BOATING GUIDE 2019


La Toue de Nantes offers river holidays with a difference, where you can see and learn about the region aboard a cabined, flat-bottomed barge


enjoyed a little earlier, from March to October. www.labelandre.com contact@labelandre.com


La Toue de Nantes Looking for something a tad different? A departure from the more obvious barging destinations, Nantes makes a wonderful base for exploring en bateau. With La Toue de Nantes, passengers can drift along on a traditional toue cabanée (cabined, flat-bottomed barge) and see this corner of France from a whole new perspective. Setting off from Nantes, you can choose between the Erdre and Loire rivers (or the Sèvre in July


162 ❘ FRANCE TODAY Feb/Mar 2019


and August) and enjoy a leisurely cruise relishing the landscape, local fare and bounty of flora and fauna on your way, all while learning about the city’s colourful history. Why not go one step further and customise your cruise by choosing from a number of meals and tastings? www.latouedenantes.fr olivier@latouedenantes.fr


Le Boat UK


Fancy spotting an otter? Fishing for wild carp? How about setting foot in Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, one of France’s most swoon-worthy plus beaux villages? You’ll find all this and more along the River Lot, which is navigable from tiny


Luzech to even tinier Larnagol, with 17 locks in between – just one of many rivers and canals up and down the country charted by Le Boat. Whichever you set your sights on, you can trust in the company’s 50 years’ experience to deliver an unforgettable self-drive boating holiday – even if it’s your first time behind the wheel. Take it from us: nothing comes close to the freedom of steering your own bateau. www.leboat.com


Minervois Cruisers


Based in the sunny south, in Le Somail, you’ll find Minervois Cruisers poised on the edge of


the Canal du Midi – specifically on the Grand Bief, a spectacular lock-free stretch passing Carcassonne, Narbonne and Béziers. Cruising without locks is a real boon for beginners, taking the hassle out of maiden voyages and allowing for a more leisurely round trip. A number of different vehicles are available to hire, ranging from narrowboats accommodating two people to larger crafts welcoming parties of ten. Of course, if you’d rather kip somewhere stationary la nuit, there’s also the option of a two-bed gîte back at base. www.minervoiscruisers.com Tel. +44 (0)1926 811842 enquiries@minervoiscruisers.com


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IMAGE © LA TOUE DE NANTES


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