Barging inFrance

I wonder if anyone can help. I have spent hours researching what Barge to take my family on. The confusion is that there are so many and they range drastically in price! Obviously you pay for what you get but I would really appreciate a rating on them and wish there was a review as there is with the hotels. The ones I am looking at are hugely expensive usd 4000 per person all gourmet meals and all drinks - but with no reduction for children(who dont drink alcohol and dont eat much) I dont want to book one of the cheaper ones and end up in a dump. Any recommendations would be welcomed.

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While the barges are certainly wonderful and easy, they are very expensive and I am unaware of any which are family oriented. You may want to consider being your own captain and renting a boat yourself. This is a wonderful family activity and a great way to see France. There are plenty of restaurants along the way and all sorts of activities and places to explore. Try any of the following companies:

http://www.connoisseurafloat.com/

http://www.nicols.com/

http://www.crownblueline.com/

http://www.locaboat.com/

All of these companies (there are even several more) offer rentals throughout France, le Midi being perhaps the most popular region. I have been on virtually all of the French waterways and should be happy to answer any questions. Prices vary but a good rule of thumb is $125/night for each cabin on the boat you rent. For example, plan about $1700 per week for a boat with 2 sleeping cabins, great for a family of 4.

Good Luck

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I have rented from locaboat for a week to do the Canal du Midi from just outside Toulouse to Narbonne. It is a great trip. Stayed three nights at the marina in Carcassonne--it is very well equipped--and visited the historic (very,very)Cathar castle. Stopped at vineyards for wine tasting enroute, and there were a multitude of very fine restaurants available next to the canal.

Rented the 9 meter boat--small diesel engine, top speed approx 5 km/hour. Easily accomodated two adults and up to 3 children. The boats are easy to %26quot;drive%26quot;--no previous experience required. The firm offers a car shuttle service. (I returned my rental car to Toulouse--caught a train--walked approx a mile to the boat launch site and picked up another car in Narbonne. Rented bikes from locaboat so the kids could bike along the canal, explore and meet us at the next lock. Very safe environment and very laid back relaxing time.

Good laundry facilities at the marina in Carcassonne. Laundromat within easy walking distance of the dockage in Castlenaudry. Met lots of great people. Lack of French not a problem.

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I%26#39;m thinking of %26quot;barging%26quot; from Bordeaux towards Toulouse. 2 Couples, self driven boat, in Sept/Oct 2007. Any suggestions, comments, etc...Floridasailor

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Floridasailor

Here are several points which may be of interest for traveling from Bordeaux to Toulouse.

1. The first 54 kilometers follow the river Garonne. Rental boats are prohibited from navigating the river. Both the tides and currents can be hazardous to the uninitiated.

2. The lateral canal starts at Castets-en-Dorthe which is approximately 193 kilometers and 53 locks from Toulouse.

3. I know of no commercial boat renting companies that operate along this route (but these things constantly change). There are individuals who privately rent their boats, but for insurance purposes they virtually all require a French Permis Fluvial (interior waterways license).

You do not say if you have previously traveled the French canals but if you have not, may I suggest you check into the Canal du Midi, a wonderful location for exploring southern France.

I should be happy to address any additional questions which you may have and I hope this information has been helpful.

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