The Many Reasons To Consider A Barge Cruise

If you are reading this article, then you belong to the category of individuals who are looking for a unique vacation experience. Cruising is not a new concept to any of us, and many of us have either experienced one firsthand, or know someone who has. When you think of cruising, the first thing that may come to mind is a trip on large ocean liner with thousands of other people, or on a river cruise with a hundred or more other people. A barge cruise, on the other hand, is a very different experience.

Just imagine a charming, week-long opportunity where you can travel as an individual, a couple or a larger group with family and friends, through the quaint, historic villages of Europe. Nowadays, you can enjoy this type of experience in many countries, including Ireland, Scotland, England, Holland, Belgium, France, and Germany, with most barges centered in France. A barge cruise allows you to experience the country and its people by cruising through the countryside, enjoying intimate excursions that will take you to interesting sights in the area, and sampling the delicious foods and wines of that

A bit of history … In the 1600's, France began to develop a canal system as a means to transport grain and to reduce food shortages. Some of the earliest were the Canal de Briare completed in 1642, the Canal du Midi was completed in 1681 and the Canal de Bourgogne in 1832. By the 18th century, more than 500 wine barges were in use on the canals of France., and were towed by men or horses. By the 1900's, the use of barges for transport of grain, coal, and other goods was eventually abandoned in favor of other means of transportation.

In the late 1960's, with hundred of barges no longer in use, a few creative, entrepreneurial individuals saw the potential in their lingering beauty and were inspired to convert these historical gems into luxury, floating hotels, with lengths ranging from 80 to 128 feet.

Today's accommodation options aboard barges fall into either First Class, Deluxe or Ultra Deluxe accommodations. The difference is primarily in cabin size and amenities provided, which offers you some flexibility in the cost.

All of the barges offer top level cuisine, wines and exceptional service, and all have cabins with private, en-suite bathrooms. The number of cabins aboard each barge ranges from 2 to 11 cabins with passenger capacity of 4 to 21 people. Most of the cabins are double occupancy; however a few offer single cabins for those traveling alone. In the event that the barge you are interested in does not offer a single cabin, it usually offers a single supplement which is added to the cost of your cruise, and is essentially a pro-rated cost for a single person booking a double cabin.

Some barges are exclusively for hire on a chartered basis, which means that you have the entire barge to yourself, but others may offer both individual and charter bookings. Charters offer an ideal alternative for companies looking for a unique meeting place to discuss business projects, or for families or groups of friends celebrating milestones in their lives who want to share these milestones in an especially memorable way on their private charter. Those couples or individuals who prefer the opportunity to book individual cabins will meet and greet other passengers from all over the world.

The true beauty of these floating country homes is that they have been completely restored and transformed by talented craftsmen. The interiors may reflect upgraded wood flooring and décor that includes modern portholes or the installation of large, beautiful windows that allow you to enjoy the passing vistas. Comfortable cabins, bathrooms and public areas have been adorned with handmade tiles, unique wall coverings, fabrics and lovely furnishings. Many barges are owner-operated which means that the owners are on board with you during the cruise. Owners usually function as the captain aboard the vessel, so they can oversee the day-to-day events. All of the barges are lovingly maintained, but there is something extra special about an owner-operated barge which is evident when you come aboard.

On many of the barges, the common areas offer relaxing sundecks with parasols or canopies that help create some shade from the summer sun. Upgraded galleys offer modernized areas where your private chef will create fresh, memorable and delicious meals using local and regional specialties. You may also find: a jacuzzi (or plunge pool) where you can cool off at any time during the cruise, dining and lounging areas both inside and out, a fully stocked bar, a 24/7 snack refrigerator so that you are never without something delicious to eat, and one barge even has an elevator for those who have physical limitations. Make sure to review the information provided for each barge prior to booking, so that you are well informed about the amenities provided, along with the layout of the barge itself.

Wines and cheeses from the area accompany each meal, and beautiful breads, croissants and pastries are purchased and enjoyed daily. The chef purchases fresh fish and produce at local markets along the way as the barge makes its daily stops at the different locations along the route. Ask the chef if you can come along with him or her if you wish to experience this for yourself!

Except as otherwise indicated, the total cost of the cruise includes your cabin, your meals and wines, an open bar, excursions and transfers from Paris and back to the barge for most barges in the Burgundy region and on routes near Paris, or between the barge and a convenient transportation center for barges cruising in other regions.

If you are the type of person who wants to experience more of the restaurant scene in each local town, some barges also offer half board options. This means that you can enjoy some meals ashore at your leisure and at your expense. This is a great way to reduce your cruise cost, especially if you would like to focus more on other activities.

Most barges cruise on local canals and some cruise on larger rivers. On a canal cruise, the barge is raised or lowered at the many different locks along your route, and you can easily step off the barge to do a little exploring, either on foot or on one of the bicycles provided on board. You can step off the barge to get some exercise on the canal towpath and meet up with the rest of the group at the next lock. A river cruise offers interesting excursions, but walking or biking is usually only possible when the barge is moored at the beginning or the end of each day.

Barge cruises are usually a seven day/six night adventure – anything less will make you feel rushed. However, if that is all that time allows, there are four day cruises available on some barges.

There are many different barge routes that cruise throughout Europe, but the most popular are offered in France. Imagine yourself cruising through Brittany near the northwest coast, or east of Bordeaux, or exploring the more central Upper Loire Valley that borders Burgundy, and the areas of Champagne and Chablis. Visit Alsace-Lorraine in the northeast that borders Germany or the warmer Languedoc-Rousillon or Provence regions in the southeast of France.

Whatever your reason for considering a barge cruise, remember this – it's a very addictive experience. There is something inherently comforting about about having all of your needs taken care of for an entire week by your own personal staff. Before you know it, you will be joining the ranks of the many satisfied barge cruisers who have come before you and continue to come back year after year. For many, barge cruising has become a way of life and a favorite vacation option, and the large choice of barge routes and destinations available continue to offer that magic formula for rest and relaxation that will keep loyal travelers happily entertained for years to come.

If you are considering a barge cruise in France or anywhere in Europe, please feel free to contact uswith any questions you may have. With thousands of satisfied customers, we can help you select the best option for your barge cruise vacation in France or the rest of Europe.

For The Ultimate in a Barge Cruise...Go Ultra Deluxe

Dining salon aboard La Nouvelle Etoile


Passenger cabin aboard La Nouvelle Etoile


Demonstration kitchen aboard Prosperite

If you want to travel in luxury on one of the top barges in France, we suggest an Ultra Deluxe barge.
These days, barges are generally categorized into First Class, Deluxe and Ultra Deluxe accommodations. The most obvious difference aboard ultra deluxe barges are the size of the cabins and the amenities provided. Traveling in spacious quarters provides greater comfort and sitting areas, ultra deluxe barges also offer larger, roomier bathrooms with double sinks and some even have bathtubs.

Ultra deluxe barges cruise through different parts of Europe, and offer many itineraries, so it really depends on your interests. Some barges are charter only, which means that you must reserve the entire barge for your cruise, and others offer both individual booking and charter options. Chartering provides greater privacy for your group and allows you to have more input into the meals prepared for you by your own personal chef, and the itinerary of planned excursions along the route. The elaborate menus aboard ultra deluxe barges are beautifully presented on formal table settings and paired with carefully selected wines. 

Other amenities that are typically offered aboard Ultra Deluxe barges are:

• Beautiful and relaxing sundecks with parasols or canopies that create some shade from the summer sun.
• On some barges, a relaxing jacuzzi or a plunge pool on deck where you can take a dip to cool off at any time.
• Indoor and outdoor dining and lounging areas that can be set up for you at a moment's notice so that you can enjoy alfresco dining on pleasant evenings.
• Your own crew who will attend to your every need with high degree of efficiency and professionalism.
• Your own personal chef who will create fresh, memorable and delicious meals using local and regional specialties that are purchased on a daily basis at local markets along the route.
• On some barges, an open kitchen is available where you can watch the chef prepare your meals or even give a cooking class.
• Top quality wines, sometimes even including Grand Cru and Premier Cru, are paired with each course.
• A fully stocked bar with all of your favorite beverages.
• The Prosperite has a 24/7 snack refrigerator that is always full of delicious treats and your favorite drinks, so you always have a snack available if you get hungry between meals.
• La Nouvelle Etoile is wheelchair accessible and has an elevator for those with physical limitations.
• La Nouvelle Etoile has a washer and dryer for passengers use, as well as satellite TV and internet in your own room with computers for passenger use in each cabin.
• WiFi is now available on many barges for those who want to stay connected.
• Public areas may also have CD/DVD's, library with reading material, writing desks and modern entertainment systems to keep you informed and entertained.
• On board bicycles offer the opportunity to get some exercise on towpaths that follow along the canal route.

A relaxed elegance defines the ambiance and level of hospitality aboard these luxury vessels, and the experience is one that you will not forget. If you are interested in an Ultra Deluxe barge cruise experience, make sure to read more about these beautiful barges on the links provided below. Information about the barge, cruise routes, pricing, menu ideas and the many photographs will definitely convince, and entice you.

Ultra Deluxe Barge Accommodations
The 4-Passenger barge Alouette (CHARTER ONLY) cruises in the south of France (Southern Burgundy to Provence in early April, then moves to the Canal du Midi for the summer then back to Burgundy in late October.

The 6-Passenger barge Fleur de Lys cruises in the heart of Burgundy on the Canal de Bourgogne, the Saone River and the Canal du Centre.
The 6-Passenger barge Roi Soleil (CHARTER ONLY) cruises on the Canal du Midi in 2013
The 8-Passenger barge Amaryllis (CHARTER ONLY) cruise in the heart of Burgundy on the Canal de Bourgogne, the Saone River and the Canal du Centre.
The 8-Passenger barge C'est La Vie cruises on the Burgundy Canal in Northern Burgundy.
The 8-Passenger barge Enchante cruises in the south of France on the Canal du Midi.
The 8-Passenger barge Horizon II cruises on the Canal de Briare in the Upper Loire region.
The 8-Passenger barge La Nouvelle Etoile cruises in Holland, Belgium, Germany and France (Burgundy, Champagne and Alsace).
The 8-Passenger barge Princess cruises on the Canal de la Marne au Rhin in Alsace, the Canal de l'Aisne a la Marne and Canal Lateral a la Marne in the Champagne region.
The 8-Passenger barge Prosperite (CHARTER ONLY) cruises on the Canal de Bourgogne in Southern Burgundy.
The 8-Passenger barge Renaissance cruises on the Canal de Briare in the Upper Loire.
The 12-Passenger barge Adrienne cruises in the Cote d'Or wine region on the Canal de Bourgogne, the Saone River and the Canal du Centre.
The 12-Passenger barge Napoleon cruises on the Rhone River in Provence.
The 12-Passenger barge Nenuphar cruises in the Northern Burgundy area on the Canal de Bourgogne.

Please do not hesitate to contact us  with any questions you may have. With thousands of satisfied  customers, we can help you select the best option for your barge cruise in France or the rest of Europe.

Theme Cruises Offer Unique Vacation Options

Imagine Yourself Taking An Adventure Cruise

Whether you choose a barge cruise to experience a unique adventure as an individual, couple or a charter for your group of family and friends, you may want to consider a specialized theme cruise that focuses on some of the more popular interests, such as cuisine, walking, hiking or other more adventurous activities.

The 6-passenger barge, Elisabeth is offering a few delicious options. The Chocolate and Wine itinerary will have you enjoying a delicious menu of local and regional specialties accompanied by a spectacular array of chocolate desserts – and if that's not enough, additional handmade chocolates will be available for you after every meal, as you wind down with an after dinner drink. Even the wines have been carefully selected to complement the menu. This itinerary is offered for individual cabin bookings as well as charters.

The Elisabeth also offers a honeymoon or anniversary charter for two, where you and your guest will be pampered by a crew of three who will take care of your every need. A special wine, chocolate and romance itinerary has been designed for this cruise with a bonus of red roses and champagne to be enjoyed in your cabin.

If you are interested in an active walking cruise, the 12-passenger La Belle Epoque, the 8-passenger L'Art de Vivre, and the 8-passenger Magna Carta, all have organized walking tours with a professional guide for charter groups. La Belle Epoque also offers walking cruises for individual passengers on selected dates at no extra cost. Uncover the beauty of each city as you visit and learn about the quaint, historic villages, local castles and vineyards that dot the country. Other theme cruise possibilities on these and other barges include golf, tennis and special wine appreciation charters. Please contact us for sample itineraries for these cruises or make sure to visit our Specials page.

The 14-passenger Luciole offers an Activity Cruise for those interested in chartering a barge with more fun activities like tree walking, horse back riding, cave climbing and kayaking. Any and all barges can arrange for a charter geared towards children's activities, if you like. For the more adventurous individual, hot air balloon rides are also an option on many of the barges, but come at an additional cost.

If you are an avid golfer, then the 10-passenger Shannon Princessin Ireland offers a special golf charter that includes a chance for you to play at three of Europe's best golf courses: The K Club in Kildare, the Adare Manor Golf Course in Limerick and the world famous Lahinch Golf Course, as well as a local course.

Whether you choose to get out and explore the world on a theme barge cruise, or simply choose to participate in a more conventional cruise for rest and relaxation, both options will offer you a cultural, historical and gastronomic feast!

The Specials page of our website offers additional information on all of the theme cruises we currently offer. Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions you may have, so that we may help you select the best option for your barge cruise in France and the rest of Europe.

Barges Offering Tulip Cruises In 2013

Treat Yourself to a Tulip Cruise in the Springtime

If you are interested in experiencing the natural beauty of Holland, you may be interested in a Tulip Cruise in the early spring.The excursions on the Tulip Cruise center around several charming cities and towns of Holland that are full of history. Some of the excursions will include a visit to the famous Keukenhof Gardens, a 70 acre showcase for the Dutch floral industry. Please keep in mind that the gardens close on May 18th, 2013. Other excursions may stop at the world's largest flower auction in Aalsmeer, where some 10 billion flowers are sold every year, or may include a trip to the reconstructed historic village of Zaanse Schans with its working windmills, clog makers, cheese farm and mustard mill. You may also stop in Gouda, made famous by its well known cheese, pipes and candles or the town of Delft, famous for its pottery. If you are into classical music, a visit to St. Bavo's Cathedral, where both Mozart and Handel played on the magnificent Muller organ in the main square, is a must.

Make sure to review the different itineraries for each of the barges currently offering Tulip Cruises, so that you can choose the one that is right for you.

These barges offering Tulip Cruises for the Spring of 2013 are:

• The 8 passenger ultra deluxe barge, La Nouvelle Etoile
• The 8 passenger deluxe barge Absoluut2
• The 12 passenger deluxe barge Panache (formerly the Marjorie II), and
• The 12 passenger barge Savoir Faire

NOTE: In addition to the 7 day/6 night Tulip Cruises, all of the above barges offer cruises from Holland through Belgium and into France at the end of the Tulip Cruise season.  
 

Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions you may have, so that we may help you select the best option for your barge cruise in France and the rest of Europe.

Barge Cruises Under $3,600 for 2013

Barge cruising season is almost here and although some barges are already sold out for the season, there are still a few great opportunities out there for you to consider for $3600 or less per person. Regardless of whether you are a  single traveler, a couple or a group of friends or family looking for charter, there are some great  low rates offering something for everyone.

Some barges accept both individual cabin bookings and charter bookings, whereas other barges are charter only.  For the 2013 cruising season, here is our comprehensive list of competitively priced barges that are offering week-long cruises in different parts of France.

These 7 day/6 night cruises offer you an opportunity to relax and rejuvenate your body and mind, as your personal crew tends to your every need and your personal chef creates memorable meals. Most cruises offer full board meal plans with all meals included, while a few offer half board. The half board option includes two meals on board daily, while offering you the opportunity to sample local restaurants along the cruise route at your own expense. Enjoying the local or regional cuisine is a great way to learn more about the town or village you are visiting.

Indulge in delicious paired wines with every meal, enjoy interesting excursions to historic places and wine tastings at local chateaus and vineyards, visit local markets and discover the many delicious local cheeses, breads and pastries that France is so well known for. Take advantage of some of the best values currently being offered for barging in France.

Individual cabin bookings under $3600 per person:
The 21-passenger First Class barge Caprice, cruising on the Burgundy Canal, Saone River and Canal du Centre in Burgundy, is currently offering a full-board cruise for individual bookings between $2790-$3200, and full board charters starting at $60,220 (about $2868 per person). The lower VALUE season rates are offered from April 6-Apr 19, July 27-Aug 23 and Oct 19-Nov 1, 2013.

The 6-passenger First Class barge Caroline, cruising the famously picturesque Canal du Midi in southern France is offering REGULAR season pricing for individual cabins of $3,600 per person based on double occupancy or a charter rate of $21,600, for half board cruises. These rates apply to bookings throughout the entire season from March 31-Nov 2, 2013.

The 7-passenger First Class barge L'Etoile, is currently the least expensive barge cruising the Provence area along the Rhone river and Canal du Rhone a Sete. Their REGULAR season pricing for full board, individual cabins is economically priced from $3,250 per person based on double occupancy for the smallest cabin up to $4,200 for the largest cabin, and their charter for 7 rates are $25,500 for full board, and $23,250 for half board equivalent to $3,321.43 per person. These rates apply to bookings throughout the entire season from March 31-Oct 26, 2013.

The 18-passenger Deluxe barge Le Phenicien cruising Provence along the Rhone river and Canal du Rhone a Sete, is offering VALUE season pricing for full board, individual cabin bookings of $3490 per person,  and a full board charter rate of $56,660 (about $3148 per person). The lower VALUE season rates  are offered from March 24-Apr 27, July 7-Aug 17 and Oct 20-Nov 9, 2013.

The 8-passenger First Class barge Savoir Vivre cruising on the Burgundy Canal in Southern Burgundy, is offering VALUE season pricing for full board, individual cabin bookings of $3500 per person, and a full board charter rate of $28,000 ($3500 per person). The lower VALUE season rates are offered from March 31-May 11, July 28-August 24 and Oct 13-Oct 26, 2013. **This barge offers the unique opportunity to eat one meal ashore (usually dinner) per day, at a local restaurant along the cruise route. The meal and travel back and forth to the restaurant are included in the price. 

Charter ONLY barges:
The 4-passenger First Class barge Bonheur cruising on the Burgundy Canal in Southern Burgundy is currently offering REGULAR season pricing for half board cruises for $14,000 ($3500 per person). These rates apply to bookings throughout the entire season from May 1- Oct 6, 2013.

The 4-passenger First Class barge Libje is the only barge currently cruising in Brittany, along the Canal de Nantes a Brest. Its is currently offering a full board, REGULAR season pricing of $11,900 ($2975 per person) and half board REGULAR season pricing of $10,500 ($2625 per person). These rates apply to bookings throughout their entire season from April 7-Oct 29, 2013.

The 6-passenger First Class barge Who Knows, is almost sold out for 2013, and only has a few weeks left. The only dates available to cruise on this barge are in southern Burgundy on the Burgundy Canal from April 28-May 4 and May 12-May 18, 2013. It is currently offering a half board, REGULAR season pricing for charters of $17,000 (about $2834 per person) and is one of the most economically priced.  

NOTE: All prices are per person, based on double occupancy, and subject to the charter or minimum cabin requirements. All prices are quoted and payable in US Dollars. For all half-board cruises, barge crews will be happy to provide recommendations for restaurants ashore, and also provide transportation to and from the restaurants.

Please Contact us with any questions you may have regarding the best choices for a barge cruise that fits your vacation needs and interests in France or the rest of Europe.

Half Board Charters Offer Lunch Or Dinner On Your Own At Local Restaurants

Why Choose Half -Board vs Full Board Options On Your Barge Cruise?

The beauty of a barge cruise is that your per person cost includes everything  except your airfare and gratuity. However, several barges offer the option of half board vs full board, which means that you can take some of your meals ashore at your own expense. Although the meals aboard all of the barges are exceptional, choosing the half board option is a great way to lower your per person cost. Those who simply want to experience the flavor and essence of the local cuisine of the picturesque towns along the cruise route, may prefer to choose barges offering this opportunity.

All of the barges listed below currently offer the option to eat one meal per day ashore (usually dinner), at your own expense. Another unique option for travelers who may be interested in enjoying meals ashore but in pre-planned destinations, is the full board, 8-passenger barge SAVOIR VIVRE, currently cruising in Burgundy. It offers one meal ashore each evening at some of the favorite restaurants in each town, and these dinners are included in the per person price. Pricing for the Savoir Vivre is: Full-Board Charter for 8 for $26,000 (VALUE season, which is $3,250 per person) and $28,000 (REGULAR season which is $3,500 per person).  Individual cabins may also be booked at $3,500 per person, based on double occupancy, with a minimum of two cabins.  Contact us to book selected individual cabin weeks.

Five barges offer Half Board Charters with lunch or dinner on your own at local restaurants (2013 rates are shown below)

• 6-passenger WHO KNOWS -- Burgundy (Half-Board Charter for 6 for $17,000 = $2,833.34 per person)
• 4-passenger BONHEUR -- Burgundy (Half-Board Charter for up to 4 for $14,000 = $3,500 per person)
• 7-passenger L'ETOILE -- Provence (Half-Board Charter for 7 for $23,250 = $3,321.43 per person)
• 6-passenger CAROLINE -- Canal du Midi (Half-Board Charter for 6 for $21,600 = $3,600 per person)
• 4-passenger LIBJE -- In Brittany, Canal de Nantes a Brest (Half-Board Charter for 4 for $10,500 = $2,625 per person)

NOTE: All prices quoted in the blog and on our website are in US Dollars and apply to the 2013 cruise season, and are subject to change. Where ranges are given, prices vary by season during the cruise year.

Please do not hesitate to contact us  with any questions you may have, so that we may help you select the best option for your barge cruise in France and the rest of Europe.

New Hotel Barges and Updates: Burgundy, Holland, Alsace, and Brittany!

An Introduction To Some Of Our New Friends
We are pleased to introduce you to several terrific barges, and some new friends, newly added to our roster of barge cruises.

8-passenger APRES TOUT
Cruise the Cote d'Or wine region of Burgundy! 
Having formerly managed an entire fleet of deluxe and ultra deluxe barges, the new owners of the Apres Tout (previously Le Premier) are experts in the world of barging. The Apres Tout is a classic French barge which has been renovated to offer the most luxurious accommodation for six passengers, for a glorious week of cruising in the southern Burgundy area. Cruising between St Jean de Losne and Pont d'Ouche passengers enjoy visits to Beaune, the wine capital of Burgundy, Dijon, the Clos de Vougeot, and Chateauneuf en Auxois. Apres Tout offers a cruise to delight the wine connossieur and the history buff, as well as those with an appreciation for fine food and relaxation. The Apres Tout will also escort you to the famed Michelin starred restaurant, the Abbaye de la Bussiere, for one of your cruise's evening meals, included in the cruise fare. Relax with a glass of wine in the hot tub on deck as you cruise through the beautiful Cote d'Or wine region, or bike ahead on the towpath along the lovely Canal de Bourgogne.

For more information, see: http://bargesinfrance.com/aprestout.htm

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12-passenger PANACHE
Tulip Cruises in Holland ... then on to Alsace! 
Formerly known as the Marjorie II, the Panache made its new debut in Holland in the 2012 tulip season, and is cruising in Holland again in 2013. Cruising along the Haarlem-Leiden Canal and the Amstel River, the deluxe barge Panache takes in the splendor of tulip season in Holland from the 1st of April through the 3rd week of May, before moving to France to cruise the rest of the season in the Alsace region. While in Alsace, passengers are treated to a fabulous cruise between Strasbourg and Mittersheim, on the Canal de la Marne au Rhin and the beautiful Canal des Houillères de la Sarre, a canal threaded through a series of large tranquil lakes and quiet forests. Enjoy some delicious Riesling wines on a tour of a vineyard in the Vosges mountains, and traverse the stunning inclined plane of Arzviller boat lift, a true marvel of engineering.

For more information see: http://bargesinfrance.com/panache.htm

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4-passenger LIBJE
Finally, we welcome the 4-passenger Libje, which bears the distinction of being the only hotel barge cruising in Brittany. Explore this fascinating region, rich with Celtic heritage. You are welcomed aboard this quaint first-class barge like family, and treated to an amazing introduction to this fascinating region. Enjoy France's most picturesque town, the quiet village of Rochefort en Terre and visit the standing stones at Monteneuf, an ancient megalithic site from prehistoric times. The chateau and village of Josselin are one of the highlights of the cruise, where you can sample some of the local fare, such as galettes or crepes. The barge and her owners, Ian and Jane, are both charming and hospitable, and will happily share their private corner of France with all who would like to join them. Local beers, well selected wines and delicious meals prepared by Jane, will highlight a wonderful week aboard this cozy barge. The Libje offers full board and half board cruises. 5 dinners not included with half board.

For more information, see: http://bargesinfrance.com/libje.htm

Special Places Travel Tours France

This past May, June and July members of the Special Places Travel team spent time in France, touring the countryside visiting with barges and their crews. After driving approximately 1,100 miles, and stopping to see 33 barges, Special Places Travel is up to date with all of the details of these beautiful canal and river barges. We toured northern and southern Burgundy, enjoying hospitality and graciousness at every barge that we visited. We were treated to a great dinner and breakfast, while being hosted by George and Susan aboard the Meanderer. We would like to offer a special thanks to Phil and Hannah, former owners of the Maria, for a wonderful birthday meal and celebration, and we wish them continued success with their new endeavor francemotorhomehire.com. Congratulations!

On this trip we were happy to have met Paul and Annie Roberts, a charming young couple, and owners and operators of the lovely barge Bonheur. Bonheur is a 4-passenger First-Class barge, which offers a half board cruising experience. Guests will enjoy breakfasts, lunches and three dinners aboard the barge, as well as three meals ashore at local restaurants (taken at their own expense). The Bonheur is a lovely boat, with a spacious salon with comfortable sofas and a wood burning stove. The cabins are well appointed, with queen sized beds or two twins. We were very impressed with the love and care that the Roberts have put into their barge, and the charm and friendliness that they expressed at our meeting. We are pleased and excited to offer the Bonheur for cruises in the 2011 and 2012.


Also on our tour of Burgundy, we were fortunate to befriend James, the owner of the sprite new barge, the Savoir Vivre. This newly built barge is sleek, and mindful of contemporary style and comfort, with an attention to design and efficiency. the Savoir Vivre's cabins excel in comfort. Along with captain Francois and his partner June, who are operating the Savoir Vivre, we dined at La Ferme de Rolle, a very intriguing restaurant, in the highlands overlooking the Ouche valley. Popular with the locals, La Ferme de Rolle is a real treat, with its rustic charm and delicious fare, this restaurant is a true glimpse into the cuisine and character of life in Burgundy. La Ferme de Rolle is also one of the restaurants that passengers visit while on a cruise aboard the Savoir Vivre and their unique dining out itinerary.



From Burgundy, where we left a few clouds behind, we drove to Provence, and our sun soaked rendezvous with the Le Phenicien in Arles. Welcomed aboard by owner Bertrand, and his crew Michel, Nicola, and their super talented chef Thierrey, we joined a group of passengers cruising on the Rhone River. Le Phenicien can host up to 18 passengers and cruises between Avignon and Aigues Mortes on the Rhone River and the Canal du Rhone a Sete. The meals served aboard Le Phenicien are truly an epicurian delight.

Exploring cave paintings in Dordogne, pre- or post-cruise on Canal du Midi

Before a Canal du Midi cruise ....
If you have several days to a week to explore France before embarking on a cruise on the Canal du Midi in the South of France, one of the highlights of the region are the caves of Dordogne, to the west of the Canal du Midi.

Many of these caves contain pre-historic cave paintings and are fascinating. We've visited Lascaux II, in Montignac, which is a reproduction of the original neighboring Lascaux cave with its extensive cave paintings. The original Lascaux cave is not open to the public, not only to protect it, but also because they are attempting to resolve serious problems with moisture in the cave which threatens the integrity of the cave paintings. Lascaux II itself is still worth a visit, as it provides a good deal of background and education on cave paintings, cave exploration, and the challenges of preserving cave paintings for future generations. The story of how the reproduction was made is, in itself, a fascinating story, and one of the interesting components of the visit to Lascaux II. (For more information about Lascaux, see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lascaux).

Other caves in this region where you are seeing "the real thing" do require reservations and the number of visitors per day is usually tightly controlled, to reduce the potentially damaging effects of visitors to the caves. Flash photography is strictly forbidden in all caves. Cave paintings are usually illuminated with low-level tungsten light, which allows reasonable viewing of the paintings to the eye. If a cave allows photography at all (some do not), probably the best way to capture it without flash is a Flip video camera which has very great sensitivity at low light levels.

For a good listing of caves, and discussion, see:
http://www.northofthedordogne.com/caves.php

We suggest going to the websites of each cave you'd like to visit to make reservations, or telephoning the contact directly to determine the best way to ensure a visit while you are in the area. Watch especially the operating times, as your best chance is to visit the most desirable caves is to arrive before opening time, and be the first ones in the public visit that day.

Driving through the hilly Dordogne region is quite a treat, but also keep in mind that the small roads through the hilly terrain do make driving time from one location to another longer than you might expect. Still, the whole region has quite a lot of charm, and the cave visits are the icing on the cake!

Then, after your drive through Dordogne, enjoy another lifetime memory -- a cruise aboard a barge on the Canal du Midi! Contact us for more information.

Deluxe barges from $3,490 to $5,390 per person (and up) ...

The following barges offer large cabin space and the best value for a deluxe barge with rates from $3,490 per person, double occupancy, and up. All of these barges offer individual cabin bookings or you can charter the entire barge for friends or family. Prices apply to the 2012 season and are based on double occupancy. Where price ranges are given, prices vary by season, so see each barge's web page for details.

• 18-passenger LE PHENICIEN -- Provence ($3,490 - $4,440)


• 10-passenger SHANNON PRINCESS II -- Ireland ($4,110 - $4,660)


• 8-passenger MAGNA CARTA -- England ($3,990 - $4,750)


• 12-passenger PANACHE, formerly MARJORIE II -- Holland and Belgium and Alsace ($4,690 - $5,390)


• 12-passenger SAVOIR FAIRE -- Holland, Burgundy and Champagne ($4,500 - $4,800)


• 8-passenger ABSOLUUT2 -- Holland and Burgundy ($4,350 - $4,750)

Contact us to answer any questions you may have, or for individual consultation on your best choice for barge cruises in France and the rest of Europe.

Top barges in France: Ultra Deluxe ...

Top barges in France: Ultra Deluxe ...
When all-out elegance and spaciousness is on your agenda, the ultra-deluxe barges in France will certainly deliver. These 12 hotel barges offer the largest cabin sizes along with top wines, cuisine, service and amenities. All can be chartered for a customized cruise week and many also offer individual cabin bookings:

• 12-passenger ADRIENNE -- Champagne and Alsace
• 4-passenger ALOUETTE -- Canal du Midi (charter only).
• 8-passenger AMARYLLIS -- Burgundy (charter only).
• 8-passenger ENCHANTE -- Canal du Midi or Provence
• 6-passenger FLEUR DE LYS -- Burgundy (charter only).
• 8-passenger HORIZON II -- Burgundy
• 8-passenger LA NOUVELLE ETOILE -- Holland, Belgium, Burgundy, Champagne, Alsace and Germany
• 12-passenger NAPOLEON -- Burgundy and Provence
• 12-passenger NENUPHAR -- Burgundy
• 8-passenger PROSPERITE -- Burgundy (charter only).
• 8-passenger RENAISSANCE -- Upper Loire
• 6-passenger ROI SOLEIL -- Canal du Midi and Provence (charter only).

Contact us to answer any questions you may have, or for individual consultation on your best choice for barge cruises in France and the rest of Europe.

Cuisine Aboard Barges: Chef Hazel Shares A Recipe For A Great Winter Warmer

Hazel Young, owner and chef of the barge, Fandango, and author of the cookbook, "A Week On The Water", has suggested that we share a recipe of hers with our friends. Hazel writes,

"As I love 'terroir' regional cuisine and have a barge recipe book with dishes that are easy for passengers to recreate, I had the idea to send you a couple of snaps of what I'm making in my galley at this time of year, I also make this for the passengers in the Autumn and early Spring when one can buy French winter squash."

"You can not go out to a gourmet restaurant in Burgundy at this time of year without being served as the first dish, or 'amuse bouche', a variation of creamed French winter squash soup. Depending on how fancy the restaurant, the smaller the glass or bowl is!"


Ingredients:
2 lbs Potimaron Squash, or Butternut Squash
2 Leeks
7 Cups Water
1 Bay Leaf
1 Tbls Vegetable Stock Paste
Several Cloves of Garlic (to taste)
Salt and Pepper (to taste)
2 Tbls Creme Fraiche
Olive Oil

My version of cooking this seasonal delicacy is a little more time consuming but really delicious as it brings out the full potential of sweetness in the vegetables. Perhaps in the U.S. you may find butternut squash more easily than this sweet 'chestnut' flavoured 'potimarron' squash. It looks like a small pumpkin and is common in France, although it is twice the price of ordinary pumpkin.

Slice the squash, and remove seeds (use a whole one if not exceeding 2lbs ) cut off the tough outer skin, which can be dangerous if using a sharp knife, or roast with the skin on and it will easily peel when cooked, my preferred method.

Put chunks in a roasting dish wtih several cloves of garlic, according to taste, and drizzle with olive oil. Bake in a medium heated oven for an hour until caramelized.

In a cast iron or soup pot, pour in one quarter of a cup of olive oil and over a very low heat, roast two well washed and thinly sliced leeks until caramelized , this will take at least 15 to twenty minutes but can be done while the squash is roasting.

Add the caramelized squash and garlic to the leeks, pour in 8 cups of water, add a tablespoon of dried vegetable stock, salt and pepper to season, a bay leaf and bring to the boil, reduce heat and simmer for twenty minutes.

Remove bay leaf, use electric hand held mixer if you have one, blend until smooth. Add three tablespoons of cream before serving or heat the cream separately and use as a decoration when the soup is served in bowls. If the soup has become too thick for your liking you can add milk or water, and of course adjust the salt and pepper."

We here at Special Places Travel thought it would be a great way to warm up after an east coast snow storm, so we gave Hazel's recipe a try. A very delicious, velvety smooth soup, with an earthy sweetness. The only thing missing was the the view of the Canal du Midi off the deck of the Fandango.

Thanks, Hazel!

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Enjoy A Cruise Aboard The Clair de Lune!

Enjoy the scenery of the Canal du Midi aboard the peniche hotel barge, Clair de Lune. Take a tour of the salon and cabins, and get a glimpse of some of the vineyards and medieval castles that await you along France's oldest canal.

For more information about the 6-passenger Clair de Lune, cruising on the Canal du Midi in the south of France, see:
http://BargesInFrance.com/clairdelune.htm or contact us.

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Here's What Clients Wrote About Their Cruise

Here are a few of the many comments we received from our passengers during the last cruise season:

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C'est la Vie was welcoming, top class, comfortable, excellent food, excellent wine, wonderful conversation with a personable, knowledgeable crew. Service was friendly, attentive, top class. Our meals and wines without question were the BEST.. wonderfully matched. Our excursions were well chosen ... with an incredible tour guide who spoke fluent French and had a photographic memory for detail.... again the BEST. We would do this again in a heart beat!

Thank you.

-- Vanessa H., Vermont. Aboard C'est la Vie August 2011

For more information about the 8-passenger C'EST LA VIE, cruising in Burgundy, see:
http://BargesInFrance.com/cestlavie.htm or contact us.

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Emma is magnificent. Service could not have been better. Meals and wines were EXCELLENT. Emma was an extremely peaceful journey on a finely maintained canal. This ranks at the top of any of our 61 ship experiences, no hassles and plenty of "frills". The warmth of our hosts was a high point! Emma spoiled us for the next two weeks which we spent in a car travelling in Italy. The cruise is peaceful, and yet invigorating, complete enjoyment of God's creation, warm fellowship.
-- LaVerne and Blaine B., California. Aboard the Emma, September 2011

It was absolutely wonderful! Over the years, we have had some really fantastic trips, much more dramatic, etc. but never have we spent a more enjoyable week than this gentle 65-mile cruise with our friends and a crew that could not do enough for us. The scenery, the food, ah....
-- A&J V, aboard Emma, on Canal du Midi

For more information about the 6-passenger EMMA, cruising on the Canal du Midi in the south of France, see:
http://BargesInFrance.com/emma.htm or contact us.

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The barge trip was phenomenal. What we experienced was so much more than what we expected. The barge was impeccable, clean, well decorated, easy to move around in. The staff were fun, attentive and knowledgeable. The food could have come from a 5 star restaurant.
-- M&J D, aboard Hirondelle, in Burgundy

For more information about the 8-passenger HIRONDELLE, cruising in southern Burgundy and the Upper Loire region of France, see:
http://BargesInFrance.com/hirondelle.htm or contact us.

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Ranked in the top 3 of trips taken in Dick's (74-year) lifetime. Just a wonderfully memorable voyage. The accommodations on the barge were great, the crew was very attentive to our needs and the food was like dining in one of the finer French restaurants every night (thank you, Travis!). The cruise met or exceeded all expectations of what a barge cruise should be. This was our first barge cruise and we hope it won't be the last.

The service? Unbelievable. Much attention was given to meet our every need and you can't ask for or expect more than that on a vacation trip.

The meals and wines were better than any vacation we've ever been on. The crew described the wines before serving and Travis (the chef) described meal preparation, ingredients and what to expect at each meal. All in all, wine and meals were expected to be and were fantastic!

The excursions were very interesting and informative. Lydia's narratives were wonderful and she had a nice sense of humor to add to them. Thoroughly enjoyed all excursions and one of the reasons I selected this particular cruise (the cruise was a surprise to D. until the van pulled up to the Athos on 10/11) was the fact that Chrysler air-conditioned vans followed the barge which facilitated greatly our getting to the various sites for our excursions comfortably and efficiently. Carcassonne was a highlight of the excursion choices.

We liked the barge route very much. As we traveled in mid-Oct. it was important that we chose a cruise in the south of France. We had blue skies every day (no rain) and the only weather problem was a few days with wind that chilled the air unseasonably but that is a small disappointment. It was very interesting to see the lock operations and to see the barge cross a river on a bridge was really unusual and unexpected.

High points of the cruise? Food, scenery, wine, service, excursions - Carcassonne a particular highlight, and the stress-free nature of this cruise.
-- D.K. & D.P, aboard Athos, on Canal du Midi

For more information about the 10-passenger ATHOS, cruising on the Canal du Midi in the south of France, see: http://BargesInFrance.com/athos.htm or contact us.

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The service on Savoir Faire was excellent, the staff was very attentive to our needs. Most importantly, everyone was friendly and knowledgeable. We had amazing meals and wines!!! And don't forget the cheeses. The food was easily the best of all the cruises I have been on. We found our excursions very interesting and educational. A photographer's dream. The cruise route was exactly what we had asked for. We enjoyed ourselves very much. The barge, the food, the tours, the staff--everything was wonderful, thank you!
-- Linda R., Washington. Aboard Savoir Faire, May 2011

For more information about the 12-passenger SAVOIR FAIRE, cruising in Holland during the Spring Tulip Season and in France the rest of the year -- including Burgundy and the Champagne region -- see:
http://BargesInFrance.com/savoirfaire.htm or contact us.

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We really enjoyed the barge route, everything was perfect. We loved just relaxing on the deck. I highly recommend this trip for anyone who would like to experience France in a slow relaxed way. You will enjoy the food and wine as well as see many of the smaller villages along the canal. The best week we have had in a very long time!
-- Bob and Lisa D., Texas. Aboard Papillon, September 2011

For more information about the 6-passenger LE PAPILLON, cruising in Burgundy, see: http://BargesInFrance.com/papillon.htm or contact us.

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Our cruise on Alegria was a trip of a lifetime. Olivier and the crew did everything possible to make it a memorable experience. We would recommend it to anyone. Everyday was an adventure! The barge, the cabins, it all more than met our expectations. Gladys was a fabulous cook!
-- Christine M., California. Aboard Alegria, October 2011

For more information about the 4-passenger ALEGRIA, cruising on the Canal du Midi in southern France, see: http://BargesInFrance.com/alegria.htm or contact us.

Barging In Burgundy - Cruise Aboard Le Papillon

Barging In Burgundy - A Once In A Lifetime Opportunity
Did you ever think about the perfect vacation and what that would be? Well here’s your answer – barging in Burgundy on Le Papillon. This experience is the epitome of what you would expect from a hotel barge. It’s an intimate setting for six lucky guests supported by a dream team staff of four. You couldn’t imagine a better situation.

Our dream vacation started on July 5, 2009 arriving at the gangplank of Le Papillon from Paris chauffeured by Michael, who would be our guide for the week. Sarah, Haley and Cedric were there to greet us with champagne, show us to our berths, and then invited us to relax on deck while the finishing touches were made to dinner. Our mooring was right across from a typical stone cottage we would find time and again on our trip down the Canal de Bourgogne, complete with climbing roses over the front door. The weather was perfect while we sipped our aperitif, and shortly Haley invited us down to the dining salon for dinner.

The table was set for six, with beautiful linens (which would change daily from meal to meal), fresh flowers on the buffet, candles, multiple wine glasses and more, making us feel as though we were royalty. Once seated, our appetizer was served, and Sarah, the chef, poked her head around the corner of the kitchen to tell us what we were having and wished us a cheery, “Bon appétit!” in her lovely British accent. Exquisite in presentation and taste, from the appetizer of Chevre chaud au salade mesclun to the entre of Carre d’agneaux, to a stupendous dessert of tarte tatin, with a sampling of two “lovely, melt in your mouth” local cheeses as described by Haley, and plenty of Chablis and Burgundy to accompany the feast, we were simply blown away by this meal, the first of a week-long sampling of some of the finest food we have had.

How could the evening get better? A digestive on the deck, then a short walk under an almost full moon to the small hamlet of Fleury sur Ouche topped off the night, before we headed to bed. In our cabins there were many thoughtful little touches, flashlights in case of emergency, fresh flowers, scented soaps, Ferrero Rocher chocolates (which mysteriously replenished themselves every day), crisply ironed sheets, comfy pillows and warm comforter. We drifted off to sleep to the sounds of crickets and water lapping at the boat through our open portals.

Monday morning, we were awakened early by birdsong and a rather loud rooster, which was good, because it was our first full day on board and we were excited to see how the day would go. Greeted by sunshine and blue skies, we sat down to a delicious breakfast of fresh squeezed orange juice, fruit, yogurt, bread and croissants from a nearby bakery, granola and lots of café au lait. We got underway around 9:30 and made our way through the first of the forty-one locks we would travel through in the course of the week. Larry and I debarked and walked along the canal, knowing we would need to exercise to keep even with the caloric intake we expected to consume during the coming week. It was beautiful – lots of wildflowers adorned the sides of the path and we waited at each lock for Le Papillon to catch up. We hopped back on before the last lock of the morning then headed in for lunch.

Lunch was leisurely and delicious – curried chicken salad, cucumber salad with tomatoes, fennel salad with feta, lentil salad and fresh green salad. Sarah made everything fresh from local produce which was evident in the flavor of everything we tasted. Two cheeses and two wines later, we left the barge with Michael and headed to Cote d’Or for a lesson in distinguishing vineyards, wine classification and a little wine tasting. We drove through the beautiful Burgundian countryside, and stopped at the edge of a vineyard, learning the difference between grape varieties grown in the region and what identifies a particular appellation. Then we were off to Chateau du Clos de Vougeot, headquarters of Le Chevaliers du Tastevin and formerly a monastery built in the 11th century by the monks of Citeaux. We breezed back into the village to sample some local wines, working our way up to a Premier Cru and finishing with a Grand Cru.

Back to the barge in time for a little more cruising to our final destination for the day so Larry and I hopped on the bikes and forged the way. We met up with the barge at Gissey sur Ouche, another quaint little town along the canal. A cocktail, a shower, then dinner was served. Could Sarah possible top what she had served the night before? Ah yes, and she did the same every night we were on the barge. Cold pea soup with mint, poached salmon with hollandaise, sautéed spinach, basmati rice and then our cheese course. We barely had room for the chocolate sou"és that came out next, but somehow we managed to eat every last scrap of the dessert. Not a crumb was left in any dish! Coffee on deck as the dusk settled in around us, listening to the sound of water running through the lock that we’ll go through tomorrow – what could be more idyllic? Off to bed serenaded by birdsong. Did I mention those chocolates that kept replenishing themselves?

Tuesday was a long, lazy day and we were up early to take a trip into Dijon for the weekly market and to visit historical sites. Sarah escorted us around the market talking about local produce, meats, and cheeses, then Michael gave us a fascinating tour of the city. His knowledge of history was extensive, and he gave us a detailed, “Cliff Notes” version of the lineage and rule of the Dukes of Burgundy. Pretty complex, a few double crosses here and there, alliances by marriage, the Bold, the Fearless, the Good and much more. We had to fall back on the guide book later to sort it all out. We walked around town with Michael noting points of interest and took turns rubbing a little carved ochuette (owl) on the side of the 13th century church for good luck and a long, healthy life as long as you used your left hand!

Back at the boat, we were greeted with a lunch repast of treats from the market – hard sausage, country pate, goose liver pate, tomato and mozzarella salad, tabouleh salad, luscious cherries, fresh bread, our requisite two cheeses and of course, a white and red wine. After lunch, we set sail and Larry and I started out walking, then switched to the bikes and rode to the next stopping point at Pont d’Ouche. We took side trips up into the villages we passed, getting a little glimpse into life in the French countryside.

Our dinner this evening was at a restaurant, La Ferme de Rol, tucked into the hillside about a 25 minute drive from our mooring. At our urging, we asked Michael to join us as he felt like a natural part of our group. We had fun trying out the specialties of the house from escargot, to a well-known ham, mixed grill and pork tenderloin. A wonderfully diverse cheese tray and various desserts topped off the meal along with a couple of bottles of wine. Ken, one of our traveling partners, rode shotgun looking for wild boar and deer on the way back to the barge as twilight settled in. Sarah, Cedric and Michael hung out with us while we chatted about the day’s events. A perfect ending to another amazing day on Le Papillon!

Wednesday (how can it be Wednesday already), dawned cool with mixed clouds and sun but that didn’t dampen our spirits (or our appetites). We cruised in the morning, and Larry and I walked about two hours before hopping back on board. We moored along the canal with a stupendous view of Chateauneuf – a landmark we had been seeing all morning as we made our way down the canal. Before we headed out for the afternoon trip to Beaune, we feasted on the most delicious, rich quiche of swiss chard, a fresh pea, carrot and bean salad with homemade mayonnaise (made daily), wild rice salad with cucumbers, walnuts, raisins and tomatoes, fresh artichoke hearts, and cheese, wine and bread. A little fresh flower was tucked into our napkins – just one of the many ways Haley decorated our table for each meal.

Beaune, our destination for the afternoon, was a fascinating place and our first stop was at the Hotel Dieu, a hospital for the poor built by a wealthy couple, Nicholas and Guigone Rolin, in the mid 1400’s as a way to redeem their souls before leaving this earth. In addition, they bequeathed vineyards to the hospital as a means of supporting the operating expenses. The wine from the vineyards is auctioned off every year to this day, the benefits going to the hospital. The most incredible artifact of the day was a beautiful painting by Roger Van der Weyden depicting the Last Judgment. A polyptych, painted in the 15th century, it was displayed above the altar to remind the sick of their mortality and to encourage them to repent their sins while they still had the chance. Very moving and certainly made me take notice of the difference between heaven and hell as depicted in the painting!

After touring the Hotel Dieu, we poked around Beaune, bought some wine and headed back to Le Papillon for a cocktail on deck, wondering what delectable dishes we would be having tonight. Not disappointed, Sarah served us escargots forestiere, roasted quail, celeriac and mashed potatoes, petit pois, and polenta aux herbes. We finished with two delicious cheeses (how could there be so many varieties) and a gateaux gingembre with crème anglaise with framboise. We were so full, the group decided to take a walk and we set our sights on the Chateauneuf! It was a lovely stroll, although the road up to the village was steep and we had to keep focused on the objective. We were rewarded with wonderful views, and as the sun set, the last rays of daylight lit up the chateau and surrounding country. As we headed back to the barge, we joked about the crew worrying about their guests getting lost in the dark in the French countryside. They were surprised we walked all the way to the chateau and I think relieved that we made it back in one piece. We enjoyed a cognac and then headed off to bed.

Thursday, we cruised in the morning along another beautiful stretch of the canal, with lots of Charolais cattle everywhere, neat gardens, flowers tucked in and around quaint old houses. On foot once again, we enjoyed the abundance of wildflowers, and felt like we saw so much more by walking. Larry continued to take pictures of each “ecluse” and hopefully we can put together a poster of them when we get home. We met up with the barge at the last lock before docking, then sat down to another fantastic lunch. Poached eggs over toast with a red wine and mushroom sauce, mixed salad, and homemade peach ice cream for dessert. Cheese and wine of course, was a highlight of lunch.

Our destination after lunch was - Chateauneuf! Fortunately, we had not gone into the village on our walk, knowing we would be visiting it today. Michael gave us an extraordinary tour of the chateau, we walked around the village, enjoyed the views and had a wonderful afternoon, swinging by one of the reservoirs that feeds the canal on the way back to the barge and driving into Pouilly, to see where the canal exits the 3 kilometer tunnel that’s under the city.

We had a special treat in store for us tonight, Armel and Roland were our entertainment before dinner. They sang and played French and Belgian songs for us. Roland was an amazing piano player and had a great voice, and Armel, was sexy and sultry as she went through their repertoire of music. A perfect touch for cruising through Burgundy and we enjoyed their performance immensely.

Dinner was later because of the entertainment, and since it was John’s birthday, we celebrated in style with birthday hats and balloons. Chestnut soup with croutons and duck pate, followed by fish with sauce verte and fresh tomato salsa and rice pilaf, our cheese tray, then birthday cake with crème fraiche and warm berry sauce. To end the meal we had a champagne birthday toast to John by all, including the crew – a perfect way to celebrate such an auspicious day.

Friday, and sadly our last day, we felt like we wanted to mutiny and take over the barge living on it for the rest of the summer, eating Sarah’s delicious meals. But alas, we knew we couldn’t do that so we tried our best to lock in every memory of that day. We started early, heading out at 6:15 am for a hot air balloon ride over the Burgundy countryside. It was our party’s first ride, and Haley and Armel came along to experience one of the most amazing events any of us have had. We jumped in the basket, and with a few blasts of hot air and we were o! the ground in seconds. The ground crew unhooked us and we were off What an amazing thing to view the world from a hot air balloon. Your whole perspective changes as all that is familiar gets smaller and smaller while you float along on the wind currents. The cows below didn’t particularly like us and they would look up and bellow, then race off in a panic. We glided along for an hour until our expert pilot set us down precisely between two wheat fields on a dirt road. The farmer wasn’t too happy, and he came out to tell us so, but the balloon did not damage the wheat and we all helped to pack it up and get the basket and balloon back on the trailer, celebrating afterwards with a little champagne!

When we returned to Le Papillon, we had breakfast, then launched for our final trip on the canal through the tunnel. It was a little creepy, damp and dark, but Cedric guided the barge through it without a hitch. We were glad to see daylight on the other side and we moored at our final destination – Pouilly en Auxois. It was a little sad knowing this was our last spot, but nevertheless, we took off on one last excursion to Fontenay Abbey. Once again we were treated to an astounding setting, beautiful grounds and buildings restored at various stages in its history by the Aynard family. They have done an incredible job of restoring the abbey over the years and we spent a couple of hours wandering through the buildings. On our return trip, we stopped at Semur en Auxois to walk through the medieval city admiring the architecture and remains of the fortifications. Then we loaded up into the trusty VW van and made our way back to the barge.

Our last night was bittersweet, knowing this would be the end to a wonderful week of friendship, learning about French history and culture, enjoying gourmet meals and being spoiled as guests of Le Papillon. But we threw ourselves into the festivities, enjoying our final stupendous meal, starting with a delectable crab cake, then duck with sautéed radishes, haricot verte, patate douce, our cheese course and ending the meal with pannecotta au citron. More champagne, conversations with the crew, then we reluctantly headed off to our cabins to pack and get ready for an early departure the next morning.


Looking back on our week on the barge, we were soothed by the warm hospitality of the crew who saw to our every need. We delighted in the comforts of the barge itself, intimate and cozy with a great deck to sit on and simply watch the scenery go by. We enjoyed the walking and bike riding, spending time together without the intrusions of the everyday stresses of life – work, caring for aging parents, household chores and more. We appreciated the fresh foods we ate, and the expert way they were made into something extraordinary three times a day for us. We left Le Papillon with hugs, kisses on both cheeks and a moist eye, knowing we would miss the leisurely pace and the feeling of being truly cared for by this wonderful group of people. As the van pulled away from Le Papillon for the last time, we all fell silent, each remembering special moments that we tucked away into our memory banks for future reference when we returned to our lives back in the states.

So … if you ever dreamed of a vacation where you don’t have to worry about anything, with a perfect setting, just the right amount of activities, delicious food, great companionship and the most wonderful people to care for you – Le Papillon is for you!

How can we ever adequately thank you for providing this incredible opportunity to us? We can only say thank you from the bottom of our hearts for this chance to experience the Papillon and for Larry and I to have a chance to reconnect again, spend some quality time together and remember what being in love is all about.

Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!
C and L

[Many thanks to the owner of the Papillon for sharing these comments with us!]

For more information about Le Papillon, see: http://BargesInFrance.com/papillon.htm or contact us.

Canal Barge Trip Aboard the Luciole

Canal Barge Trip Aboard the Luciole
It was great!! No current newspapers, no TV. Flew to Paris, dropped bags at designated hotel, met the other participants later, and were picked up on Sun afternoon, and the 13 of us were driven to the barge - about three hours South of Paris.

It was a week's trip. The food was truly sensational -- cholesterol be damned!! It was extremely relaxing and restful.

Daily, we would have a half day barging and half a day with a knowledgeable crew member driving us to a local town/village and giving us the highlights whether it was a cathedral or a castle or a market or a vineyard. On the barge part of the day, our capitaine would give us the distance to the next lock - and we could walk it on the towpath, or bike it (a supply of these were stored on deck for our use). The speed limit for the canal was 3 and 1/2 knots which the skipper rarely attained, so you easily outstripped the barge. Or you could just take advantage of a deck chair and "cheer on" the athletes. Most walked at least one mile, a lesser number manned the deck chairs, and the least popular choice was bike.

Our crew (4 men, 2 women) was outstanding. While panning the scenery from the deck, you could have iced tea, lemonade, wine, beer, and biscuits. Beer turned out to be the popular choice. Hard liquor was also available, and like everything else, was a freebie, which no one called for until the last night.

At mealtimes, for breakfast, it was tables for 4 or 5 -- and buffet style with juices, fruit, cold cereal, assorted breads and pastries, coffee, milk, tea. Lunchtime again was the same table setup but one of the crew showed and explained all the choices and you were served individually at your seat. There was no assigned seating -- it was very informal -- and you pretty much got to eat with everyone. At dinner, the tables were pulled together into one long table and service was individually -- by courses. At both lunch and dinner, a cheese course was served -- always two or three different cheeses, preceded by an explanation of the background and qualities for each. Again, at both lunch and dinner, a different red wine and white wine, were discussed, and as always, replenished -- especially was this true at dinner. Almost everyone commented on how much more wine, he or she, consumed during the trip than they ever had at home. And the meals were truly gourmet - truly outstanding.

There was a small varied library on board, if you chose to read and hadn't brought your own reading material. And you had ample opportunity to read, as you slowly wandered down the canal and river (which overlapped in places).

Most times, shorts were in order. The only time the men dressed up was the last night's dinner, so, trousers. And some of the men wore jackets for this, dinner but some did not, nor did the capitaine, who ate with us for this one meal.

The cabins were quite small -- but all had a shower, sink, john etc. -- and you spent very little time there. (Twin beds butted at right angles against each other.)

We had a British couple and an British single woman, two related couples from Ohio, a couple from San Diego, and a couple from N.C. - with the ages running from 57 upwards to me.

The weather cooperated beautifully - which always helps.

The barges don't run in the winter, and this particular one will be closed up in a few weeks. Normally, the charge is just (in the mid to upper US$3,000 per person). I saw an ad in the Washington Post. We looked into it, and it was handled by an outfit over in Annapolis, specializing in barge travel, and they were great. They stayed with us -- not just until they had our credit card -- but even after the trip was completed.

Back to Paris - an hour and a half North, by car. And Paris is still Paris -- very nice! Last time there, lodged on the Left Bank, this time Right Bank, directly across the road from the Tuileries, about a block from the Louvre. Last time, walked everywhere. This time took a bus which connected with three others, making four loops in all, around the city. Finally caught up with Montmartre, which before had been seen only from a distance.

So, five days in Paris (food was OK - but not as good as previously. We were probably spoiled by the Luciole's chef). St. James & Albany Hotel and Spa was very good.

In balance, barge portion was excellent - thanks to Capitaine Stephon, Caroline, Paul, Neil, Elizabeth and William. ]

C.N., aboard Luciole, Canal du Nivernais, Burgundy