Canal boat holidays across Europe

Picturesque canal barge holidays through France

Arguably one of Europe’s most popular destinations, France is a nation of contrasts and variation. From culture soaked cities to idyllic villages in small French communes, France has something for all tastes. One of the best ways to see the best of France is from its many waterways. Combining natural river routes with the country’s former industrial canals, there are not many areas that can’t be travelled via a boat. There are a number of routes that shine above all else, and it is these that are best for canal boat vacations.

In France, there is no waterway more famous than the Canal du Midi. This man-made canal system was constructed during the late 17th century and has long since been a source of pride for French civil engineering and modern tourism.

Starting in the city of Toulouse, the Canal du Midi snakes its way through southern France and finally flows in the Mediterranean lagoon coastal region of Étang de Thau. Canal boat holidays in France mainly cover this area of the country. This is mainly because the Canal du Midi route combines everything that is great about barge holidays in Europe. From the fantastic canalside views of the French countryside, warming southern French weather, endless sights of historic and cultural intrigue to some of the best cuisine found in France. All of this can be seen easily with a Canal du Midi boat hire.

It is not only the sun-soaked waters of southern France that have appeal. The northerly French provinces of Brittany, Burgundy and the Loire Valley all offer their own experiences and create their own unique waterways boating holidays.

Dutch waterway holidays, Holland and beyond

Known as one of the low countries, the Netherlands’ topography lends itself perfectly to waterway exploration. The country is crisscrossed by a network of canals, rivers and estuaries, creating a perfect landscape in which to travel via barge or boat. With many of the Dutch towns and cities being built intertwined with the country’s canals, canal holidays throughout the Netherlands can be some of the most rewarding.

Take Holland’s capital, for instance, Amsterdam is a city that is constructed seamlessly with an interlocking network of canals and waterways.

Boat hire in Amsterdam will allow you to tour the city with ease and see its many sights from the comfort of your boat. Boating holidays in Holland can cover the country in many directions, enabling you to see all corners of the country.

Starting in Amsterdam, canal boat trips make their way south and into the Dutch countryside. Heading south-east, holidaymakers can boat all the way to the city of Utrecht, winding through the countryside as you go. Opting to take the south-west route will take you all the way to the city of The Hague, which can also be done in one loop. As well as boating into Holland’s interior, trips can be made northerly to North Holland and the surrounding North Sea coastline.

Rent a barge in Europe and explore its Italian peninsula

It is not only the northern European countries that offer waterway holidays. In fact, Italy is one of the best destinations for European canal boat cruises . With destinations such as Venice available, one of the most famous canal-strewn cities in the world, choosing Italy for your boating holidays abroad is a fantastic choice. Starting from Venice, canals run throughout the city and Veneto region as a whole. With canals and rivers running westwardly from the coast and into Italy’s interior, there are several routes which to take.

With the numerous inlets and waterways linking the sea to the country’s interior, there is almost a limitless number of routes you can take when travelling along Italy’s eastern coast. Visiting the city of Venice alone is amplified by seeing it from the water. This unique perspective of seeing the city from this view makes an Italian trip up there with some of the best canal holidays in Europe.

Boat through France’s iconic citadel city of Carcassonne

When you embark on one of the best Canal boat holidays in France, boating down the Canal du Midi, there are many fantastic landmarks and settlements to see. Constructed in the late 17th century, the canal was and is an impressive feat of engineering and one that opens up the south of France for exploration. While navigating the Canal du Midi, the waters will pass through the town of Carcassonne, and no holiday along this canal would be complete without stopping off at this jaw-dropping settlement.

The city of Carcassonne is a citadel fortress and one of the best-preserved examples in all of Europe.

The citadel walls and turrets expand royally around the city, with huge castle walls and towers looming large all around you; Carcassonne is truly an awe-inspiring destination. Contained within the city are some of the best-preserved Medieval buildings, creating a look found nowhere else. This dual UNESCO site attracts millions of visitors every year, and it is easy to see why. You can make your way freely around the citadel city, yet you will need to book a tour to explore the walled ramparts. As well as the impressive walled city citadel, Carcassonne is also home to the Basilica of Saint-Nazaire. The Basilica of Saint-Nazaire is a 13th-century church that was constructed in the Romanesque and Gothic architectural styles. With so much to see, it is important to allow yourself enough time.

See Venice with some of the best barge holidays in Europe

A city that lends itself perfectly to exploration by boat is the Italian city of Venice. Travelling along the eastern coast’s many canals and the huge Venice Lagoon opens up the 118 small Islands of Venice for exploration. Side by side with the city’s famous gondolas, luxury canal holidays don’t come any more stylish than this. As the city is constructed from a network of waterways and islands, exploring from a boat is both easy and practical, making boat hire abroad a simple task. Venice is a city steeped in history and culture and has stood at the crossroads of Europe for centuries. This iconic city is a playground for history buffs and has an endless stream of landmarks and sights to see. For a birdseye view of the city, why not take the escalator to the top of the Campanile, Venice’s bell tower. Originally constructed during the early 10th century, the Campanile is both the oldest and tallest building in all of Venice. Making your way to the top will provide breathtaking views of the city’s canals and streets below. Alongside the city’s towers and canals, no visit to Venice would be complete without sampling some of its famous cuisines. Known all over Italy for its special Vancian dishes, Venice is particularly known for its exceptional seafood, with the Baccalà Mantecato, famous above all the rest. This whipped salted cod dish is Venice’s signature dish and can be found all over the city. The wider Veneto region is also renowned for its great white wine, something that a real foodie can not overlook when visiting this North Italian city.

Booking online: easy, secure and flexible

Reserving your canal boat is simple and hassle-free. Our online booking system allows you to check availability, compare different boat models, and choose the itinerary that best fits your plans. The process is secure, ensuring that your personal details are protected. Plus, with flexible booking options, you can plan your trip with peace of mind, knowing that changes can be accommodated if needed.