DUXBURY, Mass. – French Country Waterways is kicking off their 28th year in upscale barge cruising with the launch of an impressive selection of elegant vacation experiences aboard its own fleet of luxury canal barges. Detailed in a new 2012 brochure is the return of the eight-passenger Princess to the Upper Loire Valley – nicknamed the “Garden of France” for its idyllic landscape and pleasant climate, as well as two routes taken by the 12-passenger Adrienne — splitting her season between the celebrated region of Champagne and the enchanting Alsace-Lorraine route, which traverses a landscape of half-timbered houses, cobblestone streets, rolling meadows and lush forests. The six-night cruises are also offered in Central Burgundy aboard the eight-guest Horizon II, and along Canal de Bourgogne in Burgundy’s fabled Cote d’Or wine-growing region aboard the 12-passenger Nenuphar. Prices for the weekly Sunday departures, April through October, range from $5,095 to $6,695 per person, double occupancy.
The elegant six-night sailings, aboard the company-owned fleet of eight- to 12-passenger luxury barges, delve into French culture on board and ashore with a bevy of upscale amenities, standard on all their cruises. Dining is a true French experience: pastries and breads, bought locally each morning, and freshly squeezed juices for breakfast; innovative cuisine is prepared by talented chefs, who use fresh, seasonal ingredients to create classic French fare; a selection of Grand Cru and Premier Cru wines, chosen from a pre-season tasting of nearly 200 bottles; and six new cheeses each day, ranging from popular French varieties to small, locally-sourced cheeses. Each route also features an elegant dinner at a celebrated Michelin-starred restaurant, including Auberge des Templiers in les Bezards, Le Cerf in Marlenheim, Lameloise in Chagny, Les Crayeres in Reims and Le Relais Bernard Loiseau in Saulieu.
Other features of the itineraries are daily sightseeing excursions and private wine tastings; an attentive, knowledgeable crew that is fluent in English and French; and time to relax on the sundeck and walk or bicycle along canal towpaths. Hot-air ballooning is also available.
Each barge has been meticulously designed with suites featuring private baths and king, queen or twin beds.
WHAT TO TAKE AWAY FROM THIS ARTICLE:
- Each route also features an elegant dinner at a celebrated Michelin-starred restaurant, including Auberge des Templiers in les Bezards, Le Cerf in Marlenheim, Lameloise in Chagny, Les Crayeres in Reims and Le Relais Bernard Loiseau in Saulieu.
- The elegant six-night sailings, aboard the company-owned fleet of eight- to 12-passenger luxury barges, delve into French culture on board and ashore with a bevy of upscale amenities, standard on all their cruises.
- Detailed in a new 2012 brochure is the return of the eight-passenger Princess to the Upper Loire Valley – nicknamed the “Garden of France”.
