Welcome to Savvy Nomad where we specialize in canal boat tours in France. Some words often used to describe this activity are barging, river cruising, canal boating, narrow-boating and glamping.
We explore the terrain and history of France by visiting its cities, villages or rural settings in ways that are only accessible by boat. When we can, we procure our food directly from the producer or winery and then savor it with picnics in the countryside or we dine with the locals tasting everything from fresh morning croissants to Michelin starred cuisine. This is experiential travel, slow travel, local immersion, authentic tourism, journeying and traveling in depth. Traveling France’s inland waterways with us includes all of this and more.
We also include our travelers in the operation of the cruising. No one is bored by watching life pass them by. Anyone can work the lines (ropes) and anyone can help with the locks. Walks can be taken on the tow paths along the sides of the canal, villages can be explored each day, help picking the daily bread & pastries at the bakery is always encouraged, and there are picture taking opportunities around every bend.
Each morning fresh bread, strong coffee, and the beauty of the French countryside will greet you, and every evening you’ll sleep in a comfortable bed in your own traveling home. Visiting rural France via canal boat provides a perspective few ever get to see.
Nothing is more satisfying or more relaxing than sipping a glass of fine wine as you glide along the canal which passes through the vineyards that grew the very grapes which you now enjoy. Not only will you get to experience some of France’s best wines, they will be plentiful, inexpensive and you will be traveling with your own wine experts, guiding you as you educate your palate on l’art de vivre (the art of living well.)
Riding along on a canal boat, at a walking pace, on your own watery road, through the many canals that interlace France is nothing but pure joy. This is a relaxing vacation that you’ll never forget as you are enthralled by French villages, castles, and local gastronomy.
Join us in cruising the canals of France and let us take the worry out of planning your trip. We’ll take care of everything. Visit our Destination Description page for more cruising details and our Tour Dates page for more details on traveling. You can also contact us via email at david@savvynomad.com, via phone at 218-409-2540, or sign up for the newsletter and receive notices on upcoming classes and tours.
Explore our site and dream of travel. And when you have questions about what our trips can offer you, we’d be happy to talk.
