Showing posts with label Wine. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Wine. Show all posts

Friday, April 05, 2019

Barging Burgundy: Discover French Wine and Mustard

French Wine & Mustard from Burgundy

Easily accessible by the Canal de Bourgogne, the cities of Dijon and Chablis are renowned worldwide for their signature offerings – unmatched mustard and incredible premier cru and grand cru wine.

Dijon’s Magnificent Mustard


In the Middle Ages, the Romans introduced growing mustard to Dijon and the crop flourished in the area. They soon fashioned their own recipe by grinding the seeds and vinegar together. While this is a far cry from the popular sauce we know and use today, it was how the condiment first originated in the area.

This method was described by early modern period cookery writer Robert May:
"Have good seed, pick it and wash it in cold water, drain it and rub it dry in a cloth very clean; then beat it in a mortar with strong wine-vinegar; and being fine beaten, strain it and keep it close covered. Or grind it in a mustard quern or a bowl with a cannon bullet."
Eventually local Jean Naigeon perfected the recipe by replacing the vinegar with verjuice, the sour juice of unripe grapes, which is the taste we recognise today.


Chablis’ Wonderful Wine


The heritage winery that best defines the region’s passion for wine-making is the Domaine Laroche. Its stunning vineyard is great for a relaxing walk through the fresh greenery. While touring their cellars, you can discover the secrets of the Chablis tipple through an interesting tasting session, where you’ll experience the entire process and learn how the wine makes its way from grape to glass.

An ideal stop on many popular barging cruises in Burgundy, Chablis is a must-visit haven for every wine lover.  Besides the winery, the gorgeous sights of the vineyards themselves offer a peaceful, rejuvenating sanctuary.


Hotel Barges in Burgundy

Taking a Burgundy barge cruise down one of the region's canals is a truly wonderful experience. The area boasts some of the world's finest wines with around 60,000 acres of sunlit vines and some of the prettiest canals in France. The waterways wind through the heart of the territory's renowned vineyards, medieval towns, elegant châteaux, magnificent cathedrals, picturesque villages and wonderful local markets.


Art de Vivre

Belle Epoque

Finesse

Impressionniste

Renaissance


Book now! Contact Paradise Connections
CLICK HERE




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



Saturday, April 28, 2018

Barge Anjodi - Chateau de Perdiguier Wine Visit

Vineyard Tour and Wine Tasting at the Château de Perdiguier with Barge Anjodi

As you cruise the peaceful inland waterways of France, you will glimpse a number of impressive châteaux from the deck of your hotel barge. Guests aboard French Hotel Barge Anjodi have the chance to explore a particularly special estate while cruising the Canal du Midi: the Château de Perdiguier.



Local History

Set within a gorgeous 700-hectare estate, the Château de Perdiguier is known as both a grand seat since the medieval period and a thriving modern producer of Languedoc wine. One can still spot the original 13th-century architecture in certain places – the north wing, for example – which hints at the long history of the house. It was built in 1280 and came under royal control within a decade. In 1375 it was given by King Charles V to Jean Perdiguier, the region’s royal treasurer – the earliest record of vineyards on the site dates back to this time.

Although gifted a beautiful estate, Jean Perdiguier was not destined to enjoy the house and its grounds. He was killed in the Montpellier Rebellion just four years after he became its master. The Château was passed down the female line until 1793, a period which the building was extensively restructured and reimagined. Today, visitors see the central courtyard, round towers, irregularly spaced mullion windows and steep tiled roofs that were added at this time.


An Abundant Estate

The Château is not only famous for its long history and romantic façade; it is a working estate that produces cereals, fruit, honey and wine. Eight varieties of grape are nurtured in its small but hardworking vineyard, famously including the Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grapes that are blended to produce its delicious En Auger wines.  A tour around the Château will give you a glimpse of the amazing vaulted cellars where the wines are aged to perfection, and a private tasting with a master sommelier will give you a taste of its stellar produce.


French Hotel Barge Anjodi

French Hotel Barge Anjodi - Canal du Midi barging cruises

Sporting a classic Dutch design, the 8-passenger Anjodi hotel barge had a recent facelift in 2016, with cabins and salon skillfully refurbished to create a lighter, more spacious ambience that complements its African hardwood paneling and shining brass fittings.

The well planned accommodation offers a choice of four air-conditioned staterooms (which can be configured as 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.


Cruise Highlights:
  • Tour Carcassonne, the most complete medieval fortified city in existence
  • Narbonne's Archbishop's Palace and colorful market
  • Explore the 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
  • Visit Pezenas, a village associated with the playwright Molière
  • 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


Anjodi offers private, whole-boat charters as well as individual cabin cruises where you share the barge with others. Special offers are current available (CLICK HERE) with discounts of 10% and 20% off standard rates depending upon dates.



 Allons-y ! 
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
 


Wednesday, February 07, 2018

Barge Rendez-Vous Updates

Ta Da! We've just completed updating the online brochure for Hotel Barge RENDEZ-VOUS.

French Hotel Barge Rendez-Vous -- Barging Cruises in Burgundy France

We have updated itineraries, including theme cruises of Golfing, and Cycling. Plus, we have added more photos, information about layout, specifications, amenities, and cuisine.

Barge Rendez-Vous cruises in Southern Burgundy along the Canal de Bourgogne between Fleury-sur-Ouche and Vandenesse en Auxois. They accommodate up to 6 guests in 3 guests staterooms which can be configured as either Twins or Queens according to your preference.

Learn more... View their online brochure and/or Contact Paradise Connections.


BREAKING NEWS....

15% discount on all remaining open July/August weeks.



Experience Burgundy This Season aboard
French Hotel Barge Rendez-Vous


Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters to book RENDEZ-VOUS
View Rendez-Vous' online brochure
Visit our website for more info on our barges and barging: www.BargeCharters.com
 



Tuesday, January 30, 2018

Update On Grand Cru, New Burgundy Hotel Barge

The French Hotel Barge Grand Cru makes their debut in April 2018, offering six night/seven day journeys on a route featuring "The Best of Burgundy's Best." With Grand Cru's gastronomic program, guests will enjoy pours of Grand Cru wines with every lunch and dinner. Selected from France's famous wine region, these Grand Cru samplings pair perfectly with the Chef's gourmet cuisine. Other superior libations will be served as well, such as the "créme de la créme" of regional spirits and liqueurs.

We have just heard from Spencer Hayes and Earl Robertson who are in France finishing up the construction and decoration of Grand Cru. They are very excited about this ultra-deluxe barge:

“Grand Cru is coming along well.  The custom cabinetry will soon be installed and the bathrooms are tiled. We have purchased the furniture, as well as unique decorative accessories and art.  We have also been thinking about our itinerary and have decided to offer impromptu experiences when feasible – our guests will receive the true flavor of the region and its people.  Please recommend Grand Cru to your most elite inquiries, and don’t forget the wine lovers, with our exclusive Grand Cru wine program.  We are very excited to start the season and look forward to welcoming your clients.”

French Hotel Barge Grand Cru - Barging Cruises in Burgundy, France

The Grand Cru's eye-catching modern design effortlessly reflects the clean lines and open spaces of contemporary living. Four generously-sized cabins accommodate up to eight guests in beautifully-appointed staterooms, while the comfortable furniture throughout the spacious salon and expansive deck encourages hours of casual socializing. While cruising, guests can relax on deck and enjoy the unspoiled scenery along the waterways or explore the route's charming canalside villages riding the barge's bicycles or taking a bit of a stroll.

While cruising aboard the Grand Cru, Burgundy's cultural treasures are always on offer, ensuring unparalleled access to the local flavors and lively personalities of the region. Escorted excursions reveal the area's most treasured resource: the pampered grapes of Burgundy's Cote d'Or region. Grand Cru's guests will meet the entrepreneurs behind Burgundy's wine production thanks to a series of vineyard visits and private tastings. Guests will also enjoy excursions to family-owned chateaux and gourmet food markets, as well as guided tours of the towns of Dijon and Beaune.


We will have actual photos soon.

Grand Cru's 2018 calendar is filling up (September is fully booked) but here is current availability:

Open dates in 2018:
  • May 20-26
  • May 27-June 1
  • June 17-23
  • July 1-7
Then a block of 6 weeks open, beginning...
  • July 15, 22, and 29
  • August 5, 12, and 19
and the Value Season week of...
  • October 21-27

Barge Grand Cru offers their Classic Cruise along the Canal du Rhone au Rhin and the Canal du Centre (see itineraries) between Dole and St. Leger-sur-Dhune in Southern Burgundy, France. They also have a Golfing themed cruise.



Experience Burgundy aboard the new luxury
Hotel Barge Grand Cru


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



Saturday, December 24, 2016

An Anniversary to Remember Aboard a Hotel Barge

An anniversary – perhaps a wedding milestone, a special birthday or a memorable date with personal significance – is the perfect opportunity to gather together your nearest and dearest to celebrate. If you’re looking for a unique way to commemorate this special event with your loved ones, chartering a hotel barge on one of the peaceful inland waterways of Europe could be the perfect solution.

Lunch aboard French Hotel Barge Emma on the canal du midi

All our hotel barges are available for private charter and many for individual cabin bookings on a shared cruise. Barges come in different sizes and, depending on the one you choose, can accommodate a maximum of six to 20 passengers. With a highly-trained and doting onboard crew – including captain, gourmet chef, hostesses and tour guide – at your disposal, embarking on a chartered cruise allows you the intimacy of your own private vessel along with the expert knowledge and assistance you would expect from a luxury hotel.


WINE APPRECIATION CRUISES

One of our themed cruises would provide a memorable backdrop for an anniversary get-together, such as a wine appreciation cruise.


Oenophiles love the plethora of wine tours that we offer throughout France and Italy. In Burgundy or Bordeaux, Loire Valley or Languedoc-Roussillon, carefully-crafted wine cruises offer you the opportunity to visit some wonderful, long-established wineries and vineyards, as well as explore the cultural and historical delights of each wine-growing region you cruise through.

 
And, of course, there will be plenty of tasting opportunities both on and off the vessel – a perfect way to toast that special occasion!


So, if you’re looking for a special way to celebrate a special anniversary with family or friends, a hotel barge cruise on one of Europe’s beautiful inland waterways is a wonderful way to create memories that will last a lifetime.


See special offers for 2017 barging cruise vacations. Click HERE.



What special occasion would you like to celebrate?



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




Saturday, December 10, 2016

Hotel Barging In France

On any of our hotel barge cruises, one of the wonderful ways you get to experience the best of your cruising region is through the gastronomy. Our barge chefs and sommeliers know the characteristics of the local wines and cheeses they serve and how best to pair the two together.


There are a number of similarities between wine and cheese, those staples of the French diet. Both go through a fermentation and aging process; both have flavors that vary depending on the soil, sunlight, rainfall and geography of the area in which they are produced. In France, both are given the esteemed certification of AOC (Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée) to indicate the quality and provenance of their traditional production.


Like wine, the tasting of cheese is something of a science, as different regions produce so many diverse flavors in all shapes, sizes and colors. If you are a cheese connoisseur, you will certainly be able to indulge your passion on any of our hotel barge cruises in France.

Cheeses can be classified in a number of different ways. For example, by the country or region of origin: a hard cheese made in the Alpine climes of Beaufort would be incredibly difficult to make in the flat, western region of Normandy.


Another difference is the method of production: for example, the outside of washed rind cheeses are repeatedly dusted with ‘morge’ – a mixture of brine, whey and old cheese scrapings – to create a colored rind, while the inside of a blue cheese is pricked with needles to grow blue mold.

These varying processes and environments create cheeses that are wildly different in texture, smell and taste, which we invite you to try as part of every meal during your "culinary voyage of discovery".

When you cruise on the Canal du Midi you will be introduced to the distinctive tastes of the region’s cheeses, with Roquefort Papillon, Cathare au Chèvre, and Tomme au Piment d’Espelette on the menu, paired with a local Corbières or Minervois wine.


In the Loire Valley you may be treated to a cheeseboard featuring Crottin de Chavignol, a creamy goats’ cheese that is surprisingly perfect with a dry, white wine from Sancerre. In Burgundy, Epoisses and Aisy Cendré are examples of cheeses served with full-bodied red wines sucha s Meursault or Santenay-les-Beaunes.

Let us open your eyes to a world of delicious, gourmet cheeses on any of our French hotel barge cruises –  you won’t be disappointed!






See special offers for 2017 barging cruise vacations. Click HERE.


Best Wishes & Happy Holidays



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




Saturday, April 19, 2014

French Hotel Barge SAINT LOUIS: Brandies of Southwest France

Today we have a guest post from the French Hotel Barge SAINT LOUIS who offers both private charters and cabin cruises in the Aquitaine & Gascony region of southwest France.



THE BRANDIES OF SOUTHWEST FRANCE: Armagnac and Floc de Gascogne
- By Alasdair Wyllie, Owner-Operator of Barge Saint Louis

There are two alcoholic drinks produced in southwest France which are not wines, but they are produced by the onward processing of wine.  The first is Armagnac.  This is a sort of brandy, but is a very different product from its highly commercial cousin called Cognac.  Armagnac is artisan produced by over 180 small-scale producers in the area around Nérac.  In spite of the producers teaming up into various marketing bodies, they are unable to exercise strong impact on the overseas trade – they are just too diverse and too small-scale.  For this reason, only a small proportion of Armagnac is exported.
Whereas Armagnac is little-known around the world, Floc de Gascogne is almost unheard of.  Floc is also produced from the grape, indeed it is produced from Armagnac and unfermented grape juice.  Virtually all producers of Armagnac also produce Floc de Gascogne;  virtually none of it is exported, and in fact most of it is consumed within the area in which it is produced.  I see Floc as being one of the pearls of this region, one of the discoveries to be made by coming into the area and travelling slowly, rooting out the local customs and products.


Thanks, Alasdair!

French Hotel Barge Saint Louis - Barging cruises charters in southwest France

The French hotel barge Saint Louis cruises the beautiful calm waterways of Southwest France, including the historic lands of Aquitaine and Gascony. She does so in "casual luxury", providing the perfect accommodation for up to six guests in three stateroom suites (configured as twins or doubles, as desired). To cruise aboard Saint Louis is to experience peace and tranquillity as one passes through the lush countryside, pretty villages and memorable towns. It also means enjoying delicious French cuisine, prepared with fresh local produce, and savouring local wines and aperitifs. Your hosts, Alasdair and Barbara, together with their friendly and expert crew, will ensure that your holiday or vacation is the ultimate in relaxed pleasure.

CURRENT AVAILABILITY: All of the barges are booking up early this year and Saint Louis is no exception. Here is Saint Louis' current availability for the 2014 barging season. Do any of their open dates work for you?
2014 Deparatures (Saturday-Friday):
  • MAY 3, 10, 17 (either private charters or cabin bookings)
  • JUNE 21 (either private charter or cabin bookings)
  • JULY 5, 19 (either private charter or cabin bookings), 27 (cabins only, 2 open)
  • AUGUST 9, 30 (cabin bookings only, 1 open for both weeks)
  • OCTOBER 4, 11, 18 (either private charters or cabin bookings)

Looking forward to your inquiries



Contact Paradise Connections to book SAINT LOUIS 
View Saint Louis' online brochure
Visit our website for more info on our barges and barging: www.BargeCharters.com
 



Monday, January 27, 2014

French Hotel Barge Nymphea: Loire Barging Cruises

We are pleased to announce that the French Hotel Barge Nymphea will be resuming barging cruises on the River Cher in the Loire Valley France for 2014.

French Hotel Barge Nymphea - Cruising the Loire Valley - Barging in France

Last year Nymphea had to suspend operations due to the need for emergency repairs to be carried out on lock weirs/barrages on the River Cher... but she's BACK!

It is possible to book Nymphea by the cabin and share the barge with other like-minded passengers or you may choose to have a private charter for up to 6 people. For private charters you have the option of the standard Loire cruise or several themed itineraries: cycling/bike tour, golf, family, romantic getaway for two/honeymoon cruise.

French Hotel Barge Nymphea River Cher Loire Valley barging cruises
The Valley of the Kings is as rich in history and legend as it is in beauty, and over the centuries little has changed. The River Loire and its main tributary the River Cher have transported passengers and cargo for more than 2000 years.

The proximity of such a wealth of gorgeous Renaissance architecture makes a cruise along this waterway a unique travel experience.

There is much to discover in the Loire Valley, from the fabulous châteaux to the centuries-old villages dotted along the river. Wind your way through the narrow streets perhaps discovering hidden shops with hand-painted pottery or stumble across an open market. Visit a winemaker and taste their range of Touraine wines or meet a cheese producer and learn why his goat cheese is the most famous in France.

 Barging in France - Cruising the River Cher in the Loire Valley aboard the Barge Nymphea

Nymphea has three comfortable cabins, two twin staterooms and one twin or double stateroom, all with air conditioning and en-suite facilities. Six bikes are always available for you to enjoy rides along towpaths and trails. Her crew of Captain and Chef/Housekeeper are most knowledgeable about the history in this beautiful area and are excellent hosts for your luxury cruise

Looking forward to your inquries


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



Go Barging in France

Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Burgundy Walking Tour Barging Cruise with Barge La Belle Epoque

There are still cabins available for this highly popular barge cruise & guided walking tour aboard the French Hotel Barge LA BELLE EPOQUE in Burgundy, France.

Barging & Walking in Burgundy, France - A wonderful combination

UPDATE: The week of October 13-19 is probably closed as the last two cabins now have options on them. Still inquire because they could open up again if not booked. The week of October 20th would be very nice for a walking tour.


2013 DATES and AVAILABILITY:
  • September 20 - October 5: Not available, completely booked
  • October 13-19, 2013: Five cabins booked, Two cabins on option
    • $9500/cabin ($4750/person, double occupancy)
  • October 20-26, 2013: Three cabins booked, Four cabins open 
    • 2 Junior Suites: $9780/cabin ($4890/person, double occupancy)
    • 2 Staterooms: $9500/cabin ($4750/person, double occupancy)
With autumn colors transforming the countryside, this is the perfect time of year to explore Burgundy with its rolling landscape, quaint villages and ruined castles.

You can view the full itinerary for the Guided Walking Tour cruise on La Belle Epoque's brochure.


The difference with this theme cruise is that it is available for individuals or couples to book a cabin and join others on board. No need to charter the whole barge and no extra supplements to pay for the services of the professional walking guide.

If you are part of a couple and not as keen about walking as your "better half", pas de problème... There are other activities available if you wish, or you can just chill out on La Belle Epoque and watch the countryside glide by while listening to tunes on your iPod or reading a book in the jacuzzi!

The French Hotel Barge La Belle Epoque - Barging in France

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 5, and accommodates up to 13 guests in 7 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.

Sounds good? Contact Paradise Connections and let's get started. As you can see, this is a very popular cruise and it books up quickly. Don't miss this opportunity!

Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters to book LA BELLE EPOQUE 
View La Belle Epoque's online brochure
Visit our website for more info on our barges and barging: www.BargeCharters.com
 

Monday, May 13, 2013

Burgundy Walking Tour Barging Cruise with Barge La Belle Epoque


There are still cabins available for this highly popular barge cruise & guided walking tour aboard the French Hotel Barge LA BELLE EPOQUE in Burgundy, France.

Barging & Walking in Burgundy, France - A wonderful combination

2013 DATES and AVAILABILITY:
  • September 20 - October 5: Not available, completely booked
  • October 13-19, 2013: Two cabins open
    • $9500/cabin ($4750/person, double occupancy)
  • October 20-26, 2013: Four cabins open 
    • 2 Junior Suites: $9780/cabin ($4890/person, double occupancy)
    • 2 Staterooms: $9500/cabin ($4750/person, double occupancy)
With autumn colors transforming the countryside, this is the perfect time of year to explore Burgundy with its rolling landscape, quaint villages and ruined castles.

You can view the full itinerary for the Guided Walking Tour cruise on La Belle Epoque's brochure.


The difference with this theme cruise is that it is available for individuals or couples to book a cabin and join others on board. No need to charter the whole barge and no extra supplements to pay for the services of the professional walking guide.

If you are part of a couple and not as keen about walking as your "better half", pas de problème... There are other activities available if you wish, or you can just chill out on La Belle Epoque and watch the countryside glide by while listening to tunes on your iPod or reading a book in the jacuzzi!

The French Hotel Barge La Belle Epoque - Barging in France

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 5, and accommodates up to 13 guests in 7 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.

Sounds good? Contact Paradise Connections and let's get started. As you can see, this is a very popular cruise and it books up quickly. Don't miss this opportunity!

Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters to book LA BELLE EPOQUE 
View La Belle Epoque's online brochure
Visit our website for more info on our barges and barging: www.BargeCharters.com