By Rama Gaind.
It is said that boating is the fastest way to slow down! Find out how.
Why not let your boat be your home on the water? Le Boat can help. As captain of your own boat, you won’t just be holidaying on it, you’ll also be driving it. However, you do not need to worry because it’s so easy that you don’t need any license or experience! Think about your boat like your home on the water, fully-equipped and functional with a large and well-decorated interior.
Le Boat’s early bird specials will give you an opportunity to go on a boating vacation in France.
Here’s your chance to explore the world’s most beautiful canals and rivers with Le Boat’s early bird specials.
One remedy to relieve stress is to take to the canal sidewalks. Take a tour along France’s extensive canal network with a Le Boat comfortable self-drive cruiser. Of course, you’ll get plenty of opportunity to moor and explore, run, walk or cycle along the canals for added health benefits.
Whether it is the sound of gently running water or the lush French countryside, waterways seem to have a calming influence. So, from a week on a fully-equipped modern cruiser you can go on a lunchtime stroll down a river bank.
Le Boat offers an incredibly wide selection of boats, so you can find just the right one for your individual needs. Browse through their boats to choose the layout, features or style that you like best.
There are also some popular destinations to choose from: France, England, Ireland, Italy, Scotland, Germany, Belgium, Holland and Canada.
If you book before 31 August 2018, you will receive a great discounts to explore the world’s most beautiful canals and rivers with Le Boat’s early bird specials.
Here’s an incentive to organise your holiday now. If you book before 31 August 2018, you will receive a great discount with Le Boat’s early bird specials.
For travel in 2019, you will receive discounts of 10% off the premier Horizon fleet, 15% off Royal Mystique, Mystique and Vision and 20% off Budget and Comfort boats.
Here are some highlights from France’s top waterways.
Canal du Midi
The number one destination for Australians who visit France, the Canal du Midi was built in the 17th century and made a UNESCO heritage site in 1996. Flanked by canopies of plane trees, this incredible feat of engineering connects the Atlantic to the Mediterranean, along the foothills of the Pyréneés mountains. Navigation is in three sections; the Canal du Midi (70 locks), the Lateral Canal to the Garonne (53 locks) and the Garonne (two locks).
A visit to the historic walled cité Carcassonne is a must. Also highly recommended is Castelnaudary, home to the famous cassoulet, the lovely canal side town of Homps, historic Le Somail with its well-known grocery barge and wonderful bookshop, to Agde, a picturesque seaside town at the Eastern end of the Canal du Midi.
Canal de Bourgogne
The number one destination for Australians who visit France, the Canal du Midi was built in the 17th century and made a UNESCO heritage site in 1996. This incredible feat of engineering connects the Atlantic to the Mediterranean, along the foothills of the Pyréneés mountains.
This canal provides a north-south route between the Seine and Rhone. It is the highest canal in France and passes through 189 locks, as well as a long tunnel in Pouilly-en-Auxois. As you meander along, you will find many fine examples of churches, castles and bridges to admire. Take your pick of vineyards where you can take a tour behind the scenes and select a bottle to enjoy with a local cheese, such as the pungent Epoisses de Bourgogne.
Canal de Roanne à Digion
Linking the Canal Latéral à la Loire and the Canal du Centre at Digoin to Roanne, is the Canal de Roanne à Digion. It has ten locks and is considered a calm route, ideal for the inaugural self-drive boating holiday. The towpath that runs alongside the canal is ideal for cycling when you get the urge to stretch your legs. The Château de Roanne is a highlight of this route along with the three Michelin starred La Maison Troisgros.
Canal du Nivernais
This canal is the favoured among wildlife spotters with the many species of birds one can see along the way. Herons and Kingfishers are two of the more prolific sightings you will find. Like the other canals, you will pass through the stereotypic gorgeous French countryside and villages which combines leafy trees and open fields.
About Le Boat
Take a tour along France’s extensive canal network with a Le Boat comfortable self-drive cruiser.
Le Boat is Europe’s leading boating vacation company, with more than four decades of experience in the industry. The company owns and operates one of the largest and most stylish selections of rental boats in Europe, with accommodations for up to 12 passengers. Renters can sleep onboard in five-star comfort and style, saving substantially on hotel costs. All boats feature fully-equipped kitchens, comfortable furnishings, showers and bathrooms, and warm air heating. They also feature air-conditioning, depending on the model. No experience or boating license is necessary. Instructions and an orientation are provided to first-time renters, ensuring they get the most out of their boating holiday.
Instead of a pre-planned itinerary, Le Boat provides guests with suggested itineraries but allows them to visit the towns and attractions that most interest them on a particular route.
Le Boat’s new 2019 brochure are available now. Find your dream canal boat holidays with Le Boat. Discovering the beauty of Europe and Canada’s stunning lakes, rivers, and canals and their surrounding villages and countryside, from the unique perspective of your sundeck is unbeatable!
DETAILS BOX
For more information about Le Boat:
T: 1800 118 940
W: www.leboat.com.au
