Saturday, August 3, 2013

Experience Top-Shelf Tranquility On The Best Luxury Barge Cruises France Offers

By Cathy Mercer


Experiencing the luxury barge cruises France has to offer may change your views concerning travel forever. The richness of slowly floating through the exquisitely beautiful countryside is certainly a part of it. But more than that is the high level of service, cuisine and activities available. With a one to two ratio of staff to guests, barges are waterway hotels with quality more than comparable to world class retreats.

In times gone by, barges carried goods along the river paths. Today, they carry passengers. The huge river boats are wide enough to hold spacious interiors within their hulls. Passengers are assigned to suites with full baths and lovely decor. These are often so large that perhaps only four might fill a barge. For this reason, each is filled with amenities one would expect from a top-flight hotel. Air conditioning is common. Nightly turn down for beds is available, and the quarters are filled with beautiful linens.

The dining experiences might be on board, as guests enjoy local produce and fine cuisine. At other times, visits to local riverside restaurants are planned. Wine tasting excursions to sample the fine wines and champagnes of each region is always on the schedule.

Activities are as varied as the countryside views. Most barges carry bicycles so that their guests might take rides near the river. Some are close to hot air balloon flights, which may easily be added onto a trip itinerary when possible. Some travelers simply enjoy walking into the hills or villages as time permits. Visiting with the friendly, English speaking crew members is always engaging, and some simply prefer to sit on deck to watch the scenery unfold.

The organization exhibited by barge cruising companies is admirable. Tours are set up so that guests will be greeted at designated pick-up points, which are often hotels. Once connected with the tour guides, it is common to be transported to the embarkation point on river via air conditioned coaches. The return trip home is equally managed. Every detail is taken into consideration, so that each person traveling has the attention necessary.

It is truly difficult to exaggerate how wonderful the barge menus are. The chefs prepare tempting menus showcasing the freshest fruits, regional vegetables, fish, meats, cheeses and breads of each region. Once you add delicious wines, everything is perfect.

This type of tour is filled with all the good things that you would expect from a four star hotel. Considering that a barge is truly a world class hotel which floats along some of the most beautiful countryside in the world, it is truly good, indeed. Add to that the chance to explore history, culture and cuisine at its finest, taking a six day cruise along these waterways is an experience not to be missed.

Enjoying the luxury barge cruises France offers is a chance to slow the pace of life for a bit. Though filled with optional activities, it can be a tour completely filled with serenity as well. The legendary history of this beautiful country welcomes those who seek to understand the flowing rivers and all they offer.




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