Showing posts with label River Cruise. Show all posts
Showing posts with label River Cruise. Show all posts

Tuesday, February 14, 2023

New Special Offers on Barge Cruises

Special Offers & Discounts on 2023 Barge Cruises
 
 

Happy Valentine's Day. Here's a sweetheart of a deal... 
 
We have posted new special offers for 2023 European barge cruises. Save 10-20% on selected cruises in France, Holland, England, Scotland, and Italy. There are also great savings for solo travellers on weeks with no single supplements.

Let's Go Barging In 2023
 
Inquire




Contact Paradise Connections to book your barge trip
Visit our website for more info on our barges and barging: www.BargeCharters.com
 

  
#BargeCruises #BargeCharters #SpecialOffersBargeCruises #DiscountedBargeCruises #SpecialOffers #Discounts #BargingInFrance #BargingInHolland #BargingInEngland #BargingInScotland #BargingInIreland #BargingInItaly

Friday, December 16, 2022

Special Offers on Barge Cruises

Special Offers & Discounts on 2023 Barge Cruises
 
 
We have updated our special offers for 2023 barge charters and cabin cruises. 
 
Some discounts have been increased from 10% to 20%. New discounted weeks have been added, as well as new No Single Supplement weeks in France, Holland, and Scotland. These specials are valid through January 4, 2023. Some may be extended but don't risk it. Inquire now to take advantage of these super rates.
 

More News

Please note that Grand Cru, Prosperite, and Rendez-Vous have increased their rates, effective on January 3, 2023.

Let's Go Barging In 2023
 
Inquire





Contact Paradise Connections to book your barge trip
Visit our website for more info on our barges and barging: www.BargeCharters.com
 

  
#BargeCruises #BargeCharters #SpecialOffersBargeCruises #DiscountedBargeCruises #SepcialOffers #Dscounts

Friday, July 09, 2021

Meet Enchanté Chef, Sylvain Moretto

Meet Chef Sylvain Moretto
 French Hotel Barge Enchante
 

Classically-trained French chef, Sylvain Moretto, has been the master chef aboard Enchanté for ten seasons, with an additional three seasons aboard Renaissance. Read about life as a barge chef on the tranquil Canal du Midi…
 
 
What is your favourite dish to make on board? 
 
I love making my ‘saumon en croûte de sel’ (salmon in a salt crust) because it’s a show for the guests from start to finish. On the barge, I like to stage it as a cooking demonstration so that guests can try it at home and impress their friends and family. I’ve had quite a few email discussions with former guests about how it went with that and other recipes I’ve shared. I love it when the guests really take an interest in cooking.
 
 
What’s the inspiration behind it? 
 
Early in my professional career, I worked for two years in the Dijon restaurant ‘Saumon Cook’, which as you can guess, specialised in salmon cooked many different ways. I first adapted one of the recipes by adding fresh vegetables and herbs to impress my first barge chef boss. It worked! I’ve continued to tweak the recipe since.
 
 
Which destinations have inspired you, and how has that inspiration translated into your cooking/menus? 
 
I have Italian blood and I love Italy (though don’t speak Italian, alas). It’s a classic answer but I love the food in Rome. They use fresh ingredients to make simple, homemade food,with a Roman flair and they take such a pride in their cuisine. I’d describe my cooking style as ‘classic Burgundy fused with light Mediterranean’.
 

 
Who do you consider to be your culinary hero?
 
The late Jean-Pierre Coffe was an inspiration to me. He was a great French chef but not only that, becoming also a celebrated radio and TV presenter. He was what we call an ‘epicurean’. He brought his genuine personality to his cooking and was never too serious, loving to eat and laugh.
 
 
Who would you compare your cooking style with? 
 
I don’t really like to compare my food to other chefs as over the past 20 years I’ve strived to create my own style based on my classic French training. However, it was Jean-Christophe, that first barge chef boss, on the Abercrombie barge in Burgundy, who first taught me the specific art of ‘barge-cheffing’ and that has stuck with me.
 
In terms of the style of how I work, I aspire to compare myself to the aforementioned Jean-Pierre Coffe as I love working in my open kitchen in front of the guests and enjoy sharing the cooking process  and a laugh with them.
 
 
What is your favourite food city? 
 
I travel a lot and always sample the local cuisine. Its very difficult to pick just one city. I particularly enjoy the flavours found across the Asian continent, particularly in Sri Lanka and Vietnam.
 
In Europe I’d say Rome, for the reasons above. Consistently simple, fresh flavours and passion for food.
 
 
Name 3 ingredients you cannot live without 
 
  • Olive oil
  • Cream fraîche
  • Fresh herbs are essential in any dish I make. Chives, tarragon and mint I use the most. With those you can make sauces, give taste and cook healthy, dishes.
 
Next big foodie trend? 
 
This is a good question for a French chef, as French cuisine had always been considered a world standard, based on its consistent quality. However, this never encouraged innovation and ‘trends’ and so while a lot of fads and fashions took off around the world, French cuisine didn’t change much until recently.
 
The classic French ‘haute cuisine’ style you learn at trade school is based on just 3 different ways of cooking: fried; slow and covered; and fried then slow: ‘Concentration, expansion et mixte’.
 
Now, we are seeing a lot more fusion on the scene as the French are starting to travel abroad more and bring back ideas, There’s smoked slow cooking, wok-based dishes, different types of bread, non-European herbs, African hibiscus etc.
 
In the food world in general, with increasing awareness of world problems, there seems to be a trend towards more organic, less meat and sugar and also less plastic packaging.
 
 
Describe life as a barge chef in 3 words 
 
  • Opportunity
  • Freedom
  • Sharing

About The French Hotel Barge Enchante

Enchanté moored in Le Somail
 
Sample Chef Sylvain's cooking aboard Enchanté 
 
Inquire


We have some special offers that you may find interesting


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

 

Wednesday, March 31, 2021

FRANCE: The Canal de Garonne

Canal de Garonne
Southwest France
 
Canal des Deux Mers (Garonne & Midi)
 
 
Discover the Canal de Garonne aboard 8-passenger, luxury French hotel barge Rosa, as she cruises Bordeaux and Gascony in Southwest France.
 
The Canal de Garonne stretches over 120 miles and contains no less than 53 locks. It begins at its junction with the Canal du Midi in Toulouse, travelling west to Castets-en-Dorthe where it opens into the tidal Garonne River. The port of Castets used to be very busy with barges queuing up, waiting for high tide so they could continue with their cargo on to Bordeaux. The canal is part of a route dissecting the south of France which allows boats to pass directly between the Mediterranean and the Atlantic without circumnavigating Spain and through the Strait of Gibraltar, where Barbary Pirates were rife during the 17th century. The Canal des Deux Mers is the name now commonly used for the entire navigable route, including the Canal du Midi, which extends for nearly 370 miles from Bordeaux to Sète.
 
 
Work on the 19th century Canal de Garonne did not start until 1838, nearly 150 years after the Canal du Midi was already in use. As was the case with other parts of the French canal network, the advent of the railway soon affected its use for the commercial transport of goods. Unlike the earlier Canal du Midi, the Canal de Garonne features many straight stretches, and between Toulouse and Agen the railway is always nearby. The area around Agen is a bountiful fruit-growing region of France, with strawberries, cherries, apples, pears, plums and peaches grown in the vicinity. In early summer, the banks come alive with yellow iris which welcome passing boats. The canal also sports the world’s first “water slope,” built in 1974 at Montech to replace a flight of locks. Two other engineering marvels and impressive structures are the aqueducts over the Tarn near Moissac and over the Garonne at Agen.
 
Cruise the Canal de Garonne aboard Rosa 
 
Offering an intimate luxury experience, 8 passenger Rosa cruises Gascony in the Spring and early Summer, and Bordeaux in the late Summer and Autumn along the Canal de Garonne.


About The French Hotel Barge Rosa

French Hotel Barge Rosa

Rosa's charming accommodation for eight guests features two double and two twin-bedded staterooms, each with private ensuite bathrooms, and a saloon that gives direct access onto the spacious sundeck. A cruise on Hotel Barge Rosa is the ideal way to explore this beautiful, pastoral region of Southwest France.

Rosa's Gascony route from Agen (Boé) to Montauban on the Canal des Deux Mers, a delightful waterway that links the Atlantic to the Mediterranean, features the best that the region has to offer: Armagnac, foie gras, and wine tastings, delightful French countryside, and fascinating excursions.

Covid-19 info:









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


Monday, March 29, 2021

Experience France: Autumn Wine Harvest

Autumn Wine Harvest
Barge Cruises in France

 
For many visitors to France, a major draw is the country’s centuries-old legacy of winemaking, particularly during the wine harvest months. Our wine appreciation cruises travelling through such renowned regions as Burgundy, Bordeaux, Champagne and Alsace, have long been popular with oenophiles keen on an inside look into the production behind some of the world’s finest vintages.

Though summer may be the peak barging season for many travellers, the vineyards of France offer up delights and surprises all year round. As the days shorten and the vine leaves turn golden, vintners begin the age-old tradition of harvesting grapes and start the winemaking process anew. If you choose to cruise in the off-peak season in Autumn, you’ll be well-rewarded with a glimpse into one of France’s most time-honored traditions.

La Vendange: The Harvest

In France, wine harvest time is known as "la vendange". Because the grapes ripen at different rates depending on species, la vendange spans about two months – typically from August to October. During this time, the French countryside is bustling with activity as vintners work to haul in the wine harvest. Though the process has been mechanised somewhat, most vineyards still harvest by hand, hiring temporary, seasonal help to deal with the enormous volume.
 
You don't need to get out into the fields and get your hands dirty to enjoy the wine harvest. In many French towns, the wine harvest season is cause for celebration and local festivals take place all across the country.

Festivals and Celebrations

Nearly every region of France produces wine, so there’s hardly a dull moment in the between August and October. One of the season’s most prestigious festivals takes place each September in Saint-Emilion in Bordeaux. Since 1199, this medieval town has held the Jurade de Saint-Emilion, during which local winemakers open their cellars to the public for two days. Similar festivals also take place in the Beaujolais region to welcome the latest Beaujolais Nouveau.

Whether big regional affairs or local celebrations, French wine festivals are an annual rite of Autumn. You can expect to see grape-pressing, taste regional foods, hear local music, and of course, drink a wide variety of local wines.

If you really need another reason to cruise in France during the Autumn, consider that the off-peak season is more relaxed than the busy summer months and value-season rates may apply. You can expect fewer crowds with summer holidays finished and children back in the classroom. What’s more, Autumn in France boasts bright, warm days and crisp nights, plus a dazzling display of yellow, orange, and red foliage across the countryside. Try Autumn cruising just once and you’ll never look back.
 
Covid-19 info:






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

 

Sunday, March 28, 2021

Understanding French Wine - French barge Athos

How to Read and Understand a French Wine Label
 
The French Hotel Barge Athos who cruises along the canal du midi in southern France shares some insight on how to read and understand a French wine label...
 
 
 
Some tips on knowing what’s in the bottle…
 
When you’re browsing the wine shop shelves looking for the perfect trip down memory lane in a wine bottle, how can you possibly know whether anything on that shelf will resemble what you drank while you were onboard Athos?

You need to be able to understand the content on a french wine label. The best news is that fluent french is not an obligation in this case.

French wines carry considerable information on that sometimes-confusing label.  It can show where a wine comes from, how it was vinified, and which grapes were used.

Below is a great resource writtten by Total Wine & More:  a map of the Languedoc wine regions, and a diagram of what can be found and where on a typical wine label. 

It shows the areas called the AOCs – or Appellation d’Origine Controlés.  These colour-blocked areas on the map show the officially licensed french wine regions with grape-growing and vinification requirements needing to be met in order to carry the AOC mark of standard.

Following the map and label-guide below, you should be able to work out the (relative) prestige of the winery, the age of the wine, the vinification, the grape varietals.   Voilà.  How to understand a french wine label.

How to Understand a Languedoc Wine Label
 
(with explanations in red)

(Click image to enlarge)

(Click image to enlarge)
 
Thanks for the information, Athos!

About The French Hotel Barge Athos

Hotel Barge Athos on the River Orb aqueduct

Athos

Cruise Highlights:
  • Tour of the medieval city of Carcassonne
  • Private tour and tasting at a Minervois winery
  • Organic Olive Tasting at L’Oulibo
  • Cruise through the natural haven that is the “Petit Camargue”
  • Tour and tasting at the Noilly Prat vermouth distillery
  • Excellent towpath for walking and cycling

Covid-19 info:
 



Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters to book ATHOS
View Athos' 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
 


Thursday, September 17, 2020

RECIPE: Autumn Jams - Elderberries and Blackberries

 Here's a recipe for autumn jams from Irish Hotel Barge Shannon Princess.
 


Elderberry Jam
  • 1 kg elderberries (remove from the stalks with a fork)
  • 1 kg jam sugar (or 1 kg sugar with the juice of 1 lemon)
Method
  1. As elderberries have no pectin, is it best to use jam sugar or else use regular sugar and the juice of one lemon.
  2. For the jars, make sure that they are washed in warm, soapy water, rinsed and then put into a moderate oven or microwave to sterilise.
  3. Put the elderberries into a heavy based or stainless steel saucepan and cover with water. Bring to the boil and simmer for about 15 minutes - until the berries have softened.
  4. To strain the berry juice you can use a jelly bag or a fine sieve.
  5. Measure the strained juice and for every 1 litre use 1kg of your preferred sugar.
  6. Pour this elderberries juice back into the pot and bring to the boil. When it has come nearly to the boil add the sugar and stir until the sugar has melted. Again bring it back up to a rolling boil and when it has reached boiling point, use a jam thermometer or time it for 4 minutes.
  7. When setting point is reached turn off the heat & pour the juice into a measuring jug and carefully fill the jars. Cover with wax disc and jam pot cover and lids.
Thanks, Olivia


About The Irish Hotel Barge Shannon Princess


Shannon Princess Barging Cruises In Ireland


Shannon Princess

The Shannon Princess has been thoughtfully designed throughout. The barge's inviting interior makes a charming floating living space – a perfect "Home away from home" for guests to enjoy. The welcoming atmosphere is enhanced by Ruairi and Olivia’s love of antiquities, crafts, pottery and art with many works by established and local Irish artists.  Onboard the barge a friendly & relaxed mood has been created by carefully mixing casual informality with quality service.

The Shannon Princess provides accommodation for up to 10 guests in 5 cabins which can be configured as double or twins, each with ensuite facilities. This barge is owner-operated with a total of five professional crew in attendance.You will be charmed with excellent but friendly service, gorgeous food & wines, and share in a slice of local life and knowledge.




Currently, there is one week open in 2021 for a private charter and a few weeks open for cabin cruises.







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


 

Sunday, March 08, 2020

Meet The Barge Chefs

Barge Chefs for the 2020 Season


Each luxury hotel barge features a master chef with world-class training and a certain flair for creating mouth-watering taste sensations in particularly compact mobile kitchens. They play a huge role in your luxury barge cruising experience. Here's an introduction to some of this season’s barge chefs…


ANJODI, Dave Lawrence

 Aboard Anjodi - Canal du Midi, France

Dave is from the Australian island state of Tasmania.  He worked briefly on Anjodi’s sister barge, L’Art de Vivre, at the start of the 2012 barging season before returning to his hometown of Hobart, Tasmania to work as a Head Chef. In 2019, Dave joined the crew of Spirit of Scotland with his partner and fellow crew member, Michelle; and this year he is looking forward to returning to the markets of France.

Online brochure: CLICK HERE


LA BELLE EPOQUE, Arnis Maskevics

Aboard La Belle Epoque - Burgundy, France

Originating from Latvia, Arnis (pronounced Ar-nee) joined the crew of La Belle Epoque in 2018, having spent most of the previous year working aboard Panache. Experienced in a multitude of culinary expertise, Arnis is looking forward to putting his skills to excellent use aboard La Belle Epoque.  A great multi-skilled crew member, Arnis also enjoys throwing a rope if necessary, in between courses.

Online brochure: CLICK HERE


RENAISSANCE, Hannah Dunleavy

Aboard Renaissance - Upper Loire/ Burgundy, Framce

Hannah has been a much-loved member of the Renaissance crew since 2014. She was a hairdresser in the past but fell in love with food. Hannah moved to France to learn its fine cuisine, which she now shares with her guests.

Online brochure: CLICK HERE


PANACHE, Jonathan Drew

Aboard Panache - Holland & Champagne, Alsace-Lorraine, France

Jonathan lives outside Glasgow where he trained and gained experience in high-end hospitality in the prestigious Number Seven Lounge of Celtic FC. While working for the Compass Group preparing private buffets and fine dining events for Directors and Senior Management at the new Scottish Power HQ in Glasgow, he competed in The Compass Chef of the Year Competition, finishing second. Jonathan, or "Jonny" to his friends, joined Panache when he was visiting Alsace. He is looking forward to a full season onboard and adapting his menus for both Holland and Northern France.

Online brochure: CLICK HERE


ENCHANTE, Sylvain Moretto

Aboard Enchante - Canal du Midi, France

An extremely experienced chef, Sylvain has been barging for over ten seasons with Enchanté, and three seasons aboard Renaissance. Many guests who are fortunate to enjoy Sylvain’s cuisine will photograph and write about their culinary adventures.

Online brochure: CLICK HERE


L'IMPRESSIONNISTE, Jim McGarry

Aboard L'Impressionniste - Burgundy, France

Jim is a seasoned barge chef having worked on a number of barges over the past seven seasons. His eighth season is aboard L’Impressionniste, where Jim shall continue to delight passengers with his varied menus and beautiful presentations.

Online brochure: CLICK HERE


ROSA, Erell Delmotte

Aboard Rosa - Gascony & Bordeaux, France

Erell has been a crewmember on various barges since 2015, both as hostess and guide. Having worked closely with the chefs onboard barges Nymphea, Renaissance, Finesse, Panache, L’Impressionniste and Scottish Highlander, Erell gained valuable experience and spent the winter of 2018 training as a chef.  Her weeks as relief chef on Rosa in 2019 were more than enough to convince Rosa's owner to offer her the position of barge chef for the 2020 season.

Online brochure: CLICK HERE


SPIRIT OF SCOTLAND, Robert Erdelyi

Aboard Spirit of Scotland - Highlands, Scotland

Robert is originally from Budapest and gained his experience working on the larger river boats. His first experience working on a luxury barge cruise was aboard L’Art de Vivre, where he thoroughly enjoyed a close working connection with the barge’s passengers. You’ll instantly warm to Robert’s outgoing character and broad smile.

Online brochure: CLICK HERE


FINESSE, Mike Crowson

Aboard Finesse - Burgundy, France

A bit of a celebrity in the world of culinary blogging, Mike Crowson spends the barging season serving up delicious meals for the lucky passengers aboard luxury hotel barge Finesse. Born and bred in Cornwall, Mike is a stellar chef who takes a great deal of satisfaction from both barging and cooking up a storm in the kitchen.

Online brochure: CLICK HERE


LA BELLA VITA, Andrea Chin

Aboard La Bella Vita - Venice, Italy

Andrea has been the Italian master chef aboard La Bella Vita since its launch. This culinary extraordinaire loves interacting with passengers and sharing his passion for Italian food. But don’t take our word for it – client reviews on Chef Andrea’s creations speak for themselves!

Online brochure: CLICK HERE
 


Enjoy Luxury Barge Cruising with the Experts

Whichever barge you choose for your cruise, your onboard chef will delight you with culinary creations featuring the best locally-sourced ingredients. He/she has the experience and imagination to produce dishes that cater to your specific dietary requirements. Typically, chefs are pleased to show off their skills with a cooking demonstration in the galley.







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