On 19/06/07, Adrian Stott <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > David Sullivan > <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > >Keir writes: > >>Does anyone have any thoughts to share about boating in > >>France in general and these waterways in particular? > > I endorse Dave's suggestions below. A couple of extra comments. > > >Buy fresh bread every day. > > Sad to say, village bakeries are much fewer than of yore. However, > use them when you find them. In particular, walk or bike into the > village good and early, do your best to chat in French with Madame la > boulangere (even if the shop isn't yet officially open), and come away > with still warm (if somewhat fragile) baguettes and croissantes for > breakfast. > > >Buy lots of wine. Go to a cooperative if you can - huge fun! > > On some routes, lock keepers will sell you bottles, but the product is > not always local! > > >Buy lots of cheese. If you can buy it from people who make their own, do. > > Definitely patronise any street markets you come across, which often > have marvellous cheese (and pate) stalls. > > >Speak French if you can, however little you have. > > Yes. Very important. It is often the difference between a friendly > or sullen response from the person you are talking to. > > Lidl has, this week, a pocket-calculator-size translator (with a > qwerty keyboard) on sale for £12. Fits in your pocket, and much > easier than fumbling with a dictionary. Worry about grammar on a > future trip. > > >Go to a restaurant every night, if you can. > > maman/papa ones in small places are often best. Typically no real > choice of menu, but good value and often a very friendly atmosphere. > > >Enjoy! I've done two French canal trips, and enjoyed them hugely. > > Moi aussi. > > Adrian > > > Adrian Stott > 07956-299966 >
My brother and I had a superb 10 days on the Charente from Saintes to just beyond Cognac and back a couple of years ago in September 2005. Lots of small riverside villages to explore. Only two (or was it three?) large automated locks to be dealt with - part of the river being tidal.I can't remember whether it's possible to get as far as Angouleme. -- ------------------------------------ Dave J In sunny Braunston -----------------------------------
