A BEGINNER’ S GUIDE TO CANAL CRUISING
Bourgogne has dozens, several of which you might pass through in a single day. Passing through the locks takes around 15 to 30 minutes apiece, but it allows you the opportunity to chat up the locals, who often appear and congregate whenever a barge approaches.
The lockkeepers themselves are a fascinating bunch, sturdy men and women who put food and socializing before work and time schedules. You may also happen upon the stogiesmoking town mayor, as we did in one village, or a group of schoolchildren out on a field trip. The traveling youths we ran into had lined up along a bridge to watch us float by when François, in an inspired moment, offered to let the kids tag along on the boat with us for a while. They didn’ t speak much English, but they were still delightful, and at one point even treated us to a song.
Another particularly lovely afternoon, Cindy and I used a visit to a lock as an occasion to jump off the barge and onto a pair of the boat’ s bicycles. For the next few miles, we pedaled the dirt trail alongside the canal, stopping occasionally to admire a herd of Holstein cows, pick some buttercups, and slip into the nearest village to grab a snack. Since the barges travel at top speeds of 3 to 4 miles per hour, we could ride ahead or lag behind without worry.
18 | NW GEORGIA LIVING JULY / AUGUST 2025
Top to bottom: a trail alongside the canal perfect for bike riding; champagne and nibbles on deck; a view of the spectacular 12th-century Châteauneuf castle.
A BEGINNER’ S GUIDE TO CANAL CRUISING
Canal cruising is similar to ocean and river cruising, with one major exception: Because canals are controlled waterways, you’ ll never get seasick, so you can leave the Dramamine at home. The attire is relaxed casual, although some barges have a captain’ s dinner or visit elegant restaurants along the way, where dresses and sports coats are suggested. Most barges provide basic toiletries such as soap and shampoo, but don’ t expect upscale-hotel-type luxuries like dry cleaning or daily newspaper delivery. You are on a boat after all.
Canal cruises can be booked directly through the barges themselves, although companies like Barge Lady Cruises represent dozens of vessels and can help you choose the cruise that best suits your needs, schedule, and pocketbook. Rates are seasonal and vary from barge to barge and region to region, but they typically include meals, drinks, guided excursions, museum admissions, and use of the boat’ s bicycles. A seven-day / six-night trip can run you around $ 6,000 to $ 10,000, or more if you decide to charter the entire boat. Four-day / three-night trips are also available on some barges. The number of passengers can be anywhere from 2 to 12 +, but it’ s generally on the lower side.
HERE ARE TWO POPULAR BARGE BROKERS:
Barge Lady Cruises bargeladycruises. com
European Waterways europeanwaterways. com