Barging - the French Rhythm Of Life

One of my pleasures along with my brother is barging in France. In past years, we have rented a self-drive barge and cruised ourselves and it’s very very easy. BUT, for the first time barger, I would recommend taking one of the many wonderful hotel barges. Barging in France is a magical experience and once you have done it, it grabs a hold of you and never let’s go and you go back again and again. Every turn in the river seems to be more spectacular than the last. France has the most developed waterway system in Europe with nearly 50 canals. Barging is not about covering huge distances – it’s about the pace of life, The French Way Of Life and waking up on beautiful mornings on placid water brimming with fish. Boat speed is never more than slow and pastoral as you drift past Romanesque churches and vineyards, cruising down canyons of poplars from village to village, town to town through giant naves of plane trees whose branches touch fingertips over your head. And the food and wine and cheese, I could go on for hours. Do as little or much ( local tours are arranged along the way,) besides walking and using the barges bikes to tag along as the boat makes its way to the next landing.