French Hotel Barge Anjodi's New Provence Cruise

Anjodi's New Provence Cruise

Following in the Footsteps of Van Gogh

French hotel barge Anjodi is offering a unique Mediterranean cruise in the south of France which will include visits to the historic cities of Avignon & Arles. This special Provence-Camargue Itinerary between Avignon to Marseillan, France will take place the week of July 5-11, 2020.


Pretty as a Picture

The beauty of the Provence countryside is legendary. Visitors instantly recognize why it held such fascination for painters like Cézanne and Picasso, and why Van Gogh painted more than 300 of his works here. In addition to the natural charm of the region, there is a great deal of historical and architectural intrigue surrounding the ancient palaces, gardens and arenas of the sun-drenched cities along the way.

Itinerary highlights on the Anjodi Provence-Camargue cruise include a visit to the medieval city of Avignon, located on the banks of the Rhône River. Avignon was the seat of Catholic popes for more than 300 years during the Middle Ages. Guests will climb the gentle steps to the famed Rocher des Doms and its picturesque, English-style public gardens that feature numerous fountains and grottos.  This is followed by a tour of the 14th century Palais des Papes, or the Pope’s Palace, considered one of Europe’s largest and most important medieval Gothic buildings.

Arles & Aigues Mortes

There is also a visit to the city of Arles, famed for its association with Van Gogh. Guests will explore the 1st century Roman Arena, the St. Trophime Basilica and the museum of Provencal life.  Cruising a little further through the wetlands of the Camargue National Park, with its pink flamingos and white wild horses, Anjodi will moor at the walled city of Aigues Mortes. One of Europe’s most well-preserved medieval cities, in the 13th century Aigues Mortes was the port by which many crusaders embarked for the Holy Land. Here guests can visit the 12th century Constance Tower and enjoy dinner at one of the town’s many local restaurants specializing in regional cuisine.

A Taste of the Med

Bordering Italy and the Mediterranean Sea, Provence is one of the most popular vacation destinations in southern France, renowned for its lush lavender fields, ancient olive groves and vast stretches of vineyards. Anjodi's guests will tour the famous Chateau Neuf du Papes vineyard and indulge in a private tasting at a renowned wine maker. Fresh oysters with a sea view are also on the menu as the cruise continues across the Thau Lake (Etang de Thau) to Villeneuve les Maguelones, with the boat mooring just a short walk to a Mediterranean beach. This is followed by a tour of the 12th century Cistercian Abbey of Valmagne, a former Benedictine monastery and one of the oldest vineyards in the region. Afterwards, guests will stop at a local oyster farm for some fresh seafood and a glass of Picpoul de Pinet, a delightful white grape which has been grown near the Etang de Thau for centuries.

The Art of Fine Dining

For food lovers, the 8-passenger Anjodi is an attraction in itself having appeared numerous times on Rick Stein’s French Odyssey, a popular television series that followed the famous chef on his culinary adventures through Southern France. Onboard, guests can be assured of Rick Stein standard cuisine, using locally sourced ingredients that include fresh seafood from the nearby Mediterranean.

This cruise aboard Anjodi is the perfect way to appreciate art, be it the culinary creation on show around the dining table each evening, or the roman architecture and sweeping natural vistas that inspired Van Gogh and Picasso.

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About The French Hotel Barge Anjodi

French Hotel Barge Anjodi

 
Sporting a classic Dutch design, the 8-passenger Anjodi offers a choice of four air-conditioned staterooms which can be configured as either twins or double according to your preference, each with full en-suite facilities. The sun deck is spacious and has a heated spa pool (hot tub) — the perfect place, to watch the sun set after dinner on a warm Mediterranean evening.

Anjodi's highly professional crew of four is comprised of Master Chef, Tour Guide and Host/Hostess, led by a knowledgeable and experienced Captain who will ensure your cruise is memorable and more. Their knowledge of the region combined with the 8 bikes provided, will allow you to explore the areas you cruise through in as much detail as you desire.

Anjodi

• Standard Route: Canal du Midi between Marseillan and Le Somail
• Up to 8 guests
• Private charters and Cabin cruises
• Itineraries: Standard classic, Special Provence-Camargue, Family, Golfing, Wine tasting
• Learn more: Online Brochure

Standard Classic Cruise Highlights:

• Tour Carcassonne, the most complete medieval fortified city in existence
• Narbonne's Archbishop's Palace and colorful market
• Explore the spectacular hilltop village of Minerve
• Private wine tasting at the 14th-century Château de Perdiguier
• View the Pyrenees mountains across the vineyards and discover Cathar history
• Cruise through the world's oldest canal tunnel at Malpas
• Excellent towpath for walking and cycling
• "Biking Plus" option available

Book now! Contact Paradise Connections
CLICK HERE

Learn More: Click for Anjodi's online brochure

See Special Offers: Click for current special offers on barges

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 Don't Miss This Special Sailing

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

 

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Tasting the Wines of Alsace

Tasting the Wines of Alsace with Panache

One of the enjoyable experiences you’ll be offered on a French hotel barge cruise in Alsace will be the opportunity to enjoy private wine tastings when cruising through the Route des Grand Vins.


The Route des Grands Vins

Officially established in 1953, the Route des Grands Vins winds through the valleys in the foothills of the Vosges Mountains for some 170 kilometres. Stretching from Marlenheim in the north to Thann in the south, a journey along the Route takes in over 1,000 wine producers.

Many vineyards and wineries along the Route des Grands Vins welcome visitors for tasting sessions. When you're travelling through Alsace aboard the Barge Panache, you’ll have the chance to attend wine tastings during the onshore day trips.

To reassure the novice and to refresh the more experienced wine connoisseurs, here are some tips for tasting etiquette so that you get the most from your visits to these vineyards.


Tasting Protocol

Wine tasting may seem a little intimidating to the average, casual drinker, but with a few pointers it is easy to learn the basics. You don’t need loads of expert knowledge to get started – all you need are your senses!


Sight

The very first thing you’ll need to do is give your wine a thorough visual once-over. Swirl and tilt the glass to catch the full range of a wine’s color.

Alsace is a mainly white wine-producing region, so expect to find a lot of Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Blanc, and Pinot Gris (with the occasional Pinot Noir for the red-loving crowd). With the white wines you’ll be looking for color tones that are tawny, golden or yellowy-green. You should make sure it is clear and sparkling, not murky and dull.


Next, the smell test

A few quick sniffs should tell you everything you need to know about a wine’s bouquet. Experienced connoisseurs might talk of grapefruit and musk, but focus on specific bouquet groups to get started. Is it fruity? Herbal? Flowery? From dry to sweet, fruity to herbal, you’ll find a spectrum of bouquets in Alsace.


Taste

Finally, the tasting. Take a small sip (not a gulp) and let it circulate through your mouth. You may want to spit the wine out if you’re planning to taste many, but swallowing the wine is perfectly all right. In tasting, you should be able to pick up the same characteristics you identified in smelling the wine, but you will also be able to get a sense of the wine’s balance and complexity.

The Ultimate Test

Remember that the best measurement of a wine is whether you actually like it. Though your preferences may evolve with more tasting experience, the best wines are the ones you would actually want to taste again.

Along the Route des Grands Vins, you will have plenty of opportunities to sharpen your tasting skills. On a Panache hotel barging cruise, the vast and varied world of Alsatian wine is open to you in this stunning corner of the world.

Book Now

About The French Hotel Barge Panache

French Hotel Barge Panache

The 12-passenger Hotel Barge Panache cruises in Holland & Belgium during the springtime, then through Paris to Champagne, and finishes their season in the Alsace-Lorraine region of France.

• Route: Between Niderville and Kraftt, France - Click for Alsace itinerary
• Dates: July 12-October 31, 2020
• Accommodations: up to 12 passengers in 6 ensuite staterooms
• Charters and Cabin cruises 
• Itineraries: See all itineraries
• Learn more: Online brochure

Panache

The 128-foot Panache is a 12-passenger luxury hotel barge of classic Dutch design, fully air conditioned with spacious public areas and six en-suite stateroms, with your choice of twin or double bed configuration. En-suite bathrooms have twin sinks and oversize showers with massage jets. Panache is traditionally furnished in an old ship style with brass and mahogany, creating a comfortable and charming ambience. The salon and dining room have large panoramic windows for viewing the passing countryside, as well as comfortable sofas, books and music, and an always open inclusive bar. The sun deck is spacious and has a heated spa pool; a perfect place to watch the sun set after dinner.

Panache has a highly professional crew of six, comprised of Master Chef, Deck Hand, Tour guide, two Housekeepers, and led by a knowledgeable and experienced Captain, who will ensure your cruise is memorable and more.

Book now! Contact Paradise Connections
CLICK HERE

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

 

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Barging Cruise in the Loire region of France - Barge Renaissance

Enjoy Serenity Aboard The French Hotel Barge Renaissance

Savouring a peaceful moment on the Canal de Briare.

Learn More

• Read our recent post about the French Hotel Barge Renaissance and this beautiful region of France → CLICK HERE.

• Check for special offers → CLICK HERE.

• Hotel Barge Renaissance's online brochure → CLICK HERE

Book Now

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 Allons-y ! 
Cruise the Canal de Briare with French Barge Renaissance

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

 

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Recipe - Venetian Frittelle or Fritoe Veneziane

Recipe - Venetian Frittelle or Fritoe Veneziane

These treats are a soft dough made with flour, eggs, sugar, yeast and milk and flavored with citrus peel, peanuts and raisins.  Every Venetian family has their own recipe, which can be different in textures, aromas and stuffing, but of course, Grandma’s is the best!

Ingredients (Serves 4)

• 250 g wheat flour
• 35 g sugar
• 20 g brewer’s yeast
• 1 egg
• 20 cl milk 
• 30 g raisins (hydrated in 1 tbsp of rum) 
• 30 g peanuts
• Rind of 1 lemon (washed and grated) 
• 1 liter peanut oil (for frying)

Method

• Take a large bowl and mix the milk and brewer’s yeast with 50 grams of flour until it becomes nice and doughy,
• Leave the dough in the bowl, cover with a kitchen towel and leave to rest for 30 minutes in a warm, dry space.
• After half an hour you can add all of the remaining ingredients apart from the peanut oil.
• Mix the ingredients thoroughly with the dough and cover again, leave until the dough has roughly doubled in size.
• With a small, wet spoon, mould the dough into small balls.
• Deep fry the balls in the peanut oil for 2 to 3 minutes until they are lightly browned.
• Drain on kitchen paper, leave to cool slightly and serve with a sprinkling of icing sugar.
• Sit down and enjoy these tasty Venetian treats!

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About The Italian Hotel Barge Bella Vita

Italian Hotel Barge La Bella Vita

La Bella Vita

La Bella Vita is a stylish 20-passenger vessel with a typically modern Italian interior, reflected in the use of vibrant colors throughout to create an atmosphere of casual relaxation. There is an inviting bar area in which to enjoy a glass of Prosecco and a spacious dining room with louvre doors that open to give a perfect view as you are served delicious Italian specialities and wines.

There are two main deck junior suites and eight lower deck staterooms, all air-conditioned and with en suite facilities. The upper deck has a huge sun deck with a large canopy and comfortable loungers to relax and watch the world drift by.

Enjoy delicious regional cuisine, fine Italian wines and the services of an attentive crew that will make this an unforgettable cruise. 

La Bella Vita offers 6-night, all-inclusive private charters, as well as cabin cruises. Themed cruises such as family, golf, opera, and wine appreciation are available for private charters.

• Learn More: Online Brochure 
• Route: Venice, the Islands of the Venetian Lagoon, the Bianca Canal and the Po Valley
• Up to 20 guests
• Charters and Cabin cruises
• Itineraries: Standard classic, Family, Golf, Opera, Wine appreciation

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Check for special offers

Book Now

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Let's reserve your spot !

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Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters to book LA BELLA VITA
View La Bella Vita's online brochure
Visit our website for more info on our barges and barging: www.BargeCharters.com

 

Hotel Barge Panache - Annual Paris to Champagne Cruise

Cruise from Paris to Champagne on this Spectacular Annual Voyage Aboard Panache

You’ll fall in love with this 6-night voyage of discovery, beginning with a moonlit cruise in Paris and ending at the birthplace of Champagne.

Seeing Paris in Style

This once-a-year barging cruise to the heart of Champagne aboard the Hotel Barge Panache  combines the history and romance of Paris with the celebrated gastronomy of this stellar wine region.

The journey begins with an evening cruise through Paris and passes some of the city's famous landmarks that include the Notre Dame Cathedral (now under reconstruction) and the glittering, glowing, majestic Eiffel Tower. Paris is the most visited city in the world for many reasons but chief among them has to be the vibrant arts scene, with world famous museums such as the Louvre, and the countless atmospheric cafés that line the beautiful banks of the River Seine, ideal to explore at either end of your cruise!

Follow in the Footsteps of Kings and Queens

Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte

This Panache cruise, which navigates the River Marne in the renowned Champagne region, is a prime example of what our ethos as a luxury boutique cruise operator is all about; a blend of beautiful architecture, countryside, history, gourmet cuisine and fine wines. The Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte, for example, is a pioneering feat of architecture that reflects the quintessential 17th-century French Baroque style and which inspired the construction of Versailles

Notre-Dame de Reims

Another architectural gem on this route is the magnificent 800-year-old Reims Cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece where the Kings of France were crowned, and a beautiful city in its own right.

Taking the Champagne Route

 Henriot Champagne

And what’s a visit to Champagne without enjoying its famous bubbly!  This itinerary includes a visit to the Domaine of Champagne Henriot.  Founded in the late 1700s, it is one of the oldest family owned houses in Champagne.  Guests will tour the Henriot vineyard on the hillside above Epernay, where a viticulture expert will explain the grape selection process that produces the famous house wines.  Our guests will also receive a private tour of the 18th century Château d’Aulnois  in the nearby village of Perry, where they will be treated to an exclusive tasting of various Henriot champagnes, followed by a gourmet lunch.

Statue of Dom Perignon

Quite possibly the most sought after of our excursions is our visit to the renowned house of Moët & Chandon, where guests will tour its vast underground cellars and indulge in a private tasting of some classic Moët vintages in an elegant private salon. Not something that one does everyday!

Book Now

About The French Hotel Barge Panache

Panache Moored Along the Marne River in Champagne

The 12-passenger Hotel Barge Panache cruises in Holland & Belgium during the springtime, then through Paris to Champagne, and finishes their season in the Alsace-Lorraine region of France.

• Route: Paris to Condé sur Marne (May 24-30, 2020) - Click for itinerary
• Date: May 24-30, 2020
• Availability: 4 cabins open, 2 booked (as of Sept. 6, 2019)
• Accommodations: up to 12 passengers in 6 ensuite staterooms
• Charters and Cabin cruises 
• Itineraries: See all itineraries
• Learn more: Online brochure

Panache

The 128-foot Panache is a 12-passenger luxury hotel barge of classic Dutch design, fully air conditioned with spacious public areas and six en-suite stateroms, with your choice of twin or double bed configuration. En-suite bathrooms have twin sinks and oversize showers with massage jets. Panache is traditionally furnished in an old ship style with brass and mahogany, creating a comfortable and charming ambience. The salon and dining room have large panoramic windows for viewing the passing countryside, as well as comfortable sofas, books and music, and an always open inclusive bar. The sun deck is spacious and has a heated spa pool; a perfect place to watch the sun set after dinner.

Panache has a highly professional crew of six, comprised of Master Chef, Deck Hand, Tour guide, two Housekeepers, and led by a knowledgeable and experienced Captain, who will ensure your cruise is memorable and more.

Book now! Contact Paradise Connections
CLICK HERE

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

 

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Cruising the Canal de Briare Aboard Hotel Barge Renaissance

Cruising the Canal de Briare: One of the Oldest French Canals

The picturesque Canal de Briare, connecting the valleys of the Seine and the Loire, is notable for a number of reasons apart from the delightful scenery through which it wends its way. A popular route for both private and commercial cruising vessels, the canal is renowned as one of the loveliest places for a barge cruise as well as being a highly impressive feat of engineering.

Explore the Canal de Briare

A Pioneering History

This canal is one of the country's oldest man-made waterways, built between 1602 and 1642 under the patronage of Henry IV. When first constructed, it linked directly into the Loire at Montargis, but later in the nineteenth century the building of the famous Briare Aqueduct created a bypass to La Cognardière, 2.6km away. Despite its name, the aqueduct actually forms part of the Canal latéral à la Loire.

French Hotel Barge Renaissance Crossing the Briare Aqueduct

An Engineering Triumph

This canal was also the first to be constructed at summit level using “pound locks”, which feature a chamber with gates at either end to control the height of the water within. (Before then locks were created with a single gate.) A summit level canal first rises and then falls along its course, and in the case of the 57km Canal de Briare, it rises through 12 locks before falling through another 24 on an 85m descent.

Rogny-les-Sept-Ecluses

During construction a number of artificial lakes were created in order to feed water into the locks. At the most precipitous location, Rogny, it was necessary to build what was in effect a “staircase” of seven locks in order to navigate the fall of the canal. While it was without a doubt an outstanding feat of engineering, the design caused huge hold-ups as each vessel had to navigate all seven locks before the next was able to pass through. In the end the staircase of locks was abandoned and the canal re-routed to bypass them, but the town was later renamed Rogny-les-Sept-Ecluses in their honor.


Attractions en Route

Along with the locks at Rogny-les-Sept-Ecluses, many other attractions along the course of the canal make it a popular route in France. In Montargis, one of the most renowned local businesses to have put this pretty town on the map is the Mazet Praline Shop. The confectioner still makes its praline treats to the recipe of founder, Leon Mazet, who opened the shop in 1903. As well as a range of chocolates and other delicacies, the shop is famous for its signature caramelised almond, the Praslin Mazet de Montargis.

Château de Saint Fargeau

Situated in the commune of Saint-Fargeau, the magnificent seventeenth-century Renaissance-style Château de Saint Fargeau is the cultural centerpiece of the region, with its checkered history dating back some one thousand years. Its present distinctive pentagonal construction surrounded by six imposing towers is built on top of an original fortress commissioned by Héribert, son of King Hugh Capet. Even though it is privately owned, many parts of the castle are open for public visitation.


From Ancient Trade to Modern Leisure

For many centuries the Canal de Briare existed as an important channel to transport coal, wood, wine and other supplies from the Loire Valley to Paris. Today, this beautiful waterway serves as one of the most appealing locations to explore on a barge cruise.

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About The French Hotel Barge Renaissance

The French Hotel Barge Renaissance
Cruising the Upper Loire & Western Burgundy

Renaissance is designed to carry up to eight guests in ultimate luxury along the Canal de Briare, France's oldest canal. Enjoy a journey steeped in history on a cruise route that features elegant châteaux, small countryside villages and the famed wine-growing region of Sancerre.


Cruise Details:

• Route: Canal de Briare between Montargis and Chatillon-sur-Loire
• Up to 8 guests
• Private charters and Cabin cruises
• Itineraries: Standard classic, Family, Golfing, Wine tasting
• Learn more: Online Brochure

Cruise Highlights:

• Visit to and guided tour of the magnificent Château de Fontainebleau
• 7-lock flight at Rogny-Les-Sept-Ecluses, a national historic monument
• Cruise across the aqueduct at Briare, built by Gustave Eiffel over the River Loire
• Private wine tasting in Sancerre
• Visit Gien, home of the Faience pottery
• Excellent towpath for walking and cycling
• "Biking Plus" option available

Learn More: 

• CLICK HERE for Hotel Barge Renaissance's online brochure

Book Now

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 Allons-y ! 
Cruise the Canal de Briare with Barge Renaissance

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

 

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