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Now more than ever we’re looking to maximise our precious leisure time and make the most of our travel experiences. With the ethos of ‘slow travel’ working its way into the mainstream, some of the more unique holiday ideas are becoming increasingly popular. One of these is the barging holiday concept, which allows guests to stay on board a luxury hotel barge and cruise the waterways of France (and other great destinations) at a leisurely pace. If you’ve never considered this kind of trip, read on to get an idea of what it’s all about and why this unique holiday experience is gaining fans from all over the world. What is a Barge Holiday? In a nutshell, barging in France incorporates an itinerary (generally around a week) slowly cruising the network of waterways that criss-cross the country. The well-facilitated vessels (which range from comfortable and traditional up to absolute luxury) travel very slowly, so while you’ll only cover around 70 miles in the week, the pace offers the chance to really take in the gorgeous surrounding countryside. You can even cycle or walk along the towpath if you want some exercise. On-board dining is exceptional and there are daily excursions to take in the cultural and historical highlights of the towns and villages along the route. (But you can also simply stay on board and relax if you prefer.) Top tip: The best companies also offer themed cruises that focus on a particular shared interest. Examples include wine cruises, golf, opera, biking, art, culinary, walking and many others. Why is France Such a Popular Destination? France seems almost purpose-made for barging holidays, with its extensive network of waterways. You can choose from itineraries with familiar names like Burgundy, Champagne, the Canal du Midi, Loire Valley, Gascony, Bordeaux, Alsace and Lorraine and Picardy. Every one of these beautiful locations offers a wealth of cultural and historical highlights, with excursions to wineries, chateaux, markets and more. With such a leisurely pace, guests can also hop off and explore tiny villages and towns along the way on their own. It’s no surprise that the top class French cuisine (using fresh local ingredients) and wine on the barges is also a huge draw card. Champagne in Champagne, or Bordeaux in Bordeaux? Absolutely! What Makes this Such a Unique Holiday Idea? There are plenty of ways to join the slow travel revolution, but travelling through France’s countryside on a barge is a unique holiday because you don’t have to compromise on comfort to get the peace and relaxation you’re craving. The opportunity to stay in luxury cabins and enjoy fine wine and food while being part of such an immersive cultural experience is very unusual. It goes some way to explaining why barging is so addictive and many guests return year after year on different (or sometimes the same) itineraries. So, if travelling in style and comfort while getting to know the heart and soul of the French regions means more to you than ticking off highlights on a list for the sake of it, barging could be just the unique holiday idea you’ve been looking for. Author Plate Paul Newman is the Marketing and E-Systems Executive for European Waterways, the UK's most respected provider of all-inclusive, luxury hotel barge holidays, one of the most unique holiday experiences in France and other great destinations. Part of a team of experienced barging aficionados, Paul is first in line to endorse the perks of a slow-paced barge cruise to anyone looking for a unique holiday experience.
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