Category Archives: France

Enjoying 3 Bordeaux Wines – on a River Cruise

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When taking a European River Cruise through Bordeaux, you can experience a one-of-a kind wine tour all throughout the journey.

The cruise will take you to different wine destinations that offer a variety of world-renowned wines in the area.  There is the opportunity to experience 3 Bordeaux Wines – Medoc, Cotes de Bourg and Sauternes

Other than savoring the taste and aroma of good quality wines, a Bordeaux River Cruise will be a treat for the eyes as you enjoy magnificent views of lush vineyards, historic landmarks, and natural landscapes.

MEDOC WINES
There are a number of vineyards in the Bordeaux area and you must not miss trying out some of the most popular wines. The full-bodied red wines in the Medoc region are recommended. The world-famous wines in this region are made at family-owned chateaus producing signature blends and grand cru wines.

Visit the Margaux and St. Julien vineyards and cellars to also gain insight of several centuries of winemaking tradition. Admire the scenic view of rolling vine-covered hills as you go from one place to another.

BOURG WINES
Northwest of the city of Bordeaux is the Cotes de Bourg, one of the oldest wine producing regions in France. You can find around 400 winemakers in this area, the majority of which are family-owned. Cotes de Bourg is known for Merlot-based red wines but it also produces dry white wine in small quantities.

SAUTERNES WINES
Another popular wine in the Bordeaux region is the Sauternes. It is known for being a timeless classic when it comes to white wines. A tour to the Sauternes area will give tourists a taste of this sweet wine as they are learning about the “noble rot” process involved in making it. In this winemaking process, the grapes are left on the vines to rot to maintain the concentration of sugar and acidity.

Taking an AmaWaterways River Cruise in the Bordeaux region will indeed satisfy wine lovers. At the same time, it showcases the number of attractions that has earned its slot in the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Europeanbarging is offering a $1000 discount per person off a Baron’s Creek winery cruise departing  Aug 14 – 21, 2025. Offer good thru March 30th 2024. CALL NOW for best selection. Europeanbarging.com 888-869-7907

Cruising the Canal du Midi on the 6 Passenger Roi Soleil

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Converted to a  hotel barge in 1999, the Roi Solei is a deluxe six passenger barge cruising the Canal du Midi in Southern France.

The Roi Soleil  offers cruises in the Canal du Midi area in France, some of the highlights include: Medieval Carcassonne, a fortified Medieval fortress with a walled city and preserved ramparts, Narbonne (Roman capital), historic Cathar hilltop towns, as well as the experience of cruising on the man made Canal du midi – finished 350 years ago, and featuring 91 working locks.  Cruise through the magnificent vistas vineyards as far as the eye can see to the snow capped Pyrenees.

The Roi Soleil also offers special wine charter themed cruises.  With their contacts the owners can help you find some special vintages, they can offer daily wine tasting or even comparison tasting with other wine regions – at additional cost.

Family cruise charters are another specialty of the Roi Soleil.   Excursions can include cycling (bike and helmet sizes can be arranged in advance for children), horse back riding, 4 wheel riding, hot air balloon swimming at the beach, in the river or on the barge.  Excursions can be arranged for the children at the same time as the adults are out on excursions.

With a large saloon on the upper deck, with a fireplace, bar and elegant dining area, the barge has an open feel with many windows and skylights. The barge has two sundecks with a retractable canopy and a jacuzzi tub at one end.  The cabins can be configured for queen or twin, and ensuite bathroom with large showers, lave stone floors, and heated towel racks.  There is limited Wi-Fi depending on reception.

For excursions there is an air-conditioned eurovan with seating for 8, and there are six Giant Boulder Breeze Hybrid bikes and six helmets.

Continental breakfast includes fresh breads, pastries, cereals, fresh fruits, yogurt, freshly brewed coffee and tea.

  • Atypical lunch might consist of: Smoked duck and granny smith apple salad with fresh raspberry dressing,  braised quail served on creamy porcini mushroom risotto, and lemon soufflé.
  • A typical dinner might consist of: home made foie gras au torchon with pear and date, Charollais beef fillet on braised beetroot and fresh asparagus with chunky basil pesto and plum, apple chutney. Chilled blackberry & vanilla soup with caramel & balsamic ice cream on a chocolate truffle with pistachio spun sugar, followed by coffee, tea or liqueurs with fine chocolates. The galley on the Roi Soleil was specifically designed with an open plan to accommodate passengers who may be interested in participating in our Chef cooking demonstrations to learn new techniques or pick up a few tricks.

Included in the rate is 6 nights/7 days in a cabin with a private bath, all meals – from dinner the first night to breakfast the last morning, all wines with lunch & dinner open bar, daily escorted excursions and use of onboard bicycles.  Check out the Roi Soleil itinerary and our videos on the Roi Soleil barge and the Roi Soleil Dining.

For more information contact us at 888-869-7907   or europeanbarging.com   European River Cruise and Barge specialists since 1998.

Cruising in Bordeaux with the Luxurious Saint Louis Barge

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The Saint Louis is a charter only, luxury barge accommodating six passengers in cabins that can be configured as twin or double beds.   With en-suite shower facilities, retractable clothes lines, bath robes, hairdryers, heated towel rails, full length mirrors, and ample wardrobe space, you will be comfortable in your temporary home.

The salon on the barge includes a fully stocked open bar, comfortable seating area, coffee maker, music system with CD’s and Wi-Fi available.

Saint Louis has one of the largest open sundecks of any barge of comparable size where you will be able to relax and dine whilst enjoying the peace and tranquility of this wonderful, secluded canal. The sundeck is easily accessed via wide stairs directly from the salon.

Saint Louis cruises in South West France where the finest fruit, vegetables, meats, cheeses and wines of great note are all produced.  Because of the outstanding quality of our ingredients and their freshness, our ethos in the kitchen is: cook it simply, cook it lightly, embrace seasonality and avoid heavy use of sugar, salt and fat, let the flavor and texture of the food be the focus. Over the past 6 years the chef Martin, has worked with some of the finest Michelin Star chefs in France, Biasibetti and Pourcel. His training and extensive knowledge of French cuisine and his love of food shows in every dish he prepares.

France is renowned for its cheeses and no meal would be complete without an offering of the area cheeses. A selection of cheeses are chosen each day to create cheese boards that may include dried fruits, nuts and honey for guests to enjoy.

Pairing wine with food is an art and the barge owners work closely with their wine distributor in St Émilion, himself an executive chef, to bring guests a wide variety of wines of great quality from across this region that are specifically selected to complement the food aboard the barge. The barge has an excellent cellar and carry approximately 600 bottles on board.

The enjoyment of food is central to what we do; it is not only a taste experience it is also a visual one. Each evening guests sit down to a different table setting featuring a variety of themes throughout the week.

The Saint Louis cruises the Bordeaux area, and offers 2 cruises:  Bordeaux Area between Castets en Dorthe and Serignac sur Garonne.  The other itinerary is a Gascony itinerary cruising between Boe Port and Lacourt St Pierre.  Some of the highlights of these cruises are:   The Lily Gardens that inspired Monet, 12th century hill top town of Lauzerte, Moissac Abbey and Cloisters, the town of St Emilion, A 1st Grand Crus Chateaux, 12th Century town of La Mas d’Agenais and its church, with an original Rembrandt painting of Christ on the Cross, Port Chateau d’Arche, Serignac and the local weekly market at Valence d’Agen.

Check out the itineraries offered by the Saint Louis Barge.  We also have videos on the Saint Louis barge, the cruising area and the gourmet food to be found on the Saint Louis.  888-869-7907 Europeanbarging.com

6 Passenger Clair de Lune barge on the Canal du Midi

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When looking for a barge cruise in Southern France, an excellent choice would be the 6-passenger Clair de Lune, tastefully furnished with Mediterranean plane tree and American cherry wood furnishings. There is a stylish, modern salon with a comfortable sitting area, a large dining table and a well stocked bar. There are three spacious cabins, each of which can be configured with a queen bed or two twin sized beds. Each cabin has a large wardrobe, dressing table, and an ensuite bathroom, with large shower. The cabins and the salon all have large picture windows. The beds in each cabin face the windows, so that you can enjoy the scenery even from inside of the barge. For easy access, the boat has been built with as few stairs as possible.

A very large sundeck takes command on the exterior of the barge, where you can lounge in comfort on reclining chairs. Sun-lovers can soak up the sun and cool down in the Jacuzzi, while those who prefer the shade can relax under the awning while watching the picturesque scenery unfold. The sundeck is a perfect setting to enjoy an al fresco lunch or a leisurely candlelit dinner on beautiful summer evenings.

In the spring and fall the Clair de Lune cruises on the quaint Canal du Midi between the charming village of Le Somail and the fortified city of Carcassonne, discovering some of the most beautiful scenery in the south of France along the way. During the cruise you will visit historical sites such as the spectacular Cathar village of Minerve, the elegant city of Narbonne and enjoy wine tastings at renowned local domaines. In the summer it cruises an alternative itinerary on the Canal du Midi passing Carcassonne and Castelnaudary. Excursions include a visit to Limoux for a private wine tasting, the medieval Cathar town of Mirepoix and beautiful Lac de Saint-Ferréol.

The Clair de Lune team is led by its French owner, Yves Pastor, who is accompanied by an English-speaking crew: a professionally trained Chef who will be responsible for all of the meals on board, a tour guide who will lead all of the excursions, and a hostess. Yves’ lifelong love of boating and desire to provide a luxury barge experience to passengers from all over the world is what drives his passion for barging. While on board, the crew invites you to relax and enjoy the landscapes and natural beauty of this magnificent canal.

Europeanbarging.com   888-869-7907

Madeleine barge cruising Alsace France

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A Blend of Germany and France, the Alsace Region has a full complement of beautiful architecture and landscapes – including rich vineyards of delectable wine grapes.

A cruise aboard a canal barge promises a peaceful break where you take the time to discover “la douce France” in a different way. The MS Madeleine a true cocoon of charm, sails on the French canals and offers its passengers an original and authentic experience.

Madeleine Barge

The MS Madeleine is a beautiful Premium canal barge, measuring 38,50 meters long and 5,07 meters wide. It can accommodate 22 passengers, in 11 cabins spread over two decks. The size of the cabins is 9 m2 (including a PRM cabin of 11 m2) offering amenities and providing guests with all the comforts they need during their stay.

On board, everything has been taken care of down to the smallest detail and the 6 crew members guarantee a personalized service. The decoration is stylish with an elegant and intimate atmosphere.

Located on the upper deck is the restaurant, which offers delicate cuisine in a refined setting, a lounge bar, and a relaxation area with a jacuzzi. Comfortable sun loungers are provided on the sun deck, the ideal place to relax and admire the surrounding landscapes. A journey aboard the MS Madeleine promises an unforgettable getaway on the water.

 

The Madeleine navigates in the beautiful region of Alsace / Lorraine France.  A journey through Alsace, perhaps the most picturesque province in France, means an endless string of discoveries – art and architecture, gourmet food and wine, history and heritage.

Prices are mid $3,000 – so a great value for all the inclusions of 6-night cruise, all meals, beverages, and excursions – including several visits to vineyards for wine tastings, Wi-Fi, and bicycles for cycling the towpaths.

For more information, to check availability,  or to book a cruise, please get in touch with  us at:  jan@europeanbarging.com  or   713-240-6753 /  888-869-7907