Barging Through Burgundy

– A sublime canal boat adventure

- Antonella Kann

‘There are some adventures we’d happily repeat again and again. This pénichette voyage is one of these, as it sails well clear of mass tourism.’

Our canal boat adventure through Burgundy, one of France´s most sought after destinations, proves a sublimely rewarding experience – as well as a memorable vacation time – suitable for families with children, a group of friends, or even a romantic trip for two.

At exactly 4 pm on a sunny Friday in mid-September, our group arrives in Louhans´Port de Plaisance, in the Bourgogne region, where we board our pénichettes – a Tarpon 37 and a Tarpon 42 – for a week-long cruise along the Seille and the Sâone rivers. After the oven heat of summer, the later season temperature hovers around an agreeable 24ºC. Also, the crowds have long gone, making the Bourgogne the perfect region for drifting along these peaceful waterways.

France is not the only country where you can enjoy this serenely stylish means of transportation – Germany, Austria, Poland, Ireland, Holland, England and Scotland are also extremely popular destinations for renting a canal boat.

The chosen itineraries are close to tourist attractions, along canals where there is little commercial traffic. Instructions, both theoretical and practical enable us to quickly master our boat and grasp the essential rules of canal and river navigation.