Discover the beauty of the French canals by boat, by bike, or by campervan… learning some French language as you go!
When you plan a break in one of France’s beautiful regions, the last thing you want to do is sit in a classroom for 3 days. Our intensive French courses take place on the banks of the canals, allowing you to continue soaking up the local atmosphere.
- As with our online courses, the program is based on short sessions, multiple times throughout the day (3 x 45-minutes)
- Sessions are scheduled in the morning over coffee (9:30 am), afternoon (prior to and over lunch – 12:00 pm), and evening (over l’apéritif – 5:00 pm)
- Guided activities in between each session will give you the opportunity to put the language you’ve learned into practice immediately.
- The instructor will meet your group at three consecutive locations, one each day; either choose one of our itineraries or negotiate your own if you have sufficient numbers to form a group (within the travel limits of the instructor).
- Maximum group size – 8 participants (minimum 4)
€180 per participant
Itinerary #1: Lot-et-Garonne
Buzet-sur-Baïse
Villeton
Le Mas d’Agenais
Day #1 – Buzet-sur-Baïse/Damazan
With both boat and bike hire locally available, Buzet-sur-Baïse is the perfect place to begin your exploration of the Lot-et-Garonne region. The local wine cooperative sells organic wine at prices that will have you wishing you could carry more luggage, and restaurants offer regional dishes using local produce. Nearby Damazan offers a range of aquatic activities on the lake, and during July-August night markets are a favourite attraction.
Day #2 – Villeton
Villeton offers a friendly port with automated access to electricity and water using a token system. Situated in front of the acclaimed restaurant ‘Chez Oscar’, this is the perfect place to spend a night and enjoy an evening of fine dining. The town of Aiguillon is a 6km bike ride along a bike lane and offers many examples of classic rural architecture in the old centre.
Day #3 – Le Mas d’Agenais
The 11th-12th century Église Saint-Vincent at Le Mas d’Agenais is home to an original Rembrandt – Christ on the Cross, along with a broader collection of beautiful artwork. Regular music evenings are held over summer in the centre of town, and Le Bistro de la Halle is yet another opportunity to savour regional cuisine made with local produce. The port again offers power and water using a token system, and there is a camping site for cycle tourists at an elevated lookout with stunning views over the valley. Or of course, plenty of BnB’s if you prefer a softer bed for the night!
Discover the canals by bicycle
When the canals were built hundreds of years ago, barges carrying grain and goods were towed by horses. The horses hve long since been replaced by motors, but the tow paths remain, providing flat cycling paths that extend for thousands of kilometres along the French canal system. A multitude of accomodation options can be found along the way, from converted old lock-keepers’ houses to gites and hotels in nearby villages. Clare and her team at Cycles Sud-Ouest will greet you with a smile and make sure your ride is smooth and enjoyable!
Let life float by at the rhythme fluviale
The French word for recreational boating is ‘la plaisance’ – and there couldn’t be a more apt term to describe the pleasure of cruising down the French canals, drifting past the vineyards and fields of sunflowers, at a tranquil pace that quickly leaves stress behind. Whether its on a modern hire boat or a classic luxury hotel barge. this is one of the best ways to discover rural France. The team at Aquitaine Navigation have a range of boats to suit different group sizes, with no boat licence required.