Reviews and recommendations are unbiased and products are independently selected. Postmedia may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through links on this page. I have always been excited by the mysteries of river travel, sailing on a slow boat down a meandering, well-travelled waterway stokes my imagination. With the Summer Olympics getting into full swing, and Paris all-abustle, I was looking for the perfect antidote, a relaxing French escape, close to, but worlds away from the speed and excitement of the Games.
I found it here, floating leisurely along a peaceful canal on a barge, through the Champagne region of northeastern France. This is slow travel at its best, calm, cultivated and serene, as the historic waterway forces travellers to slow down to its own relaxing pace.
The scenery is constantly changing, the passing vessels, bustle of activity, and characters you meet lead to new adventures and fresh discoveries around every bend. Plan your next getaway with Travel Time, featuring travel deals, destinations and gear. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.
A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Travel Time will soon be in your inbox. We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try again. Our smartly designed vessel for the week-long voyage, the metre barge Nenuphar, is built for intimacy and luxury.
Of course, this hotel floats past beguiling villages, medieval churches, castles, riverside shops, sun-drenched lavender fields and expansive vineyards. Along our route, there are country markets to browse, historic towns to wander, and wonderful family champagne houses for exploring and tasting.
