Tuesday, November 24, 2020

French Hotel Barge Anjodi Rates Top Marks

Another Excellent Review

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"The service was impeccable, and they did everything to make the trip feel special notwithstanding what was going on in the the world. I would take another trip in the future and would recommend it to anyone who would like to wind down."

- Guest aboard Anjodi, October 2020


About The French Hotel Barge Anjodi



French Hotel Barge Anjodi - Canal du Midi
 
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 spacious sun deck is the perfect place to relax and enjoy an al fresco meal; plus it has a heated hot tub.

Anjodi's highly professional crew of four, comprised of Master Chef, Tour Guide and Host/Hostess, is led by a knowledgeable and experienced Captain who will ensure your cruise is safe and memorable. 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 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
Provence & Camargue Cruise Highlights:
  • DATES:
    • June 20-26, 2021
    • June 27-July 3, 2021
  • Tour the famous Chateau Neuf du Papes commune and enjoy a private wine tasting
  • Explore the medieval city of Avignon
  • Visit Arles, the city famed for inspiring over 300 paintings by Van Gogh
  • Explore the 1st century Roman Arena, St Trophime’s Basilica, and the museum of Provencal life 
  • Visit the ancient walled city of Aigues Mortes
  • Cruise across the Etang de Thau to Villeneuve les Maguelones
  • Excellent towpath for walking and cycling
  • "Biking Plus" option available


Cruise the Canal du Midi with Barge Anjodi





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


Monday, November 23, 2020

Hotel Barging Makes the Perfect Post-Lockdown Escape

Hotel Barging Makes the Perfect Post-Lockdown Escape


Privacy and Seclusion on a Private Barge Charter

How better to enjoy the very best of a destination on a post-lockdown escape than in the comfort and seclusion of a private barge charter? We are seeing a huge interest for charter bookings in 2021 & 2022 for groups of friends and families in hopes of reconnecting and making up for lost time during lockdown. With the perks of what feels like having your very own private floating villa, equipped with a personal crew and private chef, it's not difficult to see why.

Our vessels accommodate between 6 and 12 passengers depending on the individual barge. With our small group cruises, from hygiene to haute cuisine, you can expect the highest standard of service throughout.

The Path Less Traveled

The beauty of canal cruising is that you can access the smaller waterways of Europe that are often inaccessible to the larger river cruises. This means that you'll get to enjoy the scenic countryside all to yourself at an unhurried pace.


Live Like a Local, Visiting Lesser-Known Gems

Many of our guests return to us for a second or third barging trip. Our cruises avoid larger cities and ports, and never moor alongside another vessel. You are offered the opportunity to visit the region's lesser-known gems for a true cultural immersion, with the chance to "live like a local" for the day. What better way to truly get to know the destination you're visiting.

Hop On and Off at Your Leisure

Your luxury barge is always just a few feet from the shore and, if you wish, you may hop off at the next lock for a walk or a bike ride and meet up a short while later. Therefore, the inevitable "stuck at sea" feeling aboard large cruise ships is completely non-existent here. And, with their air-conditioned minivans close by, heading out to explore the region is easy, comfortable, and hassle free.


Chauffeur Service Throughout Your Stay

From the moment you arrive at your pickup point, feel the pressures of travel float away in the knowledge that your barge's fully air-conditioned minivans are on hand to "take it from here". Their spacious and well-equipped vehicle will whisk you away to the barge, where a champagne reception awaits. From there, they will transport you to your daily tours, and will always be nearby, even when you're cruising.


Private (& Often Exclusive) Insider Experiences

We all love the thought of getting off-the-beaten-track, and with your daily "Insider Experiences", they take great pride in introducing you to people and places that often aren't available to anyone else. Imagine sipping tea with a French countess in her private apartments in the 18th century Château de la Motte, an exclusive hosted fine Italian dinner on the banks of Byron’s River Po, a personal address by a Scottish bagpiper as he marches alongside the barge with the Highlands as his backdrop, or perhaps, an exclusive live jazz session as sundowners are served on deck.

Space and Well-being

When you fancy stepping out to soak up the sunshine, breathe in some fresh air and stretch your legs in vast open spaces, feel free to go for a walk or take one of the barge's bicycles on a towpath discovery. When you’re ready to come back aboard, simply meet the barge at the next lock. Those who are especially keen cyclists may be interested in the Biking Plus option with cycling maps, offering a more adventurous route, away from the towpath. eBikes are also available at a supplement.


Tailor-Made Itineraries

Itineraries have been carefully designed so guests leave the vessel knowing that they have experienced the very best of the region – from food and drink to culture and history, and everything in between. Led by an onboard guide, private tours can be tailor-made to suit guests’ needs: perhaps to avoid any crowds or simply escape from the midday sun. Many of these tours also offer exclusive access to private venues, creating a unique experience with the space and freedom to fully explore at leisure.

The expert local knowledge of your guides, make your experience truly unforgettable as you discover ancient vineyards, medieval centers, charming châteaux, picture-perfect villages, and so much more. A host of fun-filled activities are also available for families and special interest groups, including tennis, golf, kayaking, and horse riding.

A Gastronomic Journey

Gastronomy plays a huge part on a barge cruise, with gourmet fares prepared by an expert chef, creating each menu using locally-sourced ingredients.  With irresistible menus served with full table service inside or out on deck, it is like you’re attending a different restaurant for each meal without a buffet table in sight. Of course, you can’t enjoy fine cuisine without a hand-picked selection of fine wines, and so your wine expert will present their choice to the table at every lunch and dinner.


Plan Your Post-Lockdown Escape

Enjoy 2021 and 2022 barge cruises at 2020 prices for a limited time! Be sure to check our current special offers HERE.

Also...
  • For bookings made by September 30, 2020 for cruises in 2020 or 2021, you may reschedule your cruise at any time up to 30 days prior to departure if certain COVD-19 related government regulations will or are likely to prevent travel to the barge. See Book Your Cruise With Confidence for more information.
  • Please visit our website for Safe Cruising Protocols being undertaken by the barges.






Visit our website for more info on our barges and barging: www.BargeCharters.com
 


Book your Barge Cruise with Confidence

Barge Cruises in our New Times

This post applies to the following barges: Anjodi, Athos, Enchante, Finesse, L'Art de Vivre, La Bella Vita, La Belle Epoque, L'Impressionniste, Magna Carta, La Nouvelle Etoile, Panache, Renaissance, Rosa, Scottish Higlander, Shannon Princess, and Spirit of Scotland.



For bookings made by December 31, 2020 for cruises in 2020 or 2021, you may reschedule your cruise at any time up to 30 days prior to departure if certain COVD-19 related government regulations will or are likely to prevent travel to the barge.

Privacy and Seclusion on a Whole Barge Charter

How better to enjoy the very best of a destination on a post-lockdown escape, than in the comfort and seclusion of a private whole barge charter. From groups of friends to families in hopes of reconnecting and making up for lost time during lockdown, we’re already seeing a huge interest for charter bookings in 2021. It’s not difficult to see why, with the perks of what feels like having your very own private floating villa, equipped with a personal crew and private chef.

See Book Your Cruise With Confidence for more information.

Please visit our website for Safe Cruising Protocols being undertaken by the barges.







Visit our website for more info on our barges and barging: www.BargeCharters.com
 







Thursday, November 19, 2020

Happy Beaujolais Nouveau Day

It's Beaujolais Nouveau Day
Beaujolais Nouveau Day is celebrated in the French region of Beaujolais (30 kilometres northeast of Lyon) on the third Thursday in November to mark the first release of Beaujolais Nouveau wine, just weeks after the wine’s grapes have been harvested. Exactly one minute after midnight strikes on Beaujolais Nouveau Day, the wine is released to the world.

It's not just the wine that is celebrated, it is also a chance to honor the stunning region of Beaujolais and its people. It is on this date that the region comes alive with fireworks, music and festivals. In fact, there are over 100 festivals held in the region in honor of the event, the most famous of which is in Les Sarmentelles de Beaujeu, the capital of the region.

How is Beaujolais Nouveau Made?

This fresh and fruity wine is made from Gamay grapes and must be harvested by hand. They are then kept in a huge sealed vessel filled with carbon dioxide. As the grapes at the bottom are crushed and start to ferment they give off more CO2, which aids the fermentation of the uncrushed grapes, too. This is a process called "carbonic maceration" and is the key to the short fermentation process with a fresh and low-tannin flavor.

Originally, Beaujolais Nouveau was consumed only by locals as a budget-friendly primeur (young wine) to toast the end of the harvest. Unlike other wines, standard vintages have a short shelf life of around six months.

The Race to Market

It is perhaps this short lifecycle that has encouraged the worldwide race to bring the wine to market in November each year. The slogan “Le Beaujolais nouveau est arrivé” has adorned banners and posts all over the world to advertise the arrival of the wine, although the new slogan “It’s Beaujolais Nouveau Time” was introduced in English-speaking countries in 2005.

Mark the Occasion in Style

This fresh, young wine is the perfect choice for serving slightly chilled, and paired with a selection of good French cheeses and charcuterie. Often described as a party wine, it’s the perfect excuse for marking the occasion with friends.

Le Beaujolais nouveau est arrive!

A cruise aboard a Hotel Barge in France is an excellent way to experience wine and culture. You may even choose a wine-themed cruise.






Visit our website for more information on our barges and barging: www.BargeCharters.com