Insight Guide Waterways of Europe (Waterways of Europe)

Rating:
Summary: Detailed maps, cultural explanations, great resources
Review: Canal maps are in great detail; explanations of what to see along the canals are succinct and exciting; detailed information on exactly how to barge in certain areas, areas to avoid or be cautious about; resource section is really well done. Highly recommend reading this before booking a barge trip.

Rating:
Summary: All the good things I look for in a guide book
Review: The beautiful photographs and detailed maps in this book lead you along all the navigable rivers of Great Britain, France, Holland and Belgium. The writers point out the specific charms of each river (including less charming industrial areas you may pass), and there is a lot of very informative info on history, services, landscape and boating conditions. They are as good about warning you away from tourist traps, ugly places, and bad bargains as they are about leading you to the wonderful. A good index gives info about boat rentals and other services on the river. One could actually plan most of the details of a boating trip from the US with this book.

Rating:
Summary: Insight guide Wateways of Europe
Review: We used this book last summer while cruising with my boat from northern Holland through Belgium and down into central France. It is a great sourceof information for what one can expect to see along the canals and rivers. Great photos and accurate data.