Les Canalous’ canal boat rentals, Europe, include France, Italy, Portugal, Sweden, Netherlands, Germany, Ireland, England, Poland and Russia. Discover some of the highlights of each exciting destination…
France
The Canal de Bourgogne and Canal du Nivernais wind through the heart of the prestigious Burgundy region’s renowned vineyards, medieval towns, picturesque villages and wonderful local markets. Known for its world-class full-bodied red Burgundies, many are surprised to learn that the region is also highly regarded for its crisp whites like Chardonnay or Meursault – one of the finest white wines in Burgundy. You can also find the vineyards of Chablis and Sancerre. Pair your tastings with samples from the territory’s vast variety of remarkable gourmet cheeses – freshly crafted by artisans in all shapes, sizes and textures.
- South of France & Canal du Midi
The UNESCO Canal du Midi is a must-do when it comes to the best river cruises in France, complete with locks and bridges that haven’t changed for hundreds of years. The canal passes through the Languedoc Roussillon region, one of the country’s largest wine producers. You can also walk the medieval walls of Carcassonne, a town of such beauty it is said to have inspired Walt Disney. Spend your time exploring fine chateaux, tasting the wonderful wine and don’t miss the Nine Fonserannes Locks at Béziers, a highlight of the region with its complex staircase-locks. Nearby is the city of Narbonne with its cathedral, medieval palace and sandy beaches.
Head to the south west of France on a River Lot river cruise and tour the region’s Cahors vineyards, pass through the beautiful village of St Cirq Lapopie, or sample France’s well-known gastronomy delights of foie gras and confit. In the summer months, you’ll find gourmet markets or you can discover the Pech-Merle caves, the UNESCO-recognized ancient Cahors city, castles and Roman ruins. Rent electric canal boats from the Casseneuil base and head downstream for fewer locks and automatic locks or lockkeepers.
Choose a river cruise in the west of France along the Mayenne, Sarthe or Oudon. If you love motorsport, tie in your adventure with a stop at Le Mans, famous for its 24-hour race in June. Along this part of France you can enjoy the sites of Lion d’Angers and its 11th-century architecture. Angers has a wonderful chateau or you can stroll the impressive gardens and attractions at Terra Botanica nature park. Don’t miss the local cheese at Laval, known for its dairy production.
While the region is known for its coastline with pink-coloured rocks, the Breton waterways are notable, including Vilaine and the Nantes to Brest Canal. Land the catch of the day with some fishing, explore inland on charming cycle paths, taste the Breton cider, crepes and galettes – even try the acquired taste of andouille sausage. Soak up the arts and culture of Nantes or stroll the smaller towns, such as La Gacilly with its host of artisans skilled in sculpture, painting and glass.
Canal de la Sarre and Marne-Rhine Canal of the Alsace Lorraine region are located in northeastern France along the border of Germany, where towering castles meet beautiful villages of quaint German half-timbered houses. Visit Saverne, Lagarde, Steinbourg and Sarreguemines while savoring the region’s prized dry whites including Riesling, Pinot Gris and Gewürztraminer. For foodies, order traditional Alsatian dishes like Tarte Flambee (Alsatian bacon and onion tart), Choucroute Garnie (sauerkraut with pork and sausages) and savory Bacheofe (meat and vegetable stew).
Enter France’s brandy region in the south west and cruise the Charente River, home to the Cognac and Pineau distilleries where you can explore the estates’ cellars. Head to Angoulême for the delicious chocolate paradise at Letuffe, or to learn more about comic strip art at the renowned museum. The local lakes provide many opportunities for a cooling swim, or you can absorb ancient history at Saintes with its Roman baths, amphitheater and other fascinating sites.
Take a river cruise along the Ardennes Canal, between the valleys of the Aisne and Meuse and enjoy the forested landscapes at Laifour and Bogny sur Meuse, as well as charming towns. Discover the Champagne vineyards and try world-famous bubbles. For history, head to the capital of peace at Verdun – an open museum and memorial to the hundreds of thousands who lost their lives here during World War 2. See Reims with its UNESCO sites and where French kings were coronated, or head to Sedan Castle, the biggest in Europe.
Italy
Plan your European river cruise in Italy and explore the Venice lagoon, Europe’s largest and its network of canals. Take in the highlights of St. Mark’s Square, Doge’s Palace, the romantic Bridge of Sighs, try a gondola taxi or visit the famous Murano glassblowers. Discover Chioggia, the coastal resort of Sottomarina, or the Po Valley. Vacation from Venice to the Marano lagoon along spectacular Italian waterways.
Portugal
Vacation on a houseboat and enjoy a river cruise from historic Porto along Portugal’s River Douro. Slowly work your way through the wonders of the UNESCO Douro Valley, with its lush, sculpted landscape. Meander through the Alto Douro region’s vineyards, an area famous for port wine that has been produced since 1756. Don’t miss the Côa Valley Archaeological Park, where you can see prehistoric rock art.
Netherlands
Get your fill of quaint windmills, brightly colored tulip fields, wonderful Dutch cheese, Delft china and walk the streets of famous cities in the Netherlands. Amsterdam’s canal network is extensive with more than 1,700 bridges, providing plenty to explore. Tour the city’s famous art museums and historical sites, or head to Alkmaar, Volendaam, Haarlem and Utrecht.
Sweden
Discover the iconic Göta Kanal with its Berg locks from Sjötorp to Söderköping on Sweden’s east coast and experience some of the country’s 100,000 lakes. Stroll the large sandy beach at Lake Vattern in Motala, treasure hunt at Kalsborg’s fortress, visit the castle at Vadstena or enjoy one of the swimming spots at Töreboda.
Germany
Immerse yourself in nature and cruise Germany’s rivers, canals and crystal-clear lakes in the Brandenburg and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern regions. If you love the outdoors, you can get your fill of hiking, cycling, kayaking and paddleboarding. Nearby is Berlin with its arts culture, historic sites, such as the Reichstag and Berlin Cathedral, Tiergarten park, museums and chic shopping. Or visit Rheinsberg Castle, close to Lake Grienerick, or dive into Lake Stechline.
Poland
Book a river cruise in Poland to visit the historic city of Gdansk and the canals of the Żuławy Wiślane region. Cruise the Elblag Canal and you can try the famous lift system between Druzno Lake and Piniewo Lake, where canal boats are moved using a special platform on rails. The 687km Great Waterway Loop of Wielkopolska in the west takes you past the city of Poznań. Don’t miss the lakes at Ilawa, Malbork castle and Drewnica.
England
Take a vacation where William Shakespeare was born, Stratford-upon-Avon, and see one of his famous plays at the theater. Or how about taking a ride on an old-fashioned steam train at Churnett Valley? Head through the canals of Manchester or Mersey, where much of modern British music culture was born. If you like chinaware, then stop by the Wedgewood factory at Barlaston, or head to the industrial heartland of Birmingham for shopping.
Ireland
Vacation in the Emerald Isle and cruise from Bellaneck, Carrick-on-Shannon and Banagher to take in the many lakes, including those at Lough Erne. Hike through Lough Key Forest Park, book a round of golf at Lough Derg, relax with some fishing or visit the monastic sites of Devenish Island and Clonmacnoise monastery on the River Shannon, a highlight of your Ireland vacation.
Russia
Landlocked Moscow is actually connected to five seas through the Moscow Canal, or the River Volga. Don’t miss a chance to visit the capital and see the Red Square, colorful St Basil’s cathedral and the Kremlin. Head on out into the Russian landscapes, which are beautiful and inspiring. Your vacation isn’t complete without trying the country’s famous vodka.
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