Try the French waterways

Published: Wednesday, 10 February 2010

IF YOU are a regular hirer, or even a seasoned boater who is looking for something different, perhaps Rugby Boats have the answer.

The company have been appointed as the UK Agents for the French barge charter company, Direction France, and are offering the 83ft Dutch barge Maria—complete with French speaking captain—for hire.

Until now there has been no package to bridge the gap between  staying in an hotel or normal hire boating on the Continent,  but use of the converted Dutch Luxemotor, does exactly that, relieving people of having to steer such a large boat, yet having the advantage of an hotel and the breathtaking scenery of France.

The boat is based on the Canal du Briare, one of France's oldest canals opened in 1642, and linking the Seine to the Loire Valley. It is particularly famous for its spectacular aqueduct across the Loire.

It is ideal for anyone with a passion for France and a sense of adventure,  a preference for spontaneity, and anyone who yearns for the freedom of a rental boat but is nervous of piloting the boat, and  possibly concerned about the barrier of not speaking French.