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Barge holidays in France come in many guises. Once you’ve chosen your region and your waterway, did you know that you can also choose to add a theme into your trip? One of the most popular options on barge holidays in France is art. Hardly surprising when you consider the number of wonderful French painters we have come to be inspired by. But how does an art themed cruise differ from a regular one? To give you an idea, here is an example itinerary of an art cruise on the Canal du Midi. The first day is all about meeting your crew in Marseillan and getting to know your vessel. You’ll be met with Champagne and, once you are unpacked, your chef will serve a gourmet four course meal. So far things are no different to any of the other barge holidays in France - unless you get your paints out of course! Marseillan to Portiragnes This trip focuses on inspiring all of the guests to create, paint and draw, and the first day definitely starts as it means to go on. Drifting past the Etang (on which you will be cruising later), with its towering yacht masts and crystalline waters is enough to arouse creativity in even the most tentative artist. A visit to a Noilly Prat Vermouth distillery is followed by more cruising before arriving in Portiragne, where every sense is stimulated by the scenery around you. Chirping seabirds, the salty sea air and the delightful coastal vista offer the perfect watercolour scene. Portiragnes to Fonserannes On the third day there are visits to the architecturally brilliant Pezenas. This town is a haven for anyone looking for one off artisan pieces; the whole place is bursting with quirky little shops selling paintings, hats, costumes and much more. Painting in the historical square of this town is the highlight of the day. Your art guide will set everything up and be on hand to offer pearls of wisdom. After an afternoon of meandering the waterway (or strolling the towpath), you reach the Canal Bridge over the River Orb. The views of the four bridges of Beziers from here is one to make a note of as it could be a wonderful subject for painting later, before dinner. Fonserannes to Capestang The market in Narbonne on day four is vibrant and colourful and an excellent spot to pick up a few souvenirs or some tasty treats to take back on board. Narbonne is home to plenty of parks and gardens that border both the cathedral and the canal, providing ideal painting spots. This afternoon, as the vessel arrives in Capestang, the view over the Collegiale offers another stunning painting opportunity. Your art guide will be there to rouse your creative juices while your host will serve drinks and aperitifs. Capestang to Pigasse The highlights of day 5 is a trip to Minerve, the delightful medieval village that will have you reaching for the pencils and paints. Surrounded by a jaw-dropping gorge and a panoramic landscape, your art guide will talk you through how best to capture the image. Pigasse to Argeliers More painting and sightseeing today in the incredible city of Carcassonne. The architecture here is amazing, the views equally so and the buzz around the palace is infectious. Choose whether you sightsee or paint, or a little of both, before returning to the barge for lunch and more relaxing before you get ready for your departure the next day. Barge holidays in France that focus on an art theme are subject to change, but rest assured they will take you to some wonderful places in an attempt to inspire and guide you to some of your most captivating paintings and drawings yet. Combined with all of the luxury of standard barge holidays in France, the art themed cruises have been designed to offer something with that little bit ‘more’. Remember that when booking, a reputable operator is the way to go. You can be assured of the quality and standard of service and look forward to a memorable and enjoyable trip. Author Plate Paul Newman is the Marketing and E-Systems Executive for European Waterways, the UK's most respected provider of all-inclusive, luxury barge holidays in France. 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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