French Canals

When you think of boating in France, images of the French Riviera come to mind.   But there's a special kind of boating visitors can enjoy in this country, one that takes them through a series of canals that crisscross the French countryside. France is criss crossed by an astounding array of canals - more than 600 of them.   They run for 3000 miles and date back to the 1600s. They were the brainchild of King Henry IV and for more than two centuries these canals were the main highways of commerce. But today they carry a somewhat different cargo. The Liberte, a one hundred foot barge that's been turned into a scaled down luxury cruise ship, sports wood paneling, fine linens, and attentive staff, terrific meals, and a totally unique view of the heart of France. The Liberte was built in 1910. It was designed as an ocean going barge to carry such things as wheat, corn, barley, and gravel in the hull of the ship. Today it has been completely redesigned with five luxury suites to accommodate ten passengers. The canals give you an inside view of what country France is all about: a surprisingly unchanged and beautiful land. The pace on a barge is totally peaceful and leisurely. You're gliding along in syrupy slow motion.

For more information check out
www.bargesinfrance.com