Launching into 2020, European Waterways is inviting travellers to experience some of the top UNESCO sites in Europe when cruising aboard its fleet of luxury hotel barges.
Highlights on the World Heritage List include such famous attractions as France?s Canal du Midi ? a masterpiece of hydraulic and structural engineering and one of the greatest constructions of the 17th century.
Originally used for transporting wheat, wine and textiles, the Canal du Midi fell into neglect for over 100 years with the introduction of the railroad. It enjoyed a renaissance as a popular tourist destination in the 1980s and 1990s.
Derek Banks, managing director of the hotel barge operator, said: ?Among man-made attractions, the Canal du Midi is in a class by itself. We are pleased to have played a part in making it one of France?s most popular destinations, introducing travellers from all over the world to the fascinating and historically rich countryside surrounding it.?
Four of the operator's luxury barges cruise various lengths of the Canal du Midi, which stretches 224 miles through picturesque countryside to connect the Atlantic Ocean with the Mediterranean Sea. They include the ten-passenger Athos ? a converted grain and wine barge; the eight-passenger Anjodi ? a classic Dutch barge which made her first appearance on the canal over 35 years ago; the eight-passenger Enchant?, which offers a blend of luxury, spacious accommodations and style in the Midi countryside; and eight-passenger Rosa, which cruises the western end of the canal, close to Bordeaux.
In addition, guests can enjoy special, themed cruises such as food and wine appreciation, family and multi-generational, biking, and golf. Excursions include tours of such historical sites as the UNESCO-listed medieval fortified city of Carcassonne, plus picturesque Minerve and Narbonne.
More information on the Canal du Midi and other UNESCO sites visited by European Waterways can be found at www.europeanwaterways.com/blog/top-unesco-sites-in-france/.
