If you're something of a foodie and would like to indulge your passion during a getaway, look no further than France boating holidays.
The country is renowned for its fantastic cuisine and fine wines so you can be sure of a trip that will tantalise your taste buds if you visit France.
And how better to get around than by boat? This way, you have a quiet and relaxing place to spend your evenings while by day you can visit all the places you'd like to fit into your itinerary.
Choosing a destination can be the difficult part when it comes to France boat holidays, but one region perfect for a gastronomic cruise is Aquitaine.
Located in the south-west of the country, the region is characterised by cornfields, vineyards and orchards that combine to produce picture-postcard landscapes.
Local wines and truffles are known the world over so be sure to sample some of the produce.
As well as the natural draws, the area is full of ancient towns and beautiful chateaux to admire as you drift along the waterways of this region.
Cruise along the River Baise and the Canal lateral a la Garonne to a variety of towns and villages and moor up to explore these picturesque medieval locations.
You might like to call in at the old Roman town of Mas D'Agenais during your travels.
Steeped in history, the town has been under both French and British ownership in the past and boasts a number of interesting sites - not least the historic path to the Pyrenees Saint- Jacques de Compostelle Way.
From here, there are plenty of little villages to visit during boat holidays.
You'll find Buzet, Nerac and Damazan nearby and all are worth checking out if you'd like to really get a feel for the rustic region.
There are plenty of vineyards in these parts and on the way to Buzet you'll discover the 13th century Valence-d'Agen with its popular markets and famous prunes.
You can also visit the remains of a former magnificent chateau and an arcaded bastide as you explore these villages.
If you're thinking of booking boating holidays that last longer than a few days, you're sure to enjoy roaming the wider Aquitaine region.
Journey down the River Tarn and head to Montauban - one of southern France's oldest bastides.
Take a wander around the town and you'll find it has kept the same street plan it had during the medieval era.
Meanwhile, art fans visiting the region are likely to be in their element.
The area was home to the sculptor Bourdelle and the painter Ingres, while a number of art centres dot the region too.
Visit some of the local bastide towns and you'll be able to see firsthand works by Rembrandt, Sisley, Goya and Dufy.
Additionally, if you're a fan of architecture you'll love what you can see in Aquitaine.
Examples include the arched aqueduct at Cacor, outside Moissac, and the 14th century cloisters and abbey to be found in Moissac itself.
The abbey here was built between 628 and 648, with the town also boasting some splendid Romanesque architecture.
Wander along the riverbanks and find out more about how it burst its banks on numerous occasions and flooded the town, but always spared the abbey.
For some lovely views, make your way to the 11th century bridge that provides beautiful vistas over Montauban, or if you'd like to experience a little of the area's culture head to the colourful markets of Castelsarrasin and pick up some souvenirs.
Next, moor up at the harbour in the town of Montech to take a look around the 15th century Church of Our Lady of the Visitation and also take in the traditional pink brick, half-timbered houses here.
The town has rather a strange claim to fame that you might like to make use of if you're travelling on a large boat.
Bigger vessels can use the waterlift here to avoid numerous locks.
The water's edge is also a great place for some enjoyable walks if you fancy stretching your legs along the Canal des Deux-Mers.
Next, you might like to make some time to sample some of the world-famous wines produced here.
Be sure to try examples such as Margaux, St Emilion, Graves and Medoc and if you're a fan of brandy you might be interested to learn that the distinctive tipple Armagnac originated in these parts.
Travel to the Tenareze capital of Condom to sip the tipple in charming surroundings of rural landscapes and pretty manor houses.
To fulfill your gastronomic cravings head next to the bastide town of Vianne, where you'll be able to sample some rustic and tasty local dishes.
Continue on next to Barbaste to take in the sight of a 16th century fortified water mill with four towers - one of which is dedicated to each of King Henri IV's four daughters.
These are just some of the attractions you can expect to enjoy on a boating trip to Aquitaine - book now to experience this beautiful and charming location for yourself!
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