Spring is in the air and the Randle has commenced the 2023 season with a cruise up to the top of the canal with a couple taking an early private voyage for their fourth time. There is something very special about private cruising that brings travellers back again and again, for our passengers this time it was their real vacation between other busy trips abroad. With time and space to themselves whilst we take care of all the daily routines, with a private chef, tour guide and captain it is the perfect way to disconnect and recharge.

The Randle moored on the Canal-du-Nivernias at Chevroches, early April 2023

In a region so rich in history the construction of the Nivernais canal is a relatively recent event, the canal lock at Clamecy was built in 1835, as shown be the amazing photograph below, taken barely nine years after the invention of photography only one hundred miles away at Chalon-sur-Soane in 1826. We pass though this lock weekly and it still functions as well today as it did when it was first opened nearly 200 years ago.

Clamecy lock under construction in1835, nine years after the invention of photography in 1826

However, 200 years is yesterday compared to 1000-year-old Cathedrals, 2000-year-old Roman roads, and 28,000-year-old palaeolithic Paintings, all of which can be viewed whilst cruising aboard the Randle.

Early season on the Canal-du-Nivernias 2023, we had the canal to ourselves for the entire week.

Our three-night all-inclusive gourmet cruise enables you time to enjoy both the delights of Paris, the city of Lights, and three days cruising along picturesque rural canals all within a weeks’ vacation. With transfers from your hotel and to the airport both included making the whole trip easy and stress free.

The fruiting Cherry trees of Irancy in blossom early April 2023,

Our six-night diner’s cruise enables you to enjoy both off boat dining at some of the region’s best restaurants, including Michelin starred, as well as gourmet dining aboard.

Please enquire for any other options for bespoke private cruising aboard the Randle, find us at www.edgecharter.com

Wherever your travels take you we wish everybody a bon voyage! And we look forward to many happy cruising days with our travellers aboard the Randle in 2023.

Tim Harrold is owner and captain of the Randle, a beautiful and classically styled river boat fitted with two en-suite cabins and all the modern facilities to travel in comfort. Tim offers private barge tours on the picturesque Burgundy Canal du Nivernais and river Yonne. A luxury cruise with Tim and his crew includes gourmet cuisine, fine wine, and guided tours by private car to vineyards and chateaux. Learn more about Edge Charter and barge trips on the Randle along Burgundy's canals and rivers here. Slow Travel Tours is an affiliation of small-group tour operators who offer personalized trips in Italy, France and other European countries.