OTTAWA — Following the hugely successful Paris Olympic Games, Le Boat is answering the call for more travel in France with a range of new immersive experiences for 2025.
Featuring the historic canals of France, these new offerings not only meet heightened demand for France, but also embody the growing trend towards experiential spending. According to recent research from Mastercard’s ‘Travel Trends 2024’ report, travellers are dedicating a larger portion of their budgets to experiences rather than shopping. Le Boat meets both of these compelling trends with its private boat charters in nine regions in France, each featuring distinct scenery, culture and delicious gastronomy. No licence or experience is required.
2025 adventures in France include:
- Canal du Midi: Guests can explore the Canal du Midi, a UNESCO World Heritage site with a 300-year history. They’ll visit Carcassonne, a medieval city overlooking the Aude River, sip local French wines along the riverbanks, explore France’s largest outdoor market in Narbonne, and cruise through the unique Malpas tunnel, commissioned by Louis XIV. New for 2025, Le Boat will offer a Captain for Hire for the day.
- The River Lot: One of France’s most scenic and longest canals, the River Lot is ideal for a leisurely adventure. Lined with trees, the scenic River Lot leads to medieval villages, vineyards, limestone cliffs and wilderness. It offers a unique venue for boating vacations, complemented by outdoor activities such as cycling, swimming and fishing, as well as fine dining, market browsing and château sightseeing.
- Camargue: Home to breathtaking wildlife and beautiful beaches, the Camargue is a paradise for nature lovers. Guests will enjoy saltwater lagoons, beaches and daily sightings of white horses grazing on the riverbanks. They’ll also learn how to shuck oysters and see how the famous Sel de Camargue is harvests. Must-see stops include the ramparts of Aigues-Mortes, ideal for a leisurely stroll.
- Alsace-Lorraine: The region that borders both France and Germany is rich in history, cuisine and traditions. Guests will discover its enchanting castles and unique architecture, reminiscent of a storybook.
- Charente Valley: Located in southwestern France, the Charente Valley is famous for its rich heritage, wine and Cognac, and is a must-visit for any connoisseur in search of new experiences.
- Narbonne (NEW): Narbonne is home to Les Halles, France’s largest outdoor food market and is a must-see when visiting the Canal du Midi. It also boasts grand and ancient buildings nestled among modern, lively streets. Highlights include the Saint-Just-et-Saint-Pasteur Cathedral (the third talles in France) and the Archbishop’s Palace, which dates back to the Roman era.
- Angoulême (NEW): Located in the Charente region, Angoulême has seen many historical conflicts, as evident in its numerous fortifications. Today, it is a charming area filled with restaurants and boutiques. Downtown, visitors can discover monuments such as the impressive City Hall, a former castle.
For more information go to www.leboat.ca or call 1-800-734-5491.
