Photo by fran.west

So you saw my review of Narrow Dog to Carcassonne, you’ve read the book, and now you want to spend a week or two (or longer!) cruising along the canals of France, or perhaps elsewhere in Europe. You can, absolutely, and you can bring your dog with you. I contacted five of the better-known companies that rent canal boats in France/Europe, and all of them allow you to travel with your dog on board. There may be a fee, but it’s generally small (in the neighborhood of €20-30). Please note that all of these companies invite even new boaters to take a canal vacation: There is no license requirement, and although previous cruising experience would likely be useful, it’s not required.

If, by some chance, you haven’t yet read Narrow Dog, check out this description of a family’s week on the Nivernais Canal, and this article about a trip on the Burgundy Canal, for inspiration.Be sure, too, to look at this Seattle Times article from someone who had mixed feelings about his family’s week on a canal boat in the Loire Valley.

All of these boat rental companies allow you to travel with your dog:

Le Boat (France, Germany, Italy, Ireland, Belgium, Holland, England, Scotland)

Locaboat (France, Germany, Holland, Ireland, Italy, Poland)

France Afloat (Central, West and South France)

Nicols (France, Germany, Portugal)