Article about Paris Canals

This article appears to be from 2003, but it is still interesting. Read about the Canal Saint-Denis, Canal Ourcq and the Canal Saint Martin.

This system, built in the early 1800s by Napoleon Bonaparte, today includes a network of waterways stretching 81 miles across very different Paris neighborhoods and into the suburbs.

The Bassin de l'Arsenal is a beautiful park-like marina located at Bastille where the canal meets the Seine. Highly recommended spot to hang out for a bit! We use to visit there every week or two to see cruisers who were passing through.

Read more here : http://www.paristempo.com/canal.html

French Hotel Barge Clair de Lune - Cabin Available

The French Hotel Barge Clair de Lune has one cabin available on their Canal du Midi cruise taking place from Carcassonne to Beziers, May 31 - June 6, 2008.



All inclusive luxury French hotel barge Clair de Lune:

• 100-ft Long
• Four Crew
• Six Guests
• Three guest cabins with ensuite bathrooms
• Cabins can be made up with either a Queen or 2 Twin beds
• Large picture windows
• Outdoor Jacuzzi
• Air conditioning
• Central heating

Price:

• $9,400 per cabin (double occupancy)
• $2,400 supplement for single occupancy ($7,100)
  

View Clair de Lune's brochure: CLICK HERE
Book now! Contact Paradise Connections : CLICK HERE

LE PREMIER : Cabin Week May 2008

Le Premier has one cabin available for the week of May 11-17, 2008. This is the only scheduled cabin week as of October 26, 2007.

If this week isn't good for you, let us know and we can inquire if Le Premier would open another week for cabin charters.

Visit LE PREMIER's brochure : CLICK HERE

Contact Paradise Connections to book Le Premier : CLICK HERE

Books on the French Canals

Here are some books about the canals of France... Patience while it loads :)




Enjoy!

BONNE HUMEUR: New barge brochure

We have just added a new barge brochure to our web site, Bonne Humeur!



Bonne Humeur's route includes cruising on the River Seine, the Canal de Loing and the ancient Canal du Briare with stops in the beautiful towns of Samois-sur-Seine, St Mammes, Nemours, Nargis and Rogny les Sept Ecluses.

Golf packages available !

See Bonne Humeur's new brochure : CLICK HERE

View all of our all inclusive, luxury, hotel barges : CLICK HERE

Contact PARADISE CONNECTIONS to plan your 2008 barging holiday vacation : CLICK HERE

Spend Happy Holidays in the UK this year

What an exceptional way to spend the holidays this Christmas season... Scottish Highlander for Christmas, followed by bringing in the New Year aboard the Thames barge, Magna Carta!


You can do either the 4-night Christmas Cruise with Scottish Highlander from December 23-27, 2007 or the 5-night New Year's Cruise aboard Magna Carta from December 28, 2007 through January 2, 2008. But BOTH would be BETTER :)

These two cruises follow on from each other very nicely as you can depart Scottish Highlander on the 27th December and be driven to Inverness Airport where you can fly to London Heathrow Airport or London Gatwick Airport, stay near Heathrow or Central London overnight and then be met by Magna Crew on the 28th December either at a hotel near Heathrow Airport or the Stafford Hotel in Central London.

Scottish Highlander has two staterooms available. $2400/room per person, based on double occupancy. CLICK HERE for Christmas itinerary.

Magna Carta has three suites available. $3400/room per person, based on double occupancy. CLICK HERE for New Year's itinerary.

Sounds great to me, but Bob & I have already made plans to be aboard our sailboat, So It Goes, in St.Barths over the holidays.

Don't think about it too long! Just pop us an email (CLICK HERE for email address) and we'll be in touch ASAP.

Here's the link to our Barge Page where you can see all of our barge brochures:
http://www.paradiseconnections.com/barges.html

La Belle Epoque - Wayfarers Walking Cruise

LA BELLE EPOQUE has three cabins available for their special theme cruise, Wayfarers Walking Cruise, for the week of October 21-27, 2007. CLICK HERE for details of the Walking Cruise.

Take advantage of this special offer, as:

• Theme cruises are normally offered for full boat charters only and not with individual cabin cruises.
• The extra supplement for a professional walking guide has been waived. Book a cabin at the standard price. A Junior Suite is $4350/person, double occupancy, and a Suite is $4590/person, double occupancy.

LA BELLE EPOQUE cruises along the Nivernais Canal in the Bourgogne Region between Auxerre and Clamecy, Burgundy, France.

View LA BELLE EPOQUE's brochure: CLICK HERE

Contact PARADISE CONNECTIONS for more information: CLICK HERE

2007 availability on selected European barges

Here is current availability for 2007. Click boat name for the Barge's brochure.


ANJODI - Canal du Midi, France

• Oct. 28 - One cabin
• Nov. 4, 11 - Two cabins
• Nov. 18 - Four cabins (or private charter)
  

ART DE VIVRE - Canal du Midi, France

• Oct. 28 & Nov.11 - Four cabins (or private charter)
  

HIRONDELLE - Burgundy, France

• Oct. 21 - Three cabins

L'IMPRESSIONNISTE - Provence, France

• Oct. 21, 28 - Six cabins (or private charter)
  
• Nov. 11, 18 - Six cabins (or private charter)

LA BELLE EPOQUE - Burgundy, France

• Oct. 15 - Five cabins
• Oct. 21 - Three cabins
• Oct. 28 - Six cabins (or private charter)
• Nov. 4, 11 - Six cabins (or private charter)

MAGNA CARTA - Thames, England

• Sept. 16 - Four cabins (or private charter)
  
• Sept. 30 - Four cabins (or private charter)
• Oct. 7 - Four cabins (or private charter)
• Oct. 14 - Three cabins
• Nov. 4, 11 - Four cabins (or private charter)

SAVOIRE FAIRE - France, Belgium, Holland

• Oct. 14 - Six cabins (or private charter) - Auxerre - Paris
• Oct. 21 - Six cabins (or private charter) - Paris - Ghent
• Oct. 28 - Six cabins (or private charter) - Ghent - Haarlem

SCOTTISH HIGHLANDER - Caledonian canal (Loch Ness), Scotland

• Sept. 16 - One cabin
• Sept. 23 - Four cabins (or private charter)
• Oct. 7 - Two cabins
• Oct. 14, 21 - Two cabins
• Oct. 28 - Four cabins (or private charter)
• Nov. 4, 11, 18 - Four cabins (or private charter)
• SEE SPECIAL CHRISTMAS CHARTER
  

SHANNON PRINCESS - Ireland

• Sept. 16 - Five cabins (or private charter)

Contact PARADISE CONNECTIONS for more info: CLICK HERE

Christmas: Loch Ness, Scotland aboard barge Scottish Highlander

We have TWO cabins still available for the Christmas Cruise departing 23rd December 2007 in Scotland.



The price is $3,590 (£1890) per person for a stateroom and $3,990 (£2090) per person for the suite (based on 2 sharing each cabin).

Price includes:

• Transfer from Inverness to the barge on Sunday,
• 6 night Christmas Cruise,
• all meals on board catered for by the on board Master Chef,
• open bar 24/7 with a large range of alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks,
• all wines served throughout the cruise,
• all special Christmas Festivities and celebrations, excursions and admittance fees as per the itinerary,
• use of barge facilities which includes bicycles
• transfer back to Inverness the following Saturday morning.

Here is the itinerary:

** SCOTTISH HIGHLANDER ITINERARY - CHRISTMAS CRUISE **
Sunday 23rd December : Dochgarroch to Fort Augustus

• At 4pm we meet at the Glenmoriston Town House Hotel in Inverness and transfer to Scottish Highlander moored at Dochgarroch. Champagne welcome and dinner aboard, followed by good old-fashioned Scottish entertainment.

Monday 24th December, Christmas Eve: Dochgarroch to Fort Augustus

• In the morning we take a trip up to Moniack Castle, famous for its wines, liqueurs and preserves. On returning to the barge, we cruise past Urquhart Castle on our way along the northern shore of Loch Ness, then cross the loch to the village of Foyers. On arrival in Foyers we can enjoy a small Whisky tasting with the captain before lunch. In the afternoon we take a trip into the Inverfarigaig forest for a delightful walk to the Falls of Foyers and a drive into the hills to see the deer. It will also be possible to attend a Christmas Eve service at a local church. Dinner on board and entertainment while presents can be put round the Christmas tree.

Tuesday 25th December, Christmas Day: Fort Augustus

• We are moored for the day in Fort Augustus, a charming village at the south western end of the Loch Ness, its prominent feature being a splendid lock staircase. Lunch and Christmas present opening are followed by jolly accordion music. The afternoon can be spent with a gentle saunter around the village or maybe a game of croquet or putting. Scottish afternoon cream tea. CHRISTMAS DINNER ON BOARD.

Wednesday 26th December, Boxing Day: ort Augustus to Cullochy Lock

• After breakfast we leave Fort Augustus this morning and cruise to Cullochy Lock via Kytra We can we visit the Loch Ness Visitor Centre where the myth of the Loch Ness monster is explained, along with an interesting exhibition on her sightings and the search for her over the years. Donner on board followed by a trip out to a local inn for live music.

Thursday 27th December: Cullochy Lock to Gairlochy

• Leave Cullochy Lock for a morning cruise via two locks at Laggan, and through Lochs Oich and Lochy to Gairlochy. In the afternoon there is a chance to see either the World War II Commando memorial, the woollen mill at Spean Bridge, selling traditional knitwear and tweeds, or the Clan Cameron museum. Dinner aboard.

Friday 28th December: Gairlochy to Banavie

• Morning visit to the mystic battlefields of Glencoe. On the way back visit the Glen Nevis distillery for an insight into the secrets of the various stages of Whisky preparation and taste a wee dram or two. In the afternoon we cruise to Banavie and Neptune’s Staircase, a flight of eight locks that is a spectacular feat of engineering. Captain’s Farewell Dinner aboard followed by a trip out to a local inn for live music.

Saturday 29th December: Banavie

• Passengers disembark for the transfer to Inverness by minibus after a hearty Scottish breakfast.

Minimum 4 people required to guarantee this cruise. This itinerary is subject to change.

View SCOTTISH HIGHLANDER's brochure : CLICK HERE
Contact Paradise Connections for more info: CLICK HERE

Treat yourselves to a very special Christmas this year!

All the best!

Magna Carta - Summer 2007 Special

Cruise the river Thames in England!



Magna Carta is offering a $750 discount per cabin on all available departures in 2007.

View their brochure: CLICK HERE

Contact PARADISE CONNECTIONS for more information: CLICK HERE

Last Minute Discount - IRELAND Sept.9, 2007

SHANNON PRINCESS II is offering a 30% discount on a cabin for a cruise beginning NEXT WEEKEND, September 9, 2007.

Web brochure: CLICK HERE

So, if you fancy a quick getaway to this fair isle, contact PARADISE CONNECTIONS.

Barge Vacations: 2007 Summer Specials

There's still time for a quick getaway! Treat yourself to a French Canal Hotel Barge Vacation. See France from a unique vantage point via the European Waterways...

Summer Special Offers:

L'Impressionniste in Provence - July & August -$1000/£500 discount per cabin
BROCHURE: Click Here for l'Impressionniste

La Belle Epoque in Burgundy - July & August - $1000/£500 discount per cabin

L'Art de Vivre in Burgundy - July & August - $1000/£500 discount per cabin
BROCHURE: Click Here for l'Art de Vivre

Nymphea in Loire Valley - July & August - $500/£250 discount per cabin
BROCHURE: Click Here for Nymphea

The discounts apply to full-boat charters or cabin bookings and are based on 2 people sharing a cabin.

Single clients, not sharing, are entitled to 50% of the discounts above.

Discounts apply to those booking cabins between 17 July and 31st August 2007

CONTACT US for availability! CLICK HERE

http://www.paradiseconnections.com/barges/france/

Hope you are having a great summer!
Sheila & Bob

BARGING FRANCE: Burgundy & Provence - July/August 2007 Discounts

Looking for a different vacation this summer? How about a canal cruise on a French barge in the Burgundy (Bourgogne) or Provence regions of France?


The luxury hotel barges L'Impressionniste in Provence and La Belle Epoque in Burgundy are offering a $1000 discount per cabin based on 2 people sharing, on all available departures in July and August 2007.

A single person in a double cabin will receive $500 discount on the per person price plus single supplement.

The offer applies to cabin bookings and private, full boat charters where available.

Deposits should be received by May 31, 2007 for the discount to apply.

View our electronic brochures:

• L'Impressionniste : CLICK HERE
• La Belle Epoque: CLICK HERE

Visit our web site and click on the links to view our various barges: CLICK HERE

We represent barges in Ireland, Scotland, England, Holland, Belgium, France, Germany...

As you folks are probably aware, we lived on various canals and rivers in France aboard our sailboat and loved it. We plan to return some day as we miss being there, but the Caribbean is nice too!

Feel free to contact us about barging holiday vacations: CLICK HERE

http://wwwparadiseconnections.com

Barge SERENITE - Last minute open week Germany May 2007

Due to a last minute cancellation there are 2 suites now available (for up to 4 people) on board Serenite departing 20th May 2007 for their German, Berlin to Waren cruise.



US$4590 per person based on 2 people sharing a cabin (double occupancy).

Serenite is very popular and has been fully booked for this season (2007) for quite some time, so we hope you can take advantage of this last minute opportunity.

The twelve passenger Serenité offers a variety of trans-European cruises between April and October 2007. During the month of April she cruises between Berlin and Prague, then moves into northern Germany for a series of cruises before reaching the Netherlands mid June. She then makes her way southwards into Belgium and France, reaching Paris at the beginning of July. From there she continues into Burgundy, the Rhone Valley and on to the south of France, finishing her season back in Burgundy at the beginning of October.

Please contact PARADISE CONNECTIONS for more information: CLICK HERE!

http://www.paradiseconnections.com

Barging in the South of France this season 2007

Thinking about vacation on a barge in France this summer 2007? If you want to book a cabin, be quick as there's not too many opportunities left!

Here's a few good choices:

EMMA:

• June 30 - July 6 : 1 cabin available
• Sept 29 - Oct 5 : 2 cabins available

CLAIR DE LUNE:

• May 19-25 : 1 cabin available
• June 3-6 : 3 cabins available
• June 30 - July 6 : 2 cabins available

There are still a few open weeks for private charters. Let us know what you're looking for!

CLICK HERE to view the various barges:
http://www.paradiseconnections.com/barges/france/index.html

For more information, contact Paradise Connections yacht charters : CLICK HERE

NEW BARGE BROCHURES added to Paradise Connections Yacht Charters

We have added a few new brochures on our barge web page that you can access via our More Yachts & Rates page on our Paradise Connections Yacht Charters web site:
http://www.paradiseconnections.com/moreyachts.html

Click on the barge's name below to visit their electronic brochure.

FRANCE:

• EMMA - Canal du Midi, South of France
• ANJODI - Canal du Midi, South of France
• CLAIRE DE LUNE - Canal du Midi, South of France
• L'ART DE VIVRE - Nivernais canal, Bourgogne (Burgundy) France.
• L'IMPRESSIONNISTE - Rhone River & Camargue, Provence France
• ROI DU SOLEIL - Canal du Midi & Provence, France
• SAVOIRE FAIRE - Cruises in France, Belgium & Holland - Check schedule
• SAINT LOUIS - Bordeaux, France

ENGLAND / SCOTLAND:

• MAGNA CARTA - River Thames, England
• SCOTTISH HIGHLANDER - Loch Ness and the Caledonian canal, Scotland

Don't hesitate to ask us for more information! We are still adding to our list :)

For more information, contact Paradise Connections: CLICK HERE

http://www.paradiseconnections.com

French Barge Emma - Guest Comments - Good Times

Here are some wonderful comments about the French Barge EMMA that we received from our clients in 2006.

Sheila & Bob:

We thoroughly enjoyed our cruise aboard "Emma" and also Liz, Rene and their crew, Jackie and Megan. What great people! We were welcomed like family, yet treated like royalty.

Every aspect of the experience exceeded our expectations: Cuisine, accommodations, cleanliness of the barge were top notch. Even the weather was in agreement with our cruise. The daily visits to the surrounding towns, villages, wineries were excellent. The entire charter was, to quote Jackie, an adventure...and one to be cherished...

The barge was comfy, in pristine condition and clean and neat. Meal quality was gourmet and the presentation was excellent.

Paradise connections served us well on all phases.

Thank You, Jerry & Mary

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Just returned from a most enjoyable European adventure the highlight of which was our week on the Emma with Liz, Rene', Megan, and Jackie.

=======

A response to our after-charter questionnaire:

How did you enjoy your charter?
Liz, Rene', Megan, and Jackie did an outstanding job making our week onboard the Emma a most memorable one. The accommodations were very comfortable and clean.

Did you find your crew to be helpful, accommodating and friendly?
Liz did a remarkable job keeping us busy visiting various villages, wineries, and historical sites. Our schedule was full but relaxed. Megan's meals were varied, well prepared and representative of local cuisine. Jackie was creative in her table presentations and responsive to our needs. Liz served us a wide variety of local wines and cheeses and was very knowledgeable about the grape varietals as well as the cheese origins and food pairings. Rene' went out every morning and brought us delectable local breads and pastries as well as piloting the Emma through some very challenging locks. What a great team!!

Was the yacht comfortable, clean and well maintained?
Rene' and Liz's Emma is a labor of love. They put their hearts and souls into refurbishing this vintage barge and it shows.

How would you describe the quality and presentation of the meals served on board ?
We ate and ate and ate and ate the most delicious food, cheese and wine imaginable. Some of us ate things we never thought we would ever eat and savored every bite :-)

How did you find the services offered by Paradise Connections?
Your services were great in that you let us deal directly with Liz regarding the details of the trip planning. Many travel agents won't permit such direct communications.

Are there any further comments or suggestions you would like to make to enable Paradise Connections, the yacht, or crew to better serve you and other clients in the future?
Your personal knowledge of the Emma and Liz and Rene' was an important factor in our deciding to use your services.

We will most certainly recommend the Emma and Canal du Midi to our friends...