France - a luxury canal cruise

FRENCH LUXURY CANAL CRUISES

I read hundreds of brochures each month so I am up to date on world wide travel activity and one has just brought back lots of memories to me. My parents ( a Scottish father and a Welsh mother ) took a canal trip every year on the French waterways and as a teenager, I thought it was like watching paint dry. I said to myself, I will never come to France again if I can help it. My father insisted French only be spoken, and the rest of the family appeared to be gifted linguists, and I struggled. Perhaps that’s why I didn’t like the canal trips. I did like the fact that I could ride a bike every day, and the food was outstanding. I remember my parents raving about the wine selections. The family spent a lot of time in France, since my younger sister was studying at the Sorbonne in Paris.

A web of approximately 4800 miles of navigable rivers and canals crisscross France. Although today the commercial barges are mostly a passing breed the French Navigation Authority continues to maintain its canals for their historic importance and scenic beauty. They have been popular since the l7th century, and used to be an important source of transportation.

The four regions are Alsace-Lorraine, a story book land of half timbered houses, cobblestone streets, and storks nesting on chimney tops. The barge takes 8 passengers, with a crew of 6. Champagne is the home to the world’s most celebrated wine. The extensive vineyards date to Roman times. The barge takes 8 passengers, with a crew of 6. Burgundy is in the heart of France, with 600 miles of waterways. It’s renowned vineyards produce some of the world’s most prized wines and it is a great gastronomic center. The barge takes 12 passengers with a crew of 6. Upper Loire is the gateway to Paris to the well known chateau country to the southwest. Christened the Garden of France because of its mild climate and it became the playground of French Kings. The barge takes 8 passengers with a crew of 6. These are luxury barges, with elegant dining. All crew members speak English, so no knowledge of French is necessary.

This is an ideal holiday for a family, or a group of friends who want privacy, a relaxing experience and definitely a food lovers paradise. We can arrange for you to have an elegant dinner ashore at one of the many Michelin starred restaurants depending on what route you are on. You have a fully stocked open bar on board, and the finest wine list afloat, including many wines from Premier Cru and Grand Cru vineyards. If you are a wine lover, then you will know the names of Gevrey-Chambertin, Meursault, and Chassagne-Montrachet. You will be introduced to wonderful vintages from distinguished family owned properties whose limited production is rarely sold for export. Each barge is accompanied by a deluxe air conditioned motor coach providing passengers complete comfort for daily sightseeing and escorted transfers.

I would suggest a few days in Paris, before or after the cruise, or go to the South of France and see the Riviera. You can certainly spend longer than a week in France and we can suggest many options for you to do after the canal trip.

Maureen Jones

All Horizons Travel/Frosch

650-961-2340 direct

825 Santa Cruz Avenue

Menlo Park

Maureen.Jones@Frosch.com

www.allhorizonstvl.com