Holidaymakers urged to explore France's canals

Holidaymakers are being advised to explore France's network of canals this summer, by one industry expert.

WalesOnline.co.uk's reporter took a holiday in rural France and spent the trip boating around the nation's canals, visiting rustic towns along the way.

"Mention canals and most people in Britain automatically think of narrow boats," says the website.

"But the canals of France are, for the most part, much wider than those in the UK and can therefore accommodate larger boats."

It adds that every evening all those onboard ate home-cooked food up on deck on the "best-loved waterways in Europe".

According to the Lonely Planet, France is a nation that boasts "gastronomic greatness, artistic endeavour and cultural cachet".

The travel guide notes that this European nation gave the world champagne and the word chic, while retaining its "old-fashioned and forward-looking" perspective.

France is one hour ahead of GMT, has a population of 60.4 million and its international dialling code is +33.

There is so much on offer for those looking for a taste of France. Read our guide to France for more information.