Wednesday, April 25, 2012

French Hotel Barge Emma: New Sundeck Awning & Happy Birthday

Liz of the French Hotel Barge EMMA wrote to let us know that St Emma's Day was on April 19th. Emma is now 107 years old and looking mighty fine...



Liz sent us this short video to show René's most recent addition to their barge Emma that will benefit the comfort of their guests: a motorized awning that can be quickly and easily raised and lowered (to pass under bridges) by pressing a switch next to the wheel. No muss or fuss... It also shows their new deck furnishings.

FRENCH BARGE EMMA
The French Hotel Barge EMMA is owned and operated by Liz and René Jacquot and are assisted by two additional crew members. They cruise along the Canal du Midi in the south of France between Beziers & Carcassonne and Carcassonne & Toulouse.

EMMA is fully air conditioned and also has central heating, if needed. There are three guest cabins; one has a queen bed, while the other two can be configured as either queens or twins. Beautiful handmade Irish quilts from Oonagh Morisson add that extra touch of luxury. Each guest cabin has its own private, ensuite bathroom with sink, toilet and a normal sized shower with sliding doors. The interior is bright and spacious with beautiful arched double glazed windows which give you a good view of the outside countryside whilst cruising. The French oak furniture has been hand made by a master craftsman and the whole effect is warm and inviting. 
EMMA has a spacious upper deck (385 square feet) with tables, chairs, and loungers. Shade from the sun, too, if you want it. This is a marvelous vantage point to see the wonderful countryside and a great place to enjoy cocktails before dinner. Later on, view the stars and set the world to right. And, of course, EMMA has bicycles and a minivan to chauffeur you to various excursions.
Remember that EMMA can tailor your charter to your interests... wine tastings & vineyard visits, cooking, golf, tennis, walking tours, cycling tours, or just time out to relax and enjoy a side of France that most travellers don't experience.

Available for both private charters and cabin cruises.

September is always a popular month for barging trips and Emma currently still has TWO weeks available... one for a private charter and one for a cabin cruise.

EMMA's Current 2012 Availability: (as of April 25, 2012, updated May 5, 2012)
May 5-11| Open| Carcassonne - Toulouse
June 16-22| 2 1 cabin open| Carcassonne - Beziers
July 7-13| 1 cabin open| Beziers - Aigues-Mortes
August 11-27| Open| Carcassonne - Beziers
August 18-24| Open| Beziers - Carcassonne
August 25-31| Open| Carcassonne - Beziers
September 8-14| Open| Carcassonne - Beziers
September 15-21| 1 cabin open BOOKED | Beziers - Carcassonne
October 6-12| Open BOOKED| Carcassonne - Beziers
October 13-19| Open| Beziers - Carcassonne
October 20-26| Open| Carcassonne - Beziers
Emma also offers 5-night charters if that works better for your vacation plans and budget... Inquire.

Contact Paradise Connections to book the French Hotel Barge EMMA and enjoy a barging vacation cruise along the canal du midi in the south of France.




Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters to book EMMA 
View Emma's online brochure
Visit our website for more info on our barges and barging: www.BargeCharters.com
 


Monday, April 23, 2012

Happy St George's Day & Barging in England

Today, April 23rd, is St George's Day, commemorating England's patron saint, and is England's National Day. According to legend, he was a soldier in the Roman army who slayed a dragon and saved a princess. This day also marks the birthday of William Shakespeare.

This year there are many events to celebrate HM the Queen's 60-year reign, including the Thames Diamond Jubilee pageant on June 3, 2012. Headed by the Royal Barge, a flotilla of 1000 boats of all shapes and sizes will make its way downstream through the center of London. This event will be watched by an estimated 1 million people. With the 2012 Olympic Games also taking place in London from 27 July to 12 August, it really will be a great summer to visit England.

Barging vacation cruises & trips on the Royal River Thames, England 

The luxury 8-passenger hotel barge MAGNA CARTA on the Royal River Thames has now started her new season, and her cruise route brings you in touch with the very soul of England. The Magna Carta cruises from Hampton Court to Henley-on-Thames past Royal Palaces, quaint riverside towns and villages.  It is the perfect way to admire olde worlde England and the natural beauty of Surrey, Berkshire and Oxfordshire.

The Magna Carta offers 6-night, all-inclusive private charters, as well as cabin cruises.

The all-inclusive, crewed, luxury, English Hotel Barge Magna Carta is approximately 120 feet in length and has two decks. The lower deck boasts four full-width luxurious staterooms each averaging 200 square feet with private ensuite bathrooms. The staterooms may be configured as Kings or Twins according to your preference. The upper deck comprises the main salon and dining areas with large picture windows and stylish furnishings. Outside you have the sundeck with comfortable seating and the spa pool/jacuzzi.

Check out our Regional Guide to learn more about the area where Magna Carta cruises. 

Magna Carta currently has a special offer (discount) for April, May, June, and July 2012 if booked before May 31, 2012.  Contact Paradise Connections for details.



Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters to book MAGNA CARTA
View Magna Carta's online brochure
Visit our website for more info on our barges and barging: www.BargeCharters.com
 


Friday, April 06, 2012

Barging Cruises: April Special Offers for 2012 season

HOTEL CANAL & RIVER BARGES 
SPECIAL OFFERS & DISCOUNTS on BARGING VACATIONS & CRUISES

Updated: April 18, 2012

We have some special offers and discounts for 2012 barging vacations (see below).  Contact Paradise Connections now, for current availability and pricing.

Barge Scottish Highlander - Barging in Scotland - Caledonian Canal Cruise


THESE SPECIAL OFFERS HAVE EXPIRED. PLEASE SEE MAY SPECIALS




MORE SPECIAL OFFERS / SPECIAL EVENTS:


French Hotel Barge La Belle Epoque - Barging in France - Canal de Bourgogne

These barging vacations are fully crewed and all-inclusive:
  • Six nights' accommodation on board in an air-conditioned, en-suite cabin.
  • The services of an experienced Captain / Host, Chef, Housekeeper(s), Driver/Tour Guide.
  • Breakfast, lunch and dinner aboard. A local lunch ashore, once per week on most barges.
  • An excellent selection of fine regional and international wines and spirits, plus an all day open bar, tea and coffee.
  • Daily excursions by chauffeured minivan and inclusive entry fees to castles, vineyards, markets and other local places of interest.
  • Use of barge facilities such as bicycles, boules, barge library and on certain vessels, a spa pool.

French Hotel Barge L'Impressionniste - Barging in France - Canal de Bourgogne



Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters to book your barging holiday
For more information on our barges and barging, visit our website : www.BargeCharters.com