Experience the fascinating world of boutique hotel barging, whether cruising the shaded Canal du Midi in southern France, the Venetian Lagoon of Italy, the rustic beauty of Ireland, the Royal River Thames in England, the stunningly rugged landscapes of Scotland, or the flower capital of Holland. See Europe from another perspective... via an all inclusive, luxury, crewed, hotel barge cruise vacation.
It is just over 100 years since the outbreak of World War One (WWI), which ran from July
1914 through November 1918, and we will be offering a number of
6-night, all-inclusive, World War One commemorative cruises each spring
over the next few years.
In May 2016, these cruises will be aboard the superb 12-passenger hotel barge, Panache, along the Canal du Nord and the River Oise. There will be excursions to sites in Flanders, including the Menin Gate in Ypres for the moving Last Post ceremony; the battlefields, memorials and museums of the Somme, such as Thiepval and Belicourt; the forest clearing at Compiègne where the Armistice was signed in November 1918.
Menin Gate Memorial
Thiepval Memorial
Vimy Ridge Memorial
There will be tours of other significant places during the conflict, such as Vimy Ridge and Villers-Bretonneux, site of the Australian National War Memorial and and a place of deep meaning to Australians and New Zealanders;
The excursion program for the cruises will have some flexibility built in to allow, where possible, guests of different nationalities to visit sites of particular significance to their own countries. In addition, there will be interesting cruising through the Spring Picardy countryside.
Cruise weeks for Panache's 2016 WWI cruises (availability as of November 22, 2015):
Pananche would love to welcome you aboard for one of these
fascinating voyages through the landscapes of Belgium and Northern France that
witnessed events a century ago that changed the course of history.
Today we’d like to tell you a little about an historical and characterful barge, La Belle Epoque, and one of the towns her passengers can visit along the way - one where the critically acclaimed and popular film Chocolat was shot in 2000.
La Belle Epoque is already steeped in local history, having originally carried logs from Burgundy to Paris. It’s oddly fitting, then, that she should pass through such a historic town, both in terms of its ancient architecture and its more recent prominence as the location where the excellent movie Chocolat was filmed.
La Belle Epoque cruises the idyllic Burgundy Canal, passing through miles of beautiful French countryside, past picturesque villages, towns and chateaux. When you finally visit the town of Flavigny-sur-Ozerain, you’ll begin to understand why it was chosen as the set of this unique and moving film.
The central theme of a strong, vivacious character living her life against centuries of stagnant tradition is etched into the beautiful but imposing medieval architecture and the stone walls all around. The combination of the stoic, uncompromising nature of the structures with the sublime beauty and peace of the town, not to mention its timeless, isolated feel, provide the perfect atmosphere for the story of beautiful, heart-warming relationships erupting within a repressive, old-fashioned framework.
If you’ve been considering a barge holiday and you have a passion for film, please do consider a trip on La Belle Epoque. Combining a historically and culturally rich route with the charming character of the vessel makes for a holiday experience like no other.
- The Lock Keeper
La Belle Epoque has been designed with both elegance and passenger comfort in mind. This all-inclusive deluxe barge is 128 feet long, has two
interior deck levels (fully air conditioned & heated), a crew of 6, and accommodates up to 12 guests in 6 cabins, each with private,
ensuite bathrooms. The salon & dining room has beautiful wood
panelling, with an always-open inclusive bar. The sundeck has steamer
chairs, recliners, parasols, a large dining
table, and a Jacuzzi spa pool. They have 12 touring bikes, plus a
tandem!
These, together with other luxury facilities, create a vessel perfect
for a relaxing, luxurious cruise.
Burgundy is among
the most popular hotel barging areas in Europe. It is renowned for its
vineyards, Gothic churches, Renaissance châteaux and picturesque
villages. This is a region of France in which gastronomic delights and
the art of living have reigned supreme since Roman times.
The French Hotel Barge Clair de Lune cruises the Canal du Midi between the little village of Le Somail and the old fortified city of Carcassonne... but, this summer between July 17 and September 24, 2016, they will be altering their route with an itinerary between Trebes and Naurouze, thus allowing another voyage of exploration along this historic canal.
Click image to enlarge map
During this summer period, guests on board Clair de Lune will enjoy an extra insight into the 330-year old Canal du Midi and the Languedoc-Roussillon region. She will cruise a route further west from Trebes to Naurouze on a gentle voyage through delightful countryside past canal-side villages and under the pretty, arched bridges that make this waterway so special.
Along the way, there will be excursions to some of the most interesting places the region has to offer, such as Castelnaudary, home of the classic French dish, cassoulet. Clair de Lune will also traverse the impressive Fresquel aqueduct en route to her final destination of Nuarouze, the canal’s highest point. And to quench the thirst during this relaxing summer cruise, there will be even be a private tasting at a winery producing the region’s distinctive sparkling wine, Limoux. (See sample summer 2016 itinerary HERE).
This is a fabulous cruise for wine, food, and history lovers alike.
French Hotel Barge Clair de Lune - Barging Cruises on the Canal du Midi, France
The French Hotel Barge Clair de Lune offers all-inclusive, crewed barging cruise vacations for up to six guests for private full-boat charters or by individual cabins aboard a cabin cruise week. Enjoy her three stylish cabin suites,
sun-deck with spa pool and, of course, bicycles for exploring the towpath.
Clair de Lune's stardard itinerary cruises the Canal du Midi between the charming village of Le Somail and the fortified city of Carcassonne, where you will discover some of the most beautiful scenery in the south of France along the way. During your voyage along the tree-lined Canal du Midi you will visit historical sites such as the spectacular Cathar town of Minerve, the elegant city of Narbonne, and enjoy wine tastings at renowned local domaines.
You can find lots of information about Clair de Lune in our online brochure such as sample itineraries, rates, crew, cuisine & wine aboard including sample mentus, and details about the barge's layout, accommodations and amenities. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions or if you want to book!
Save up to $3,300 onprivate charters on French Hotel Barge PanacheCanal de la Marne au Rhin cruises in Alsace-Lorraine, France for August 2016 departures
French Hotel Barge Panache cruises Alsace-Lorraine
from mid-June through end October 2016
The French Hotel Barge Panache is offering a 5% discount off private charter rates (up to a $3300 value) for select August 2016 departures to stimulate interest in one of its newer cruising areas, the Alsace-Lorraine region of eastern France. Book before November 16, 2015.
“The more travelers learn about hotel barge cruising, the more they want to experience it. Families appreciate the unique and exclusive setting to enjoy quality time together, while groups enjoy sharing the leisurely cruises with friends,” said Managing Director Derek Banks. “Chartering the entire boat allows our guests to modify the itinerary to reflect their particular interests in the regions, ensuring everyone on board has the best time possible.” Elevating Experiences On Board Panache
The 12-passenger Panache is staffed with a crew of six, which includes a master chef, deck hand, tour guide and two housekeepers – all led by a highly experienced captain. From mid-June through the end of October, the stylish hotel barge cruises the Canal de la Marne au Rhin through an area famous for its unique blend of French and German influences, strongly evident in its customs, cuisine, wines and architecture.
French Hotel Barge Panache about to ascend the Arzviller boat lift
A major highlight of the cruise is a ride on the Arzviller boat elevator, a marvel of engineering that carries the hotel barge and her passengers 450 feet up the Vosges Mountains. Other cruise highlights include a tour of the culturally-rich city of Strasbourg, the region’s capital and principal city. There, guests tour the 12th century Gothic pink sandstone cathedral, considered one of the three grandest Gothic style buildings in the world and called by French poet and novelist Victor Hugo a “gigantic and delicate marvel.” Panache also docks at Saverne, where guests enjoy a tour of the Lalique Museum, home to more than 500 exceptional pieces of glassware by French designer René Lalique, considered a genius of the craft.
An introduction to the various wines of the region is also part of the cruise, both at the dinner table on board and at local vineyards, such as Domaine Pfister, where guests enjoy private tastings. Every meal is an adventure into the regional cuisine, with authentic dishes expertly-prepared and presented by the on board master chef. Guests can also tour the Meteor Brewery, the last privately-owned brewery in the region, where a private tasting is provided.
Hotel barges all offer their own, unique cruise experiences, and the Alsace-Lorraine region of France is an excellent example of this. Guests will be treated to fascinating tours and see storybook villages, all while savoring the culinary specialties and wonderful wines of the region.
The Panache features spacious public areas with a large sun deck and a spa pool. Panoramic windows in the saloon ensure that guests never miss the beautiful scenery. With the local knowledge of the pampering crew, the numerous chauffeur-driven private excursions and the 12 bikes on deck, guests can explore the areas they cruise in as much detail as they wish.
We are pleased to announce that the English Hotel Barge Magna Carta has added the Highclere Castle excursion to several of their cruise weeks for the 2016 barging season. This unique trip to the iconic castle and fictional site of the highly popular TV series “Downton Abbey” is a limited opportunity. The visit to Highclere replaces the standard itinerary's visit to Dorney Court.
Current availability for Downton Abbey itinerary (as of November 4, 2015)
27 March - 10% off - Open for private charter or by cabin
3 April - 10% off - Open for private charter or by cabin
1 May - 3 cabins open, 1 booked
29 May- Open for private charter or by cabin
Note that the weeks of 27th March and 3rd April have a special 10% discount, plus they are both value season weeks.
This extremely impressive Victorian castle, designed by Sir Charles Barry who was also the architect of the Houses of Parliament, sits on a 1000-acre estate and is the iconic home of the fictional Crawley family on the show. The "real" Downton Abbey has been owned by the Carnarvon family since 1679, where Lord and Lady Carnarvon still live today.
Located west of London in Berkshire, it is considered one of the finest Victorian homes still in existence, with sprawling grounds that are four times the size of New York City’s Central Park.
Cruising along the famous River Thames in England, passengers aboard hotel barge Magna Carta will also enjoy "royal" views and excursions to majestic castles, palaces and cathedrals. Magna Carta's itinerary also features a private tour of Dorney Court, a remarkable Tudor home on the banks of the Thames, where "Elizabeth", "The Other Boleyn Girl", and Agatha Christie's series "Poirot" were all filmed. We also visit Hampton Court Palace, one of the locations for the award winning film "A Man for All Seasons". The cruise concludes with a tour of Christ Church, one of the most prestigious colleges at the University of Oxford and one of the settings for Lewis Carroll's "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland".
The Royal River Thames cruise route of the luxury, 8-passenger, all-inclusive, crewed English Hotel Barge MAGNA CARTA 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.
This is a one-of-a-kind experience for fans of Downton Abbey that allows
them to walk the real-life setting made famous by their favorite
television drama.
English Hotel Barge MAGNA CARTA - Experience England from a different point of view
The all-inclusive, crewed, luxury, English Hotel Barge Magna Carta accommodates up to 8 guests. She 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. Magna Carta has the most sophisticated modern amenities, including air conditioning, WI-FI internet access and underfloor heating in each of the four full width suites. Each suite has exceptionally spacious contemporary en-suite facilities and colour TVs and DVD players.
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. There are eight bikes on board to take at your pleasure for rides along the tow paths.
The Magna Carta offers 6-night, all-inclusive private charters, as well as cabin cruises. Theme cruises such as golf, tennis, guided walking, family, flower shows, Henley regatta, antiques, etc, are available for private charters.
Check out our Regional Guide to learn more about the area where Magna Carta cruises.
