At this point in time, we are more interested than ever before in making the most of our limited free time and making the most of our vacation experiences. The concept of “slow travel” is gradually making its way into the mainstream, and as a result, some of the more unconventional vacation ideas are now seeing a surge in popularity. One of them is the notion of a barging vacation, which gives visitors the opportunity to stay on board a luxury hotel barge and explore the rivers of France (as well as other wonderful sites) at a leisurely pace. If this sort of vacation is something you’ve never thought of before, continue reading to get an idea of what it’s all about and the reasons why this one-of-a-kind vacation experience is gathering advocates from all over the globe. What exactly is a stay on a barge? Barging in France is, in a nutshell, a course of action that typically lasts for around one week and involves gently navigating the network of canals that traverse the whole of the nation. The well-equipped boats, which vary from comfortable and traditional to extreme luxury, cruise at a very leisurely speed. This means that even though you will only traverse around 70 miles in a week, you will have the opportunity to really appreciate the breathtaking scenery that is all around you. Walking or cycling along the towpath is another option for those who are looking to get some fitness. There are daily excursions that let passengers to take in the cultural and historical attractions of the cities and villages that are located along the route, and the on-board food is of the highest quality. (On the other hand, if you would like, you may just remain on board and take it easy.) An additional helpful hint is that the most reputable firms often provide themed cruises that center on a certain common interest. Wine cruises, golf, opera, bicycling, art, gastronomy, and strolling are just few of the numerous activities that fall under this category. How come France is such a well-liked travel destination? Due to the huge network of canals in France, it seems as if the country was designed just for barging vacations. Burgundy, Champagne, the Canal du Midi, the Loire Valley, Gascony, Bordeaux, Alsace and Lorraine, and Picardy are some of the well-known regions that are included in the itineraries that are readily available for selection. Every single one of these breathtaking locales has a plethora of cultural and historical places of interest, including trips to vineyards, chateaux, marketplaces, and other places of interest. Because the pace is so relaxed, passengers have the opportunity to disembark and independently explore the quaint towns and villages that are located along the route. It should come as no surprise that the high-quality French cuisine that is served aboard the barges, which is made with fresh ingredients from the surrounding area, is also a major appeal. Bordeaux in Bordeaux, or Champagne in Champagne? Which one is it? Absolutely! What Is It About This Holiday Idea That Makes It So Special? There are many different ways to participate in the slow travel revolution; however, embarking on a journey through the countryside of France on a barge is a one-of-a-kind vacation experience because you won’t have to sacrifice comfort in order to achieve the tranquility and relaxation that you’ve been seeking. It is a really rare occurrence to have the chance to participate in such an immersed cultural experience while staying in luxurious cabins and enjoying good wine and cuisine. This helps to explain why barging is so addictive, as seen by the fact that many tourists return year after year on new itineraries, or occasionally even the same ones. Therefore, if traveling in elegance and comfort while getting to know the heart and soul of the French regions is more important to you than just checking off things on a list for the sake of it, then barging could be the one and only vacation plan you’ve been searching for. Publisher’s Plate At European Waterways, Paul Newman serves as the Marketing and E-Systems Executive. European Waterways is widely regarded as the most reputable provider of all-inclusive, luxury hotel barge vacations in the United Kingdom. These vacations offer one of the most distinctive vacation experiences in France and other wonderful locations. In addition to being a member of a group of knowledgeable barge enthusiasts, Paul is the first person to recommend the advantages of a leisurely barge cruise to anybody who is searching for a vacation experience that is really one of a kind.