Canal du Midi
A UNESCO world heritage site, the Canal du Midi takes you on a wonderful journey through the South of France, allowing you to enjoy the heart of the gastronomic Languedoc coutryside. Highlights include the ancient walled city of Carcassone, the medieval town of Castelnaudary, the Roman town of Narbonne, the beaches and seafood of Port la Nouvelle, and the beautiful Languedoc countryisde, France’s most prolific wine-producing region.
Camargue
This has something for everyone, from the clear waters of the Mediterranean, ancient fishing ports, and amazing wildlife, all in an area that gets the most sunshine of all of France. Highlights include lock-free cruising, fabulous beach resorts, a wildlife haven for nesting flamingos, fabulous seafood, and historic towns of Aigues Mortes, Marseillan, Le Grau du Roi, and Bouzigues.
Aquitaine
The picture postcard scenery of the Aquitaine region in Southwest France has inspired artists for generations. Sample the regional specialties of foie gras, truffles and wild mushrooms. Highlights include ancient hilltop villages, medieval towns with cobbled streets and timbered houses, Moissac’s famous Abbey and cloisters, and world-famous wines such as Margaux, St. Emilion, Graves and Medoc.
Lot
For centuries, the River Lot has wound its way through a landscape rich in natural beauty, ancient culture, and spectacular scenery. Highlights include prehistoric cave drawings at Pech-Merle, the artist and craftwork village of St-Cirq Lapopie, Cahor’s 700-year-old bridge, foie gras and fine wines, and the canal towpaths cut high in the limestone cliffs.
Charente
Discover the true spirit of France in this region famed for fine cognac, delicious cuisine and Romanesque art and architecture. Highlights include Rochefort on the Atlantic coast, the vineyards of Cognac and its famous distilleries such as Hennessy and Remy Martin, the stunning Charente valley and the cathedral city of Angouleme, and all the excellent restaurants and colorful local markets along the way.
Burgundy
Spectacularly beautiful, this cultural and gastronomic region in the heart of France is perfect for re-discovering the natural beauty of unspoiled countryside. Highlights include cruising through the wealthiest region of France, alongside premier cru vineyards where you can taste some of the world’s most famous wines such as Macon, Chassagne-Montrachet and Pommard at their origin, and the many historic towns resplendent with fantastic architecture, fine paintings and objects d’art.
Nivernais
The charming Canal du Nivernais, one of the prettiest in France, winds through rolling meadows, hillside vineyards, rocky outcrops and forests. Highlights include the pretty canal-side villages of Migennes, Chatel Censoir, Tannay and Decize, where the slow pace of life mirrors your gentle cruise, and it is easy to see how the peaceful landscapes inspired the impressionists of the day.
Loire
Known as the “green land of running waters”, and as a wine lovers paradise. Savor landscapes, fine cuisine and excellent wines. Highlights include the River Seine, Montargis- the “Venice of Gatinais”, Briare, famous for its Eiffel Aqueduct, and Nevers, where the oldest china in France is produced, and its quaint streets converge on the splendid Ducal palace.
Brittany
Soak up the Celtic charm along this network of Napoleonic and flower-adorned castles, truly a delight to explore by boat and bike. Highlights include medieval towns, chateaux and castles that line your route and captivate your cultural tastebuds. Ancient customs continue today and traditional costumes are worn proudly at the many festivals celebrating Brittany’s mythical and magical past.
Alsace-Lorraine
Famous for its delicious quiche, this region of Northeast France boasts unspoiled countryside and picturesque views. Framed by the pine trees of the Black Forest, this culturally unique region takes you along the waterways of France, Luxembourg and Germany. Highlights include pretty medieval villages, the delightful cities of Nancy, Metz, Letzelbourg, and Strasbourg, refreshments at ancient timber-framed ‘Auberges’, refreshing wines and beers and distinctive cuisine. This region boasts more Michelin starred restaurants than anywhere else in France.
