When planning a French barge cruise, there are certain things to consider. Here are a few of the most important factors.
A French barge cruise is the ultimate relaxing European holiday. Cruising on a luxury 'floating hotel' through the waterways of one of the most beautiful regions in the country is the perfect way to see the best of this wonderful country. But if you've never taken to the water on this mode of travel before, you may be wondering what to expect. Here are some of the main factors to keep in mind.
Areas to Visit
There are many beautiful areas that you could visit on a French barge cruise. In fact, choosing a preferred region is probably the most difficult part of planning your holiday! Waterways network all over the country, taking you through stunning countryside, medieval towns, acres of vineyards and a host of historic attractions. Some of the most popular areas include the Loire Valley, Gascony, Burgundy, Bordeaux and Champagne. Each of these areas has its own unique charms, so do some research on each region and decide which piques your interest the most.
Things to Do
One of the joys of a French barge cruise is that you can simply sit back and relax as you cruise slowly past the landscape and take in the view. There is nothing quite like sipping on a chilled glass of white wine as you glide past medieval villages, market towns, historic castles and chateaux. Each area will have its own attractions, and you will have the opportunity to stop off and go on tours of various areas.
For example, in the Loire Valley you can explore the town of Tours and attractions like the Musee des Beaux-arts. In Gascony you can visit the beautiful town of Valence d'Agen and stop for a meal, or see Saint Pierre Abbey in Moissac. And if you go on a barge cruise that passes through Paris, you'll be able to soak in the world-famous attractions of the City of Light.
Types of Barges
Another thing to consider is the type of itineraries available for your holiday. There may be various options to choose from, each providing a unique slant on the standard cruises. For example, you may want to go on a barge cruise where you learn how to cook French dishes, or you could go on a wine barge, where you will get the opportunity to sample some of the finest wines from all over France. You could also choose between a cruise that just provides breakfast, and one that provides all your meals and excursions - so there are plenty of options to tailor your holiday exactly as you would like it.
While there are a lot of things to think about in the planning stages of a French barge cruise, dedicated cruise companies make it easy to find an itinerary and destination to suit you. They'll take care of the details while you can sit back, relax and enjoy the ride…
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