Languedoc

Also referred to as the now popular “Slow Travel”, crewed yacht charter on a French Canal Barge through the canals of France is a very relaxing yacht charter of literally floating through the French Countryside. A crewed French Canal Barge Yacht Charter follows the coastal and interior canals and rivers of France. Once heavily used for the commercial transport of goods, French canals and rivers are now more often used for luxury yacht charter vacations on crewed French canal barges. Generally built for groups of 4 to 8 guests , a crewed yacht charter on a French Canal Barge is a unique way to experience the culture, history, wines, and foods of the French countryside.

Canal du Midi in the Morning

One of our favorite canals for crewed French Canal Barge yacht charter is the Canal du Midi, one of the oldest canals in Europe. Now a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Canal du Midi offers a cruise in the shade of old plane trees through the rolling countryside of Languedoc, famous for gastronomy and wines. Stop at little cafes, bistros and restaurants and caves du vin along the way to literally eat and drink your way through this region. And along the way, explore the medieval walled city of Carcasonne and the city of Argens and experience the staircase of locks near Beziers.

Castle of Carcassonne

Many of the French Canal Barges available for crewed yacht charter are actually original cargo hauling barges that have been converted and now feature luxury interiors with all of the amenities. Some of the French Canal Barges available for crewed yacht charter have fireplaces in the main salon and some even have elevators. They all have very nice staterooms with ensuite bath rooms, a large galley and dining area, and a nice aft deck on which to relax and enjoy the French countryside while cruising along.

Chateau and Vineyard in France

Barge charter activities range from exploring the countryside and cities and villages along the canals, visiting chateaus and farms, and wine tastings at vineyards and caves du vin. Bicycling is always a popular activity as is hiking alongside the barge on the canal tow paths. And of course food and wines are of great focus, especially the local wines and artisan cheeses. Imagine your own private local wine and cheese tasting with fresh French baguettes while floating along the historic Canal du midi in the shade of the plane trees gazing on the French countryside. If this sounds like your type of travel, think about a French Canal Barge for your next crewed yacht charter experience.

Several French Canal Barges that we really like are:

Roi Soleil

Roi Soleil 98’ Barge for 6 guests
Brochure: Roi Soleil

Hirondelle

Hirondelle
128’ Barge
Brochure: Hirondelle

Lounge area at Club 55

Anyone who has spent time along the Cote d’Azur knows the widest, sandiest beaches are found along the peninsula of St. Tropez. Each beach commands a loyal following, but those who want to see and be seen at one of the area’s “historical” and storied venues, need to splurge at Le Club 55 on La Plage de Pampelonne. Yes, it will set you back, but the setting can not be matched. From the parking area (filled with Bentleys and Ferrari’s), a path of overgrown bamboo leads visitors to the Provencal beach bungalow that has been extended with white canopies covering the beach bar and dining area of white covered benches. Guests from yachts, anchored off shore, follow the grey wooden pier that extends from the water to individual reed-covered sun bathing areas, and private conversation settees arranged throughout the natural growth of the tamarisk trees. The elite take bronzing breaks while sipping Cristal and watching stiletto-healed beauties re-arrange their Vuitton beach bags.

The history of Le Club 55 is intertwined with the mythical origins of St. Tropez. Brigitte Bardot said it was her favorite bar and it’s no wonder why…

The Restaurant at Club 55

Bernard De Colmont , adventurer, explorer and filmmaker, who,”en passant”, had acquired a certain fame in the thirties by kayaking down the Colorado river with his wife, no little feat at the time, spent his summer months in a small Cabanon on Pampelonne beach. When, in 1955, Director Roger Vadim and his cast from the movie “Et Dieu Crea la Femme”, starring Ms Bardot, landed on the shores of the little fishing village, it was at Mr. and Mrs De Colmont’s Cabanon that they would take their meals. With the success of the film, the De Colmont’s opened a seasonal beach club where celebrities and others could come and relax away from the Parisian heat. It was named Club 55 in accordance with the year of its creation. Many today come to emulate, but few know its story.

Board walk coming from the beach

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July 14th, 2009: The lights along the horizon are of the dozens of anchored yachts

Like a child I, along with thousands of others, oohed and ahhed as the darkened skies over the Bay of Cannes lit up with dabs and splashes of color that seemingly danced with choreographed precision to accompanied music piped along the Croissette. Cannes begins the annual Festival d’Art Pyrotechnique competition each July 14th Bastille Day. Participating countries vie for the top prize and this year five countries will showcase their creativity throughout the summer.

The start of the July 14th display

This is no ordinary fireworks display. It’s pure artistry with a carefully choreographed show of lights that are rhythmically coordinated to explode with the tempo of various musical pieces. An 8 person jury judges the “show” via theme originality, musical quality, colors, synchronization and shooting rhythm. Thousands of visitors line the Croisette for each display, so it’s best to arrive early for a front row view to best see the layered heights of lights as they are ignited from several pontoons along the bay. Of course, the best vantage point is from a yacht, dozens of which vie for the best anchorage behind the 300 meter viewing area of sea-based “shooting” pontoons.

This year the schedule includes: July 14, Italy; July 21, Spain; July 29, Poland; August 7, and France; August 15. While the 30 minute fireworks display usually commences at 10 p.m., all displays are followed by concerts. On August 24th the prized country/group is announced and for the ceremony yet another fireworks display, from the Italian group Panzera, concludes the season.

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The Hotel Sube

It’s a good year to visit St. Tropez. This Provencal mecca of the privileged has attracted the elite and those who want to rub their shoulders for years, often creating a harbor front too crowded to enjoy. With the economic climate affecting all pockets of society, St. Tropez is a bit quieter this year. The small sea-front village is still peopled by visitors speaking dozens of languages, but it’s more pleasurable to stroll along the narrow alley lanes and harbor front, still filled to capacity with gleaming yachts tied to the quay.

The Bar

One of the best kept secrets of the harbor front is the bar of the Hotel Sube, strategically situated behind the statue of the Bailly De Suffren , a local noble man who, in the 17th century, acquired great fame as a free-booter captain, terrorizing British merchant ships in the Indian Ocean. Once you have located the monument, take the covered alley behind it. Inside, after a few yards and on your right, you will find the entrance door for the Hotel Sube. Take a quick leap up the stairs, pass the reception and enter the bar. Memorabilia of ships and yachts greet you wherever the eye rests. Behind the counter a fabulous display of whiskeys and other fine spirits reflect on the great numbers of yacht races and world cruises that have been won or lost on the other side of the same counter. The patina is intact and figures like Ted Turner, Dennis Conner, John Bertrand, and countless anonymous sailors have had there debriefing in this mythical room. A fire place is usually lit in the winter and a hand full of small tables on the balcony can also be used to enjoy the harbor bustle from the shoulders of Monsieur de Suffren himself….

Renoir’s “Dejeuner des Canotiers”

I sometimes remind myself that I don’t know what I don’t know. Like an epiphany I realized the opposite is just as valid after visiting L’Escale Restaurant on Cap Brun. This corner of the Cote not only provides a rare respite from a Riviera crowded with glamorous yachts and visitors seeking a sneak into a world of the ritz and bronzed, it provides a glimpse into what the Riviera was like when cozy fishing villages first harkened British and northern European travelers to experience a warmer, simpler way of life. So, what I know I know is that if the past is any indication, the authentic charm of Cap Brun and L’Escale Restaurant won’t last forever.

Sunset view from the terrace of the restaurant, looking east at Anse Mejan and the hamlet of the same name.

Ultralight and N&J Writer Polly Barnes

Last year I took to the skies over Provence – a private “lesson” flying an ultralight! While I didn’t actually take the “rudder”, the half-hour ride offered an exhilarating birds-eye view of the Var region of Provence, from Fayence to the Cote! This treat is easily accessible to anybody cruising the Riviera. The Fayence-Tourrettes gliding field, which has an international reputation and is open 365 days a year, is about a 30 minute car ride from Cannes. Fayence is well known by gliding afficionados for its high altitude flights “in the wave”, and as a starting point for long distance gliding flights from the “Alpes du sud” and even to the French and Swiss Alps.

You can arrange an initiation gliding lesson or a half-hour trip in a glider or ultralight by calling 0494 76 00 68.

Camandoule Aqueduct

Gorges du Verdon

If you’re not afraid of heights, consider a trip to the Gorges du Verdon, the world’s second largest gorge that forms a border between the Var region of Provence and Alpes de Haute Provence. While it’s not a short trip by car from the Cote, the spectacular view is well worth the effort. The 25 km long drive takes about an hour to complete and there are several viewing platforms along the route to view the river canyon, which is as deep as 700 meters in some places. At the end of the canyon the Verdon river flows into the artificially created Lac de Sainte-Croix.

Frejus, France

La Cote d’Azur and Provence is laden with historical architecture so travelers with a penchant for the past, and in particular for viewing Roman ruins, should consider a visit to Frejus, located a short 35 km from Cannes. While the center of town is busy and compact with pedestrian streets and shops, several well preserved Roman ruins are situated near the city center.

Monte Carlo

Who hasn’t heard of the French Riviera? However have you considered this as a yacht charter location? The South of France, known as SOF, offers both High Style and lovely quaint coastal fishing villages, with villas tucked away at every turn. Sit quayside right in the middle of the harbor of San Tropez, having dinner on the top deck under the stars, watching the harbor front come alive with night life. Anchor off of Cap du Antibes, take the ship’s tender to the private dock and lunch at the Eden Roc. Spend a day sunning and swimming in the islands off of Cannes.

Monte Carlo Casino