Making Roquefort in 1927

Thanks to Liz, owner-operator of the French Hotel Barge EMMA, for sharing this YouTube video with us.

 
Roquefort: Fabrication du Roquefort en 1927

Living in France for over a decade made us cheese aficionados. J'aime le fromage!

The above is an edited version of a 20-minute digitalized film from 1927 on the Roquefort AOP channel that has explanatory text about the process of making Roquefort.

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If you are a regular reader of All About Hotel Barges, you know that Emma is a wonderful barge with a tip-top crew...

Emma moored along the canal du midi in the South of France

French Barge Emma

The French Hotel Barge EMMA is owned and operated by Liz and René Jacquot and are assisted by two additional crew members. They cruise along the Canal du Midi in the south of France between Beziers & Carcassonne and Carcassonne & Toulouse. They also have a Beziers to Aigues-Mortes itinerary available upon request.

EMMA is fully air conditioned and also has central heating, if needed. There are three guest cabins with ensuite private bathrooms; one cabin has a queen bed, while the other two can be configured as either queens or twins.

The interior is bright and spacious with beautiful arched double glazed windows which give you a good view of the outside countryside while cruising. The French oak furniture has been hand made by a master craftsman and the whole effect is warm and inviting.

View Emma's online brochure to learn more. Contact Paradise Connections: Send us an email for pricing and current availability.

EMMA can tailor your charter to your interests... wine tastings & vineyard visits, cooking, golf, tennis, walking tours, cycling tours, or just time out to relax and enjoy a side of France that most travellers don't experience.

Emma is available for private charters and individual cabin bookings for shared charter weeks. They also offer 5-night charters if that works better for your vacation plans and budget.

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Take a break and enjoy the south of France this summer!

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

 

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Recipe: Lemon Sole Paupiettes with Risotto from Hotel Barge L'Art de Vivre

From the galley of the French hotel barge L'Art de Vivre:

JIM'S LEMON SOLE PAUPIETTES WITH RISOTO

The origin of the mis-named lemon sole probably comes from the French word "lime" meaning "file" and which may refer to the texture of the fish’s skin. Whatever its origin, this recipe by Jim, the talented chef who cooks aboard hotel barge L’Art de Vivre in Burgundy, is spectacular!

INGREDIENTS:

For the fish:

• 4 Lemon Sole Fillets
• Smoked Salmon
• Fish Stock
• Seasoning

For the risotto: 

• 1 Diced and Roasted Red Pepper
• White Wine
• Aborio Rice
• Diced Onion
• Diced Fresh Mint
• Vegetable Stock
• Peas
• Asparagus
• Grated Parmesan
• Parsley
• Mascarpone Cheese

METHOD:

1. Place a slice of smoked salmon on top of each lemon sole fillet, roll in cling-film and poach in the fish stock.
2. Lightly sauté the onions in a little butter, add the rice, a cup of white wine, then add the stock slowly a ladle at a time. Let the rice absorb the stock and cook until it is al dente.
3. Add the roasted red pepper, peas, asparagus, parmesan, mascarpone cheese and the chopped fresh mint.
4. Place the paupiettes on the risotto, top with a fish veloute and decorate perhaps with a slice of lemon and cherry tomatoes.

Thanks, Jim, for sharing one of your delicious recipes!

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VIDEO: French Hotel Barge L'Art de Vivre - Cruise Burgundy France on the Nivernais Canal

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Cruise beautiful Burgundy aboard the luxury crewed French Hotel Barge L'Art de Vivre.

Spring is the ideal time for a hotel barge cruise and we are now offering great savings aboard the 8-passenger L'Art de Vivre, which cruises the Lower Nivernais Canal and River Yonne in Burgundy.

The weather is mild and sunny and with the leaves budding on the trees, late spring is beautiful in Burgundy. L'Art de Vivre's itinerary features visits to such scenic and historic sites as the medieval town of Auxerre and the spectacular hilltop village of Vezelay. There is also a wine-tasting in Chablis.

WEEKS ON SALE : Discount Prices for Spring 2015

- CABIN CRUISES: 

Discounted price for cabin (not each person), double occupancy = 10% off

• Departures of April 12, 19, 26: $8,010/cabin 

- PRIVATE CHARTER: 

Discounted price = 10% off

• Departures of April 12, 19, 26:
• 6 guests = $27,720
• 7 guests = $28,710
• 8 guests = $29,700

Prices include: Transfers by chauffeured Mercedes minibus between Paris and the hotel barge, a luxury 6-night cruise, all meals on board catered for by the on board Master Chef, an open bar 24/7 with a large range of alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks, all wines served throughout the cruise, excursions and admittance fees as per the itinerary, the services of 4 crew and use of barge facilities, which include bicycles and spa pool.

Can't arrange your schedule for a Spring barge vacation? L'Art de Vivre has openings throughout the season for both private charter and cabin weeks. We even have a few September weeks available! 

The 8-passenger L'ART DE VIVRE started life in 1917 as a Scottish munitions carrier. Many, many years later the barge was transformed by a team of skilled craftsmen into a floating celebration of the Burgundian "good life". She was renovated in 2009, and is continuously maintained to a high standard. Among upgrades for this winter, l'Art de Vivre has new carpets in the cabins, plus a new on-deck spa pool.

L'Art de Vivre is 100-feet long, has air conditioning and central heat, and accommodates up to 8 guests in four cabins that can be either configured as twins or doubles according to your preference. They have a six-person spa pool/jacuzzi/hot tub (whatever you wish to term it!), 8 touring bicycles, and also a tandem bike. The crew of four, comprised of Captain, Tour Guide, Master Chef and Hostess, all have a love for the Nivernais canal and are secure in the knowledge that their vessel represents L'Art de Vivre itself...

L'Art de Vivre cruises the Nivernais Canal between Auxerre and Chevroche. Theme cruises for private charters include:

• Cycling: Daily cycling trips with professional guide and upgrade of bicycles
• Walking: Daily walking tours with a professional walking guide
• Wine Appreciation: includes a comprehensive and customisable wine itinerary, an upgrade of all wines served on board to include more Premier and Grand Cru wines and the services of a professional wine guide
• Tennis: includes pre-booked and paid courts and transfer to and from the clubs
• Family: along with traditional cultural visits, they can arrange horse riding, water sports, theme parks and many other activities to keep the younger ones and young at heart, completely satisfied. Can be customized to your interests.

For more information on the French Hotel Barge L'Art de Vivre please click here

Go Barging in France for 2015 ! 

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Contact Paradise Connections to book L'ART DE VIVRE 
View L'Art de Vivre's online brochure
Visit our website for more info on our barges and barging: www.BargeCharters.com

 

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Provençal Christmas Traditions - Provence, France

This morning I read an email from "Le Petit Journal for December 24" which had a link to an article about a Provençal Christmas.

This article on francetoday.com (which you can read HERE) is mainly about food and Christmas traditions. It mentioned that there is a traditional French Christmas song claiming that Jesus was born in Provence — Jésus Est Né en Provence — between Avignon and the town of Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer.

From YouTube:  Robert Miras sings Jésus Est Né en Provence

Here are the lyrics (found HERE):

{Refrain:}
Jésus est né en Provence
Entre Avignon et les Saintes-Maries
Jésus est né en Provence
C'est un berger qui me l'a dit
Dans le Midi de la France
Sous la dentelle des tamaris
Jésus est né en Provence
Jésus est né dans le Midi

Il m'a dit le berger, il m'a dit
Qu'un olivier avec ses branches
Lui avait fait comme un tapis
Et puis et puis la brebis blanche
Qu'il y avait auprès de lui
Sentait le thym et la lavande
Des montagnes de mon pays
Peut-être n'est-ce qu'une légende
On blague un peu dans le Midi ...
{au Refrain}

Et le berger s'il m'a menti peuchère !
C'était par malveillance
A vrai dire, dans ce paradis
Entre le Rhône et la Durance,
On pouvait croire que le petit
Ne pouvait naître qu'en Provence
Dans une étable vers Saint-Rémy
Quand les étoiles se balancent
Dans notre ciel à la minuit ...
{au Refrain} 

The holiday season is an excellent time to discuss and plan your barging vacation with friends and family. Contact Paradise Connections and we will be happy to assist!

Happy Holidays!

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Contact Paradise Connections to book your barging holiday
For more information on our barges and barging, visit our website : www.BargeCharters.com

 

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French Hotel Barge Renaissance: Feel Reborn in Western Burgundy / Upper Loire

The word "renaissance" literally means “rebirth”.  A hotel barge cruise along the Canal de Briare in Burgundy is one of the best ways to experience a rebirth of the senses, enjoying the region’s gastronomic offerings and the visual delight of the colorful countryside in the Fall.

French Hotel Barge Renaissance - Barging in France
Upper Loire / Western Burgundy

The eight-passenger, French hotel barge Renaissance provides a true luxury cruise experience. Among its amenities are spacious suites, an on-deck heated spa pool, alfresco dining on the forward deck, a fireplace in the saloon – enjoy these things along with the undivided, personal attention of a five-person crew that includes a captain, tour guide, master chef and two hosts/hostesses.

Discover quaint villages, enjoy beautiful scenery, partake in interesting side trips.

For a memorable experience steeped in the region’s rich gastronomic tradition, it’s hard to surpass the Burgundy region, renowned for some of the best food that France has to offer. Boasting over 60,000 acres of vines, Burgundy is also celebrated for being the origin of the world’s best wines. Among ports of call aboard the Renaissance is the village of Sancerre, home to some of the best known vineyards in the world. The vineyards can be traced back for a thousand years and were once proclaimed by the kings of France to be “some of the most exquisite of the Kingdom.”

In addition to indulging in choice cuisine, travellers can walk among some of France’s most impressive historic landmarks and famous cultural sites such as the beautiful Château de Fontainebleau, one of the largest palaces in France with over 1500 rooms surrounded by 130 acres of parkland. This chateau, once described by Napoleon as, “the true home of kings, the house of ages,” is also the only royal and imperial chateau to have been continuously inhabited for over seven centuries.

Another historically significant stop on the cruise is Chateau de St. Fargeau, the 1000-year old castle that housed many famous royal families from the fifth through the fifteenth centuries. Its architecture is considered one of the finest examples of French classicism.

Château de Sully-sur-Loire

Another memorable excursion on the Renaissance’s itinerary takes guests to a chateau that looks as if it jumped straight out of a fairytale. The Château de Sully-sur-Loire is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the doorway to the Loire Valley. Built at the end of the 14th century, the castle served as a refuge and safe haven for many famous figures throughout history, including Voltaire during his exile from Paris.

Cruise the Upper Loire and Western Burgundy aboard Hotel Barge Renaissance

Renaissance accommodates up to eight guests in four luxurious suites, each with satellite TV/DVD. This spacious barge has two levels (lower level with guest suites, upper level with generous living and dining areas).  They also have internet and an on-deck Jacuzzi spa pool.

Renaissance cruises the Upper Loire and Western Burgundy region of France. You will be met in Paris and chauffered to the barge where the Captain's Champagne Welcome awaits your arrival. The Renaissance travels along the Canal de Briare and Canal Latéral à la Loire between the towns of Montargis and Chatillon-sur-Loire, in the area known as the Gâtinais and the "Garden of France".

Looking forward to your inquiries

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

 

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French Hotel Barge l'Art de Vivre: New Video & Special Offers

We have a new video for the French Hotel Barge l'Art de Vivre that offers barging cruises along the Canal du Nivernais in Burgundy, France.

VIDEO: French Hotel Barge L'Art de Vivre - Cruise Burgundy France on the Nivernais Canal

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Cruise beautiful Burgundy aboard the luxury crewed French Hotel Barge L'Art de Vivre this Spring.

Spring is the ideal time for a hotel barge cruise and we are now offering great savings aboard the 8-passenger L'Art de Vivre, which cruises the Lower Nivernais Canal and River Yonne in Burgundy.

The weather is mild and sunny and with the leaves budding on the trees, late spring is beautiful in Burgundy. L'Art de Vivre's itinerary features visits to such scenic and historic sites as the medieval town of Auxerre and the spectacular hilltop village of Vezelay. There is also a wine-tasting in Chablis.

Can't arrange your schedule for a Spring barge vacation? Well, we have some good deals for Summer barge trips, too!


WEEKS ON SALE : Discount Prices and Availability for Spring & Summer 2014 cruises, current as of February 22, 2014. Offer valid through March 28, 2014.

- Cabin cruises: 

Discounted price for cabin (not each person), double occupancy

• April departures: $7580/cabin 
• May departures: $8900/cabin
• July 13: $7580/cabin
• August 17: $7580/cabin

- Private charter: 

Discounted price for up to 8 guests

• Apr 20, 27: $26,000
• May 4, 11, 18: $30,500
• July 20: $29,000
• Aug 3, 10: $29,000

Prices include: Transfers by chauffeured Mercedes minibus between Paris and the hotel barge, a luxury 6-night cruise, all meals on board catered for by the on board Master Chef, an open bar 24/7 with a large range of alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks, all wines served throughout the cruise, excursions and admittance fees as per the itinerary, the services of 4 crew and use of barge facilities, which include bicycles and spa pool.

The 8-passenger L'ART DE VIVRE started life in 1917 as a Scottish munitions carrier. Many, many years later the barge was transformed by a team of skilled craftsmen into a floating celebration of the Burgundian "good life". She was renovated in 2009, and is continuously maintained to a high standard. Among upgrades for this winter, l'Art de Vivre has new carpets in the cabins, plus a new on-deck spa pool.

L'Art de Vivre is 100-feet long, has air conditioning and central heat, and accommodates up to 8 guests in four cabins that can be either configured as twins or doubles according to your preference. They have a six-person spa pool/jacuzzi/hot tub (whatever you wish to term it!), 8 touring bicycles, and also a tandem bike. The crew of four, comprised of Captain, Tour Guide, Master Chef and Hostess, all have a love for the Nivernais canal and are secure in the knowledge that their vessel represents L'Art de Vivre itself...

L'Art de Vivre cruises the Nivernais Canal between Auxerre and Chevroche. Theme cruises for private charters include:

• Cycling: Daily cycling trips with professional guide and upgrade of bicycles
• Walking: Daily walking tours with a professional walking guide
• Wine Appreciation: includes a comprehensive and customisable wine itinerary, an upgrade of all wines served on board to include more Premier and Grand Cru wines and the services of a professional wine guide
• Tennis: includes pre-booked and paid courts and transfer to and from the clubs
• Family: along with traditional cultural visits, they can arrange horse riding, water sports, theme parks and many other activities to keep the younger ones and young at heart, completely satisfied. Can be customized to your interests.

For more information on the French Hotel Barge L'Art de Vivre please click here

Go Barging in France for 2014 ! 

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Contact Paradise Connections to book L'ART DE VIVRE 
View L'Art de Vivre's online brochure
Visit our website for more info on our barges and barging: www.BargeCharters.com

 

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Barging in Venice Italy: LA BELLA VITA - Specials too

The variety of charming waterways between Venice and Mantua promises a unique and magical cruising experience and the itinerary aboard La Bella Vita includes fascinating excursions that offer a real insight into the many cultures - Roman, Etruscan, Istrian, Byzantine and, of course, Renaissance - that have influenced the arts, architecture and history of the region over many centuries.

This special voyage also gives the opportunity to enjoy the diverse landscapes and nature en route, from picturesque lagoon islands with their colourful houses, to wild beach dunes and pine woods with a variety of birdlife; from the charming Venetian port of Chioggia via the River Po and Bianco Canal to the captivating lakeside setting of elegant Mantua.

La Bella Vita is a stylish 20 passenger vessel that has been refitted to high standards to offer comfortable, fully air-conditioned accommodation. She has two upper deck junior suites and eight lower deck staterooms, all offering en suite facilities, and a bright, spacious dining room and bar area where delicious Italian specialities will be served. Louvred doors open to the side decks to give a perfect viewing platform, whilst above is a huge sun deck.  For more information on our cruises aboard La Bella Vita please visit our online brochure.

We also have some generous cabin discounts for the 2013 season for La Bella Vita:

• Cabin Cruises:
• June 2-8: $2000 off per cabin
• Sept 15-21: $1000 off per cabin
• Sept 29-Oct 5: $1000 off per cabin
• Oct 6-12: $1000 off per cabin
• Oct 20-26: $1000 off per cabin
• Private Charters:
• May & June: 20% off regular price
• July & August: 10% off regular price

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

 

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French Hotel Barge CLAIR DE LUNE: New Video

We have a new video for the French Hotel Barge CLAIR DE LUNE that we'd like to share with you.

Hotel Barge Clair de Lune Video - French barging cruises on the Canal du Midi, France

Clair de Lune, a 6-passenger all-inclusive crewed hotel barge, cruises the Canal du Midi between the charming village of Le Somail and the fortified city of Carcassonne, discovering some of the most beautiful scenery in the south of France along the way. During our voyage along the tree-lined Canal du Midi we visit historical sites such as the spectacular Cathar town of Minerve, the elegant city of Narbonne and enjoy wine tastings at renowned local domaines.

See our recent post on Clair de Lune: CLICK HERE

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Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters to book CLAIR DE LUNE 
View Clair de Lunes' online brochure
Visit our website for more info on our barges and barging: www.BargeCharters.com

 

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Springtime Barging Vacation Cruises on Canal du Midi, France

Spring is the perfect time to enjoy a hotel barge cruise on the Canal du Midi in Southern France for many reasons:

• The weather is mild and sunny
• The colors of Spring are enchanting
• The pace of life on the canal is quiet and relaxing, and 
• Exploring the towpath and local villages on foot or bicycle is a true delight
• Alfresco lunches and lounging in the on-deck spa pool are a real plus
• Excursions to historic places like Carcassonne and Narbonne

VIDEO: Hotel Barge Cruises on the 330-year old Canal du Midi in the south of France

VIDEO: Hotel Barge Cruises on the 330-year old Canal du Midi in the south of France

It's the ideal time for hotel barge cruising and we are now offering great savings (EXPIRED) on four of our hotel barges for selected cruises in Spring 2013:

ANJODI: up to 8 guests in 4 cabins

• Cabin Cruises:
• Discount: Expired
• Dates:
• Private Charter:
• Discount: Expired
• Dates:
• Brochure: http://www.bargecharters.com/barges/anjodi/

CLAIR DE LUNE:

• Cabin Cruises:
• Discount: Expired
• Dates: 
• Private Charter:
• Discount: Expired
• Dates:
• Brochure: http://www.bargecharters.com/barges/clair-de-lune/
  

EMMA: 5 or 6-night bookings

• Cabin Cruises:
• Discount: Expired
• Dates: 
• Private Charter:
• Discount: Expired
• Dates: 
• Brochure: http://www.bargecharters.com/barges/emma/

ENCHANTE:

• Cabin Cruises:
• Discount:  Expired
• Dates:
• Private Charter:
• Discount: Expired
• Dates:
• Brochure: http://www.bargecharters.com/barges/enchante/

Watch more videos about barge charters along the Canal du Midi:  CLICK HERE

Take a trip through gorgeous countryside and medieval cities of southern France.

The 300-year old Canal du Midi skirts the sun-drenched shores of the Mediterranean before meandering inland through ancient villages, Roman fortifications and famed vineyards. This canal is defined by its beauty, lined with plane trees and crossed by pretty arched bridges. The Mediterranean weather and pace of life is relaxed and lulls you into unwinding as you cruise sedately along.

This is the perfect place for cycling or walking along scenic tow paths, or simply watching the scenery pass by as you relax on deck with a cool drink. In the distance you can see the Pyrenees, whereas closer to hand are the vineyards that stretch for thousands of square miles. Enjoy private wine tastings at chateaux en route, locations that vary with your choice of barge.

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Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters to book your barging vacation cruise
For more information on our barges and barging, visit our website : www.BargeCharters.com

 

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New Barging Video: French Hotel Barge L'Impressionniste - Burgundy, France

Here is an excellent video showcasing the luxury, crewed, all-inclusive French hotel barge L'Impressionniste that cruises the canals of Burgundy, France.



L'Impressionniste travels through the renowned wine-producing region of Burgundy cruising between Fleurey sur Ouche and Escommes along the Canal de Bourgogne, France.

This hotel barge accommodates up to 13 guests in in 7 cabins, each with private ensuite bathrooms. Her light and airy interior features picture windows and selections of prints, fabrics and wall colorings reminiscent of the turn of the century era after which she has been named.

You can have a private, full-barge charter or you can book a cabin and meet new friends on a shared charter week.

For more information about the Barge L'Impressionniste, visit their online brochure HERE... Then contact Paradise Connections to book your barge trip.

Don't want to rush you but the barging calendars are already rapidly filling up for this season. So please don't put it off any longer :)

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

 

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