In France, the vast network of inland waterways we know, the most extensive in Europe, is the legacy of a long policy of regional planning. Today, it is no longer a question of man's mastery of the environment but of enjoying nature as it presents itself to him. It now imposes its rhythm, of which river tourism would be the tempo. Sailing along the water and whistling on the banks is a simple pleasure accessible to all. Contrary to popular belief, you don't necessarily need a licence to take control of your boat. And river tourism allows you to discover another face of France from Nancy to Strasbourg, from Auxerre to Joigny via the Canal du Midi. Here are three examples of destinations that will give you only one desire: to cast off once again!
Boats without a licence
Sus to preconceived ideas! You don't need a permit to explore the canals! Among the many possibilities that exist for navigation, it is important to know that boats less than 15 metres long and whose speed does not exceed 12 km/h are accessible to all and do not require any special training upstream. So, a boat hire without a licence will allow you to travel independently through some of the most beautiful regions of France, varying, as you wish, the cultural escapades or sports activities (cycling, climbing, golf, water sports, etc...). Because going on a boating holiday without a licence also means being able to enjoy many other activities in complete safety with your family than the cruise itself. In particular, exploring the banks of canals and rivers by bicycle. In 2016, the Voies Navigables de France (VNF) and the Départements & Régions Cyclables (DRC) have also signed a partnership for the development of river tourism. Actors involved in the development of footpaths, cycle routes and waterways are therefore joining forces to create a network of cycle routes along the waterfront in order to develop river tourism and its infrastructures. Waterways are obviously privileged paths for the development of excellent cycling routes. And what better way to recover from a good bike ride than a little dip? This is possible in the majority of canals and rivers as soon as they leave the large conurbations. And, for the smaller ones, some boats can accommodate a small heated towed swimming pool. Finally, terraces often allow you to enjoy the sun and have lunch with family or friends.
The mythical Canal du Midi
This is the southernmost river zone in the country. The Canal du Midi, classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO since 1996, forms with the lateral canal on the Garonne the Canal des Deux-Mers. It connects the Mediterranean Sea to the Atlantic Ocean. This basin is rich in river works. Traditionally, it is also the one which, in France, attracts the largest number of yachtsmen. It must be said that with good weather all year round, navigation made easier by the scarcity of locks and the mythical cities of the region, there is no lack of assets. So, no more a second to lose to go and taste a cassoulet in its world capital Castelnaudary, discover the ramparts of the medieval city of Carcassonne, go swimming in La Grande-Motte or Le Grau-du-Roi (or even extend your holidays there), play rugby in Béziers, etc... And, everywhere, you can enjoy regional specialities and learn or improve your fishing skills from the deck of your boat. And who knows, maybe you'll find lunch at the end of the line?
In Burgundy, fish and great wines on the menu
The navigable rivers and the numerous canals created in the 17th, 18th and XIXe siècles in Burgundy connect the three navigation basins of the main rivers français - the Seine, the Loire and the Rhône - whose watershed lies at the heart of its territory. And there's plenty to do since Burgundy has 1,200 km of waterways! Boaters use a large number of locks on these wine-growing and fish-eating lands. Indeed, here, dishes based on freshwater fish (pochouse, small fried fish, eel or roach) are legion and sprinkled with local wines of international renown. Something to feast on when it's time to sit down to dinner! The region also has a large number of tourist attractions, including remarkable castles and abbeys. As for the locks, which are becoming tighter and tighter from Vénarey-les-Laumes, they form ladders up to the threshold of Burgundy at 378 m altitude, the highest forebay in Europe, which is crossed at the Pouilly-en-Auxois tunnel along 3 333 m
Alsace, at the gateway to Europe
Navigating the Alsatian canals is also one of the most pleasant options. And there's no shortage of mythical sites. Starting with Strasbourg and the picturesque district of La Petite France, where the half-timbered houses are reflected in the Ill river. Nor should you miss Nancy, the former capital of the Dukes of Lorraine. The city deserves an extended stopover, but don't forget that the Alsatian capital opens the gates of Europe to you: cruises will allow you to discover Germany and Holland with stops in Frankfurt, Düsseldorf, Nuremberg and Amsterdam, so famous for its canals. But in France, the most flourishing site for river works is Saint-Louis-Arzviller with its tunnels, its Inland Waterway Museum and its inclined plane. It might also be interesting to stop at the Mittersheim pond, which benefits from facilities dedicated to water sports for the pleasure of holidaymakers, to buy some earthenware in Sarreguemines and, everywhere, to enjoy regional specialities that have long made the reputation of the region
Smart info
When to leave? As soon as the fine weather arrives, you can also take advantage of your outdoor cruise, until before November - because then the canals and rivers of France are closed for the most part, with so-called "unemployment" periods during which VNF (Voies Navigables de France) will launch its annual work campaigns for the maintenance of the banks, locks and other works necessary for the proper functioning of the waterway during the tourist season.
The specialist. To prepare his cruise as well as possible.
NICOLS - More information on the site
