France is criss-crossed with canals built prior to the advent of railways. These were once the country's most effective transport system. The canals lay virtually idle for decades until the canal boating craze took hold of England who had a similar network. The Brits soon realised that the French countryside was prettier than their own and that the French werent really interested in canal boating themselves. An industry was born overnight. The World Heritage Listed Canal du Midi is the jewel in the crown of the canal world. Running from Toulouse to Beziers, it is one of the oldest in France and includes amazing engineering feats such as tunnels under hills and aqueducts over rivers.  The older style converted barges have largely given way to custom built fibreglass cabin cruiser type vessels. These are fully appointed like floating apartments and the good news is that anyone over 18 can drive them. Canal boating explained: No special licence required Boats fully kitted out similar to campervan Variety of sizes and styles Truly relaxing See countryside only accessible via canal One way hire available Leading canal boat hire companies:   Crown Blue Line Locaboat Rive de France Anjou Navigation Le Boat Nichols River Tourism Popular cruising areas: Alsace, Aquitaine, Brittany, Burgundy, Camargue, Charente, Loire, Lot, Lorraine, Midi