Can anyone recommend (or give input on) a barge experience in Southern France for mid-October? We will be spending a week at a private farm house in a rural setting outside Toulouse and might like to follow it up with a canal trip.
Posted by
Panguitch, Utah
2545 posts
Are you interested in the Canal du Midi? I am not familiar with any barge trips available for mid-October, which is about the time segments close for maintenance, but there may still be some trips available for those willing to captain their own boats:
These are the largest companies currently operating in France:
Posted by
255 posts
My husband and I adore self hire canal boating! He (not a fan of flying) now requires a week of boating to make a transatlantic flight worthwhile. I let him believe he’s cleverly negotiated this bargaining chip in our travel plans when really I’m just as pleased navigating the locks of France.
Out of Toulouse, you have several options. You can canal the Garonne, for a taste of the Deux Mers/Acquitane area, or the beautiful and historic Canal du Midi, or the river Lot through Cahors and St. Cirq Lapopie though the currents on the Lot aren’t the best for first time boaters.
I can speak from experience of renting from multiple companies in different countries, hands down the best company to use is Nicols Boats, www.Nicols.com. They are a French company that manufacturer their own purpose built canal boats that are well thought out and well maintained. Please let me know if you want more information on canal boating. It’s delightfully slow travel.
Posted by
Corona del Mar, CA, USA
23 posts
Will be taking our seventh canal/river cruise in France in mid-September. Locaboat has provided a good experience for us in Burgundy and Canal du Midi as well as the river Baise in Aquitaine. Sometimes it rains (our experience in a May cruise) but we always have a good time. Our first trip was a one-week round trip, but this one will be 11 days. You may liken the experience to camping, but one water rather than dry land.
Posted by
Centennial, CO, US
2126 posts
Several years ago we used Locaboat for a September one-week round trip, departing from Agen on the Garonne Canal, with most of the time spent on the peaceful River Baise.
It was such a wonderful experience. We loved exploring the little towns & enjoyed some fabulous meals. And had some adventures along the way. Highly recommend!