French Hotel Barge Clair de Lune: New route for summer 2016 - Canal du Midi, France

The French Hotel Barge Clair de Lune cruises the Canal du Midi between the little village of Le Somail and the old fortified city of Carcassonne... but, this summer between July 17 and September 24, 2016, they will be altering their route with an itinerary between Trebes and Naurouze, thus allowing another voyage of exploration along this historic canal.

Click image to enlarge map

During this summer period, guests on board Clair de Lune will enjoy an extra insight into the 330-year old Canal du Midi and the Languedoc-Roussillon region. She will cruise a route further west from Trebes to Naurouze on a gentle voyage through delightful countryside past canal-side villages and under the pretty, arched bridges that make this waterway so special.

Along the way, there will be excursions to some of the most interesting places the region has to offer, such as Castelnaudary, home of the classic French dish, cassoulet. Clair de Lune will also traverse the impressive Fresquel aqueduct en route to her final destination of Nuarouze, the canal’s highest point. And to quench the thirst during this relaxing summer cruise, there will be even be a private tasting at a winery producing the region’s distinctive sparkling wine, Limoux. (See sample summer 2016 itinerary HERE).

This is a fabulous cruise for wine, food, and history lovers alike.

French Hotel Barge Clair de Lune - Barging Cruises on the Canal du Midi, France

The French Hotel Barge Clair de Lune offers all-inclusive, crewed barging cruise vacations for up to six guests for private full-boat charters or by individual cabins aboard a cabin cruise week. Enjoy her three stylish cabin suites, sun-deck with spa pool and, of course, bicycles for exploring the towpath.

Clair de Lune's stardard itinerary cruises the Canal du Midi between the charming village of Le Somail and the fortified city of Carcassonne, where you will discover some of the most beautiful scenery in the south of France along the way.  During your voyage along the tree-lined Canal du Midi you will visit historical sites such as the spectacular Cathar town of Minerve, the elegant city of Narbonne, and enjoy wine tastings at renowned local domaines.



Check for SPECIAL OFFERS

You can find lots of information about Clair de Lune in our online brochure such as sample itineraries, rates, crew, cuisine & wine aboard including sample mentus, and details about the barge's layout, accommodations and amenities. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions or if you want to book!

Let's Go Barging In 2016 !

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

 

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Alsace-Lorraine Barging Cruises: 5% Off Barge Panache

Save up to $3,300 on private charters on French Hotel Barge Panache Canal de la Marne au Rhin cruises in Alsace-Lorraine, France for August 2016 departures

French Hotel Barge Panache cruises Alsace-Lorraine

from mid-June through end October 2016

The French Hotel Barge Panache is offering a 5% discount off private charter rates (up to a $3300 value) for select August 2016 departures to stimulate interest in one of its newer cruising areas, the Alsace-Lorraine region of eastern France. Book before November 16, 2015.

“The more travelers learn about hotel barge cruising, the more they want to experience it. Families appreciate the unique and exclusive setting to enjoy quality time together, while groups enjoy sharing the leisurely cruises with friends,” said Managing Director Derek Banks. “Chartering the entire boat allows our guests to modify the itinerary to reflect their particular interests in the regions, ensuring everyone on board has the best time possible.”

Elevating Experiences On Board Panache

The 12-passenger Panache is staffed with a crew of six, which includes a master chef, deck hand, tour guide and two housekeepers – all led by a highly experienced captain. From mid-June through the end of October, the stylish hotel barge cruises the Canal de la Marne au Rhin through an area famous for its unique blend of French and German influences, strongly evident in its customs, cuisine, wines and architecture.

French Hotel Barge Panache about to ascend the Arzviller boat lift

A major highlight of the cruise is a ride on the Arzviller boat elevator, a marvel of engineering that carries the hotel barge and her passengers 450 feet up the Vosges Mountains. Other cruise highlights include a tour of the culturally-rich city of Strasbourg, the region’s capital and principal city. There, guests tour the 12th century Gothic pink sandstone cathedral, considered one of the three grandest Gothic style buildings in the world and called by French poet and novelist Victor Hugo a “gigantic and delicate marvel.” Panache also docks at Saverne, where guests enjoy a tour of the Lalique Museum, home to more than 500 exceptional pieces of glassware by French designer René Lalique, considered a genius of the craft.

An introduction to the various wines of the region is also part of the cruise, both at the dinner table on board and at local vineyards, such as Domaine Pfister, where guests enjoy private tastings. Every meal is an adventure into the regional cuisine, with authentic dishes expertly-prepared and presented by the on board master chef. Guests can also tour the Meteor Brewery, the last privately-owned brewery in the region, where a private tasting is provided.

Hotel barges all offer their own, unique cruise experiences, and the Alsace-Lorraine region of France is an excellent example of this. Guests will be treated to fascinating tours and see storybook villages, all while savoring the culinary specialties and wonderful wines of the region.


The Panache features spacious public areas with a large sun deck and a spa pool. Panoramic windows in the saloon ensure that guests never miss the beautiful scenery. With the local knowledge of the pampering crew, the numerous chauffeur-driven private excursions and the 12 bikes on deck, guests can explore the areas they cruise in as much detail as they wish.

Let's Go Barging in 2016 !

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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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Barge MAGNA CARTA: Special Downton Abbey Cruises 2016

We are pleased to announce that the English Hotel Barge Magna Carta has added the Highclere Castle excursion to several of their cruise weeks for the 2016 barging season. This unique trip to the iconic castle and fictional site of the highly popular TV series “Downton Abbey” is a limited opportunity. The visit to Highclere replaces the standard itinerary's visit to Dorney Court.

Current availability for Downton Abbey itinerary (as of November 4, 2015)

• 27 March - 10% off - Open for private charter or by cabin
• 3 April - 10% off - Open for private charter or by cabin
• 1 May - 3 cabins open, 1 booked
• 29 May- Open for private charter or by cabin

Note that the weeks of 27th March and 3rd April have a special 10% discount, plus they are both value season weeks.

This extremely impressive Victorian castle, designed by Sir Charles Barry who was also the architect of the Houses of Parliament, sits on a 1000-acre estate and is the iconic home of the fictional Crawley family on the show. The "real" Downton Abbey has been owned by the Carnarvon family since 1679, where Lord and Lady Carnarvon still live today.

Located west of London in Berkshire, it is considered one of the finest Victorian homes still in existence, with sprawling grounds that are four times the size of New York City’s Central Park.

 

Cruising along the famous River Thames in England, passengers aboard hotel barge Magna Carta will also enjoy "royal" views and excursions to majestic castles, palaces and cathedrals. Magna Carta's itinerary also features a private tour of Dorney Court, a remarkable Tudor home on the banks of the Thames, where "Elizabeth", "The Other Boleyn Girl", and Agatha Christie's series "Poirot" were all filmed. We also visit Hampton Court Palace, one of the locations for the award winning film "A Man for All Seasons". The cruise concludes with a tour of Christ Church, one of the most prestigious colleges at the University of Oxford and one of the settings for Lewis Carroll's "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland".

The Royal River Thames cruise route of the luxury, 8-passenger, all-inclusive, crewed English Hotel Barge MAGNA CARTA brings you in touch with the very soul of England. The Magna Carta cruises from Hampton Court to Henley-on-Thames past Royal Palaces, quaint riverside towns and villages.  It is the perfect way to admire olde worlde England and the natural beauty of Surrey, Berkshire and Oxfordshire.

To view Magna Carta's Downton Abbey itinerary, please click here.

This is a one-of-a-kind experience for fans of Downton Abbey that allows them to walk the real-life setting made famous by their favorite television drama.

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English Hotel Barge MAGNA CARTA - Experience England from a different point of view

The all-inclusive, crewed, luxury, English Hotel Barge Magna Carta accommodates up to 8 guests. She is approximately 120 feet in length and has two decks.

The lower deck boasts four full-width luxurious staterooms each averaging 200 square feet with private ensuite bathrooms. The staterooms may be configured as Kings or Twins according to your preference. Magna Carta has the most sophisticated modern amenities, including air conditioning, WI-FI internet access and underfloor heating in each of the four full width suites. Each suite has exceptionally spacious contemporary en-suite facilities and colour TVs and DVD players.

The upper deck comprises the main salon and dining areas with large picture windows and stylish furnishings. Outside you have the sundeck with comfortable seating and the spa pool/jacuzzi. There are eight bikes on board to take at your pleasure for rides along the tow paths.

The Magna Carta offers 6-night, all-inclusive private charters, as well as cabin cruises. Theme cruises such as golf, tennis, guided walking, family, flower shows, Henley regatta, antiques, etc, are available for private charters.

Check out our Regional Guide to learn more about the area where Magna Carta cruises.

Interested ?  Let's reserve your spot !

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

 

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French Hotel Barge Anjodi opens an additional 2 weeks for 2016

We are delighted to let you know that the French Hotel Barge Anjodi has added two cruises to their 2016 calendar for March 20th and 27th departures.

French Hotel Barge Anjodi - Barging Cruises on Canal du Midi, France

Springtime on the Canal du Midi is a lovely time to travel, with its beautiful scenery and warm Mediterranean climate. Please click here for Anjodi's sample itinerary.

These additional departure dates incorporate the Easter weekend holiday, and are priced at Value Season rates, plus there is an early booking discount of 10% for all reservations confirmed before December 31, 2015.

Anjodi is a classic Dutch barge that was rebuilt for charter to specifically navigate the canal du midi. The barge is 100-feet long with a crew of 4, has both air conditioning and central heating, and accommodates up to 8 guests in 4 cabins with private, ensuite bathrooms. Anjodi has a spacious sun deck with teak furnishings, a jacuzzi/spa tub, and 8 touring bicycles.

Anjodi is available for private charters and also for cabin cruises where you share the barge with others. For private charters, Anjodi also offers Family with Children cruises, Golf cruises, and Wine Appreciation cruises.

Please don’t hesitate to contact us should you require any further details.

Go Barging in 2016!

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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

 

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Rocamadour Goat Cheese - French Hotel Barge Rosa

Today we have a guest post from Mike Crowson, chef on the French Hotel Barge Rosa, about cheese.

Enjoy an alfresco lunch aboard French Hotel Barge Rosa in southwest France

A light cheese course for the lunch menu, Rocamadour goat cheese baked in the oven on a crouton of baguette paysanne, a drizzle of local honey & served with a little herb salad & black cherry compote.

Rocamadour, black cherry compote, herb salad

Rocamadour goat cheese belongs to a family of goat cheeses called Cabecou from Quercy, the name is derived from the village of Rocamadour in the department of the Lot, the cheese was granted an AOC in 1996 & now has to be made under the conditions of the AOC, generally the cheese is 12- 15 days old & best served warm on a toasted crouton or in warm goat cheese salad, which you see on almost every restaurant menu in the region as either a main starter or main course.

Cabecou which is a generic name for all of these cheeses does not carry an AOC only Rocamadour.

Thanks, Mike!

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Rosa's charming accommodation for eight guests features two double and two twin-bedded staterooms, all with private ensuite bathrooms, and a saloon that gives direct access onto the spacious sundeck. A cruise on Hotel Barge Rosa is the ideal way to explore this beautiful, pastoral region of Southwest France.

Rosa has two routes for cruising the Gascony/Bordeaux area:

1. Between Agen and Montauban (view itinerary): from April 17 through July 30, 2016
2. Between Castet-en-Dorthe and Boé  (view itinerary): from July31 through October 29, 2016

See if Rosa has any special offers/discounts available:  CLICK HERE

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Enjoy yourself with a cruise aboard Rosa!

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

 

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Barging in Holland 2016? Book soon!

We have just confirmed a charter booking for a Dutch Tulip Cruise aboard La Nouvelle Etoile for May 2016 and noticed that there are not too many opportunities left for a barge trip in Holland this spring.

Experience quaint Dutch windmills, world-famous flowers, small European towns, historic cities, art history, Delft pottery, and a distillery, all in one week.

( Updated November 4, 2015 )

LA NOUVELLE ETOILE
Accommodates up to 8 guests. Wheelchair accessible. Click for online brochure.

• April 3-9: Open for private charter or cabin cruise (needs a minimum for 4 guests to guarantee the cruise)
• May 1-7: 2 Cabins available

PANACHE
Accommodates up to 12 guests. Click for online brochure.

• April 3-9: Open for private charter or cabin cruise (needs a minimum for 2 guests to guarantee the cruise)
• April 17-23: 2 Cabins available
• April 24-30: 5 Cabins available
• May 15-21: 4 Cabins available. Holland (Delft) to Belgium (Courtrai)

So, if you fancy a barging trip in Holland this spring. Please contact Paradise Connections as soon as possible because these weeks tend to sell out fast.



Speaking of La Nouvelle Etoile, they only have a few weeks open for private charters for the 2016 barging season. They are currently fully open for the weeks of:

• April 3-9: Dutch Tulip Cruise, Holland
• May 15-21: Belgium, Picardy, Paris
• June 5-11: Burgundy, Auxerre to Moret Sur Loing 
• July 3-9: Burgundy, Loire Valley
• July 10-16: Burgundy
• July 17-23: Burgundy, Paris
• July 24-30: Paris, Champagne
• August 7-13: Paris, Champagne

Let's Go Barging in 2016 !

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

 

It's not how far nor how fast, it's the pleasure of the journey that keeps people coming back for more.

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RECIPE from French Hotel Barge Renaissance: Sticky Toffee Pudding

We would like to share a recipe from the French Hotel Barge Renaissance.

Luke Dessain is a very talented young chef who loves the barging life. He started his career as an 18-year-old working as a sous chef in a French Alps ski resort where he learned to cook classic French cuisine with a Scottish chef as his mentor.

In the 8 years since then, he has refined his considerable skills and now loves nothing more than creating dishes using wonderful local ingredients as the chef aboard Renaissance in Western Burgundy.

This recipe for Sticky Toffee Pudding originates from Luke's English childhood.

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Ingredients

• 2 cups of dates
• 3 Earl Grey English Breakfast tea bags
• Brewed coffee
• 1 cup plain yogurt (don’t throw that cup away!)
• 1 yogurt container each of sunflower oil and sugar
• 3 yogurt containers of flour
• 1 teaspoon of baking powder
• 4 eggs
• Between 1/3 and 1/2 cup of salted or unsalted butter
• Between 1/3 and 1/2 cup soft of ight brown sugar
• Generous 1/3 cup of cream

Method

1. De-seed the dates and chop finely. Put the dates in a saucepan with the coffee to almost cover, add the tea bags and cook on a medium heat until reduced.
2. Combine the flour, sugar, oil, yogurt and eggs until smooth.
3. Add the reduced dates, mix, then add the baking powder. (Don’t forget to take out the tea bags first!).
4. Heat the oven to 350F/180C.
5. Put the mixture into small buttered and floured ramekins (muffin tins could also be used) for cooking and bake for about 20 minutes or until set.
6. For the caramel sauce, melt the butter and brown sugar together, stirring over a medium heat. Once the sugar has dissolved, add cream, stirring, and reduce to a thick sauce. Note: if you don’t care for salted caramel, use unsalted butter.
7. To plate up, pop the pudding cakes out of their ramekins, warm through but don’t cook more and cover with the warmed caramel sauce (if there’s any left over, it will keep in the refrigerator).
8. Garnish with a raspberry and serve with vanilla ice cream.
9. Enjoy this indulgent pud!

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Thank you, Luke, for sharing this recipe with us!

To learn more about cruising the French canals upon Renaissance, read a previous post which tells more about the barge, and view our online brochure.

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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Barge L'Art de Vivre : A bit of history

The Many Lives of L’Art de Vivre

French Hotel Barge L'Art de Vivre has lived through many important historical times. Here is her story...

L’Art de Vivre is actually not the name with which this vessel came into the world. When she was built in 1917 in Deptford, England, she was christened with the name Marie Brizard after the 18th century creator of Anisette, the liquorice liqueur.

Since she was born in a time of war, she didn’t have the easiest start. Her initial purpose was to carry ammunition to Northern France to help the fight of the Allies in the Somme. She was built to withstand the harsh weather conditions and the groundings on the Channel's beaches. With a bit of imagination, you can still picture this barge with her strong, sturdy body as an ammunition ferry.

From Ammunition to Alcohol

When the First World War ended, her journey took a completely different direction. She was assigned the rather more cheerful task of delivering barrels of Cognac from Angoulême to Rochefort along the River Charente. Over the years Marie Brizard had many name changes including Cognac, Royal Cognac, Napoleon, Mark Twain, Magellan and Kir Royal; names with an alcoholic flavor!

Now Living the Good Life

It was in 1975 that Florian Waleski, a direct descendant of Napoleon, turned L’Art de Vivre into what whe is now: a beautiful hotel barge. In 1999 she was sold and her new and current owners gave her a makeover (including an interior refit of the cabins and galley) after their initial purchase and again in 2008,

L’Art de Vivre now cruises the inland waterways of Burgundy and allows her hotel barge passengers to indulge in the Burgundian "good life".

In two years time (2017), L’Art de Vivre will celebrate her 100th anniversary! Why not experience the magnificent history that is instilled in this hotel barge for yourself on one of their unforgettable cruises in Burgundy?

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Looking forward to your inquiries...

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Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters 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

 

It's not how far nor how fast, it's the pleasure of the journey that keeps people coming back for more.

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Early Bird Specials for 2016 Barge Cruises

The following barges are offering a 10% discount off their standard 2016 prices for both private charters and cabin cruises. Deposit by December 31, 2015 except where noted.

BURGUNDY:

• La Belle Epoque - April 3 & 10, 2016
• L'Art de Vivre - April 10 & 17, 2016
• Finesse - All May and June 2016

CANAL DU MIDI:

• Anjodi - April 3 & 10, 2016
• Enchante - March 20 & 27, April 3, 2016
• Clair de Lune
• Charter: March 27, April 3, 2016
• Cabins: March 27, April 3 & 10, 2016

GASCONY:

• Rosa - March 27, April 3, 10 & 17, 2016

ITALY:

• La Bella Vita - March 27, April 3 & 10, 2016

SCOTLAND:

• Scottish Highlander - April 10 & 17, 2016

ENGLAND:

• Magna Carta - March 27, April 3, 10 & 17, 2016

Conditions:
Our normal Terms & Conditions apply.  Some cruises may require a minimum of 4 passengers booked to guarantee the cruise.
These special offers are subject to availability, apply to new bookings only and cannot be used in conjunction with other offers. Offers such as single traveller offers cannot be combined with any other offers.

Our Cruises are All-Inclusive:

* 6 Nights accommodation on board in an air-conditioned, en-suite cabin.
* The services of an experienced Captain / Host, Chef, Hostess(es), Driver/Tour Guide.
* Breakfast, lunch and dinner aboard.  A local meal 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 minibus and 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 the local meeting/drop off point.

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Contact Paradise Connections for either cabin bookings or private charters.

Looking forward to your inquiries

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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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BARGE VACATION CRUISES: Availability for September 2015

Still Time for a September Barging Cruise

[Updated August 6, 2015]

September is always the most popular month for hotel barging. There are fewer holidaymakers, the weather is ideal and, in France it's the time of the wine harvest. We still have some availability for the month of September; some barges even have attractive special offers.

Click on the barge's name below to view our online brochure.

August 30 to September 5 (6 Nights)

Hotel Barge	Region	Availability	Special Offer
La Belle Epoque	Burugndy	1 Cabin	YES
Anjodi	Canal du Midi	3 Cabins	YES
Rosa	Gascony & Bordeaux	Charter / 4 cabins	YES
Panache	Alsace & Lorraine	Charter / 6 cabins	YES
Savoir Faire	Champagne	Charter / 6 cabins	YES
La Bella Vita	Italy	4 Cabins	YES
Nymphea	Loire	Charter / 3 cabins	NO

September 6 to September 12 (6 Nights)

Hotel Barge	Region	Availability	Special Offer
La Belle Epoque	Burgundy	BOOKED	NO
La Bella Vita	Italy	5 Cabins	YES
Scottish Highlander	Scotland	BOOKED	NO

September 13 to September 19 (6 Nights)

Hotel Barge	Region	Availability	Special Offer
Panache	Alsace & Lorraine	1 Cabin	NO
La Bella Vita	Italy	1 Cabin	YES
Shannon Princess	Ireland	BOOKED	NO

September 20 to September 26 (6 Nights)

Hotel Barge	Region	Availability	Special Offer
La Belle Epoque	Burugndy	2 Cabins	NO
Clair de Lune	Canal du Midi	1 Cabin	NO
Nymphea	Loire Valley	1 Cabin	NO
La Bella Vita	Italy	Charter / 10 Cabins	YES
Magna Carta	England	1 Cabin	NO

September 27 to Oct 3 (6 Nights)

Hotel Barge	Region	Availability	Special Offer
Clair de Lune	Canal du Midi	Charter / 3 Cabins	NO
Rosa	Gascony & Bordeaux	1 Cabin	NO
La Bella Vita	Italy	Charter / 10 Cabins	YES
Magna Carta	England	2 Cabins	NO

Click HERE for discounts and special offers,

Plus, we have barges available for October... just ask!

Contact Paradise Connections for either cabin bookings or private charters.

Looking forward to your inquiries

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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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