Le Boat Article Archive
See a different side to France on a Canal du Nivernais holiday
If you are hoping to visit France on your next getaway but are keen to do something a little bit different from the norm, you should consider travelling along the Canal du Nivernais. Taking a boating holiday down this beautiful waterway will prove just as wonderful as the ever-popular city break to Paris or beach getaway in the Cote d'Azur.
See Brittany's rich history on the water
France has long been a popular destination for those who enjoy finding out about local culture while on holiday, as well as who like going boating through picturesque countryside. Head to Brittany on your next break, however, and you will have the opportunity to combine discovering the region's history with fantastic sailing along canals and waterways.
See iconic British landmarks while travelling along the Thames
Not only is Britain blessed with an array of amazing landmarks, but it is also home to a number of picturesque rivers and waterways. Embarking on a boating holiday is a fantastic way to combine the two, not least of all because such breaks give you the freedom to travel at your own pace. While there are several fantastic destinations for these holidays, one particularly good place is the River Thames.
Top towns along the Canal du Midi
France has long been a popular holiday destination for Britons keen to spend a little time away soaking up some culture. However, rather than basing yourself in a single town or city (like many tourists choose to do), it may be an idea to take a boating holiday. Doing so gives you the freedom to explore a number of destinations over the course of a single getaway, thus providing you with a much more comprehensive flavour of this fascinating country. While there are many areas that are ideally suited to boating breaks, the Canal du Midi is an especially good place to visit.
How to keep busy on a boating break
A boating holiday is an ideal way to relax and explore new destinations, as well as get involved in a range of activities. Depending on where you choose to visit for your getaway, you'll find a wide variety of pastimes to keep you busy during your time both on land and on the water – read on to find out more.
Highlights of a boat trip through France
If you're looking for a holiday with a difference, hire a boat and explore France. Travelling aboard a vessel affords you exclusivity and seclusion, and also gives you the opportunity to explore much more of a region than you might otherwise be able to on a traditional getaway.
Why visit Venice during Carnevale?
If you're planning a trip to the beautiful floating city of Venice, you might want to visit when the metropolis is at its most colourful and vibrant – during Carnevale. Hire a boat during February and you'll be able to witness one of the city's main events.
Head to Ireland for a fabulous shopping holiday
Ireland's a wonderful holiday destination for many reasons, among them its fascinating history, rich cultural scene and high-quality food and drink. Another thing that really makes it a fantastic place for a break is the wealth of great places to shop at. Combine shopping with a boating getaway, however, and you'll be in a position to have a particularly memorable vacation.
Extras to make a boating holiday even more perfect
Travelling by boat is an idyllic way to holiday; whether you choose to visit somewhere close to home, or venture further afield, you can expect to drift through rustic countryside and past medieval villages and bustling metropolises alike. With a few little extras, however, you can make sure your break is even more memorable.
Events to attend in France to experience the nation's wine culture
France is one of the world's top wine-producing nations, and holidaymakers are increasingly flocking to the country to learn more about its famous wines and sample them onsite. Hire a boat for a holiday in France and you'll be able to explore whole regions, tasting the wines at each stop you make.
Quirky UK holiday ideas for Valentine's Day
Surprising your partner with a romantic few days away is the perfect way to mark Valentine's Day. Don't just go for the obvious option of a standard hotel-based holiday, though; why not try a staycation with a difference to really impress your other half?
Top tips for making your canal boat feel like home
If you enjoy canal boat holidays so much that you've invested in your own vessel for getaways, you'll want your boat to feel like home during the time you spend aboard. Beginning from scratch can be just as daunting as decorating a house, but we've compiled a list of suggestions to give you some inspiration if you're not sure where to begin.
Hire a boat for a hens' holiday with a difference
If a close friend of yours is set to get hitched and you want to make sure her final months as a single lady are among the best she's ever had, consider booking a short break by canal boat. Hiring a vessel either in the UK or abroad affords you real freedom to enjoy a hen's holiday with a difference.
Visit the Venetian islands on a boating trip to Italy
Many people first think of romantic trips on a gondola and winding canals when they have to consider a holiday in Venice. However, the Italian location has plenty more to offer than this, as there are several islands you can visit on a boating trip.
Top Christmas gift ideas for boaters
Everyone has hobbies, from dancing and painting to sewing, and you might even know someone who is passionate about boating. Travelling around aboard a canal boat is often more than a hobby alone – it's a way of life, with plenty of people living aboard vessels and others taking regular holidays on the water.
Take in Holland's natural attractions on a canal boat holiday
If you're a nature lover and want to work this into your next getaway, consider booking a break in the Netherlands. Hire a canal boat and explore the waterways of Holland to arrive at nature reserves and national parks that will wow you with their natural beauty.
Choose the right vessel for your canal boat holiday
Canal boating is a relaxed way of taking a holiday, and the modern vessels used nowadays mean all sorts of people can enjoy a break on the water. If you're concerned about lack of space or bathing facilities, there is no need – many canal boats offer the same standard of luxury as hotels – for a lower price.
Museums and galleries to visit in the south of France
If you love nothing more than learning about history, culture or art during your time on holiday, a boating break in the south of France could be ideal for you. The region is dotted with all sorts of fascinating museums, and travelling by boat will allow you to reach many of them in a single getaway.
Visit Berlin's Christmas markets on a canal boat break
If you want to get into the festive spirit as part of your next holiday by boat, consider booking your getaway to Berlin. The German capital comes alive with magical winter scenes, traditional wooden stalls and all sorts of delicious scents during the run up to Christmas.
Treat yourself on a break in Venice
Italy is the perfect destination for a luxurious getaway – and Venice has to be one of the top spots in the country for this type of holiday. Read our guide for the lowdown on where to go and what to do to truly spoil yourself on a visit here.
5 ideas for boating holidays in 2013
Hiring a canal boat to explore a whole new region is a great way to spend a few days or weeks away from the stresses and strains of everyday life. It's never too early to start planning your breaks for the next year or so – take a look at our guide for great destinations and things to do on boating holidays in 2013.
Spend Christmas on the Thames
If you'd like to get away from it all this festive season, consider booking a boating break on the Thames. The waterway runs through London and its surrounding areas, so you won't be short of events to attend to make this Christmas really special.
What can I see and do when on a boating break to Portumna?
If you love to be in the great outdoors, consider hiring a boat in Ireland, especially in the Galway part of the country. This is because it is home to Portumna, a stunning destination that boasts a wealth of tourist attractions and activities.
Family-friendly Halloween terrors on the Thames
If you're planning to head away on holiday at the end of October, you'll find some great destinations to visit to experience some spooky goings-on. A boating break on the Thames is a good option if you want your Halloween celebrations to be particularly memorable, as there are plenty of activities organised along the waterway.
Picking the perfect canal boat for your holiday: a guide
A short boat holiday can be a great budget-friendly option if you want to get away for a while but haven't too much cash to splash. As well as giving some thought to the destination, you'll need to consider the model of boat you want to spend a week or so aboard.
