My wife and I plus two friends enjoyed a wonderful weeks cruising aboard a barge called Nilaya this summer. We found it an enjoyable and inexpensive way to hit the canals of France, without having to actually rent and pilot our own hire boat.
Each of the canals and rivers in France has its own unique beauty and to be honest, it doesn't matter which you choose. You'll be overwhelmed by the rural nature of cruising these old industrial highways and the wonderful little towns and villages you encounter as you do so.
Superb French wines are available throughout France so it doesn't necessarily translate that cruising in Burgundy will allow consumption and the tasting of better wines than if you were in say, the wild and woolly Ardennes.
Personally, we think that the Ardennes is unbeatable for its river and canal scenery. The 'Magical Meuse' route exceptional.
It has a wonderful new (2008) cycle path running between Charleville-Mezieres and Givet, plus a very scenic rail line that follows the route too.
It's a wonderful mix of river and canal, flowing through deep forests clinging to the steeply sided valley.
There are lots of viewpoints to hike up to, a chateau that can be visited at Freyr, the citadel and collegiate church at Dinant together with lots of lovely riverside towns and villages. I think it takes a lot of beating and after many years cruising all over France, it's now top of that list!
Nilaya includes extensive continental breakfasts and a substantial light lunch each day plus one tasty home cooked dinner built in to the price. There's a fridge on board where you can store any wines, beer or spirits you purchase and bring aboard. We even enjoyed a champagne reception on arrival.
This barge was a joy to be on and the holiday one of the most memorable we've ever taken. I hope whoever reads this enjoys it as much as we did.
Hughie & Jess
Website:
www.bargenilaya.com
Telephone:
0033 670 824762
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