Monday, November 4, 2013

A France Barge Trip Is The Perfect Holiday

By Allyson Burke


Lovely trees swaying, the sound of children playing, and the smell of delicious French cuisine is all possible with a France barge trip. As you float down the interior water passages of France, a vacation like no other awaits.

Those that abhor the huge cruise ships with lots of people and too much of everything will find that a cruise down the inland waterways of Europe is just the ticket for them. The quaint towns and countryside that you will float through is nothing like a regular cruise. Plus the barge cruise is to focus on your experience which is about quality, and not quantity.

These barges were once working vessels that carried necessary items like coal, grain, and food to the people that lived along the waterway. With renovation, their cargo is instead people wanting to experience France from a relaxing deck chair. The water these boats move down is narrow and these crafts were created for them, but that doesn't mean any luxury or pampering is lost on your vacation.

Most of the itineraries developed focus on the food and the local culture one will see when delving into the small towns of areas of Burgundy, the Upper Loire, and the Champagne region. The barges allow you to get on and off easily and most of the cruises are all inclusive which means you pay one price and don't have to worry about pulling out your wallet again.

Being that you are in France there is a huge focus on food and wine. All the meals on board are included in the price and the staff makes sure that you have not only an abundance of food, but that it is French influenced. From the amazing sauces covering your evening meal to the luscious buttery croissants you have in the morning, your palate will not go home unhappy. The cruises also have excursions planned that allow you to taste local wines, foods, and wander through ancient castles.

When you first see the barge you will be struck with the idea that it looks like a toy a child would play with. That is where the comparison ends. With fewer rooms there is a focus on spoiling each guest. Each room is beautifully appointed with antiques, cozy beds, and lovely amenities. You have the opportunity to get to know your fellow passengers while enjoying the pampering and catering of the crew.

The water that you are moving on is narrow and there are many lochs along the way. The barges are built to maneuver these rivers. But the wonderful aspect of being so close to the shore is you are able to get off to enjoy the local landscape and towns with a brisk walk. Or perhaps you can decide to simply be a voyeur as you settle into a deck chair with a glass of wine. Either way, you experience the local flair with the many trips planned by the crew to local wine growers, artisans, and even castles.

Taking a relaxing France barge trip may change your opinion of cruising altogether. Intimate and personal, these boats cater to you and your whims while enjoying the culture you are surrounded by. France is waiting.




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