Just Barge Right In

What is the slowest possible form of water travel? It just could be taking a barge cruise through France’s scenic network of canals, or England’s country side or Scotland’s famous lochs and locks.

If you are the type of person that shuns ordinary and adores the exploration of less touristified regions looking for the ultimate up close experience, you may have heard of barging. So what is it all about? What does it cost? How do you arrange one?

The first thing to be aware of is barges are not just small versions of river cruises. They don’t travel on rivers, but canals. The canals were built for a different time when getting goods moved around a country did not always depend on roads and rail. So its a completely different type of journey more suited to peaceful, yet active, people.

In France especially, the network of canals is extensive and the experiences most immersive with barge cruise boats beautifully designed and built for people wanting a fully catered experience.

The canal boats are not designed for opulent seclusion but for more social inclusion. For one thing, the capacity of a typical barge cruiser has 12 double cabins that are small and efficient. The dining room is built to accommodate the maximum number of guests and the public areas the same. The food is high quality and the wine flows freely. So, it’s not a choice of restaurants, but a better relationship with the chef and staff, and the other guests.

Scotland are also features barges, but with some differences. You can traverse the country along the famous Caledonian canal on hotel barges similar to the French barges or you can explore other parts of Scotland, England and Wales on your own private hires. (Usually shorter duration and self catered.They give you all the help you need to navigate.)

The Caledonian canal trips are fantastic experiences for people truly wanting to escape the ordinary type of Scottish tour with a great many outdoor activities along this quite amazing route.

So, what do all these wonderful types of barge cruises cost? Much less than the bigger river cruises that can easily run into the 10’s of thousands of dollars. These start very reasonably on sale for less that $2000 pp for a 5 to 7 day trip in France. Considering all meals, some excursions, accommodation and travel is in this price, these are good value. (Don’t forget to ask about any promotions.)

The Scottish canal trips vary quite a bit depending on length of trip, but they are also really well priced when you consider the inclusions.

Personally I don’t think the price should be the main reason you want this type of trip. It is a different type of travel that will afford you a closer experience with the region you’re exploring. Like other small group travel trips, you have to bring the right attitude. Time and time again I’ve heard people come back from small group experiences bubbling with enthusiasm from travelling with other people who seem to share the love of unpretentious and authentic local experiences. And making new future travel friends.

You may also be interested in small ship river cruises, luxury river cruises, small ship adventure cruises, or remote region cruises.

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