river in the afternoon and overnight, arriving in Paris in time for breakfast and allowing those who wanted, to spend a day in Paris before onward journeys – we were able to leave our cases on board whilst sight-seeing.

Food and wine

All that activity works up an appetite and MS Boticelli didn’t disappoint. The food and wine is inclusive in the price and superb value. The meals are not haute cuisine, but they are very tasty (although if you are a vegetarian who doesn’t eat fish, you’ll find it’s typically French with lots of egg dishes). The wine was very good, I tried the red, white, rosé and sparkling (research!) and they were all outstanding. There’s also a cocktail du jour, spirits, beer, tea and coffee. Drinks are available from early morning until early the next morning.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner were served on board throughout, ending with the captain’s celebratory dinner in which the chef pulled out all the stops and the fabulous staff served cocktails and sparkling wines dressed in their crisp white dress uniform.

Entertainment on board

A charming pianist by the name of Jean-Pierre played music during the day and evening, there were quizzes (in English and French), dance night and a crew show.

The entertainment is very French. The very popular line dance Le Madison was played each night and lured the French passengers onto the dance floor. By the end of the trip I had learned the steps and joined in – much to the amusement of my table neighbours and the French passengers who applauded my efforts (it’s not quite as easy as it looks)! On the last night everyone did La Chenille (a sort of “hokey cokey”). French, American, Australian, Spanish, Belgian and British. We all danced round the boat with the staff – it was huge fun and had everyone in fits of laughter.

The thing that struck me most with this cruise is that the friendliness and the very Frenchness of it.  At the end of it you’ll feel as though you’ve had an authentic French experience, ticked off several gorgeous bucket list destinations and you’ll have made friends too.

Overall – Excellent value, really friendly staff, roomy and comfortable

Read more about CroisiEurope – barge and riverboat cruise success story

Website for CroisiEurope in French and in English – you’ll find dozens of different itineraries for French river cruises.

The post Life in the slow lane – Paris to Honfleur by boat appeared first on The Good Life France.

Barging holidays in France have increased enormously in popularity over the last few years; Janine Marsh goes boating on the beautiful Burgundy Canal and discovers a world of wine, gastronomy, luxury, lush landscapes, fairytale castles and a whole lot more…

Burgundy is one of the lushest regions of France, rich in architecture, culture, art and history. It is an area of beautiful countryside and glorious vineyards, fabulous cuisine partnered with sensational wine, picturesque villages, splendid castles and magnificent towns. To top it all there are 600 miles of inland canals and waterways to sail on so it’s little wonder that this is an area of holidaymaking that’s on the up and up.

After a stopover in the utterly stunning town of Dijon I was collected from my hotel by the captain of the barge I would be staying on. We headed off into the countryside and 30 minutes or so later we arrived at a little quay… where the “Who Knows” barge was moored up alongside several other barge “hotels”.

I met some professional tour operators from the US, New Zealand and Australia – they hit the decks immediately, they were there to review the barges, meet the owners and captains and snoop around the rooms. They wanted to sample the cuisine that barge chefs produce, take in the tours to assess the guides, taste the wines and meet the hostesses who would be looking after their clients. I was going to follow them and learn what it is that makes a barge holiday an adventure of a life time and what clients really want from a barge vavation.

I sat and talked to Captain Jason Ashcroft and his lovely partner Dawn Coles who is the chef on the Who Knows and they kept me mesmerised with tales of life on the river, Dawn’s amazing cake and glasses of champagne.

From the minute you get on board with a barge trip like this – you’re going to be spoiled – by the wine, fine dining, fabulous views and personally guided tours. This is the sort of holiday where you have a rare chance to broaden your horizons in the most lavish of ways (I might warn you that you may also need to broaden the waistline of your trousers!).

The barges that I saw were all sumptuous but very different. The Who Knows was once a famous barge moored in Paris and was the home of one Sterling Hayden, a rather louche Hollywood actor (Blazing Saddles, Johnny Guitar etc). His love of chasing the ladies was only matched by his love of life on the water and it is a very beautiful boat which Jason and Dawn have lovingly renovated and converted to a 6 berth floating au-barge.  Despite its narrowness (it is a barge after all) there is a great kitchen space in which Dawn creates culinary magic. The dining area comfortably seats six and the lounge is stylish and has the feel of a luxury yacht. The boat has an intimate and informal feel to it, the rooms are snug but airy, the bathrooms were surprisingly big and the power showers are a joy.

Waking up in the morning on a barge on the river and seeing the mist rise over the hills around is an incredibly beautiful sight and every day I went for a wander along the side of the canal and discovered stunning little towns and sites. Every barge has bikes for guests to use and cycle at a leisurely pace alongside the boat while it cruises gently along or while going through locks. Sun decks  are adorned with pots of colourful flowers and perfect for lying back and watching the exquisite countryside as you glide past stunning view after stunning view. You’ll pass ancient farmhouses, riverside inns where you’ll get a warm and friendly welcome, herds of Charolais cows look on curiously and picturesque, sleepy villages that are breathtakingly beautiful.

The Who Knows was the perfect barge for me, Jason, an expat Brit is a fabulous raconteur and an experienced host who has travelled the world. He’s also a wine expert and loves to share his knowledge with guests whom he takes on tour to some of his favourite places.  I loved our visits, especially to the Hospice de Beaune, Patriarche wine cellars in Beaune and the beautiful vineyards surrounding the Chateau du clos du Vougeot with its medieval wine cellars. Essentially, these types of deluxe barge tours go at the pace the client wants, they also go where the client wants – everything can be tailored to the express wishes of guests and Jason, like all the barge captains and guides we met with, changes the itinerary, intensity, focus and content according to what interests his guests the most.

I had the chance to visit some of the other barges and their owners while I was there – I don’t think I have ever felt so completely pampered and indulged in my life! Every boat has a chef, the bigger and/or more luxurious boats will have their own guide, hostesses, sommelier – in addition to the captain and his mate. One boat I went on took up to 6 guests – and had 6 staff! Every boat we went on had a chef who wanted us to sample his or her skills and we are talking top level chef-ery here;  bottles of Burgundy wine and Champagne were opened and Jacuzzis on decks bubbled in our honour.

A typical day would consist of a relaxed morning after breakfast, perhaps a spot of leisurely cruising, cycling or visiting a local area, followed by lunch and then an afternoon of touring (All the boats have transport for that purpose) with dinner back on board. Every time we returned to the boat it was filled with enticing aromas as Dawn made brioche, strawberry gateau, baked soufflés, baked peaches with a honey mascarpone and raspberry coulis… An evening on deck, watching the sun drop over the picturesque landscape is one of those memorable events that will stay in your mind forever.

Have no doubt, a barge trip on the Burgundy Canal is all about luxury, culture, gastronomy, history, wine, relaxation, friendship, fun, chilling out… and more wine and French cuisine!

The post Burgundy barge cruise experience appeared first on The Good Life France.