Barging down a French canal

Not too long ago — before the COVID-19 travel restrictions — some of our friends, who had travelled the world extensively, were planning a trip to France for three weeks.

- LEE MARTIN

They were planning the whole thing and I liked the idea of someone else doing all the work. I half seriously asked them if my wife, Susan, and I could come. And being friends who we had know for years, they said yes.

The highlight, apparently, was renting a barge for a week to float along the Canal du Midi. Not knowing anything about what they were talking about, I did do some research.

I found a Rick Steves’ video that showed exactly what it is about. There Rick was floating by beautiful French vineyards and villas, glass of wine in hand, smiling that Rick Steves’ “good life” smile. He looked relaxed and peaceful. Who WOULDN’T want to do that!

I am not a mariner or have I ever owned a boat. So I was relieved when my friend said that he would be piloting the barge. That meant all I had to do was sit back and sip wine and enjoy the scenery.

When we arrived to pick up the barge, it appeared as advertised: a 1940’s era, wood varnished interior that exuded charm and nostalgia. She was about forty feet long with three bedrooms and three baths. There were six of us to make this our home for the next week.

A local French man gave us a brief introduction to the barge.

We had six days to reach our final destination so we wanted to know how long we should motor each day. “Oh, about two to three hours a day” is what I remember him saying.

We left shortly after the introduction, but since it was late in the day, we motored smooth and easy to a nice quiet peaceful spot to spend the night. There wasn’t a breeze in the air.

The next day we awoke to strong crosswinds over the canal.