Boating Holidays in France

With the vast amount of different rivers and canals in France, and having such a varied landscape, you can be sure that you will be able to find just the right type of holiday for you and your family.

So, as you cruise along one of the rivers or canals at a leisurely pace you will get to see things that most people will never experience and each region also offers you the chance to experience their fantastic and sometimes unusual cuisine along with the incredible French wine that is as varied as the different regions.

Only a boating holiday in France will enable you to fully appreciate the idyllic countryside and architecture from Roman to Renaissance periods along with the beautiful chateaux that are dotted along the banks, with the added plus of the glorious weather to match, it is not like travelling along the Norfolk Broads in the United Kingdom most of the year, when you are guaranteed to get some rain or gloomy days!

There is such a wide choice available for your boating holiday and you can pick the area with the climate for you; the further down South you go, the warmer it gets, but don’t forget that whilst cruising along, you need to be on the right hand side of the river or canal, just as the roads are in France!

One point, a licence is required to be able to travel by boat on the French waterways, unless of course you only have something like a canoe! Basically, any boat that has a motor means that you have to have a licence, although temporary permits called La Carte Plaisance are available and are issued by the boat rental company or charter firm that you book with.

A la Carte Plaisance is valid only for a set period of time for any habitable boat, which is under 15 metres in length, but there is also permit available for your children to drive the boat if they are between the ages of 14 and 16, if you feel they have a good sense of direction! but this is a great way to get all the family involved in the fun, but you must ask for a La Carte Junior in order to be allowed to do this.

With many of the river guides today available in English, you can be sure that you will not miss any of the local attractions or delights on offer. You can find these guides along with extra information from the regional tourist offices, but these are also normally issued to you by the charter boat company before you set off on your holiday.

Choosing the part of France you wish to visit is so important to get the best out of your holiday and in the North West of France there is Brittany, which is an area known for cider and crepes, to the East of France were there are rivers and canals throughout the regions of Alsace and Lorraine and you will find this area great for experiencing a diverse landscape from rolling hills to forests, whilst trying some of the local French beer and crisp white wines that this region produces.

How about Burgundy within the centre of France which is a great place to experience local cuisine and fine wines and the quaint historical towns provide lovely afternoon walks taking a step back in time with the history.

Also, lets not forget the South of France, obviously with the more beautiful weather, you can experience travelling along the Canal du Midi, which is the oldest canal in Europe and runs from the Mediterranean to the Atlantic, and at the same time you will be able to take in the amazing variety of wildlife such as flamingos whilst on your canal boating holiday.

Yet as with any country, there are always rules and regulations on how you travel the waterways, whether it be the rivers or canals and before you embark on your boat trip you will be given some basic tuition, so that you can be issued with your licence.

And did you realise that there are over 2000 locks in France, which are known as écluse? but don’t worry to much as Some locks are automatic and some are still operated by a lockkeeper, however others will need to be operated by yourselves, so the general ‘training’ is very important, otherwise you could find yourselves in a bit of pickle initially, although most people on the canals are so very helpful and will come to your aid if you get stuck.

Although the rivers and canals are used extensively by pleasure boats these days, they are also still used by commercial vessels as well and it is these merchant vessels that have the priority on the waterways, plus also the traffic going up stream has priority over those travelling down stream.

As with road systems, the waterways have speed limits and although you are not likely to wish to speed along, these do have to be obeyed, but, it is the left-hand side that is used for overtaking just as it is on the French roads, and the slower boat must also slow down more to let the faster vessel pass.

The condition of the French rivers and canals is excellent and you will find that they even have designated areas for swimming and water sports, because, for obvious reasons, swimming is not permitted wherever you feel like going for a quick dip, yet if you are into fishing, then you can even do a spot of this while you are meandering down the river – just don’t forget to get a licence for that as well!

Along your chosen route you will find lots of fantastic areas where you can stop for lunch and stock up on supplies for that ever so important alfresco dining whilst you are cruising leisurely along. You will find additional facilities alone the way which are necessary, things like emptying your waste, which has to be done at specific points, but these are also fantastic and are very easily accessible, as it is illegal to dump waste into the river or canal system.

So even if you have never done this sort of thing before, you will without a doubt have an incredible fun time and when your boating holiday in France is nearing its end, you know that no one will want to leave.

Martyn Davis

Small Town Tasmania- Forth and Beyond

Tasmania is rich in secrets- around every corner of its historic towns are harboured stories and tales of years gone by. Its full heritage and lively history are indicative of its interesting past, a past just waiting to be explored by intrepid travellers such as yourself. And while the big cities of Tasmania are a great starting point to learning about the state and its past, it is in the smaller countryside settlements that you will discover an altogether quieter, serene and more beautiful insight into the history of Tassy. The bonus of visiting these towns of course is that you can simultaneously enjoy the open spaces of the lush green countryside and the quiet serenity of the wide Tasmanian skies. A driving holiday touring the smaller towns in a hire car is a sure fire recipe for relaxation and a fulfilling, interesting holiday!

As far as small towns in Tassy go, Forth definitely ranks as one of the most scenic and also one of the oldest. Ideally situated on the banks of the River Forth, it is a 13 kilometre drive from the city of Devonport. This is where the ferry the Spirit of Tasmania docks from Melbourne, so for many it is their first port of call in Tasmania. Devonport is a popular choice for entering the state, because most of the main attractions lie within a days drive from there. Forth is of course just around the corner, and is a great place to kick off your driving holiday around Tasmania. There is not only the Forth River and its lush valley to explore, but also the nearby attractions of the northern Tassy coastline, as well as similar small settlements lying nearby.

Forth was the second settlement in the county of Devon, springing up in the 1840’s even before Devonport was settled. With a population of just 350 people at the last census, its the kind of town where everyone knows everyone and visitors are made to feel especially welcome. While most of the original buildings have long since been replaced, there is still a strong sense of history about this old town. At the centre of this history is the forthpub Historic Bridge Hotel, which was one of the first buildings in the town and still stands today with very few changes made to its structure. It was first licensed and opened in 1872, and has managed to retain the old world charm and atmosphere of those bygone eras. Heritage listed and regarded as a national treasure, today it is regarded as one of Tasmania’s leading live music venues, with something always going on here. You won’t find a better place to meet up for a beer or a chat, and the country cooked meals perfectly complement an evening out here… try the Forth Pub Pie, which is renowned worldwide!

The Forth Village Markets are superb for bargain hunters, having many unique stalls with local goods and handmade crafts as well as new goods at bargain prices. Its a social meeting point too, with morning teas, lunches and dinners available, so a trip to the markets is a good opportunity to meet some of the locals! Another journey worth making, especially if you are fond of good views, is the drive up Braddons Road to Braddons Lookout, which has stunning panoramic views over the Forth Valley and out towards Turners Beach and Leith. These are tiny coastal settlements located where the River Forth meets the ocean. Attracting just a few visitors each year, these quaint coastal settlements are up there with the best kept secrets of Tasmania! Fishermen will be especially enamoured, as the salmon and mullet run thick and fast in the river mouth of the Forth.

If water-based activities are what drives you, then its essential you visit Lake Barrington, which is a 20 kilometre long expanse of water formed by the Devils Gate Dam wall. It is renowned for its 2 kilometre long international standard rowing course, where many competitions are held. There is a large recreation area hugging the foreshore which is home to a diversity of wildlife, and accommodates visitors perfectly with picnic, recreation and restroom facilities. Its perfect for those long summer days, and if you wish to stick around a bit longer then there are campsites around the northern edge of the lake.

So there you have it- as a destination Forth and its surrounds offers everything you would want for a quiet and relaxing break. And the big city lights of Devonport are not far off if you fancy indulging in a slightly more urban approach to part of your holiday! Wherever you go, and whatever towns you choose to visit, a hire car from Discovery Rentals is the easiest and the safest way to travel around Tasmania. Plan your holiday well and have fun!

Gavin Wyatt