All Aboard Through France's Pretty Waterways
World Travel|June July 2019 Edition
Take to the waterways for a family-friendly adventure with french flair.
Richard Holmes
All Aboard Through France's Pretty Waterways

With its mix of historic cities, glamorous boulevards, chic boutiques and endless culinary discoveries it’s not hard to understand why France is the world’s most popular tourist destination. But sometimes the crowds start to wear me down, and I long for a bit of unfiltered French countryside -- a bit of space, where selfie-sticks are seldom seen and local markets trump international brands.

Which is how we – my wife and seven-year-old son in tow – found ourselves leaving Paris behind as our TGV train sped to the south-west. Our destination? The charming little town of Jarnac, where we’d stock up on supplies and step aboard for a week of barging on the Charente River.

Over the past decade barging holidays have become a hugely popular way to discover the French countryside, with self-drive boats allowing you to explore towns and villages off the tourist track. And it’s all done at a leisurely pace that allows you to relax and reconnect with family without rushing between those ‘must see’ sights. On the river, time slows down, and you’ll mark the days in market visits and your next leisurely meal, not your next Insta-story.

There are beautiful rivers to explore across France, but we had chosen the sinuous Charente River in central France. From its source at Chéronnac, the Charente flows for 380-kilometres through pastoral scenery of farmland, vineyards and scenic villages. With some of the cleanest water in France, it’s perfect for swimming too.

We’d hired a luxury barge from leading European operator Le Boat, and after a brief tutorial about piloting the boat, and life on board, we were ready to cast off. With a clear chart of the river in hand, and seven days stretching out ahead of us, we had one simple decision to make. We left it to my son: left or right on the map.

Esta historia es de la edición June July 2019 Edition de World Travel.

Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.

Esta historia es de la edición June July 2019 Edition de World Travel.

Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.

MÁS HISTORIAS DE WORLD TRAVELVer todo
Cairns An Astonishing Taste Of The Tropics
World Travel

Cairns An Astonishing Taste Of The Tropics

Cairns and its environs offer a wealth of experiences on Australia’s east coast.

time-read
7 minutos  |
February - March 2020
What's New Santorini?
World Travel

What's New Santorini?

As one of the world’s top destinations and a never resting one, Santorini is getting ready for the season 2020! Want all the updates?

time-read
2 minutos  |
February - March 2020
Unravelling The Giant Pieces Of The Philippine Puzzle
World Travel

Unravelling The Giant Pieces Of The Philippine Puzzle

A dreamy active holiday awaits you in Kappalady, a kitesurfing village in Sri Lanka with newfound eco-luxury; Explore the many national parks and rice marine life of the Philippines.

time-read
5 minutos  |
February - March 2020
Road Trip Through Cyprus
World Travel

Road Trip Through Cyprus

A road trip through Cyprus is like a journey through time – old monasteries and hipster cafes. The island’s short distances are jam packed with history and endless views of the Mediterranean.

time-read
8 minutos  |
February - March 2020
Private Luxury: The Caribbean Islands
World Travel

Private Luxury: The Caribbean Islands

From Grenada to St. Lucia: The most undiscovered Caribbean islands to visit this year.

time-read
10+ minutos  |
February - March 2020
Island Resorts Protecting The Oceans
World Travel

Island Resorts Protecting The Oceans

Turtle, marine mammal and coral preservation; celebrity-led developments and the rehabilitation of ecosystems: some of the world’s most exclusive island resorts excel most for the commitment they show to protecting the oceans. Venture to these isolated locations across the planet to see the difference resorts like this can make to life beneath the waves.

time-read
6 minutos  |
February - March 2020
Ibiza: Off The Beaten Dance Floor
World Travel

Ibiza: Off The Beaten Dance Floor

Ibiza has a reputation as a glitzy location for the influencer jet set but digs a little deeper and you’ll find an island of gourmand wellness gurus and bohemian creatives.

time-read
9 minutos  |
February - March 2020
Chasing The Wind In Coastal Sri Lanka
World Travel

Chasing The Wind In Coastal Sri Lanka

Experience the tropical bliss in sweeping flat waters and eco-resorts putting a small coastal village on the tourist map

time-read
5 minutos  |
February - March 2020
Waves & Wellness
World Travel

Waves & Wellness

Guide to Luxurious Surf Resorts for Grown-ups.

time-read
4 minutos  |
February - March 2020
An Icelandic Road Trip
World Travel

An Icelandic Road Trip

The beauty of the glacier-swept region has topped bucket lists for decades, spurring a love for a winter-kissed Nordic escape blessed with icy volcanoes and boiling geysers. As the night sky parts with a curtain of lights, explore the dazzling city of Reykjavik and discover what more Iceland has to offer.

time-read
5 minutos  |
December-January 2020