Barging on the canals near the Rhone - in the Chateauneuf

Grateful for any advicde on the above! Just 4 of us!!

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well not a lot, but go to :

www.avignon-et-provence.com/mireio/index.html

and back to home for general infos about the area ....

another kind of cruises, but not near the Rhône area :

www.nautic.fr

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The first piece of advice is to perform a forum search to see what has already been written.

Secondly, are you interested in a barge/hotel driven by a professional crew or are you inquiring about self driven boats probably near the canal du Rhone a Sete?

Are you looking for advice on companies, boat types, schedules, or specific route recommendations?

Frankly I am not really sure exactly how to answer your question.

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Self driven boats, spacious and comfortable - with room for a couple of bikes!

Also grateful if you could suggest a scenic route that one can tie up and sample nice wines and good food! And see a few %26quot;sights%26quot; - we have been all over France but never really %26quot;done%26quot; the Rhone properly.

Thank you for both the rapid reponses!

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Perhaps the best way to respond is to list the companies offering canal cruising in France. Check these websites, particularly the routes they offer:

http://www.adnavis.com/

http://www.leboat.com/

http://www.aquarelle-france.fr/

http://www.locaboat.com/

http://www.bourgogne-fluviale.com/

ateliersnavalsdelacouronne.fr/fr/…default.asp

http://www.nicols.com/

http://www.rive-de-france.com/default_gb.asp

Le boat is the combination of two of the largest companies so they should have a sizable fleet with a lot of choices.

Between Lyon and Avignon, the Rhone is not really scenic in the touristic sense. Travel along the Rhone requires a French Captains license (Permis Fluival) so rentals are not really available. The closest canal to the Rhone is the Canal du Rhone a Sete which basically traverses Le Camargue. I know of only one winery along this route: Vistel near Aigues Mortes which is right on the canal. Le Camargue is generally flat and has a great deal to offer bird watchers and those with an interest in French bullfighting but I should not recommend it as a first voyage.

Routes along the Charante River are very scenic and offer the possibility to visit wineries, particularly the Hennessey facility in Saintes. When touring Hennessey you can park your boat along the river right in front of the entrance. It%26#39;s very convenient and a great deal of fun.

You mention Chateaunef but the only place by that name near a canal of note of which I know is in Burgundy on the Burgundy Canal just east of Beaune. Several rental companies offer itineraries along this route. Burgundy offers much of what you are asking about with the possible downside of: 1. lots of rain in spring and 2. some routes have a lot of locks, maybe too many.

Of course if you have not yet traveled the Midi Canal, it too offers all of what you are seeking. There are many itineraries but the best part of this route is between Bram and the Etang de Thau. I recommend avoiding portions along the Canal de la Robine near this route.

All companies rent bikes which tie down nicely topside. The most comfortable boats are the newer ones, some have air conditioning which is very nice in summer.

Here are some additional resources to help in choosing a location:

bateauxdebourgogne.com/pages_fr/bourgogne_fr…

http://www.midicanal.com/

http://www.moet-chandon.co.uk/

http://www.seafevergear.com/canal.html

http://www.canal-du-midi.org/

http://www.eurocanals.com/

http://www.franceway.com/welcome.htm

http://www.nbhighjump.com/

http://www.lecanaldumidi.com/

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after that, nothing to add ....he know more than 1 ...

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While not specifically the R. Rhone, have you considered the R. Saône above Lyon? It is easily cruised and will give you access to Macôn, Beaujolais, and even the Côte Chalonaise. Chalon sur Saône is an interesting moorage with good services and access to the C. du Centre and the wine country of the southern Côte d%26#39;Or.

A site with information is:

http://www.house-boat.net/en/accueil.asp

N-B

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I%26#39;m guessing you%26#39;re wanting to visit Chateauneuf du Pape and the surrounding area. There is a nice picture of the Rhone not far from there on http://www.donzere.fr/tourisme/rhone.htm We crossed the Donzère bridge earlier this year, and the photo really gives no impression of the size of the river and strength of the current - not a place for self-drive barges!

If you want to visit that area in particular, your best bet is probably a gite, and if you like being near water, then l%26#39;Isle-sur-la-Sorgue would be a good choice. Otherwise, Sarastro%26#39;s your expert on the canals from the Camargue to the Atlantic ....

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Goodness - I am overwhlemed with the info! ots oto diegst and most helpful!.%26#39;

Muchas and ta ever so to all - just tree-mendous!

Altalake

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