Barging Down the Rivers and Canals of France
There are so many places in the world to see, and within those destinations there is a plethora of things to do. If you are looking for a truly unique experience for your upcoming vacation, read on...
Many years ago I had the opportunity to spend time barging for a few days on the Thames River near Oxford, England. That old barge did not have many ammenities. The sleeping accommodations were tight, there was no cooking onboard, and not much of a deck to hang out on, but I was hooked. I loved the slow pace and watching the beautiful countryside go by. The captain allowed me to steer the barge and help with the canal locks. On our first day we tied up at a spot in the middle of nowhere and disembarked right onto the back lawn of a pub that was over 100 years old. Lunch was sheperds pie and some warm ale ( the pie was good the ale was not) There were bicycles onboard that we were allowed to use to ride on the footpath that was next to the canal. My traveling companions and I had a leisurely ride from one town to the next where we met our barge and got back onboard and traversed the next part of the river. This was back in the early nineties, my how things have changed!
Today, barging is a vastly popular vacation style in Europe, expecially in France. The barges are like floating hotels with appealing accommodations. One of the barges is owned by the Orient Express whose high standards are well known. They have full kitchens that serve gourmet meals (which are included), alcohol and wine bars,outdoor sun decks and a full crew to see to your every need. They stop in a variety of places and the shore excursions are all part of the price. They can house anywhere from 6 or 8 people on up to 40 person barges. You can rent out an entire barge ( some of the 8 person barges are not that expensive) They are great for a family, a group of girlfiends, a few couples traveling together. They provide a much more intimate vacation than big, or small. ship cruising. The barges stop in a variety of towns even some that have famous wineries. At each stop you will disembark do some sightseeing and then get backonboard the barge and float to your next destination. If you stop in a town with a winery you most likely will view the winery and have a tasting session. Depending on which canal route you take there are a variety of things to do and see.
This summer there is a trip on one of the ultra deluxe barges that is perfect for oenophiles. It boasts all 33 Grand Cru wines of France will be tasted by each guest!
Barge cruises usually only last one week, so consider a few days in Paris before the trip and maybe a few in southern France after the trip are in order. If you are interested in really seeing the country from a different perspective perhaps a barging trip is for you.
If you have any questions or would like further information contact your LBAC Travel Dream Vacation Maker to help you make all your vacation dreams come true!
Many years ago I had the opportunity to spend time barging for a few days on the Thames River near Oxford, England. That old barge did not have many ammenities. The sleeping accommodations were tight, there was no cooking onboard, and not much of a deck to hang out on, but I was hooked. I loved the slow pace and watching the beautiful countryside go by. The captain allowed me to steer the barge and help with the canal locks. On our first day we tied up at a spot in the middle of nowhere and disembarked right onto the back lawn of a pub that was over 100 years old. Lunch was sheperds pie and some warm ale ( the pie was good the ale was not) There were bicycles onboard that we were allowed to use to ride on the footpath that was next to the canal. My traveling companions and I had a leisurely ride from one town to the next where we met our barge and got back onboard and traversed the next part of the river. This was back in the early nineties, my how things have changed!
Today, barging is a vastly popular vacation style in Europe, expecially in France. The barges are like floating hotels with appealing accommodations. One of the barges is owned by the Orient Express whose high standards are well known. They have full kitchens that serve gourmet meals (which are included), alcohol and wine bars,outdoor sun decks and a full crew to see to your every need. They stop in a variety of places and the shore excursions are all part of the price. They can house anywhere from 6 or 8 people on up to 40 person barges. You can rent out an entire barge ( some of the 8 person barges are not that expensive) They are great for a family, a group of girlfiends, a few couples traveling together. They provide a much more intimate vacation than big, or small. ship cruising. The barges stop in a variety of towns even some that have famous wineries. At each stop you will disembark do some sightseeing and then get backonboard the barge and float to your next destination. If you stop in a town with a winery you most likely will view the winery and have a tasting session. Depending on which canal route you take there are a variety of things to do and see.
This summer there is a trip on one of the ultra deluxe barges that is perfect for oenophiles. It boasts all 33 Grand Cru wines of France will be tasted by each guest!
Barge cruises usually only last one week, so consider a few days in Paris before the trip and maybe a few in southern France after the trip are in order. If you are interested in really seeing the country from a different perspective perhaps a barging trip is for you.
If you have any questions or would like further information contact your LBAC Travel Dream Vacation Maker to help you make all your vacation dreams come true!
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