2020 BOATING GUIDE


The Savannah was specifically built to navigate the Canal du Midi, and has never left its waters since it was built in 1938


own pace. And there’s more good news: you don’t need a licence, so there’s absolutely no excuse not to take the helm! www.lescanalous.com Tel. +33 (0)3 85 53 76 70


Minervois Cruisers Based in the sunny south of France, 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 10. Of course, if you’d rather kip somewhere stationary, there’s also the option of a two-bed gîte back at base. www.minervoiscruisers.com Tel. +44 (0)1926 811842 enquiries@minervoiscruisers.com


SARL Croisière de la Vie For starters, we can’t think of a better barge name than C’est La Vie. Far from the downbeat connotations the phrase has adopted from English speakers, it’s the perfect celebration of life on the river: yes, life really can be this relaxed. Inspired monikers aside, this luxury hotel-barge also


has a fascinating history. It started out in 1960 as a commercial barge transporting goods across Holland, Belgium and France, before being converted in 2004 to accommodate passengers. It’s now the epitome of comfort and modernity, with a beautifully appointed lounge, spacious dining areas, air conditioning, a well-stocked bar and four spacious cabin suites. A fully crewed charter aboard C’est La Vie allows guests to float serenely through the Burgundy countryside, escaping the demands of everyday life. www.charterbargefrance.com Tel. +33 (0)3 86 55 21 06 cestlaviebarge@gmail.com


Savannah Barge


Painted a bold berry-red, the Savannah gleams like a beacon along the Canal du Midi – the very waterway for which she was originally built in 1938 and has, romantically, never left. The 30m craft has evolved into a luxury hotel-barge, accommodating a total of seven passengers in four upscale cabins, complete with complimentary L’Occitane de Provence goodies to welcome guests in (suitably lavish) style. Unwind on the large terrace and discover a flurry of pretty villages, fortified cities, local markets, vineyards and unspoiled countryside on your travels. Gourmands are well catered for too, with exquisite meals


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IMAGE © SAVANNAH


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