Boating & Sailing Holidays in France
CONTENTS
• Boating Tour Operators
• Sailing Tour Operators
• Canals of France
• Sailing Off Brittany
• Canal du Midi
• Marinas of France
• Europe's Largest Marina
• French Holiday Rentals
• Sailing Tour Operators
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Editor's picks
Heading for the coast in France? Hone your seaside holiday choice with our pick of 15 fabulous things to see and do. more...
10 reasons to go on a boating holiday
There are many reasons to opt for a boating holiday in France, whether you'd prefer self-drive or something more akin to a floating hotel. Here are just 10 of them...
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Different kinds of boating holiday
Private charter barges, self-drive cruisers and your own boat if you have one, all offer different ways to see France from its waterways. Some say the chance to take the helm is what boating is all about. But would you give that up for a skipper that doubles as a tour guide with the talent to knock up authentic French fare in the galley?
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Which type of boat should I choose?
Whichever type of boat you choose for your French cruising holiday, you will be guaranteed a level of comfort that would have been unheard of even 10 years ago.
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Top areas to go boating in France
Fancy exploring the canals of France but don't know where to start? Get the lowdown on the five main French canals...
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10 things to do on a boating holiday
There is so much to do on a boating holiday from sporting activities to sightseeing and fine dining. Explore your options...
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Boating in France: a glossary
Here is a list of some of the key words that you may come across during your boating holiday in France.
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Canal holidays with a difference
Canal holidays have many devotees, but not everyone is aware of the possibilities of the French canal network for a holiday with a difference.
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Cruising French canals
With 3,800km of canals and 2,900km of rivers winding their way through French towns and countryside, you can really get to know France from a boat. more...
Boating safety
Essential kit
Boat licence? If you haven’t got one of these, you won’t get very far on your boating holiday. But that’s not the only important thing to remember before setting off on a cruise of the French waterways.
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History and Heritage in France
Memorable boating holidays
France offers an enormous choice of historic regions for boating, with its rivers and canals passing through some of Europe’s finest towns and cities, steeped in history and heritage. From beautiful Baroque castles to magnificent Renaissance châteaux, France’s waterways bear testimony to a rich and colourful past.
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Water activities in the Pays de la Loire
Messing about in the cool, clear French waters.jpg)
Take to the water to enjoy the Loire's magnificent coastline, rivers, canals and lakes.Burn up some energy on a surfboard or take it easy and let the chateaux pass you by on a relaxing canalboat...
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New Way to Cruise French Rivers!
Diary of a boating break on the Seine.
First in a two-part diary of a trip on the Seine, by Priscilla Buckley.A new way to travel French rivers is by river boats that carry a hundred or more passengers. The French Cruise Line, anxious to move in on the burgeoning barge-hotel business..." more...
The Breton Canals
History of the canals
Curiously, in a region surrounded on all sides by the sea, river navigation preceded the conquest of the oceans. The Ille-et-Rance canal, which links the English Channel to the Atlantic...more...
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Explore the regions of France
If you love France & want to visit your favourite region, or do not know where to look for your next French holiday or property purchase then we have everything for you in over 20 sites dedicated to the regions of France.
Canal boating holidays in France
Freewheel Afloat are the French Canal holiday experts. Self-drive barges and cruisers for hire from a variety of bases including Burgundy, Anjou, Brittany, Ardennes, the Canal du Midi and the Camargue. To discover our exciting new itineraries in France, Request or download a copy of our new 2012 brochure. Holiday Directory
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