French Country Waterways is launching a selection of 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, as well as the two routes taken by the 12-passenger Adrienne, splitting her season between the region of Champagne and the Alsace-Lorraine route. 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 Côte 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 six-night sailings, aboard the company’s fleet of eight- to 12-passenger luxury barges, delve into French culture both on board and ashore with upscale amenities that are standard on all their cruises. Each route also features a dinner at a Michelin-starred restaurant, including Auberge des Templiers in les Bezards, Le Cerf in Marlenheim, Lameloise in Chagny, Les Crayères in Reims and Le Relais Bernard Loiseau in Saulieu.
Other features of the itineraries are daily sightseeing excursions and private wine tastings; a 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 is refurbished on a continual basis, with suites featuring private baths and king, queen or twin beds. The barges are available for individual bookings and for charter groups of six to 12 passengers. Special room rates are offered at the designated meeting point hotels in Paris or Strasbourg for guests wishing to extend their stay.
Visit www.fcwl.com