| Journal: TWUK | Section: |
| Title: | Issue Date: 05/06/00 |
| Author: | Page Number: 36 |
| Copyright: Other |
Product review by Linsey Mcneill
Go barging in with the canal crowd
French waterways ideal for family breaks
is to do something different on holiday rather than just lie on a beach, and captaining your own boat has a lot of appeal.”Gregory said boating holidays are particularly popular with families because they allow a freedom to travel without the hassle of driving.
“You take your accommodation with you so you don’t have to pack everything for a day out,” he said.
Some of the rivers running through the interior of France have beaches, so there is no need to drive to the coast to get that seaside feeling.
The Canal du Midi in the southwest of France, Brittany and Burgundy are themost popular areas for UKvisitors, although boating holidays are available all over France.
Blakes director Tony Howes recommends the Camargue region for families because you can walk to the beach from various points along the route while the River Vilaine and Canal de Nantes at Brest in south Brittany are ideal for a rural break.
France Afloat managing director Mike Gardner-Roberts said Burgundy is popular with those who have experience of boating holidays.
“The Canal du Midi is the area most people have heard of because it was declared a United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation World Heritage Site last year but Burgundy isthe place for people who have done a little bit of boating before – the scenery is spectacular and it never gets crowded,” he said.
Burgundy is also popular because it is easy to get to – only a 4hr drive from the Channel ports and yet it is far enough south to have fine weather.
Most barges come equipped with all mod cons such asflushing toilets, showers, fitted kitchens and sundecks with outdoor furniture. Some of the larger vessels even haveswimming pools and fitness rooms.
No previous experience is needed, according to hire firms, as instruction is provided and the vessels are easy to steer.
For those who don’t want the hassle of captaining their own boat, operators such as the Barge Company provide fully crewed charters.
They provide all meals and excursions such as wine tasting and tours.
“You just lie back and enjoy yourself,” said Sheila Clifton, co-owner of the Barge Company which has 35 boats that accommodate from two to 50 people.
Clients can either charter a boat or book a berth as you would book a hotel room.
BOATING holidays in France are becoming a popular alternative to staying in a beach resort, particularly among families who are looking for activity breaks.
Crown Blue Line, which has a fleet of 425 barges based in 11 regions of France, said such holidays are beginning to attract a wider clientele range.
Chief executive Keith Gregory said:”It is a product that is receiving an increasing amount of interest.
“The fashionable thing now is to do something different on holiday rather than just lie on a beach, and captaining your own boat has a lot of appeal.”
Gregory said boating holidays are particularly popular with families because they allow a freedom to travel without the hassle of driving.
“You take your accommodation with you so you don’t have to pack everything for a day out,” he said.
Some of the rivers running through the interior of France have beaches, so there is no need to drive to the coast to get that seaside feeling.
The Canal du Midi in the southwest of France, Brittany and Burgundy are themost popular areas for UKvisitors, although boating holidays are available all over France.
Blakes director Tony Howes recommends the Camargue region for families because you can walk to the beach from various points along the route while the River Vilaine and Canal de Nantes at Brest in south Brittany are ideal for a rural break.
France Afloat managing director Mike Gardner-Roberts said Burgundy is popular with those who have experience of boating holidays.
“The Canal du Midi is the area most people have heard of because it was declared a United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation World Heritage Site last year but Burgundy isthe place for people who have done a little bit of boating before – the scenery is spectacular and it never gets crowded,” he said.
Burgundy is also popular because it is easy to get to – only a 4hr drive from the Channel ports and yet it is far enough south to have fine weather.
Most barges come equipped with all mod cons such asflushing toilets, showers, fitted kitchens and sundecks with outdoor furniture. Some of the larger vessels even haveswimming pools and fitness rooms.
No previous experience is needed, according to hire firms, as instruction is provided and the vessels are easy to steer.
For those who don’t want the hassle of captaining their own boat, operators such as the Barge Company provide fully crewed charters.
They provide all meals and excursions such as wine tasting and tours.
“You just lie back and enjoy yourself,” said Sheila Clifton, co-owner of the Barge Company which has 35 boats that accommodate from two to 50 people.
Clients can either charter a boat or book a berth as you would book a hotel room.
Anchors away: boating allows families the freedom to travel without the hassle of drivingeverywhere