Self-drive French canal boats - the most magical experiences one can find in France

From the classic children's ( and adults novel) 'The Wind in the Willows' comes one of my favorite lines
'What the Water Rat said to the Mole
'Believe me, my young friend, there is nothing - absolutely nothing- half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats' 

Of the thousand and one adventures and pleasures, I've experienced over the last 50 years in visiting France, nothing can compare with the experience of motoring on the many French canals in a self-drive boat. It still is one of the most magical things one can do in visiting France. 
Motoring ( a chanced to unwind) at 4 mile per hour, in one of the many delightful canals that crisscross France ( I must admit that the Nivernais canal in Burgundy is my all time favorite), past stately chateaux, colorful gardens, flourishing vineyards, medieval villages and larger roman towns create an idyllic landscape that is breathtaking at every turn.  

The company to use in France and elsewhere in Europe is LeBoat.
Here you can be the captain of your own boat, no licence or experience is required. It's that simple! You come aboard and they will show you everything you need to know during a briefing and demonstration. Then you are off to enjoying your boating vacation. It's like driving a car, but much easier and more fun and relaxing. 

There is a marvelous BBC series on just the kind of thing I'm talking about called 'Great Canal Journey's  with the actors Timothy West and his wife Prunella Scales ( the names don't ring a bell? ah! but when you see them, you'll certainly recognize them). Motor all around Great Britain, but the attached is their motoring on the French Canal Nivernais and its glorious, just glorious.