There is a whole group of individuals that do not need any kind of persuasion about the so-called “slow travel” experience that is becoming more and more popularity. People who have previously gone on one or more barge cruises in France are among those who are considered to be very fortunate. The most relaxing and satisfying way to explore the culture and landscape of a country is to take a cruise down tranquil waterways, visit off-the-beaten-path parts of the country, make lifelong friends with other travelers who share similar interests, and enjoy magnificent cuisine that was created by chefs from around the world. French barge tours are leisurely in the most absorbing sense of the term, and they provide passengers with the chance to interact in the local way of life in a real way. The following are some of the persuasive reasons to consider this ‘go slow’ way of vacationing for those individuals who have not yet been won over by the many pleasures that river sailing has to offer. an intimate experience due to the fact that you share the vessel with a select few visitors (the maximum capacity on these “hotel barges” is often twenty, and sometimes as low as six to eight persons), the atmosphere is one of a calm and pleasant group. It is likely that the other people who are traveling with you have similar interests and are seeking for a relaxed trip that includes lots of relaxation and a friendly environment. As a result of this same reason, the ratio of personnel to passengers is quite high, and you can anticipate receiving excellent personal attention from the captain, tour guides, hostesses, and chefs. barge journeys in France are often characterized by a laid-back and leisurely pace, and they typically go over the smallest rivers of the nation, which bigger boats are unable to handle. The payoff is that you have the time and vantage point to view far more, despite the fact that they go more slowly and don’t cover as much distance as other modes of transportation. On a weeklong trip, you will probably cruise around 70 miles, sailing at approximately 3 miles per hour for just a few hours each day. This number is only a preliminary estimate. This indicates that you will have enough of time to fully immerse yourself in the culture and atmosphere of the breathtaking regions that you visit. Due to the relaxed speed of the journey, there are several chances to disembark at the frequent pauses along the canals and rivers. This allows you to immerse yourself in the culture of the area. If you go with a well-established operator that has a solid reputation, you can rest assured that they will provide you with a variety of carefully selected shore excursions. These excursions will allow you to get a comprehensive look at the picturesque towns, vineyards, chateaux, and rural countryside along the coast. You may even get off the barge and ride your bike beside it on the well-maintained towpaths, or you can just walk along under your own power. It is the fact that you are able to enjoy experiences such as these that makes this such a fantastic way to travel at a slower pace. This is something that you should know: the barges never cruise at night, so you can be sure that you will never miss a single moment of the breathtaking scenery that you will see along the journey. Take pleasure in fine dining and drinks. There is no doubt that the culinary experience is one of the most pleasurable aspects of any of the barge tours that are offered in France. Gourmet meals are prepared by the on-board chefs, with an emphasis on seasonal local ingredients from the regions that you visit. These dinners are complimented by high-quality wines. When it comes to getting to know an area, there is simply no better approach than to sample the original traditional food of that region, and you will be completely spoilt in this regard! Delight in the leisurely pace of life. It is a really addicting way to spend a week, and many people who have previously experienced barge journeys in France return again and again to attempt a new route (or even the same one). Those who have already experienced barge cruises must know this. If, on the other hand, you are ready to go on your very first hotel barging cruise, you are in for a delightful surprise… publisher’s plate I am Paul Newman, and I am the marketing and e-systems executive for European Waterways, which is the most reputable company in the United Kingdom that offers luxury barge tours in France that include everything. Paul is the first person in line to recommend the benefits of a leisurely barge cruise to anybody who is searching for a one-of-a-kind vacation experience. Paul is a member of a group dedicated to barging enthusiasts who have years of expertise.