Travelling differently while taking their time: more and more French people are opting for slow tourism during their holidays. Cycling is the undisputed star. Thanks to it, everyone can discover the treasures of our heritage at their own pace, while respecting the environment. Nowadays, it is often combined with boating and other river activities, for a very relaxing holiday.
Cycling and canals: a great combination of assets
On holiday, we are often torn between our desire to rest and our desire to go on an adventure and discover. It doesn't always seem easy to combine these two desires. However, there is an original alternative: river tourism (which combines activities on and beside the water) where cycling and boating complement each other perfectly. With your bike, you can discover the surroundings, while exercising or strolling with your nose to the wind. With a boat, you can let yourself be carried by the current and rocked by the lapping of the water. The boat can be a comfortable stopover after your walks, a sort of floating lodge where you will find all the necessary comfort. Your itinerary is thus facilitated and you will be able to travel through the region at your own pace.
Combining cycling and canals is the assurance of a change of scenery that is both relaxing and active. You will be close to nature, taking advantage of the attractions of water, but also of the surrounding nature and heritage. It is a total disconnection that awaits you, far from the worries of everyday life. Once your bike is on the road, you can take a walk along the towpath or go on an excursion a little further inland to discover the local heritage. You can travel farther by bike than you could with just your own two feet - it would be a shame to miss out. The bike and canal package guarantees a holiday where sport, culture and relaxation are combined, according to your wishes. You will enjoy the region you are travelling through in a different way. More than 60% of boaters cycle during their holidays. Proof if it were needed that this combined formula is becoming more and more attractive. So why not you?
Cycling and canals: a booming practice
In recent years, more and more offers and services have been made available for this combination. Aware of its positive impact on the local economy, the French territories are implementing policies to encourage cycling. Numerous cycle routes have been created: in 2020, France will have around 17,000 kilometres of these routes which can be connected to each other. Along the canals, the VNF (Voies Navigables de France) network also promotes this development and encourages river tourism. More than 90% of its waterways are now in the immediate vicinity of a cycle route. These developments, carried out in conjunction with local authorities, enable bridges to be built between river and cycle tourism. During your holidays, you can thus punctuate your cycling trips with water activities such as kayaking or boating. What better way to cool off? And conversely, your river peregrinations can be interrupted for a bike ride
Cycling and canals: the assurance of a suitable welcome
Local authorities and VNF are not the only ones to implement concrete measures for the development of this sustainable tourism. More and more rental companies of habitable boats without a licence are offering a combined bike and boat package to enable their customers to get around better. You can take bicycles with you directly on your boat at a lower cost and enjoy the beautiful excursions!
When embarking on a multi-day cycling trip, practical questions can get in the way. Where can I find a place to eat or rest? What if I have a problem with my bike and need to repair it? What would I do with my luggage, my laundry? Don't panic! In the rest areas and marinas, specific services for cycle tourism are also available. The "Accueil Vélo" mark can be a good indicator for your holiday. This mark guarantees a quality welcome for cyclists. Its green logo can be found on the front of a restaurant, accommodation, tourist office or bike hire company, for example. In these certified places, you will be offered useful services during your journey, such as a secure bicycle shelter, a repair kit; you will be able to get information on routes and the weather. Some sites with the "Accueil Vélo" label can also offer to transfer your luggage, wash and dry your clothes and even clean your bike if necessary. This will make your holiday on the waterways easier.
If you opt for the boat-only option, you should know that you will find it increasingly easy to hire a bike by the hour or by the day in the ports.
These new services are clearly in line with the development of river tourism. Proof that this form of tourism on the water is attracting holidaymakers year after year. It's your turn to be tempted!
