As early as the 16th century, the carefully graded gravel paths along France's rivers and canals were as vital as the waterways themselves, accommodating the horses and oxen that pulled barges from town to town. This book guides cyclists through that back country, now far more inhabited by swans and cows than by people. The expertise and advice offered includes: -- Routes along more than 500 miles of navigable rivers and manmade canals in the back-country regions of France -- Crucial information on weather and terrain -- Suggested places of lodging -- Information on available bicycle rentals While much of the suggested routes pass through marshlands, forests, and farmlands, they pass through metropolitan areas as well; cities such as Nantes, Toulouse, Narbonne, and Dijon add cultural points of interest for the long distance rider.