French Hotel Barge FLEUR DE LYS - Southern Burgundy France

We would like to welcome French Hotel Barge FLEUR DE LYS into the fleet of crewed luxury hotel barges represented by Paradise Connections.

Barging in France aboard the French Hotel Barge FLEUR DE LYS

Barge Fleur de Lys cruises the southern Burgundy region of France. Travel along the Canal du Bourgogne on the Dijon to Escommes route, and for the Dijon to St-Léger-sur-Dheune itinerary you will cruise along the Canal du Bourgogne, River Saône, and Canal du Centre.

Depending upon your chosen itinerary, these are some things that you might do:

• Visit Clos de Vougeot, headquarters of the Chevaliers du Tastevin
• Tour the 11th-century Châteaux Marguerite
• Taste wine in Beaune
• Visit to Noyers-sur-Serein, one of the most beautiful villages in Burgundy
• Explore Château de Rully
• Shop at a traditional Dijon market and taste freshly-made local mustard

Available for private charters only, but Fleur de Lys will accept individual cabin bookings (shared barging cruise) during the months of April and May.

Fleur de Lys accommodates up to 6 guests in comfort. The air conditioned (and centrally heated) interior boasts a stately lounge with a grand piano, open bar and large windows that panoramically frame the passing countryside. The separate dining room accommodates the most elegant candlelit dinners. The furnishings are authentic pieces which were collected on a trip to India over 30 years ago. Fleur de Lys also has a large heated pool on its upper deck and 6 bikes for passengers to use at their leisure.

( Click photos to enlarge )

Learn more about the French Hotel Barge FLEUR DE LYS in our online eBrochure.

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Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters to book FLEUR DE LYS 
View Fleur de Lys's online brochure
Visit our website for more info on our barges and barging: www.BargeCharters.com

 

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SPECIAL GIFT for New Barge Bookings from Paradise Connections

Christmas is coming and Paradise Connections would like to send you a gift! 

Confirm your new 2011 barging cruise between now and December 15, 2010 and get a FREE 2GB iPod Shuffle... or two... or three... or four... or more...

HAVE YOU BEEN NAUGHTY OR NICE ???

We'll send each person in your party (whether a cabin booking of 2, or a private charter booking of 12, for example) a handy gift to enjoy on your barging vacation...

Don't let its tiny size fool you. With this 2GB player, you can pack up to 500 songs... That should do you for a week!

The latest generation of iPod Shuffle allows you to use playlists so you can use this feature to organize your French language lessons, and French music from A to Z, such as:

Antoine, Charles Aznavour, Jane Birkin & Serge Gainsbourg, Jacques Brel, Patrick Bruel, Maurice Chevalier, Mylène Farmer, Claude François, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Serge Gainsbourg, Johnny Hallyday, Indochine, Kassav, Claudine Longet, Eddy Mitchell, Vanessa Paradis, Édith Piaf, Sheila, Téléphone, Zouzou.

What did you say? You're cruising someplace other than France... perhaps Great Britain? No problem, this offer is for all of our barging regions. We're not francosnobs :) Personally though, I can't see filling up my iPod with bagpipes (though different strokes for different folks!) but there's plenty of good Anglo & celtic folk music about, as well as rock starting with the British Invasion, Punk and whatever you like nowadays... and what about audiobooks!

It's your vacation and it's your iPod so ENJOY!

Pop off an email to us and let's get started on planning your next hotel barge vacation so we can send your Christmas gift.

Happy Holidays from all of us at Paradise Connections!

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Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters 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 EMMA crew go on vacation!

With another successful charter season completed, Liz & Rene, owner-operators of the French Hotel Barge EMMA, are heading to Tunisia this weekend for a bit of well-deserved vacation time for themselves!

EMMA's trusty Land Rover 4x4 - Tunisia bound!

How does one drive to Tunisia?  Take the ferry out of Marseille. They will be doing some "off-roading" on the dunes which will be a bit different to meandering along the canals.  Liz & Rene will also be attending a wedding there, so it's not all fun & sun :)

EMMA's 2011 calendar is off to a good start and they have a couple of cabin cruise weeks that they'd like to fill up:

• April 23-29: Carcassonne to Beziers, 2 cabins open
• October 1-7: Beziers to Carcassonne, 2 cabins open

If these dates don't fit your schedule, we can always inquire if Liz will open up your preferred week for a cabin cruise... Doesn't hurt to ask!

EMMA's rates for 2011 remain the same as for the previous season.  In fact, they have not increased their prices for 3 years! (How much has a loaf of bread or cup of coffee gone up during that time?)

The French Hotel Barge Emma cruises on the canal du midi in the south of France between Beziers & Carcassonne and Carcassonne to Toulouse. You will find other possible itineraries on our eBrochure that they might be able to work into their schedule with some advance notice.

Liz & Rene are owner-operators and have two additional crew members. Emma has both air conditioning and central heating so climate control is not an issue whether you cruise during the height of summer or on cool days of spring or autumn. Emma accommodates up to 6 guests in 3 cabins each with ensuite, private bathrooms. One cabin is a Queen, while the other two can be configured as either as a Queen or two Twins according to your request.

Remember that 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.

Here's a song to get you in the mood... La Mer, by Charles Trénet

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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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Springtime Holland-Belgium-France Barge Cruise: Cabins available

Chris from the Hotel Barge SAVOIR FAIRE tells us that they have cabin bookings available for their 2011 Springtime 3-Country Cruise. This cruise is rarely open to cabin bookings so this is the ideal opportunity to experience a once in a lifetime journey for a couple or with a few friends.

Hotel Barge Savoir Faire - Canal & River Cruises in Holland, Belgium, France

The two-week, three-country cruise can be booked as one trip or in individual legs.  Three cabins are necessary to guarantee the cruise.

May 15-21, 2011, week #1:  Cruising from Haarlem (Holland) to Ghent (Belgium)

• 2 cabins booked... LOOKING for ONE more cabin booking to guarantee cruise

May 22-28, 2011, week #2: Cruising from Ghent (Belgium) to Paris (France)

• 1 cabin booked... LOOKING for TWO more cabin bookings to guarantee cruise

Look at the REGIONS section on our website for more information on Holland and Belgium.

Savoir Faire's eBrochure has a sample itinerary for this special 3-country cruise.

The Hotel Barge Savoir Faire is fully air conditioned (central heat, too!) and accommodates up to 12 guests in 6 well-appointed staterooms. Each stateroom can be configured with two twin beds or with one queen bed, and has ensuite private bathrooms. Each guest stateroom has a DVD player with an LCD screen and 2 sets of wireless headphones. The salon, dining area, and bar are finished in mahogany, teak and brass, decorated with antiques and paintings collected over the years.

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

 

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2011 Barging Cruises: Hotel Barges Early Bird Special Discounts

Book your 2011 barging vacation now and benefit from the following special discounted charter rates.

Scottish Highlander moored at Urquhart Castle - Barging in Scotland

• Early-Bird Specials for 2011 Barging Season

THIS SPECIAL OFFER HAS EXPIRED.
Check current Monthly Barging Newsletter Blog for possible specials

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Imagine the sense of relaxation and enjoyment as your floating hotel carries you from one peaceful mooring to the next with more than enough opportunity to explore little villages, shops, the delightful countryside and much, much more, without the need to pack and repack every day. Paradise Connections represents luxury hotel barges that accommodate private charter groups from 4 to 14 guests (if you're a larger group, we can arrange for a tandem cruise). The attentive crew will pamper you with personalized service to ensure your enjoyment of this unique vacation. The cuisine is superb with carefully selected cheese and wines to accompany your meals aboard. Every day offers interesting local guided excursions, or you may choose to stay "home" with a good book and listen to some tunes... the choice is up to you. With a private charter, the week may be fine tuned to your preferences for tours, activities, meals & wines.  Some barges offer special themed itineraries such as golfing, antiques, family, tennis, cookery, guided walking tours, cycling, etc.  If you have us special request, let us know! A barging vacation is a wonderful way to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, family reunions, a corporate incentive, or one of the best reasons of all... just to have a good time!  Don't you deserve a treat?

Speaking of treat-deserving clients... Remember that Paradise Connections has a special offer for those of you who book a barging cruise by December 15, 2010.  Learn more!

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

 

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French Barge ROI SOLEIL : Early Bird Discount

Roi Soleil is offering a 5% early bird discount on 2011 charters if booked before December 31, 2010.

Barge, or River Yacht, Roi Soleil accommodates up to 6 guests in 3 double cabins and charters in Provence and also along the canal du midi in the south of France.

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

 

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Hotel Barge Prosperite: New rates for smaller groups

The French Hotel Barge Prosperite which cruises the Burgundy Canal between Dijon and Vandenesse-en-Auxois, has a new rate schedule for the 2011 barging season.

Cruise the Canal de Bourgogne aboard the French Hotel Barge Prosperite

Barge Prospèritè now has pricing for groups of 6 and 7, instead of just a flat rate for up to 8 guests, during their regular season.

2011 RATES:

Regular season, April 24 - October 15:

• 6 guests: $47,400
• 7 guests: $48,650
• 8 guests: $49,900

Value season, April 3-23 & October 16-29:

• up to 8 guests: $39,900
  

Includes:

• Transportation from Paris to Barge and return to Paris via minivan
• 7 days/6 nights accommodation on the barge
• All meals—on board or on excursion
• A selection of fine wines on board, and open bar
• Entrance fees to all museums, chateaux, etc.
• 9 passenger Mercedes mini-bus with guide/driver available for sightseeing expeditions, shopping, etc.

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

 

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2011 Barging Cruises: Hotel Barges Early Bird Special Discounts

Book your 2011 barging vacation (private charters, not cabin cruises) before October 31, 2010 and benefit from the following special discounted charter rates.

Scottish Highlander moored at Urquhart Castle - Barging in Scotland

• Early-Bird Specials for 2011 Barging Season (expires October 31, 2010)

BARGE	ROUTE	DATES	SPECIAL OFFER
Art de Vivre	France: Burgundy	All 2011	[EXPIRED]
La Belle Epoque	France: Burgundy	All 2011	[EXPIRED]
Renaissance	France: Burgundy	All 2011	[EXPIRED]
Rosa	France: Gascony	All 2011	[EXPIRED]
Scottish Highlander	Scotland	All 2011	[EXPIRED]
Roi Soleil	France: Canal du Midi	All 2011	5% off charter price, expires Dec.31,2010

Imagine the sense of relaxation and enjoyment as your floating hotel carries you from one peaceful mooring to the next with more than enough opportunity to explore little villages, shops, the delightful countryside and much, much more, without the need to pack and repack every day. Paradise Connections represents luxury hotel barges that accommodate private charter groups from 4 to 14 guests (if you're a larger group, we can arrange for a tandem cruise). The attentive crew will pamper you with personalized service to ensure your enjoyment of this unique vacation. The cuisine is superb with carefully selected cheese and wines to accompany your meals aboard. Every day offers interesting local guided excursions, or you may choose to stay "home" with a good book and listen to some tunes... the choice is up to you. With a private charter, the week may be fine tuned to your preferences for tours, activities, meals & wines.  Some barges offer special themed itineraries such as golfing, antiques, family, tennis, cookery, guided walking tours, cycling, etc.  If you have us special request, let us know! A barging vacation is a wonderful way to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, family reunions, a corporate incentive, or one of the best reasons of all... just to have a good time!  Don't you deserve a treat?

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

 

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BARGING CRUISES: Last Minute Discounts for October 2010

IT'S NOT TOO LATE for a barge cruise this season... 

Experience the colorful change of season and the fall harvest.

Mmmmm... the autumn countryside...

   along with fine food, fabulous wine, interesting tours...


 It is Beautiful... Relaxing... and Absolutely Fabulous... 

• Last minute special offers for October 2010

SPECIAL OFFERS HAVE EXPIRED

These barging vacations are all-inclusive, which means:

• 6 nights' accommodation on board in an air-conditioned, en-suite cabin.
• The services of an experienced Captain / Host, Chef, Housekeeper(s), Driver/Tour Guide.
• Breakfast, lunch and dinner aboard. All lunch and evening meals aboard are a gastronomic adventure using local produce.
• A local lunch ashore, once per week on most barges.
• An excellent selection of fine regional and international wines and spirits, plus an all day open bar, tea and coffee.
• Daily excursions by chauffeured minivan and inclusive entry fees to castles, vineyards, markets and other local places of interest.
• Use of barge facilities such as bicycles, boules, barge library and on certain vessels, a spa pool.
• Return transfers to and from local meeting/drop off point.

Contact Paradise Connections, your barging specialists, to take advantage of these special offers for:

Barging in France, Barging in Holland & Belgium, Barging in Scotland, Barging in Ireland, Barging in England, Barging in Italy, Barging in Germany, Themed Cruises such as Guided Walking Tour Cruises, Spring Dutch Tulip Cruises, Wine Appreciation,  Golfing, and more!

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

 

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