Skipper your own boat along the river - it takes very
little time to become quite expert! Treat your boat
as the most relaxing home you've ever had, savouring
wonderful meals based on local specialities and fresh
produce bought in atmospheric street markets along the
way.
There can be few activities more relaxing than life
on a well-equipped houseboat here in the rural heart
of south west France. No permit is required to skipper
a houseboat - you'll be travelling at about 5 miles
per hour - but you will be shown how it's all done,
how to negotiate the locks and given all the useful
information you need (including tips for shopping and
eating).
‘Cruising' down the Lot is very similar indeed to being on the Canal du Midi, except that you're on the actual river itself, relaxing in the warmth, surrounded by magnificent scenery. The towpaths alongside which you motor are great for walking and cycling - just in case you feel life's too easy relaxing on board!
You'll
cruise along crystal-clear waters and past varied landscapes
– from vineyards, orchards and chateaux to medieval
villages and famous historic sites, and at the foot
of towering cliffs.
Season:
The boating season
begins in early April and ends in early to mid November.
Boats can navigate from 9am to 7pm. Boats are normally
hired out by the week (Sat to Sat), although weekend
hire may also be possible. There is a wide variety of
houseboats for hire to meet customers' needs.
Contacts:
Babou Marine: http://www.baboulene-jean.fr
Nicols: http://www.aquitaine-navigation.com
Crown Blue Line: http://www.crownblueline.co.uk
Connoisseur: http://www.connoisseurafloat.com
The River Lot has carved the
landscapes and history of this beautiful region of France.
For centuries the Lot was used for transporting merchandise
such as wood, wine, coal, glass and leather. Pleasure
boats have now succeeded the barges, and holiday cruisers
slip gently through the waters between orchards and
vaulted stone bridges at the foot of medieval villages.
Boating down the Lot is an ideal way of unwinding and
de-stressing. Savour local cuisine, visit medieval villages,
museums, churches and castles. Linger over appetising
meals in homely Auberges, shop at the colourful village
markets, explore the vineyards.
Why not combine a boating holiday with hiking
or cycling too?
Availability:for one week's cruise on the River Lot, departing on Saturdays - between
Sat 01 April and Sat 24 June 2006; setting off from and returning to Penne d'Agenais.
Price
per boat hire per week: Renaud
8000 (sleeps 2-4 persons): 01 to
14 April: 595€; 15 April to 19 May: 719€;
20 May to 30 June: 813€. Nicols 1300
(sleeps 10-12 persons): 01 to 14 April: 1467€;
15 April to 19 May: 1746€; 20 May to 30 June: 2004€
(down from 2227€!).
The
price includes: hire of fully equipped boat,
car parking. Note:
10% discount already taken into account.
The
price does not include: deposit against damages
(650€), cycle hire, fuel, cancellation costs, personal
travel insurance.
Booking
ref: EVDL 10
To
book and find out more:
Babou
Marine
47140
Penne d'Agenais, France
Tel:
00 33 (0)5 65 30 08 99
Fax:
00 33 (0)5 65 23 92 59
Email:
babou.marine@wanadoo.fr
Web:
www.baboulene-jean.fr
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