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Boating
With thousands of miles of canals and an extensive network of beautiful rivers, boating in France is a great way to discover the country. You can cruise through some of the most varied countryside in Europe - moving slowly through castles, vineyards, fields of sunflowers, forests and even glaciers. Each region offers its own special landscapes, history and local cuisine. Brittany provides picturesque villages and castles, the canals of Alsace Lorraine will take you past beautiful medieval fortified towns and the splendor of the Black Forest, whilst the South of France offers the fabulous Carmargue, with a huge variety of wildlife, including flamingos and capybaras - the world's largest rodent. Add to that the wonderful selection of local wines and you have the ideal holiday. |
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Countryside at your fingertips
From Thiérache to the Baie de Somme, via Beauvaisis and the Marne Valley, the countryside is never the same! Paddling in Thiérache or on the river Oise is the occasion to discover green forests, ideal for daydreaming and walks.
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Lake Bourget and Annecy in Rhône-Alpes
Lake Bourget
Considered the largest natural lake in France, it shelters around fifty species of fish. During the summer, Lake Bourget is held in great regard for sailing, water skiing and diving, since the temperature of the water is between 20 and 25oC. |
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Breaks on the Lakes in Rhône-Alpes
There are around one hundred lakes and ponds scattered across the Rhône Alpes, in particular in the Dauphiné, Haute Savoie, Savoie and Ain départements. There are so many cool and fresh havens in the heat of the summer including Lakes Geneva, Bourget and Annecy. These are three of the biggest lakes in France. |
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Lake Aiguebelette in Rhône-Alpes
Lake Aiguebelette, nestling at the gateway to the Chartreuse nature park, the 3rd largest natural lake in France by size, is a private lake that belongs to the Chambost family and EDF (French Utility Company). |
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The Saut du Doubs Waterfall
Listed as a 3-star "Grand Site National", Saut du Doubs and its natural pools are some of the most remarkable locations in the entire region.
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River Cruising
In Lorraine, water has plenty to attract visitors. In addition to the trout streams and lakes in the hills of Vosges, there are lakes such as Madine, Le Stock, Mittersheim, Messein, Gondrexange and Le Lindre which is famous for the wide range of birds. |
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Bateaux de Saint-Leu
The Saint-Leu district, whose origins date back to the Middle Ages, is crossed by the Somme. At the time, water and mills could supply the necessary energy to weavers, stainers, tanners and millers. Nowadays, St Leu is the ideal place for saunters. |
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Boating in Provence/Cote D'azur
Reputed to be uncontrollable, the Rhône is today a pleasantly navigable river and the stretch that flows through Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur is one of the most picturesque sections. |
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On The Water
680 km of waterways, 1100 km of banks for walking or fishing, excursions on and around the water taking you to Belgium and looping you back to France! |
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River Tourism in Midi-Pyrénées
By boat, you'll see the Midi-Pyrénées in a completely different way. With the canals of southern France, the Baïse and the Lot, this region promises an unusual view of the country. Forget your car: let houseboats, trip boats and other hotel boats take over and take you wherever your fancies may lead to discover the beauty of the countryside and the warmth of the inhabitants of southwestern France.
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Boating Routes in Brittany
Breton rivers and canals form a network of more than 600 km of navigable waterways reserved for leisure activities and boating. |
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A Boat Trip on a Traditional “Gabarre”
These large traditional craft, synonymous with the history of the Dordogne over the centuries, once transported leather from the tanneries in Bort-les-Orgues, wood from the Corrèze, as well as other agricultural products, downstream as far as Bordeaux. |
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Bateau L’Alphee
Take a cruise on the Somme Bay on the Alphee boat. A one hour trip (Le Hourdel-Marquenterre Birds Park) or 30min boat rides long the Crotoy beach. There are also sea fishing trips available for groups. |
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Boating in Poitou-Charentes
From Angoulême to the ocean, the Charente winds its way through the ancient provinces of Angoumois and Saintonge. Boats equipped for river cruises perpetuate the traditions of the gabares, who used to transport paper and Cognac. You will be immersed amidst the zone known for its eau de vie (water of life). |
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Anjou, at the Heart of the Loire Valley
The Loire River, which passes through Anjou became a part of the first stretch of any river on the planet to be declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Experiences by boat, the Loire looks at its very best along this 80 mile stretch. |
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Boating in Loire (Western)
Boating: an Unforgettable Holiday
Hire a boat for the family, as a couple or between friends, and wander over 375 km of navigable waterways. No need for a licence to drive these boats, which have all the home comforts: spacious cabins, bathrooms with WC and shower, fitted corner kitchen, and a sundeck to make the most of both sunshine and countryside. |
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Sailing in Brittany
Whether for competitions, regattas or simple sailing trips, Brittany is an ideal location for water sports and activities, thanks to its 3500 kilometres of coastline together with its many rivers and lakes. Today there are 120 sailing schools and 230 water sports centres. |
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Boating Hire in Brittany
Hire companies offer routes departing from Dinan, Hédé, Messac, Redon, Rohan, Pontivy, La Roche-Bernard and Sucé-sur-Erdre. No licence is required to pilot these boats on the Breton canals. |
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Boat Trips in Alsace
Enjoy the Waterways
The boat journey between Mulhouse and Strasbourg is a truly outstanding experience. The total journey covers some 120 km, enabling you to visit the region's three main towns: Mulhouse, Colmar and Strasbourg. |
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Languedoc-Rousillon’s Fishing Villages
Looking for authenticity? You’ll find it in the fishing ports. You can buy fresh fish, shellfish and seafood right off the boat in Grau-du-Roi, Palavas, Sète or Collioure. |
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Water Sports and Fishing in Normandy
Whether it’s sailing, canoe-kayaking, kite surfing or wind surfing, Normandy has excellent facilities around the coast and inland. For those on holiday who want to take out a boat just for a few hours, there are plenty of sailing centres which hire out equipment. |
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Boating in Languedoc-Roussillon
This region is lush with boating opportunities. With its 27 marinas and 30,000 moorings, Languedoc-Roussillon makes very good use of its Mediterranean location. |
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Cruises in Rhône-Alpes
A Cajun-Themed Cruise around La Sône on the Isère River For an original journey, chose a cruise around La Sône, on board a magnificent Mississipi-style paddle-boat, departing from Saint Nazaire en Royans. On the calm waters of the Isère and in a verdant setting, nature meets history here. Marshes and reed beds are the link between the earth and the water. |
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Watersports Auvergne
Auvergne, being known as the "land of lakes and volcanoes" is rich with numerous water sports. Natural and artificial lakes are in use all year round for sporting activities. From fishing and swimming to water skiing and kayaking, there is no limit to what can be done. |
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Water Sports in Burgundy
With 1200km of rivers and 20,000 hectares of lakes, Burgundy has a lot to offer the watersports enthusiast. The region is ideally suited for those who enjoy sailing, fishing, canoeing or kayaking. |
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Dune du Pyla Aquitaine
The natural phenomenan that is the Dune du Pyla or 'Dune du Pilat' is the largest natural sand dune in the world and sits 60km from Bordeaux in the South of the Arcachon Bay. |
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Bordeux Aquitaine
Bordeux is famous for it's wine production but that's no the only business to have left it's mark on the city. Nicknamed the 'Port de la Lune' (Port of the Moon) due to the enormous curve of the river in the city centre the port of Bordeux has always been very active. |
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Nature Watch in Brittany
Brittany is famous for its coastal marshes. The marshes are formed in depressions, behind a coastal belt of sand or stones, or a manmade dyke. The degree of salinity of the water varies depending on infiltration of the sea and affects the vegetation and the fauna. |
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Climbing in Provence/Cote D'azur
Climbers can devote themselves to their favourite pastime in total safety at several sites with full amenities. They come from all over the world to conquer the steep walls. The ones in Verdon, for example, have no fewer than 933 routes. |
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Flying High in Provence/Cote D'Azur
Make your debut in the air, discover the sensations of flying, learn to master piloting techniques, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur pulls out all the stops for everyone to share in the experience of flying. |
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See Alsace from the Air
Discover the Alsatian plain at first hand, get a bird's eye view of the Vosges Forest or glide across the vineyards... There are many excellent reasons to discover Alsace from the air.
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Caves in Franche-Comté
Journey to the Centre of the Earth 4,500 caves or chasms, which in this region often go by the name of 'baumes' or 'puits' are known to sports lovers, such as the Verneau caves in the Lison valley, for example are considered to form the world's longest post-siphon network (28,000 m). |
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| News |
What's happening in France? |
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| 15/12/2007 A gastro river cruise in France |
Chef Jill Dupleix gets to grips with burgundies and beaujolais on a gastronomic river cruise from Lyons on the Saone. We are here for the food and the wine, and fully expect to eat too much and drink too much,” says Ben, 80, from Cornwall, sipping his welcome cocktail of sparkling wine. “And we would be very disappointed if we didn’t.”
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| Cannes International Boat and Yacht Show |
| Sep 2008 |
Cannes
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| The Cannes International Boat and Yacht Show drops anchor for its 30th successful year at the Vieux Port and Port Pierre Canto. For sailing enthusiasts this is one of the most comprehensive - not to mention glamorous - shows on the calendar, with more than 550 boats on the water and a further 250 on land. |
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| Sainte Savine Street Theatre Festival |
| September |
Sainte Savine
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| The streets come alive as performers from around the world visit Sainte Savine. Professional theatre companies and groups of performers gather in this small town near Troyes every September. Expect the unexpected, with everything from bizarre one-man shows, puppetry and circus antics to mime, traditional theatre and live concerts. If you tire of their antics (and why should you, they're free!), there's always a concert to soothe your ears. |
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| Festival Frictions |
| 16 May - 24 May |
Dijon
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Dijon's Théâtre du Parvis showcases France's newest writing talent during its annual festival of cutting-edge performance.
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| Grésilles en Féte |
| June |
Dijon
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The Grésille district in northern Dijon stages its annual outdoor festival of street parties, circus, concerts, exhibitions, photography competitions, modern dance and street theatre. Saturday is the climax, culminating in DJs playing late into the night.
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| Nautical Jousting and the Coulanges Fête |
| August |
Coulanges-sur-Yonne
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| Coulanges' annual bout of river jousting has its origins in the region's history as France's main timber-producing area. The fighst are accompanied with the merriment of the Coulanges town celebrations. |
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Accommodation
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Wine Lovers Cruise
5-night vintage river cruise along the Saone & Rhone rivers. 23-28 Oct 2008. From £794pp
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Dordogne Independent Canoeing
Friendly hotels, great fun for children, lovely flat river, superb cuisine.
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Brittany Ferries Holidays
Fantastic value ferry inclusive boating holidays in Aquitaine, Brittany, Poitou and Western Loire.
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Corsican Places - The Corsican Specialist
Handpicked Villas, Apartment & Hotels across the Islands. We offer flights from various UK airports
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Provence/Côte d'Azur accommodation with P&V Holidays
P&V. No 1 for accommodation in France. From beach apartments with pools to family holiday villages.
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Go Barging
Six nights of pampered luxury with gourmet meals; fine wines; daily excursions to vineyards, chateaux and markets and daily gentle cruising. Cabins are ensuite and air-conditioned.
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