Tuesday, July 25, 2006

Books - Barging and French Canals

Book - Through the French Canals Through the French Canals (Paperback)
by David Jefferson

Book Description
Through the French Canals has probably tempted more people to explore the beautiful waterways of France than any other publication. Now in its ninth edition, this comprehensive guide includes new photographs and practical information on local facilities, distances, heights and depths. It will be invaluable to anyone planning a cruise on the French waterways or a passage from the English Channel through to the Mediterranean. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Book - Barging in Burgundy France Barging in Burgundy: Boating, Exploring, Wining, & Dining (Capital Travels) (Paperback)
by Erasmus H. Kloman

Review
"Erasmus Kloman and his wife, Sue, travel to France every year. This is really a how-to book, punctuated with anecdotes from his family trip - with teenagers! Along the way in his descriptions of the villages and places they pass he gives the history of the area and as mentioned before sprinkles in a few recipes that are specialities of the region. What struck me as I read the book - yes I'm ashamed to say it - it almost sounds like too much work! As I reflected on my fading fantasy, I realized that most accounts I'd read so far had been trips on what Mr. Kloman calls "hotel barges", rather than his chosen method of "bare barge". So, I remembered that what is important, even more so on a barge, is the journey, not the destination and the fantasy is returning.

Book - Inland Waterways of France - Cruising the canals and rivers of EuropeInland Waterways of France: Cruising the canals and rivers of Europe, on your own Dutch barge or canal boat [DOWNLOAD: PDF] (Digital)

Book Description

Traveling on the canals and rivers of Europe aboard your own vessel is an ideal way to visit as as many as 14 countries and experience their culture and customs of life. Cities, villages and the countryside are often very accessible by natural or man-made waterways.
Cruisers can travel at their own speed and on their own route, stopping almost anywhere to spend a night or a week. You can bring your own affordable hotel right into the center of many major cities, or find a secluded anchorage amidst peaceful surroundings. You can rent one of several thousand boats available for holiday cruises, or find a barge or a canal cruiser of your own. EuroCanals Guides offer detailed information and comments to help narrow down the many choices of where to go and how to do it.

Book - through Europe at four knots European French canals Through Europe at Four Knots: A Tale of Boating Mayhem and Family Adventure (Hardcover)
by Les Horn

Book Description
In 1990, teacher Les Horn had a brainstorm: why not navigate Europe's inland waterways, from England to Greece, in a small sailboat? Much to his surprise, he sold his wife and preteen son and daughter on the idea, and the following summer, installed in their 24-foot fixer-upper, Alea , the Horns set sail on the family odyssey chronicled in this amusing, satisfying tale. Traveling at a snail's pace, foraging for provisions, and propelled more by British pluck than by their temperamental outboard motor, the Horns eventually made it to the Aegean, but not without their share of uproarious misadventures in France, Germany, Austria, Czechoslovakia, Hungary, Yugoslavia, Bulgaria, and Turkey. Combining a wry sense of humor with a journalist's eye for the telling detail, Les Horn weaves a shrewdly funny family farce within a delightfully engaging travelogue packed with vivid observations of Europe's variegated landscape, history, and people. A rousing good read for both actual and armchair sailors, travelers, and adventurers.

Book - The European Waterways The European Waterways: A User's Guide (Paperback)
by Marian Martin

Book Description
Anyone who admits to a sense of confusion when confronted with the bewildering array of European waterway signs, signals, rules and regulations will find this book a blessing. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Book - Cruising French Waterways - Canals Cruising French Waterways (Paperback)
by Hugh McKnight

Book Description
This beautifully photographed handbook covers historical sites and scenic attractions, as well as shore facilities, repair yards, and much more. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Midwest Book Review
Now in this updated and expanded fourth edition, Hugh McKnight continues to draw upon his nearly four decades of experience and undeniable expertise in making Cruising French Waterways an essential reference and guidebook for anyone wanting to sail or motorboat along one of France's 5000 miles of waterways. Extensive descriptions of scenery and historic locales make Cruising French Waterways as ideal for armchair travelers as it is for vacationers whetting their anticipation for what to expect. Black-and-white and color photographs offer a glimpse of the ancient wonders waiting to be discovered. Packed with detail cover to cover, Cruising French Waterways spares no effort to explore the depth and beauty of the scenic French countryside.

Book - Culinary Journey in Gascony - Cookbook French Canals A Culinary Journey in Gascony: Recipes and Stories from My French Canal Boat (Paperback)
by Kate Ratliffe

From Publishers Weekly
Ratliffe offers readers an armchair culinary journey on her 80-year-old Dutch barge, the Julia Hoyt, her "one-table restaurant and two-room hotel,'' as it traverses 88 kilometers, 21 locks, 19 villages and six courses along the Garonne River in southwestern France. After aperitifs and olives come such simple delights as Garlic Soup and Two-Celery Soup. In true French fashion, an entree comes next, an opener such as Grilled Ham with Figs, Wild Mushroom Pie or Salad with Sauteed Fresh Foie Gras. The main course might be Roast Pork Stuffed with Prunes and Shallots, Braised Beef in the Gascon Style or Pan-Grilled Stuffed Trout. Following French custom, a separate vegetable dish comes next, designed to contrast with the main course: for example, a celery root puree after a garlicky roast guinea fowl. Desserts are simple: Summer Fruit Custard Tart, Two-Peach Gratin, Goat Cheese with Armagnac and Honey. Fashioned for preparation in a small galley-kitchen, the recipes are classic ones, often accompanied by a little truc (trick or personal touch) such as adding bittersweet chocolate to a stew. Recipes, maps, photographs and essays on local products and people combine to create almost the satisfaction of being aboard the Julia Hoyt on her leisurely course.

Book - Watersteps through France - Camargue by Canal Watersteps Through France: To the Camargue by Canal (Paperback)
by Bill Cooper, Laurel Cooper

Book Description
When Bill and Laurel Cooper decided to spend the winter in the South of France, they took their seaworthy but half finished Dutch barge Hosanna by an "overland" route throguh the canals and rivers of France. Along the way, they passed through a number of out-of-the-way places, made a wonderful variety of friends and had a great many adventures.

Book - Floating through France - Canal du Midi Barging Barges Floating Through France: Life Between Locks on the Canal du Midi (Travelers' Tales Guides) (Paperback)
by Barbara J. Euser (Editor)

Book Description
Many tourists' trips to France are dominated by that country's cosmopolitan capital; Floating Through France reveals a rural side of France that is seen less often, but is just as compelling as Paris's urban excitement. The essays in this collection explore the areas surrounding the unique, picturesque Canal du Midi. The oldest functioning canal in Europe, the Canal du Midi started out as a shortcut for bustling commerce in the 17th century and is now a United Nations World Heritage site and one of the most beautiful, evocative features of the French countryside. Featuring essays from notables such as Linda Watanabe McFerrin, Larry Habegger, and Joanna Biggar, as well as up-and-comers, and poetry and photo-sketches, Floating Through France is perfect for those traveling to France or those who just want to feel like they're there.

Wednesday, July 12, 2006

BARGING HOLIDAYS - SPECIAL DISCOUNTS


Several canal hotel barges are offering special discounts for October and/or November 2006 barging holidays.

$500 per person discount off the current rate for:
  • October 2006 Departures: Three French barges in the regions of Burgundy and Provence, plus SCOTTISH HIGHLANDER in the Great Glen of Scotland... say hello to Nessie!
  • And two for the month of November 2006 for Provence France, including ANJODI.
Where no cabins are booked on a cruise, a minimum of 4 passengers are required to guarantee the cruise.

For more information on this special and anything else that may come to mind, contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters: CLICK HERE

Tuesday, July 04, 2006

French Canal Barge EMMA - updated web site

This week we have updated our web site for the French canal hotel barge, EMMA, who cruises along the canal du midi, France.

We have two new pages: Guest comments & Rates.

Here's a new photo of EMMA that Liz just sent us!


CLICK HERE to view our web site for EMMA.

For more information, contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters: SEND US AN EMAIL

French Barge LE PREMIER - One week left for 2006

We had a note from the French Barge LE PREMIER this morning, letting us know that they only have one week left for their 2006 season: August 27 to September 2, 2006.

This beautiful hotel barge cruises along the Dijon - Escommes region of the Burgundy Canal (Canal de Bourgogne, France)

View LE PREMIER's online brochure: CLICK HERE

For more information on Le Premier or other boats, contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters: SEND US AN EMAIL

Tuesday, June 13, 2006

Barge SAVOIR FAIRE - Paris to Amsterdam

The Barge SAVOIR FAIRE is announcing a 13-day cruise through France, Belgium and Holland between October 8th and 20th this year (2006).

It’s a great way to experience three different cultures without leaving the comfort of your cabin! There’s so much variety and in addition, it is a wonderful time of the year to travel, as the trees are in their resplendent autumn colours. Artists would really appreciate this tour, with plenty of subjects and visits to Monet’s garden and Rubens’ house.

The cruise starts on the Seine in central Paris near to Place de la Concorde, where guests have a day to soak up the city atmosphere, tour the sights and visit the shops in the company of the guide before enjoying the evening illuminations.

Journeying out of Paris, guests can enjoy excursions to Malmaison, the home of Napoleon, its many rooms lavishly furnished by Josephine, and Impressionist Claude Monet’s charming house and gardens in Giverny, where you can see the famous water-lily pond and the Japanese bridge that inspired so many of his paintings.

Moving northwards to Compiegne guests are able to see the train where the World War I Armistice was signed before journeying through the Somme valley and over the beautiful Vermandois hills and Picardie where the tow path beckons them to walk awhile between locks. Excursions to Amiens and Valenciennes along the way introduce passengers to two charming towns, Amiens’ great Gothic cathedral with its powerful, towering columns being a high point.

Crossing the border into Belgium, Savoir Faire heads across Flanders towards Antwerp, and en route passengers will delight in visiting to the little town of Bruges, known as the "Venice of the North". There is plenty of time to explore the many museums, buy some of the handmade lace or take a boat trip on the small canals that weave through the town. Visits to the vibrant and friendly towns of Gent and Antwerp are a “must” for those who enjoy Flemish art, architecture and sculpture. Plus they are great shopping centres! A visit to Rubens' house is quite an eye-opener.

As Savoir Faire makes her way towards the Dutch border, the waterways widen – these are part of the delta of the Maas and the Rhein as they reach the North Sea. A visit to the famous Delta Project exhibition gives an absorbing insight into the historical battle with the sea enabling visitors to appreciate one of the greatest feats of water engineering in the world involving damming the great estuaries. What a contrast between the modern deltaworks and the next port of call - Willemstad. This town is preserved in its original state, with windmill dykes, an old church and a 15th century arsenal. You can’t leave Holland without tasting the Gouda cheese and what better place than the town itself which is visited before the cruise concludes in Oudekerk just outside Amsterdam.

It is possible to break the cruise into two parts so guests who have selected 6 nights will be transferred to Brussels Airport or Ghent half way through the tour.

SAVOIR FAIRE will also doing this 13-day cruise in 2007 from Amsterdam to Paris departing 6th May 2007 and again from Paris to Amsterdam 7th October 2007.

To view SAVOIR FAIRE's electronic brochure: CLICK HERE

To view SAVOIR FAIRE's 13-night 3-country itinerary: CLICK HERE

If you are interested in coming on this cruise – 13 days or 6 days, please contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters.

Tuesday, June 06, 2006

Le Premier - Burgundy Canal, Cabin available Sept.3,2006


The French canal barge, Le Premier, has one cabin available for the week of September 3, 2006. Le Premier cruises the Canal de Bourgogne (Burgundy Canal). This route passes through the valley of the river Ouche as the Burgundy Canal winds its way from Dijon to the summit at Escommes.

RATE: The cost is $4850 per person (double occupancy).

Other weeks still available for this summer are:
  • June 25 - July 1, 2006
  • July 2 - 8, 2006
  • July 30 - August 5, 2006
  • August 6-12, 2006
  • August 27 - September 2, 2006
RATES (private charter, not shared):
  • $21,400 for 4 guests
  • $25,000 for 5 guests
  • $28,500 for 6 guests
View Le Premier's online brochure: CLICK HERE.

For more information, contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters.

Saturday, June 03, 2006

EUROPEAN BARGES (France) Special Offers, Discounts

*** LAST MINUTE SUMMER PRICES FOR SUMMER 2006 ***

EMMA & ANJODI
Cruise the Canal du Midi aboard a French barge in the South of France

=> EMMA :

Join Rene and Liz aboard their lovely barge Emma, who turned 100 last year! Felicitations!
Emma cruises the south of France along the canal du midi. They are offering a last-minute summer special to fill in the remaining dates of their calendar.

All remaining cabins for the 2006 cruise year are now offered at $5,500 per cabin for 2 guests (double occupancy) OR book two or more cabins and the rate drops to $5000 per cabin for 2 guests (double occupancy). So, invite your friends to join in and visit France from a different perspective.

Emma's current open dates:
  • June 24 - July 14, 2006
  • July 22-28, 2006
  • August 12-25, 2006
  • September 30 - November 3, 2006
Liz & Rene were our neighbours when we wintered aboard our sail boat Loose Moose in Frontignan, France.

To view Emma's electronic brochure, CLICK HERE.

For more information about booking Emma, contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters.

=> ANJODI :

Cruise the canal du midi in the South of France aboard Anjodi.

Book 1 Cabin and get the 2nd cabin, on same barge and departure date, at 50% reduction for a cruise beginning on July 2, 2006.

Click here to view Anjodi's electronic brochure.

For more information, contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters

EUROPEAN BARGES (UK) - Special offers, discounts

*** LAST MINUTE SUMMER PRICES FOR SUMMER 2006 ***

SCOTTISH HIGHLANDER: Inverness (Loch Ness) area of Scotland. Book 1 Cabin and get the 2nd cabin, on same barge and departure date, at 50% reduction on the following cruises beginning on:
  • June 4, 2006
  • June 11, 2006
  • July 16, 2006
  • July 23, 2006
  • August 27, 2006
MAGNA CARTA: Thames river cruise, London England. Book 1 Cabin and get the 2nd cabin, on same barge and departure date, at 50% reduction on the following cruises beginning on:
  • June 4, 2006
  • June 18, 2006
  • June 25, 2006
  • July 2, 2006
  • July 16, 2006
  • August 13, 2006
  • August 27, 2006
MAGNA CARTA: Thames river cruise, London England. $1000 (or £500) discount PER PERSON (Discount is based on 2 people sharing a suite) for cruises beginning on:
  • June 25, 2006
  • July 9, 2006
  • August 6, 2006
For SCOTTISH HIGHLANDER's electronic brochure: CLICK HERE
For MAGNA CARTA's electronic brochure: CLICK HERE

Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters for more information.

French Canal Barge ANJODI - Canal du Midi, France


We just added the French Canal luxury hotel barge, ANJODI to our web site. They cruise the historic canal du midi in the South of France.

Besides their standard itinerary, ANJODI also offers theme cruises:
  • Family
  • Golf
  • Horseback Riding
  • Walking
  • Wine
Visit our new web page for ANJODI by clicking on the link:
http://www.paradiseconnections.com/barges/france/anjodi/

SCOTTISH HIGHLANDER: Barge vacations in Scotland. Theme cruises.

We have recently added pages to our SCOTTISH HIGHLANDER site to include their theme cruises. SCOTTISH HIGHLANDER cruises the Caledonian canal between Fort William and Inverness, through the Great Glen and along legendary Loch Ness, encountering some of Scotland's finest scenery along the way.

Theme cruises include:
  • Biking
  • Family
  • Fishing
  • Golf
  • Walking
  • 4-night Christmas Cruise
  • 3-night Hogmanay (New Years) Cruise
Visit our updated web site for SCOTTISH HIGHLANDER at:
http://www.paradiseconnections.com/barges/uk/scottishhighlander/

British Barge Cruise aboard MAGNA CARTA along the Thames

We have updated our web page for the British Barge MAGNA CARTA, who cruise the famous English river Thames from London. They have a wide variety of theme cruises available:
  • Antiques Cruise
  • Art Cruise
  • Family Cruise
  • Gardens Cruise (Chelsea Flower Show)
  • Gardens Cruise (Hampton Court Palace Flower Show)
  • Golf
  • Health & Relaxation Cruise
  • Murder Mystery Cruise
  • Walking Cruise
  • West End Theatre Cruise
  • World War II Cruise
  • Christmas/New Year's Cruise (10 nights)
For more information visit MAGNA CARTAs web page at:
http://www.paradiseconnections.com/barges/uk/magnacarta/

Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters for more information.