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Views of the Nantes-Brest and Ille-et-Rance canals in Brittany, taken during a solo tour in September 2003.
France has an extensive yet surprisingly little-known network of canals and rivers with towpaths that are perfect for long-distance touring. You can avoid roads and motorised traffic but still enjoy the cafés and culture in the towns and villages you pass through. IGN publishes a fascinating map of 'French Inland Waterways' showing 8,500 km of interconnected waterways, roads, towns, museums and other places of interest.
(Click on the photos to enlarge them.)
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The towpath next to the Nantes-Brest canal. No cars or lorries for hundreds of miles - just walkers, cyclists and anglers! |
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The canals pass through villages with cafés offering cheap and filling 'plats du jour' at lunchtime, whilst well-run municipal campsites can be found in the larger towns. There are also some fascinating museums along the canals. |
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And lots of other lovely places too... |
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© Chris Bell |