Enjoy Wine Tasting on Your Barge Cruise

Experience Wine Tasting

 

During a cruise on one of our hotel barges, you will have the chance to sample several of the finest wines they offer. Wine tasting can feel a little overwhelming if you haven’t much experience, but fortunately, this post helps to break the process down into four sip-size steps.

 

Wines differ from each other in color, texture, strength, body, smell, and taste. When you are tasting wine, consider these six things. Contrary to popular belief, the ability to discern flavors is not in the mouth. We smell tastes, rather than sampling them with our tongues and palates. In reality, the taste buds in our mouths can only distinguish flavors that are sour, sweet, bitter, and salty. Did you know that our flavor-sensitive nerve cells are actually at the top of the nose?

Wine Tasting in Four Steps

1. Look

 

Angle your glass over a white background and inspect the color, intensity, and hue at the rim of the glass. Wines should be transparent and bright. A wine’s color and the depth of that color, indicates its age. Wines become paler as they get older. How the liquid flows within the glass reveals a wine’s richness.

Look for cloudiness, which can reveal a fault. Sediment in red wine is normal, though it should be allowed to settle before you inspect it.


2. Smell

 

Hold the glass under your nose and inhale through your nostrils. The first overall scent is known as the “nose”. There are hundreds of aroma compounds found in wine and the best way to identify them is to detect distinctive fragrances. Swirl the glass to oxidize the liquid, taking slow, delicate inhalations. Switch between smelling and pausing, giving yourself time to pick out each aroma.


3. Taste

 

Take a good mouthful of wine and move it around your entire mouth. Once you have swallowed the wine, the aftertaste, known as the finish, should provide you with a lingering flavor profile. Great wines have a lasting flavor that remains after swallowing. If you’re at an advanced level of wine-tasting, try to identify the tannins, acidity and general structure of the wine to give a sense of overall balance.

Next, have a medium-sized sip and repeat the process. Swallow or spit out the sample. Take a slow breath through your mouth and exhale through your nose to see if you can sense any different flavors.

4. Think

 

Develop your palate by trying more wines. No one is born a wine connoisseur, so experiencing more wines helps to build your knowledge base. The more wines you try, the more you will distinguish the flavors you like. One way to actively think about the wines you are tasting is to note down your thoughts when sampling them and keep a record.

You could even rate your wines. Wine ratings were first popularized in the 1980s when Robert Parker introduced his 100 point system. Today, there are several rating scales to choose from, including a 5-star system, the 100-point scale, and a 20-point scale.


Barge Cruises with Wine-Tasting Experiences

 

Why not improve your wine tasting skills by dabbling in some comparative tasting on a barge cruise? Guests can sample wines on all our cruises and experience specialty tastings in regions like Burgundy and Venice.

If you are a seasoned wine-taster, then why not bring some friends and charter a whole barge for a wine-themed cruise? There are so many cruises to choose from. Not sure where to start? Contact us.

Interested ?  Let's get started !

 

 

 

If you have been dreaming about barging, perhaps now is the time to fulfill those dreams.

 

 

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

 

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#BargeCharters #BargeCruises #WineCruises #WineTasting #ParadiseConnections

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:

• See Book Your Cruise With Confidence for more information.
• Visit Safe Cruising Protocols being undertaken by the barges.

Inquire / Book Now

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View Special Offers / Discounts

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

 

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RECIPES: Mini Apple Tart Tatins

Mini Apple Tarte Tatins

Chef Sylvain Moretto from luxury hotel barge, Enchanté, shares his popular recipe for mini apple tarte tatins – a twist on a French culinary classic.

Equipment

• 8 individual tart moulds
• Round pastry cutter the same size as the moulds
• Rolling pin
• Metal baking tray
• Whisk

Pastry

• 150g Plain flour
• 75g Softened butter
• 30g White granulated sugar
• 1 tsp Water
• 1 Egg yolk

Method

• By hand or using a mixer, mix the butter and sugar.
• Add flour and combine.
• Add the egg yolk, then water, and mix.
• When dough is smooth and malleable, gently flatten, wrap in clingwrap.
• Refrigerate while you prepare the apples.

Caramel Apples

• 6 Golden apples
• 200g Butter
• 200g White granulated sugar

Method

1. Preheat oven 200°C/400°F.
2. Peel apples, cut in half, core, then quarter.
3. Cube the butter.
4. Put butter in a large pan, pour all the sugar on top and heat.
5. Once it starts to caramelize, whisk continuously.
6. Be careful, caramel can burn quickly. If you need to stop the heat quickly, place the pan into a basin of cold water for 30 seconds (no longer otherwise it will harden).
7. Divide the caramel mixture equally into 8 tart moulds.
8. Place 3 apple quarters into each mould, on top of the caramel.
9. Wrap aluminium foil around each individual tart and place on baking tray.
10. Bake for 20 minutes in the oven.
11. Take out tray and put aside to slightly cool.
12. Take the pastry and roll out to 4-5mm thick and cut out 8 circles the same size as the tart moulds.
13. Take off the aluminium covers from each mould and tip out the juice and discard.
14. Place a pastry circle on top of each mould.
15. Bake for another 20 minutes.
16. Take out tray and turn each mould upside down onto serving plates.
17. Serve warm, with vanilla ice-cream or double cream with cinnamon.

Try Chef Sylvain’s mini apple tarte tatins recipe at home and let us know what you think! This tasty recipe is an example of the fine cuisine you can experience aboard one of our luxury barge cruises.

About The French Hotel Barge Enchante

Enchanté moored in Le Somail

• Route: Canal du Midi between Sallèles d'Aude and Trèbes
• Up to 8 guests
• Charters and Cabin cruises
• Itineraries: Standard classic, Culinary, Family, Golf, Wine
• Learn More: Online Brochure

Inquire / Book Now

View Special Offers / Discounts

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

 

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RECIPE: Beef Bourguignon & More

Dining Delights Aboard La Belle Epoque

Recipes: 
Balsamic Vinaigrette - Hot Goat's Cheese Salad - Beef Bourguignon

Chef Arnis from French Hotel Barge La Belle Epoque cruising the Burgundy of France, will entice you with his signature recipes.

Enjoy fine cuisine aboard French Hotel Barge La Belle Epoque

Food and wine is a huge part of your experience aboard barging cruise. Enjoy world-class chefs whose creations take you on a different culinary journey each day. La Belle Epoque’s Latvian-born master chef Arnis Maskevics, shares his three signature recipes – a zingy balsamic vinaigrette, a hot goat cheese salad, and a comforting Beef Bourguignon.

Balsamic Vinaigrette

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1/2 tsp fine sea salt
• 1/2 tsp freshly crushed black pepper
• 1 large garlic clove, minced
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

Method

1. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the honey, balsamic, mustard, salt, pepper and garlic.
2. Add the oil and whisk thoroughly to combine. Continue whisking until the dressing is fully emulsified.
3. Store in a jar with a lid and refrigerate.
4. Shake well before serving.

Hot Goat Cheese Salad

Ingredients

For the Marinade:

• 290 ml extra virgin olive oil
• 100 ml balsamic vinegar
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• Pinch of salt
• Pinch of pepper

For the Salad:

• Freshly ground black pepper
• Olive oil for drizzling
• 200 gram goat cheese log, cut into 1cm thick slices
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Fresh basil
• Garden leaves of your choice
• 100 grams cherry tomatoes
• 100 grams sundried tomatoes
• Splash of sundried tomato oil for seasoning

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 170C / 325F / Gas 3. Preheat the grill to its highest setting.
2. For the marinade, place all of the marinade ingredients into a large bowl and mix together well.
3. Place the goat cheese rounds onto a baking sheet and place under a moderate grill. Grill for 2-3 minutes, until the cheese has melted and begun to brown.
4. To serve, place the salad leaves, cherry tomatoes and sundried tomatoes into a large serving bowl. Top with the grilled goat cheese. Drizzle with a little of the marinade and sundried tomato oil for extra flavor.

Beef Bourguignon

Ingredients

• 675 grams lean beef steak, cut into 5 cm cubes
• 45 ml rapeseed or olive oil
• 1 medium onion, peeled and chopped
• 200 grams baby carrots, tops removed
• 2 large garlic cloves, peeled and finely chopped or crushed
• 200 grams bacon lardons or pancetta cubes
• 300 grams shallots or baby onions, peeled and left whole
• 100 grams button mushrooms, halved
• Salt and freshly milled black pepper
• 2 tsp sugar
• Handful of freshly chopped flat-leaf parsley, to garnish

Method

1. Heat half the oil in a 1.7-liter ovenproof casserole dish with a lid and cook the beef in batches for 4-5 minutes until browned.  Remove and set aside.
2. Cook the onions, carrots and garlic for 3-4 minutes.
3. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer uncovered for 2 minutes.
4. Return the meat to the pot and sprinkle over the onions.
5. Add the wine. Season and cook in a preheated oven at 150C / 300F / Gas 2, or on the hob under a very low flame for 2 to 2.5 hours
6. 45 minutes before the end of the cooking time, heat the remaining oil in a large non-stick frying pan and cook the bacon lardons and shallots or baby onions for 4-5 minutes until soft, and lightly browned.
7. Add to the casserole pot with the mushrooms, season, stir gently, then cover and cook for the remaining cooking time.
8. Garnish with parsley and serve with boiled new potatoes, or mash and seasonal vegetables.

Dining on La Belle Epoque

Would you like to experience the exquisite menu on La Belle Epoque while cruising through Northern Burgundy?

Inquire / Book Now

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About The French Hotel Barge La Belle Epoque

French Hotel Barge La Belle Epoque
Burgundy, France

La Belle Epoque

The French Hotel Barge La Belle Epoque is available for barging cruises on the Canal de Bourgogne in Burgundy, France. She accommodates up to 12 passengers in 6 guest cabins, each with ensuite, private bathrooms. There is a crew of six to pamper you during your barging vacation.

This deluxe vessel cruises the historic Burgundy Canal through some of the region’s most scenic countryside. Excursions include private tastings at several renowned Chablis vineyards, a visit to the village of Flavigny sur Ozerain (the setting for the movie Chocolat), and a visit to Noyers-sur-Serein with their cobbled streets and quaint, timbered architecture.

• Route: Canal de Bourgogne between Venarey-les-Laumes and Tanlay
• Up to 12 guests in 6 cabins
• Private charters and Cabin cruises
• Itineraries: See all itineraries
• Learn more: Online Brochure

Inquire / Book Now

Sounds good?  Let's get you aboard!

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View Special Offers / Discounts

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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

 

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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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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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French Hotel Barge Grand Cru - cabin weeks

French Hotel Barge Grand Cru - Cabin Weeks 2019

The French Hotel Barge Grand Cru is basically a "charter only" type of barge and rarely offers cabin cruise weeks where you can book an individual cabin and share the barge with other passengers. A great way to do a barge cruise on a budget.

French Hotel Barge Grand Cru - Burgundy, France

Price per cabin for each of the weeks below is $8000/person, double occupancy, which comes to $16,000/cabin.

2019 Cabin Weeks:

• May 5-11, 2019 (one cabin open)
• May 12-18, 2019 (one cabin open)

Want to book the entire barge?  No problem... Grand Cru has a good selection of weeks open for private charters, including Value Season weeks.

Book now! Contact Paradise Connections
CLICK HERE

Hotel Barge Grand Cru

• Route: Cruising Southern Burgundy, France on the Canal du Rhone au Rhin and Canal du Centre between St. Leger-sur-Dheune and Dole
• Up to 8 guests
• Private charters and the occasional Cabin Cruise Week
• Itineraries: Standard classic, Golfing
• See more: Online Brochure

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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

 

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New Special Offers for French Hotel Barges

Extra Special Offers for Burgundy Barges

 

French Hotel Barge L'Impression

French Hotel Barge La Belle Epoque

Burgundy barges L'Impressionniste and La Belle Epoque have increased their special offers to 25% if booked by Monday, February 8, 2019.


Special Offer Details

 25% Off on the following 2019 departures (deposit before February 8, 2019) :

• La Belle Epoque (Charter) – Mar 31; Apr 28; May 12, 19
• La Belle Epoque (Cabin) – Apr 14, 21, May 5
• L’Impressionniste (Cabin) – Apr 14, 21, May 5, 12, 19

If you miss this deadline, you can still receive 20% discounts for booking by February 18, 2019.

Book Now

La Belle Epoque

• Route: Canal de Bourgogne between Venarey-les-Laumes and Tanlay
• Up to 12 guests
• Private charters and Cabin cruises
• Itineraries: Standard classic, Family, Golfing, Walking, Wine tasting
• Learn more: Online Brochure

L'Impressionniste

• Route: Canal de Bourgogne between Escommes and Fleurey sur Ouche
• Up to 12 guests
• Private charters and Cabin cruises
• Itineraries: Standard classic, Culinary, Family, Golfing, Wine tasting
• Learn more: Online Brochure

Book now! Contact Paradise Connections
CLICK HERE

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

 

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