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An ocean cruise is a wonderful experience, no doubt, and a riverboat cruise can be a fun vacation as well. But neither of these comes close to a luxury barge cruise in France. So the question is… how different is French barge cruising from other types of cruises?
First, France is absolutely the ideal place for cruising. It is the place for art, architecture, romance, culture, wine and gourmet cuisine. All of this can be yours while gently gliding down the river Seine through Paris and into Normandy, up the Rhone River through sun-drenched Provence, along the Canal de Bourgogne in rustic Burgundy, across the wetlands of Camargue or on the majestic Canal du Midi in Languedoc. And don’t forget the Loire Valley with its abundance of Renaissance chateaus, plus the regions of Alsace and Champagne.
On a barge-hotel, you have a good chance of experiencing the local culture. The pace is slow and the distances covered are short. Plus, a barge can navigate narrow man-made canals and get to places bigger river cruisers could never dream of reaching. Because of this, it is the perfect way to venture along less-traveled routes, deep into the countryside. Once there, you have lots of opportunities for strolls into the heart of quaint villages, where the smiling faces of the locals greet you like welcome visitors. Also common are the leisurely walks along the canal tow path and visits to small vineyards to meet the “vigneron” and taste his wine. And, it is not rare to run into a local market full of unusual items typical of the region.
You can “make” your own cruise. Most barge cruises have set routes. They cruise up river one week and come back the other way the next. But barges are typically small–4 to 12 passengers–so other “whatever-floats-your-boat” charter options are often easy to arrange. These theme cruises–usually for private groups or families–can be organized to fit your very own needs and interests. Wine, golf and bicycling are the most common theme cruises, but there are many others: chocolate and wine in Burgundy, art and painting in Provence, Mediterranean gardens in the south of France, you name it… it can be done.
And, one of barging’s claims to fame is the cuisine. The culinary experience is the heart and soul of a barge cruise. Special gourmet meals are prepared with fresh local and seasonal products by the onboard chef every day. Delicious local wines are paired with your meals. And cheeses are always part of the menu, of course. Every effort is made to keep your taste buds happy all the time. On some of these boats bar drinks are even included in the package.
Barge cruising is truly a relaxing and rejuvenating experience. For many people it is a once-in-a-life-time event that inevitably leaves fond and romantic memories. It is about the good life, away from the pressures of modern living. Imagine gently drifting by pastoral landscapes, through historic towns, under ancient stone bridges or past medieval homes and castles while sipping a local vintage on the sun deck. Paradise!
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Source by Pierre Mainguene