A Serene Tour of Provence by Waterways
As the world reopens, we once again have the freedom to explore its beauty. After a challenging year spent largely at home, the idea of plunging back into crowded resorts may feel overwhelming. Instead, why not ease back into travel by embarking on a tranquil and picturesque tour of Provence, exploring its stunning landscapes from the peaceful vantage point of her waterways?
Journey Through Provence’s Rivers and Canals
To the north, the River Rhone begins its journey in the Swiss Alps, merging with the Saone at Lyon. This majestic confluence creates a breathtaking route that meanders through Provence, winding its way south to the Mediterranean. Traveling along this waterway offers a serene passage through the region, allowing you to experience Provence’s natural beauty at a leisurely pace.
In addition to the Rhone, the region is crisscrossed by miles of scenic canals, offering another layer of exploration. From Arles, you can travel along the coast through Montpellier, Agde, and Narbonne, each stop unveiling new and captivating vistas.
The Natural Wonders of Camargue
One of the highlights of this journey is Camargue, home to Europe’s largest river delta. This area is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, boasting over 350 species of birds, including graceful storks and vibrant flamingos. Each day spent floating along these waters brings a sense of peace and the chance to experience something new, whether it’s spotting rare wildlife or simply soaking in the quiet beauty of the French countryside.
A tour of Provence by waterway offers the perfect blend of tranquility and adventure, allowing you to reconnect with nature and rediscover the world at your own pace. It’s an ideal way to transition back into travel, offering comfort, beauty, and a fresh perspective on one of France’s most beloved regions.
Your Personal Luxury Cruiser
Your first option could be to hire a boat that would take you and your family wherever your curiosity led you. There is a massive selection of boats to choose from housing from 2 – 12 people and to differing degrees of luxury. We would always advocate the most comfort possible, especially if you are going to take in the wine regions of the Cotes du Rhone and Chateauneuf du Pape.
If you are taking your children with you, there is the option to hire bicycles and go deep into the stunning landscape. You could seek out the lavender fields or take in some history, visiting Viviers, a medieval hilltop village with the most stunning views. If a bicycle sounds too energetic, you can always hire a car for those more ambitious excursions.
The hire of a boat of your own allows you to explore and bathe in the sense of adventure. Children will love coming ashore to explore. You are not held to a set route, and you don’t have to travel at all. You could easily stay moored to your quay, should you wish to spend a few romantic days with a loved one.
You don’t need any boating experience to enjoy a pootle along the Canal du Rhone a Sete. You will enjoy a quick training session before you board, and from there you will learn as you go. It is all part of the fun.
Working Barges
Working barges makes it sound like you are going a little more rustic than you desire. However, the inventive French have taken these old working barges and converted them into the most beautiful floating hotels housing between 6 and 12 passengers. If you are worried about sharing such a confined space with strangers, you could gather a few families together and hire out the whole area for your trip. You will benefit from full service and gourmet catering. While there are choices of cruises, these barges tend to stick to the calmer waters of the canals.
Such a trip is great for those that have no interest in self-determination. This boating trip is a tour of the area from the waterways that offers a tranquil stay. You will benefit from being guided to the best locations by the experienced crew while admiring the ever-changing scenery.
River Cruises
Although it might be a little while before you want to board a boat with 150 other passengers, you should not discount a cruise along the major rivers. Unlike the monolithic cruise ships of the ocean, these are more intimate experiences. It still will feel like a floating hotel, with a full crew and service provided. However, the cruise along the River Rhone through the wine region is a beautiful way to experience France. Alternatively, you could choose the Seine and make your way to Provence from Paris in the most sedate manner possible.
As you would expect, there is a published itinerary as you board. There will be set stopping off points along your journey when you can escape exploring local town and villages, as well as the beautiful landscape. You can choose to stay with the boat or to pack as many excursions into your holiday as possible. You still have the freedom to create your holiday experience in France from her waterways.
A Holiday Extravaganza
When you are on the boat, you are soaking up the gentle journey. However, what you choose to do when you moor is how you will make this holiday yours to own. For instance, you can opt to leap off the boat and secure yourself to a grassy bank using stakes. You can then enjoy a feast of wine and cheese on board before taking a gentle walk down the riverbank. Alternatively, you can opt for paid moorings in towns such as Aigues Mortes, where your boat is a little more secure to the shore. From the moorings in Aigues Mortes, you could take in the bustling populous of some 8000 people – which will feel massive after your lonely wanderings. You can walk the medieval walls and ramparts before enjoying coffee at the Place Saint-Louis.
As you can see, you could shape a trip along the waterways that allowed you to bask in isolation. Alternatively, you can go from stop to stop, whether it is an ancient village or a summer seaside resort and take in all the tourist sites. The beauty of a boating holiday in France is your freedom – a sensation that we no longer take for granted.
Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, aluxurytravelblog.com