Book now and save 10% on selected hotel barges

Special Offer for New 2009 Bookings

Confirm your new 2009 booking by 12th December 2008 and receive 10% discount on the cruise price. This offer applies to new reservations received from October 29, 2008.



This offer applies to selected barges:

• La Belle Epoque - FRANCE
• L'Impressionniste - FRANCE
• Renaissance - FRANCE
• Enchanté - FRANCE
• L'Art de Vivre - FRANCE
• Reine Pedauque - FRANCE
• Nymphea - FRANCE
• Magna Carta - ENGLAND
• Scottish Highlander - SCOTLAND
• La Dolce Vita - ITALY

Visit the barging section of our web site: CLICK HERE

Contact Paradise Connections for more info! CLICK HERE

Hope to hear from you soon!

French Hotel Barge Anjodi - Special Itinerary for November 2008

For cruises departing 2nd and 9th November 2008, ANJODI is offering a special itinerary from Beziers to Bellegarde that will ensure passengers have the opportunity to really appreciate this area of Southern France and its surrounding historic towns and area at this time of year.

Sunday, Day 1
You will be met at The Metropole Hotel in Montpellier at 4pm and then transferred to Anjodi, moored in Beziers. Champagne welcome followed by time to relax, or take a walk along the footpath, before dinner aboard.

Monday, Day 2
This morning leave Beziers and cruise the Canal du Midi to the old village of Portiragnes. This pretty village has a 12th century church and village shops. After lunch an informative wine tasting in the 14th Century Chateau de Perdiguier, famed for its 15th century frescoes and Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay wines. Dinner aboard.

Tuesday, Day 3
The barge sets off this morning along the 300 year old Canal du Midi, through the famous round lock, before heading out onto the inland lake of Thau, where we berth in the fishing village of Marseillan. After lunch we visit Pezenas. Walk into the old-town which is virtually untouched by the drive of modern development and you feel the pulse of life from a bygone time. Dinner aboard.

Wednesday, Day 4
After breakfast we stroll over to, and tour the unique 'Vermoutherie' of Noilly Prat, and enjoy a tasting. We may also cruise down the length of the lake to the oyster growing hamlet of Bouzigues, then visit to the exhibition explaining the shellfish raising culture of the lake. After lunch we cruise Lake Thau to Magalone. Dinner aboard.

Thursday, Day 5

This morning we cruise the Canal du Rhone a Sete, passing the pink flamingos and the white horses, of the Camargue National Park. We moor beneath the medieval fortified walls of Aigues Mortes. After lunch we climb the 12th century defensive Tower of Constance. Our more energetic guests may wish to walk the one mile circumference of the town on the parapet of its walls. Tonight we eat out at a local Auberge.

Friday, Day 6

Today we leave Aigues Mortes behind and cruise to the pretty, peaceful mooring in the old town of Bellegarde. An afternoon excursion to the magnificent Roman city of Arles with its 1st century amphitheatre, theatre and gorgeous 12th century Romanesque St. Trophime cathedral. Have a coffee in the café painted by Van Gogh or stroll through the Alyscamps which has inspired many a poet along with painters Gaughin and Van Gogh. Upon our return we cruise to a quiet mooring. Captains Farewell Dinner aboard.

Saturday, Day 7
Depart after a last breakfast aboard and transfer to Avignon, to either the TGV train station, or The Grand Hotel by about 11am.

Note:

• This itinerary is subject to change.
• On alternate weeks the cruise is in the reverse direction.

View ANJODI's online brochure: CLICK HERE

Read guest comments: CLICK HERE

Contact Paradise Connections to book your barge: CLICK HERE

Visit our web site: CLICK HERE
-

Luxury Crewed French Hotel Barges - Barging Cruises in France, England, Scotland, Ireland, Holland, Italy, Germany

For a selection of luxury crewed hotel barges we represent, please visit our web site, view our blog, read our monthly barging newsletter, or contact us!

A barging cruise is a wonderful vacation for singles, couples, family, friends, and corporate trips too!

Come and explore the European waterways aboard a quality, luxury, all inclusive, crewed boutique hotel barge.

Visit our website to view barges in France, England, Scotland, Ireland, Holland / Belgium, Italy, Germany / Luxembourg

---

---

French Barge ANJODI - Guest Comments July 2008

We would like to share comments we had from a couple we had aboard the French Hotel Barge Anjodi in July this year (2008).

Sandy and I had a superb holiday on ANJODI in July of this year, everything just fell into place. The weather was good, the sailing excellent... steaming down the canal at 4 mph to "nowhere in particular". The food was unbelievably good. "Unbelievably" because how could the chef produce such excellent food from such a small kitchen?

The passengers all "gelled together"; there was laughter from breakfast to dinner, and the crew joined in the fun without losing any of their professionalism. This has to have been one of the best holidays we have ever had!

You are welcome to use our comments on the holiday, and YES we would like to do the same trip again, another time!

Au revoir - Ted & Sandy.

Thanks Ted & Sandy. You have been a pleasure and we looking forward to assisting you with a barging vacation holiday in the future. We were confident that you would have an excellent time aboard the French Barge ANJODI and appreciate your comments.

View ANJODI's online brochure: CLICK HERE

Contact Paradise Connections to book your barge: CLICK HERE

Visit our web site: CLICK HERE
-

Barge LA BELLE EPOQUE - Burgundy walking cruise October 2008

The French hotel barge LA BELLE EPOQUE still has cabins available for their special Walking Tour weeks in October 2008.

Burgundy boasts some of Europe’s prettiest canal routes and offers great possibilities for walkers of all abilities. La Belle Epoque on the Canal du Nivernais provides a very comfortable base (with a spa pool in which to relax those joints before or after a walk) and your own master chef to prepare delicious regional meals to provide perfect sustenance for a week’s walking! An open bar provides liquid refreshment of all types and a cheerful crew ensure all your needs are catered for.

With this carefully planned cruise and walking schedule, you can properly experience the grass roots of Burgundy! Great food, smooth cruise, calm walking…. In the company of a professional walking guide, saunter along the region’s scenic pathways through dreamy old villages, past castles and vineyards. Have no fear, we provide just the right balance of exploration, exertion and relaxation!

Or, perhaps you'd rather join the tour with a bike!

Dates for this year's 6-night walking-barging cruise

• October 12-18, 2008
• October 19-25, 2008

Prices: (based on 2 people sharing - i.e. double occupancy)

• Junior Suite: £2450 / US$4590 per person
• Suite: £2590 / US$4850 per person
• or Single cabin: £2690 / US$4990

There is no additional charge for this guided walking tour cruise!

Of couse, you can always opt to stay aboard and enjoy the pleasant cruise down the canal while the others are combing the countryside. It's your vacation and it's up to you :)

Itinerary for La Belle Epoque's Walking Tour Cruise: CLICK HERE

Contact Paradise Connections to book your Barging Vacation: CLICK HERE

Visit the barging section of our web site: http://www.paradiseconnections.com/barges/

65th Venice International Film Festival LA DOLCE VITA

Inquire: CURRENTLY NOT CHARTERING - see LA BELLA VITA 

Interested in the Venice International Film Festival? Charter the all-inclusive, crewed hotel barge LA DOLCE VITA as your home base during the event!



The 65th Venice International Film Festival, organised by the Venice Biennale, will take place at Venice Lido from August 27th to September 6th 2008. The aim of the Festival is to encourage the awareness and the promotion of all the various aspects of international cinema as art, entertainment and industry, in a spirit of freedom and tolerance. More info...

La Dolce Vita is currently available:

• August 24-30, 2008

RATES:

IT'S NOT TO EARLY TO PLAN FOR NEXT YEAR'S FESTIVAL...
BOOK NOW !!!

View La Dolce Vita's online brochure: CLICK HERE

Inquire: CURRENTLY NOT CHARTERING - see LA BELLA VITA 

Contact Paradise Connections to book : CLICK HERE

Visit the barge section of our web site : CLICK HERE

French Barge NAPOLEON - Rhone Saone Provence Barging River Cruises

Paradise Connections has just added the French barge river cruiser Napoléon to our Barging Vacation program for the 2009 season. Napoléon cruises the central and southern regions of France from Arles to Tournon.



The Napoléon is one of Europe’s finest river cruisers, combining all the amenities of a luxury hotel with the friendly ambience of a country inn. She accommodates up to 12 passengers and is beautifully appointed with large picture windows that provide unsurpassed views of the countryside.

The Napoléon cruises the Rhône between Arles and Tain l’Hermitage/Tournon; sun-drenched landscapes that inspired the great canvases of Cézanne and Van Gogh.

The region is full of sophisticated architecture dating back to the Roman civilization and ruins of fortifications, arenas and aqueducts which continue to amaze modern engineers. The endless vistas of tiled roofs, lavender fields and olive groves are synonymous with Provence.

Excursions are arranged to the wine region of Châteauneuf-du-Pape and the story book towns of Orange, Avignon, Arles, St Rémy, birthplace of Nostradamus, and the ancient Roman and Greek ruins of Pont-du-Gard and Glanum.

View Napoléon's online brochure : CLICK HERE

Contact Paradise Connections to book Napoléon : CLICK HERE

Visit the barge section of our web site: http://www.paradiseconnections.com/barges/

New French Barge ENCHANTE Provence Camargue Canal du Midi Barging Cruises in south of France

We are happy to announce a new French hotel barge that will be cruising the Provence - Camargue - Canal du Midi regions of southern France... ENCHANTÉ

Enchanté is currently being completely refurbished to the highest standard and will begin cruising 2nd August 2009, departing every Sunday through 26th October 2009.

Enchanté provides luxurious accommodation for up to 8 guests in 4 equal en-suite twin or double suites (approx. 200sq ft each). Each cabin has its own superbly appointed ensuite bathroom with shower and luxurious bath products.



Enchanté is tastefully furnished in exotic hardwoods creating a bright and airy atmosphere. She has a large, spacious saloon where the attention to detail is noticeable. Enchanté has a demonstration galley for guests to view the chef, internet connection on board and a guest computer available, DVD/TV and air conditioning throughout. She also has a spacious sun deck, with al fresco dining, gorgeous hot tub and luxurious sun loungers.

Enchanté's highly professional crew of four is comprised of Master Chef, Tour guide and Stewardess, led by a knowledgeable and experienced Captain who will ensure your cruise is memorable and more.

Enchanté has several itineraries and cruises various regions in the south of France: Provence, Camargue, and the Canal du Midi areas

Five distinctly different waterways along the River Rhone, the Petit Rhone, the Rhone-Sète canal, Thau lagoon (Etang du Thau) and the Canal du Midi, passing picturesque fishing villages, colourful markets and the Alpilles foothills. Experience the colour and light that inspired Impressionist painters such as Van Gogh and Cézanne and see pink flamingos, white horses and black bulls.

Enjoy wine tasting and entrancing excursions to medieval and Roman sites.

View our online brochure for Enchanté : CLICK HERE

Contact Paradise Connections to book Enchanté or for more info : CLICK HERE

Visit the barging section of our web site: CLICK HERE

SPECIAL LONDON AIR FARES - Barge Cruise Holidays Fall 2008

While we were checking out American Airlines cheap flights to Paris, we noticed that they also have a sale on trips to London. So..... perhaps you'd like a barge cruise along The Thames or venture up to Scotland for a barging vacation on the Iverness canal and visit Loch Ness!

"Fares to London start at $276 each way, based on a round-trip purchase. Great fares like these don't last forever - book your trip by August 27, 2008, for outbound travel September 2 through October 22, 2008."

Go to http://www.aa.com and click on NetSAAver & Special Offers then FARE SALES

Examples, round-trip fares to London starting at:

• New York City $276, Boston $286, Philadelphia $312, Chicago $331, Orlando $353, Tampa $353, Miami $358, Raleigh/Durham $416, St.Louis $421, San Francisco $424, Phoenix $432, etc.

September 7-13, 2008

• Magna Carta: 3 cabins ($750/passenger discount)

September 14-20, 2008

• Magna Carta: 2 cabins ($750/passenger discount)

September 21-27, 2008

• Magna Carta: 4 cabins or private whole boat charter ($750/passenger discount)

September 28 - October 4, 2008:

• Magna Carta : 4 cabins or private whole boat charter ($750/passenger discount)

October 5-11, 2008

• Magna Carta : 4 cabins or private whole boat charter ($750/passenger discount)
• Scottish Highlander: 3 cabins

October 12-18, 2008

• Magna Carta: 4 cabins or private whole boat charter ($750/passenger discount)

October 19-25, 2008

• Magna Carta : 4 cabins or private whole boat charter ($750/passenger discount)
• Scottish Highlander: 4 cabins or private whole boat charter

MAGNA CARTA has a $750/£375 per passenger discount for all 6 night cruises departing September, October, November and December 2008, including charter groups of 6-8 passengers

View MAGNA CARTA's online brochure: CLICK HERE

View SCOTTISH HIGHLANDER's online brochure: CLICK HERE

Contact Paradise Connections to book your barge, or for more info: CLICK HERE

Visit our web site: http://www.paradiseconnections.com/barges/

LOW PARIS AIR FARES - French Barge Vacation Cruise September-October 2008

We received an email from American Airlines this week, informing us that they have a special offer of low-priced fares on flights to Paris for September and October 2008.

This would be a good time to treat yourself to a French barge vacation holiday :)

"This is the perfect opportunity to make your fall travel plans, but hurry fares like these don't last long. Purchase your tickets by August 20, 2008, and begin outbound travel between September 4 and October 20, 2008, to save!"

Go to http://www.aa.com and click on NetSAAver & Special Offers then FARE SALES

Examples, round-trip fares to Paris starting at:

• New York City $358, Raleigh/Durham $400, Orlando $406, Phoenix $425, Los Angeles $428, Boston $429, Chicago $439, Denver $443, Seattle $443, Miami $456, Dallas/Ft.Worth $478, San Francisco $499, etc.

Here are some French barges with available space for those weeks:

September 6-12, 2008

• Emma: 3 cabins or private full boat charter available

September 7-13, 2008

• l'Art de Vivre: 1 cabin
• l'Impressionniste: 2 cabins

September 21-27, 2008

• l'Art de Vivre: 1 cabin
• Nymphea: 2 cabins ($350/passenger discount)
  
• Savoir Faire: 6 cabins or private full boat charter available

September 28 - October 4, 2008

• Nymphea: 2 cabins ($350/passenger discount)

October 5-11, 2008

• l'Art de Vivre: 3 cabins
• l'Impressionniste: 7 cabins or private full boat charter available
• Nymphea: 2 cabins ($350/passenger discount)
• Renaissance: 1 cabin
• Savoir Faire: 6 cabins or private full boat charter available (15% discount)
  

October 12-18, 2008

• l'Art de Vivre: 3 cabins
• Hirondelle: 2 cabins
• l'Impressionniste: 4 cabins
• La Belle Epoque: 3 cabins (special walking cruise, no supplement!)
• Nymphea: 3 cabins or private full boat charter available ($350/passenger discount)

October 18-23, 2008

• St. Louis: 1 cabin

October 19-24, 2008

• Alouette: 2 cabins
• l'Art de Vivre: 4 cabins or private full boat charter available
• La Belle Epoque: 4 cabins (special walking cruise, no supplement!)
• Hirondelle: 3 cabins
• l'Impressionniste: 7 cabins or private full boat charter available
• Nymphea: 3 cabins or private full boat charter available ($350/passenger discount)
• Savoir Faire: 6 cabins or private full boat charter available (15% discount)
  

CLICK on the name of the barge above to view their online brochure.

Contact Paradise Connections to book your barge or for more info: CLICK HERE

Visit our web site: http://www.paradiseconnections.com/barges/

We hope that you will be able to take advantage of these low fares so you can experience the European waterways of France.