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- Oui Nous Parlons Français
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Whether cruising in France, Germany, England,
Scotland, Ireland, Belgium or Holland, on your journey you will see quaint little villages, beautiful chateaux, cathedrals,
wineries and more, while also enjoying gourmet food and wine.
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For those that have seen the major tourist
sites and now want to experience more of Europe,
and still have the comfort of every aspect of the trip taken care of, then a luxury canal barge cruise may be for you. All
excursions are included on most vessels as well as wine with the meals. The atmosphere is very relaxed, no formal nights,
you are out during the day exploring, so you will never run out of activities. The staffs of the barge are English speaking
and go out of their way to meet your every need.
Most of the barges are air conditioned with
central heating and carpeted throughout. There is a spacious saloon, dinning area and bar, as well as a sun deck. Cabins feature
private bath, two twin beds and closets as well as drawer space. On the deluxe barges, you will find Jacuzzi, fitness
rooms, pianos, computer access, TVs and bigger cabins.
The barges cruise to such
regions as Burgundy,
Alsace-Lorraine, Upper Loire, Champagne, Franche-Comté and Provence.
A cruise through the Burgundy
region will feature scenery made famous by French Impressionists painters and an itinerary of medieval towns and chateaux
and the famous vineyards of Chablis. A journey through the Alsace
region, perhaps one of the most picturesque provinces in France, is an endless discovery of art, architecture, gourmet food
and wine 6 white wines and 1 rose), and history. The itinerary is full of turreted castles and picture-book villages. In the
Upper
Loire region, you will find the famous Sancerre vineyards and the home of the famous
French goat cheese – "Crottin de Chavignol", as well as many historical buildings. With a cruise to the Champagne
region, you will enjoy wine tasting in some of the most prestigious champagne houses, as well as visiting memorials to the
fallen of the First World War, and the superb Gothic Cathedral in Reims.
While cruising through the Franche-Comté region, culinary delights
will include Compte cheese and the white wines of Arbois. The region is full of rivers, lakes and streams. Provence
– the image of sun, perfumed flowers, historical towns and some of the world’s finest wines – they are all
here.
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| Gourmet food prepared fresh daily |
Another feature of the
barges is their gourmet food and wine. As you are cruising through
some of the most beautiful French countryside, you will enjoy specialty foods from the regions as well as local wines and
cheeses (many of which are not exported out of France).
Additionally, many of the barges have an open bar policy. During the course of the week, you will enjoy no fewer than 20 different
local wines and almost 30 different types of cheeses. The chefs are all trained at top French cooking schools, and delight
in offering you the very best of French gourmet cuisine. Your breakfast will include freshly baked breads and pastries from
local bakers, lunch will be a buffet style with fresh fruits, meats, cheeses and vegetables of the regions, while dinner is
served by candlelight and can contain from 5 – 7 courses of local, specialized foods such as beef, fowl and fish.
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These cruises are great for small groups of 6 - 24 people, whether friends, family or for business meetings/incentives.
Such group themes as gardens and architecture, opera, gastronomy, wine, health/walking/cycling, golfing, religious and ballooning
are available. The land only prices for these inclusive cruises (including cruise, 4 - 6 meals daily, wine with meals, use
of bicycles on most barges and all excursions) start at $1690 per person in off season and $1990 per person in high season
for a 7 day cruise.
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