Tuesday, August 05, 2014

French Hotel Barge EMMA - 2014 availability

The French Hotel Barge Emma still has a few weeks available this season for barging cruises along the Canal du Midi in the south of France between Beziers and Carcassonne.
  • August 23-29: One cabin (yellow) - 10% last-minute discount
  • October 4-10: One cabin (blue) - 10% last-minute discount
and
  • October 18-24: Available for private charter or cabin bookings (3 open)
  • October 25-31: Available for private charter or cabin bookings (3 open)

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.

EMMA is fully air conditioned and also has central heating, if needed. There are three guest cabins; one has a queen bed, while the other two can be configured as either queens or twins. Beautiful handmade Irish quilts from Oonagh Morisson add that extra touch of luxury.

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.



Take a break in the south of France! Shall we pencil you in?


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
 


Friday, July 18, 2014

Shannon Princess Recipe: Confit Duck Leg

Olivia from the Irish Hotel Barge Shannon Princess shares her recipe for Confit Duck Leg... Looks tasty!

Confit Duck Leg


Ingredients
  • Handful coarse sea salt
  • Handful cracked black peppercorns
  • 4 Bay leaves, roughly torn
  • 4 Garlic cloves, just squashed-skin on
  • Handful thyme and rosemary sprigs, roughly torn
  • 1 Star anise
  • 4 Duck legs
  • 100ml White wine 

Method
  1. A couple of days before you want to make the dish, scatter half the salt and pepper, half the garlic and half of the herbs over the base of a small shallow dish. Lay the duck legs skin-side up on top, then scatter the remaining salt, garlic, star anise and herbs over the duck. Cover the dish and refrigerate overnight.
  2. Pour the wine into a saucepan that will snugly fit the duck legs in a single layer.
  3. Brush the salt off the duck legs and place them skin-side down in the wine.
  4. Cover the pan with a lid and place over a medium heat. As soon as the wine starts to bubble, turn the heat down to the lowest setting and cook for 2 hours, checking occasionally that the liquid is just barely simmering.
  5. After 2 hours, the duck legs should be submerged in their own fat and the meat should feel incredibly tender when prodded. Leave to cool.
  6. The duck legs are now cooked and can be eaten immediately – or you can follow the next step if you like them crisp.
  7. If you are preparing ahead, pack the duck legs tightly into a plastic container or jar and pour over the fat, but not the liquid at the bottom of the pan. Cover and leave in the fridge for up to a month, or freeze for up to 3 months. The liquid you are left with makes a tasty gravy, which can be chilled or frozen until needed.
  8. To reheat and crisp up the duck legs, heat oven to 220C/fan 200C/gas 7. Remove the legs from the fat and place them, skin-side down, in an ovenproof frying pan. Roast for 30-40 mins, turning halfway through, until brown and crisp. Serve with the a crisp salad and some crusty bread.



Irish Hotel Barge Shannon Princess

Visit the Emerald Isle aboard the owner-operated hotel barge, Shannon Princess II, cruising the River Shannon between Athlone and Killaloe. Explore the lovely Irish countryside... not only the rich wildlife and spectacular scenery, but their myths and legends as well. Pass by ancient monasteries, prehistoric cities, forts and Celtic vilages, while floating along the tranquil Shannon river.

Shannon Princess accommodates up to 10 guests in 5 cabins which can be configured as either doubles or twins, as you prefer. Shannon Princess is available for private charters and individual cabin booking for shared charter weeks.

Read a recent blog post about the Shannon Princess and visit their website, too. Then contact Paradise Connections to start planning your barging vacation.


Why wait any longer... Go barging in Ireland !


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



Sunday, July 06, 2014

BARGE CHARTER VACATION CRUISES: 2015 SPECIAL OFFERS and DISCOUNTS


 SPECIAL OFFERS FOR MARCH & APRIL 2015



Contact Paradise Connections now, for current availability and pricing. It's not too soon to book. There are already quite a few confirmed bookings for next year.


Hotel Barge Scottish Highlander - Barging in Scotland - Caledonian Canal Cruise


Contact Paradise Connections for both cabin bookings or private charters. We are here to assist you :)

Looking forward to your inquiries



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


Saturday, July 05, 2014

BARGE CHARTER VACATION CRUISES: 2014 SPECIAL OFFERS and DISCOUNTS


 SPECIAL OFFERS FOR 2014 - BOOK YOUR BARGE VACATION NOW

= EXPIRED =


 French Hotel Barge Emma - Barging in France - Cruising in Languedoc-Roussillon
 Canal du Midi --- Étang de Thau --- Canal du Rhône à Sète


Contact Paradise Connections for both cabin bookings or private charters. We are here to assist you :)

Looking forward to your inquiries



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


Friday, June 27, 2014

Barge Enchante: Visit the ‘Plus Beaux Villages de France’

The French Hotel Barge Enchanté is an all-inclusive, state-of-the-art, double-decker, 8-passenger barge that cruises the Canal du Midi in southern France.

The French Hotel Barge Enchanté - Barging cruises in France
Cruising the Canal du Midi between Sallèles d’Aude and Trèbes

The Canal du Midi in the South of France is a cultural cornucopia with annual events and festivities close by that highlight the region’s rich historical legacy.

Lagrasse, France

For example, one day of Enchanté's interesting itinerary features a tour of Lagrasse, a village with an 8th-century Benedictine abbey and many artisan workshops. Its narrow streets and medieval bridges have earned it the title of “one of the most beautiful villages in France.”  The abbey, St Marie d'Orbieu, was founded in 799 with a founding charter from Charlemagne and, situated near the border of Spain and France, it quickly became one of the most important abbeys in southern France, being pivotal in the politics and religious affairs of the region. Lagrasse also enjoys a strong literary tradition and is home to Le Banquet du Livre, ”Banquet of the Books,” a literary festival that boasts philosophical meetings with writers and thinkers, readings of texts and musical pieces by talented authors, as well as literary workshops and film screenings.

Enchante's 2014 Calendar (current 26 June 2014)
  • 13-19 July: 1 cabin open, 3 booked. $1000/cabin discount
  • 20-26 July: 4 cabins open, 0 booked. $6000 discount off 8-person price
  • 3-9 August: 1 cabin open, 3 booked. $1000/cabin discount
  • 24-30 August: 1 cabin open, 3 booked. $1000/cabin discount
  • 19-25 October: 3 cabins open, 1 booked.
  • 26 Oct-1 Nov: 4 cabins open, 0 booked

Enchanté has a crew of five, is 100 feet in length, has two decks, is fully air conditioned and has central heat as well. Enchante cruises the Canal du Midi between Sallèles d’Aude and Trèbes


She provides luxurious accommodation in her lower level for up to eight guests in four equal (approx. 200sq ft) en-suite twin or double suites each with superbly appointed bathrooms with showers.


The barge is tastefully furnished in exotic hardwoods creating a bright and airy atmosphere.  Enchanté's upper deck has a large, spacious saloon where the attention to detail is noticeable, along with a demonstration galley for guests to view the chef.

Hop on one of Enchante's bikes and cycle along the canal and visit nearby villages

Outdoors, there is a spacious sun deck with al fresco dining, gorgeous hot tub and comfortable sun loungers. Each guest cabin on Enchanté has a mobile phone for their personal use while on board. When the guests arrive there's about 5 euros credit and they can top up anytime. Other amenities include a guest computer with internet connection, DVD/TV, and bicycles.



Don't put it off any longer... Go barging!



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

Monday, June 23, 2014

French Hotel Barges for Bastille Day Celebrations

"Vive La France" on July 14th!

Our 6-night cruises departing on July 13th along various French canals, will give passengers the chance to celebrate Bastille Day, the National Day of France, in true French style. Guests will be able to watch firework displays and join in the celebrations, perhaps from the deck of their hotel barge whilst being served champagne, or away from the crowds in a local village.

During the rest of the week, our fully-crewed hotel barges in the Canal du Midi (Athos, Emma, Enchante) will glide along the 300-year-old canal, pausing for visits to the medieval fortified city of Carcassonne, ancient Narbonne and the Cathar hilltop town of Minerve, while Nymphea cruises in the Loire Valley, and Rosa takes you through Gascony between Agen and Montauban. These special summer cruises offer the perfect blend of excitement and tranquillity.

Click on the barge's name to access their online brochure. For further information on our barges, contact Paradise Connections HERE.

Availability for the week of 13-19 July 2014:
  • Athos: 5 cabins open, 0 booked - Private or shared cruise (minimum of 3 guests required)
  • Emma: 1 cabin open, 2 booked - cruise begins Saturday, 12-18 July
  • Enchante: 3 cabins open, 1 booked
  • Nymphea: 1 cabin open, 2 booked - Discount of $2000/cabin
  • Rosa: 2 cabins open, 2 booked - Discount of $2000/cabin

This video is from the producers of firework spectacles, Ruggieri.

For those of you who will not be in attendance this year, the video above is of the festivities in Carcassonne from 14 July 2012. It is very good footage but nothing like being there in person with the beautiful colors, the sounds of the rockets taking off, the percussion of the soundwaves striking your body, the oohs and ahs of the crowd... Good stuff. The French can really put on a show :)



Joyeux Quatorze Juillet


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


Sunday, June 22, 2014

Barging Cruises in Ireland aboard Shannon Princess

The Irish Hotel Barge Shannon Princess cruises through a countryside little changed through the centuries. Come aboard and join Shannon Princess on her incredible journey through the heart of hidden Ireland.

The River Shannon  (named after the Celtic goddess  ‘Sionna’) is a series of lakes, rivers and tiny canals, which at almost 200 miles in length, is Ireland’s longest river. For over ten thousand years, the river was vital to the survival  of the prehistoric people living along its banks. After Christianity, it became the refuge of saints and  scholars. Today the River Shannon remains unspoiled and has retained its great natural beauty and enjoys a richness in wild flowers, bird and animal life.

Unspoiled River Scenery

As barge guests on Shannon Princess, you are “up close and personal” with the sights. Each day you will pass crumbling ivy-covered ruins, medieval garrisons and shoreline villages. The vessel moors right at Clomnacnoise, a monastery established in the 6th century which survived for 1000 years. Your route takes you through dappled woodlands and floodplain meadows.  The barge also calls  at historic towns such as Athlone and Killaloe – today a pretty riverside village, but once home to the court of the last High Kings of Ireland. Observe wildlife – rare white tailed eagles nesting in waterside trees, go fishing, or even swim from the barge.There is always time for early morning strolls through twisting country lanes – or to explore the villages and roads by bicycles. Be as active as you wish!  Everywhere, the friendly Irish people will welcome you as honoured guests.


Owner-Operated, Ruairi & Olivia

On board Ruairi is Barge skipper and enthusiastic tour guide with an unsurpassed knowledge of the river and its loughs. Olivia is master chef and serves up exquisite cuisine throughout the day that never fails to elicit gasps of delight from guests. Together they lead a professional crew providing excellent and friendly service.


Irish Hotel Barge Shannon Princess

The barge accommodates up to 10 guests in 5 cabins which can be configured as either doubles or twins, as you prefer. Shannon Princess is available for private charters and individual cabin booking for shared charter weeks. CLICK HERE to learn more about the layout and amenities of the barge Shannon Princess.


Shannon Princess has special offers for the 2014 season: Updated July 18, 2014
* $39,000 for up to 10 guests (save $6000)
  • 17-24 August 2014
* $40,000 for up to 10 guests (save $5000)
  • 28 Sept - 4 October 2014
* $7700/cabin for 2, not each person (save $2000) - 2 cabins open, 3 booked
  • 10-16 August 2014

Current availability for 2014, Departures beginning Sunday: Updated July 18, 2014
  • 20 July: 1 cabin open, 4 booked
  • 27 July: 5 cabins open for private charter or cabin cruise
  • 10 August: 2 cabins open, 1 optioned, 2 booked
  • 28 September: 5 cabins open for private charter or cabin cruise
  • 5 October: 5 cabins open for private charter or cabin cruise


Don't put it off any longer... Go barging in Ireland !


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



Wednesday, June 18, 2014

Bordeaux Wine Festival June 26-29 2014

Are you a wine buff looking for a quick getaway and are interested in fine wine and relaxation? Well then, how about attending the Bordeaux Wine Festival beginning on June 26 followed by a barge cruise on the 29th?


This will be the 9th edition of the wine festival which takes place on the banks of the Garonne.

GASCONY: The French Hotel Barge ROSA is available with their Classic Cruise in Gascony between Agen and Montauban.
  • Full boat private charter: up to 8 guests: $28,500 (includes $6000 discount)
  • Cabin cruise: $9180/cabin

Other French hotel barges available for June 29 - July 4, 2014: 

CANAL DU MIDI:
  • Clair de Lune: 2 cabins open, 1 booked. $9100/cabin (includes $2000 discount)
  • Enchante: Private charter or cabin cruise
    • Private charter for up to 6 guests: $44,400 and 8 guests: $48,600
    • Cabin cruise: $12,600/cabin

BURGUNDY:
  • Impressionniste: 2 cabins open, 4 booked. $9380/cabin (includes $2000 discount)
  • La Belle Epoque: 2 cabins open, 4 booked.
    • Meursault (Bow) Junior Suite: $9780/cabin (includes $2000 discount
    • Santenay Stateroom: $9380/cabin (includes $2000 discount)
  • Savoir Faire: Private charter for up to 12 guests, $43,450 (includes $10,000 discount) 

ALSACE-LORRAINE
  • Panache: 4 cabins open, 2 booked, $9780 /cabin (includes $2000 discount)

The Bordeaux Wine Festival is held every other year. It alternates with the Fête la Fleuve (the river festival),




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


Monday, June 09, 2014

BARGE CHARTER VACATION CRUISES: 2015 SPECIAL OFFERS and DISCOUNTS


 SPECIAL OFFERS FOR MARCH & APRIL 2015

Considering a Spring barge cruise for next year (March or April 2015)? Look no further. We have special offers for you.

The special offers in this post have expired. Please CLICK HERE for more recent discounts/special offers for 2015 barge charter trips.


Looking forward to your inquiries



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


Saturday, June 07, 2014

BARGE CHARTER VACATION CRUISES: 2014 SPECIAL OFFERS and DISCOUNTS


 SPECIAL OFFERS FOR 2014 - BOOK YOUR BARGE VACATION NOW

= EXPIRED =


 French Hotel Barge Emma - Barging in France - Cruising in Languedoc-Roussillon
 Canal du Midi --- Étang de Thau --- Canal du Rhône à Sète


Contact Paradise Connections for both cabin bookings or private charters. We are here to assist you :)

Looking forward to your inquiries



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