Thank you to all our La Bateliere clients for their support.
2018 has been an exciting and hectic year. We had a wonderful trip to France in September and had the good fortune to cruise courtesy of Le Boat on the River Charente in the Cognac region. I included a week’s walking trip through ATG, who I represent, in the picturesque area of Alsace and a wonderful week with an old school friend in her Moulin de Malecost in the region of the Midi-Pyrénées.
We chose the River Charente, in the Charente department in south western France for our 2018 barging experience because it is known as one of France’s most beautiful rivers with its crystal clear water, beautifully maintained banks and abundance of flora and fauna. September is my favourite time in France as the weather is warm and sunny and there are less tourists then in the Summer.
We cruised in a westerly direction towards the Atlantic coast from the Le Boat base in Jarnac through Bourg-Charente, Saint-Brice, Cognac, Chaniers to Saintes. There are several markets en route giving one the opportunity to buy fresh produce from the locals and delicious seafoods such as clams, mussels, oysters, fish and shell fish. In Cognac we enjoyed a walk along the old winding streets lined with timber houses and of course many opportunities to taste the delightful brandy. We loved Saintes, a sophisticated town with lots of shops and excellent restaurants. From both Cognac and Saintes there are excellent cycle paths and many opportunities to cycle safely into the country. Between Jarnac and Bourg-Charente we enjoyed a lovely, leisurely cycle ride through the vineyards and wheatfields. In the evenings the local fisherman come down to the River to try their luck, we saw several fisherman catching small bream and pike. For nature lovers this is one of the nicest areas to cruise as there are beautiful swans, ducks, herons, kingfishers, owls and birds of prey to be spotted. You can even swim in the River.
The locks are easy to operate and are all manual, there are no lock keepers. The locks are open all day although cruising is not allowed before dawn and after sunset.
We chose a Mystique boat which is rated a “comfort plus” boat for 6 people, it was very comfortable with a wonderful large fly bridge with external steering and a bimini sun shade. We ate most of meals out on the fly bridge enjoying the gentle evenings punctuated with birdsong. The Mystique has one very luxurious front cabin with a spacious en suite shower and toilet, the two back cabins are smaller both en suite. The saloon area is spacious with an open plan well equipped kitchen. Other features air con, bow thrusters, electric flush toilets and plenty of space to store the bicycles.
One of the highlights of my visit to France this year was an 8 day independent / footloose walk in the Alsace area with the ATG travel group who I have represented for many years. ATG offer independent / footloose walks in France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Hungary and Scotland. Freewheeling cycle trips are offered in France and Italy.
Our group comprised of my old school friend and her American husband who live in the US and and Irish friend splits her time between the UK and South Africa.
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After our two active weeks we thought we would spend a week relaxing in the Lot Valley. Moulin de Malecoste a 17th century mill which has been graciously renovated to accommodate guests in the main house as well as the adjacent barn was the perfect place. We were hosted by the owners an old school friend Heather and her partner Rad. This is 5 star accommodation in a peaceful location in an unspoilt area of France. We had the opportunity to visit the surrounding villages of Cazillac and Sarrazac and the interesting medieval towns such as Rocamadour, Martel, Carrenac and Loubressac. The larger town of Brive-la Gaillarde is about 25 minutes away, it holds a food market every Saturday morning which is famous throughout France. We spent a morning paddling a canoe down the Dordogne River a lovely way of exploring this beautiful part of France.
News from Le Boat
Le Boat now offer cruising in France, Italy, Belgium, Netherlands, Germany, England, Ireland, Scotland and Canada. Canada is their newest destination, cruising takes place on the UNESCO listed Rideau Canal. Cruise through stunning scenery on a chain of lakes, rivers and canals that run from Ottawa to Kingston.
Le Boat have graded their boats Premier being the top of the range followed by Comfort Plus, Comfort and Budget. Boats are self drive and can accommodate groups from 2 – 12 people.
Le Boat have upgraded their base at St. Jean-de-Losne in the heart of the Franche-Comté cruising ground in Burgundy.
News from Locaboat Holidays
Locaboat Holidays offer cruising in France, Germany, Holland, Italy, Ireland and Poland. This year they have opened two new bases, one in France on the Canal du Midi at Bram. This is a great addition to the routes as they can now offer a one-way route from Bram to Argens which covers 184 km with 40 locks making it a very manageable route in one week. This route incorporates the town of Carcassonne with its old fortified city, plus the pretty towns of Trebes and Homps and the villages of Marseillette, La Redorte and Puicheric. The second new base is in Ireland at Carrick-on-Shannon. Now a one-way route is possible from Carrick-on-Shannon to Bellanaleck covering 168 km with 16 locks in one week of cruising. Towns en route are Leitrim Ballinamore, Ballyconnell, Belturbet, Enniskillen and Devenish Ireland.
Locaboat Holidays have added a new boat to their fleet of Penichettes “Penichette Evolution”. Thanks to its superb living spaces, its modern, completely modular interior and its technical innovations it makes steering easier than ever before. It sleeps between 2 and 4 people.
European Waterways offer the height of boating luxury on hotel barges which are fully crewed with competent staff. These cruises offer gourmet cuisine, fine wines, guided cultural tours to chateaux, vineyards and markets. Available in England, Ireland, Scotland, France, Holland, Germany and Italy.
La Bateliere also offers trips on smaller boutique hotel barges such as Alegria on the Canal du Midi, C’est la Vie in Northern Burgundy and Libje in Brittany.
Please note we have moved to 16 Forest Glade, 104 Tokai Road, Tokai 7945, Cape
Our contact details: amanda@barging.co.za and 0824457152
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