Leisurely, Self-Guided Cruises Wind Their Way through Renowned Vineyards, Picturesque Villages and Enchanting Scenery in Southern France

(TRAVPR.COM) UNITED STATES - May 20th, 2015 - For lovers of fine wines who prefer planning their own itineraries and traveling at their own pace, a self-skippered cruise on France’s historic Canal Du Midi is the ideal vacation.  Le Boat, Europe’s number one self-skippered boating vacation company, offers boat rentals on the canal that provide easy access to the vineyards of one of France’s largest and most successful wine regions, Languedoc-Roussillon.  In addition to touring the best of the area’s wineries, travelers can explore the charming medieval towns, ancient castles and colorful food markets that dot the canal.  They can also visit the many museums and galleries, as well as enjoy the unique and diverse gastronomic specialties of the region – all at their own pace and for as long as they wish.

“It’s wine tourism on a more convenient and immersive level,” said Shannan Brennan, Le Boat’s head of Distribution and Marketing, U.S., Canada and Latin America. “Self-skippered boating vacations eliminate the stress of keeping up with a tour group and enhance the more rewarding aspect of travel – the ability to linger at those spots where you want to enjoy the experience a while longer, and move one when you’re ready to visit the next sight.”

Canal du Midi – A ‘Lover’s Lane’ for Wine Enthusiasts

France’s Languedoc-Roussillon is among the world’s largest wine producing regions, accounting for one-third of all the wine produced in France.  From the sparkling Mauzac-based Blanquette de Limoux – the area’s traditional white grape wines – to the Vins Doux Naturels (VDN), or fortified sweet wines, and the rosés of the Cotes du Roussillon, there are enough varieties and ranges of wines to satisfy both the connoisseur and the amateur wine lovers.

In addition to enjoying the region’s wines, travelers can moor in Carcassonne, for example, and explore the biggest medieval construction in all of Europe. For a more physical activity, they can moor in the small village of Villepinte and go bike riding along the banks of the canal. Other activities can include soaking up the sun at Port-Cassafières harbor and admiring the architectural beauty of the village of Capestang.  Authentic gastronomic experiences include Cassoulet stew and Crème Catalane, traditional dishes influenced by Spanish cuisine.  And no visit is complete without trying the popular Bouchon du Languedoc, a regional pastry made of honey, almonds, and pine nuts

“It’s all about personal freedom.  Whether it’s on the Canal du Midi or any other region we cover throughout Europe and the British Isles, by the end of their trip, visitors know they have had a one-of-a-kind vacation because they created it themselves,” said Brennan.

Le Boat prices vary according to selected boat model, number of cabins and total nights onboard, with weekly rentals ranging from $1,145 for a small one-cabin boat in low season to $7,000 for a top-of-the line four-cabin cruiser. Whichever boat is selected, passengers can be assured they meet all applicable safety requirements and provide the utmost in reliability.

About Le Boat

Le Boatis Europe’s leading boating vacation company, with more than 40+ years of experience in the industry.  The company owns and operates one of the largest and most stylish selections of rental boats in Europe, with accommodations for up to 12 passengers. Renters can sleep onboard in 5-Star comfort and style, saving substantially on hotel costs. Boats feature fully equipped kitchens, comfortable furnishings, showers and bathrooms, and air-conditioning, depending on the model.  All boats have warm air heating. No experience or boating license is necessary.  Instructions and an orientation are provided to first-time renters, ensuring they get the most out of their boating holiday. Unlike conventional cruises that follow a preplanned itinerary, Le Boat provides travelers with suggested itineraries but allows them to visit the towns and attractions that most interest them on a particular route.  Le Boat also offers a free app that travelers can download from the Apple and Google Play stores. For more information, call toll-free at 1-800-734-5491 or visit www.leboat.com. 

###