Hidden from most roads, deep in the lovely French countryside, are a multitude of waterways. These ancient forms of navigation are still used to transport goods on barges across regions of France. But they are also enjoyed by plaisanciers (boaters), and several companies rent boats where a family or a group of friends can spend several days exploring the French back country.
Nivernais Canal
Taking such cruises harks back to slower times, when barges would be pulled by horses walking alongside the banks. The scenery is peaceful: calm waters, passing breezes, quiet woods, rolling vineyards, sleepy villages; this delightful rhythm is occasionally broken by the écluses (locks) designed to raising and lowering boats between stretches of water of different levels.
It would be difficult to pick a particular region, as many possess their own unique little charm. The Canal du Midi in Southern France is one the most famous of these waterways. Built in the 17th century, the canal is 150 miles long and connects the Garonne River to the Étang de Thau on the Mediterranean. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It features locks, tunnels, over 40 aqueducts, and rows of stately plane trees lining the canal’s sides originally planted to stabilize the banks.
Canal du Midi