French canals chartering

[Rigger]

I've been tasked with organising a barge trip in France next Spring (prob mid April). Trip is for 6-8 people and probably looking at a long weekend 4-5 days. Within driving distance of channel ports would be an advantage but not essential. What is essential is easy access to lots of local wineries!!!
Has anyone got any suggestions/recommendations as to area,suppliers etc.
Thanks in advance for any replies.

 

[tillergirl]

Never tried them but this is a nice area and meets your 'close' to channel ports criteria. St Valerie (William the Conqueror fame) is very pleasant, with a good steam railway round to Le Cretoy (Joan d'arc fame) if you need a day out from the cruising., moules in abundance.

http://www.locaboat.com/en/destinations-circuits/france/canal-boat-bay-of-somme-picardy.html

 

[Trundlebug]

http://www.leboat.co.uk/?gclid=CJSP6Lu5778CFXDKtAodMloAew

http://www.barginginfrance.com/EN/self-drive-barges/index.php

 

[albineer]

We liked the Charente when we chartered a few years ago. It's cognac rather than wine country and there are several distilleries to visit. We like the Saone which is in Burgundy but I don't remember vineyards accessible from the river. The canal from St Jean to Dijon is a bit boring so we go there by car. A short break with Le Boat from Migennes puts you in Chablis country. Le Boat is one of the major charterers all through France. It's a combination of Crown Blue Line and connoisseur so their boats look and feel very British. Some acquaintances used and like Locaboat.

 

[Avalon]

Last year we chartered a boat on the Canal du Nivernais - possibly the most beautiful canal in France and right in the Burgundy wine area - with AquaFluvial (www.aquafluvial.fr)

They seemed a lot cheaper than the big firms and were very helpful. My wife lost her engagement ring on the day we were leaving. After we had left they searched for it, found it and returned it.

You can see some photos here:

http://s168.photobucket.com/user/phaonr/library/Nivernais

We thoroughly enjoyed our holiday.....