Excursions on foot, by bike and optional side trips

C'est la vie's cruise route passes through some of the finest French countryside and villages so there is an ever changing scene to watch from the barge.

However, there is much more to see and do in the region for those who wish take time away from the barge, some of which is immediately nearby the canal whilst other attractions require a bike ride or car journey to visit.

Here is a selection of the visits we recommend whilst cruising aboard C'est la vie.

Visits on foot

The historic regional capital Montargis, known as "The Venice of Gâtinais" with restaurants, cafés, bars, museums, galleries and great shops for souvenirs including the world famous, 17th century Mazet Praline chocolate shop.

The pretty villages of Montbouy, Montcresson, Conflans and Ouzouer with their interesting variety of churches, willowy canal scenes, floral displays and charming architecture. Between Montcresson and Montbouy there is also a clearly visible Gallo-Roman Amphitheatre to explore.

Rogny-les-Sept-Ecluses where the town is named after one of the canal's most famous features, the 17th century flight of seven locks (now a national historic monument). There are also antique/bric-a-brac shops, food shops, restaurants and bars here as well a lovely walk to the hill top church with wonderful views over the valley.

Chatillon Coligny dates back to the 15th century and was once all about a vast chateau that dominated the town. Over the centuries most of the chateau has disappeared but it still intriguingly visible in places as you stroll the narrow streets and shop for souvenirs in the old fashioned shops. There are several bars, a museum, a great restaurant and food shops here too.

The Aqueduct at Briare is renowned as one of the greatest waterways engineering achievements in the world and the visitors who flock to see it make this a bustling market town with much to see and do. You can explore the old port where boats used to "lock down" onto the River Loire, visit the museum of mosaics (Briare was the very first place in the world to mass produce mosaics and they are evident all over the town), explore the huge church or people watch in the square and shop for souvenirs in galleries and antique shops.

You will, of course, cross the famous aqueduct at Briare on "C'est la vie" as it spans the River Loire offering the most incredible views and a chance to marvel at an amazing feat of engineering created by Eiffel.

At Chatillon Sur Loire, the canal splits where it used to allow boat access onto the River Loire and here the old locks and "Mantelot" (holding basin) used by barges for centuries past is a beautiful walk from our mooring. The town too is a worthwhile visit with its narrow streets, 15th century houses, selection of curious shops, bars and restaurants.

Canal walks are one of the most simple pleasures to be enjoyed, either whilst cruising or once moored. The towpaths are in generally good condition and each turn of the canal provides a new adventure. You'll meet fishermen, lock-keepers (and their children, cats and dogs!) see other boats going through the locks, abundant wildlife and more pretty canal scenes than you can take in as you stroll.

The entire length of the cruise route has a path which can be cycled by almost anyone – it is largely flat and in great condition for most of its length. Turn off the canal path and onto the quiet roads at any point to explore the many rural villages nearby.

All of the above excursions that you can do on foot can be enhanced by doing them on a bicycle. You can simply see more and fit more in if you go by bicycle.

Keen cyclists can go further afield and discover...

Chateau La Bussiere – Home of the Countess de Chasseval. A sublime private chateau set on a lake with a fascinating collection of fishing memorabilia and a wonderful kitchen garden.

Chateau de St Fargeau – Magnificent 13th century masterpiece remodeled by the Architect Vaux – now more famous for his work at Fontainebleau and Versailles.

Chateau Pont Chevron – Private estate of the Count and Countess Robert de La Rochefourcauld. Modelled on an 18th century chateau and mainly built in the 19th century with origins and some features from the middle ages. Lovely formal gardens to explore.

Wine tasting in Ousson-sur-Loire and Briare are easily accessible by bike and provide a great opportunity to sample the local "Coteaux de Giennois", reds made from Pinot Noir/Gamay and whites made from Sauvignon Blanc. Made from the same grape and grown in the same region, these whites are tipped to become the next "Sancerre" of the Loire Valley.

The town of Gien, famed for its fine China and 12th century stone bridge across the Loire River.

Kayaking on the River Loire at Bonny-sur-Loire. Cycle there and kayak down the peaceful river.

• Golf
• Swimming
• Tennis
• Hot air ballooning
• Horse riding
• Kayaking