http://www.europeanbarging.com ~ (888) 869-7907 ~ If you are enchanted by the sights and sounds of southern Germany, the Main-Danube Canal is a unique and culturally rich destination to consider. One of the best ways to make the most of the Canal experience is by taking a Danube Continue reading
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Chateau De Rully In Burgundy France: Visit the Medieval Castle
Explore France in Another Light- Chateau de Rully
Chateau de Rully is a medieval fortress situated in the midst of vineyards in the commune of Rully, Saône-et-Loire département of France. The castle comes under the Burgundy region of eastern France. It stands on the side of a hill and dominates the whole region, facing the plain leading to the Saône. In the west, it commands the valley towards Nantoux and Chassey-le-Camp.
The castle was built around a 12th century square keep (i.e. Donjon), the oldest part of the chateau that remains. It shows some interesting features of medieval military architecture with its parapet walk, battlements, machicoulis and loopholes.
The present look of the castle was designed in the 15th century with the addition of a small courtyard and north and east wings, turning the fortress into a manor house. Outbuildings and the great and lower courtyards were added in the 18th century. An 18th century building takes pride as Burgundy’s largest stone roof.
Medieval Castle Is An Historical Monument in France
The castle is listed as a historical monument on the supplementary inventory of the French Ministry of Culture and is open to the visitors. Your visit to the castle will take you on a journey through French history from the Middle Ages to today.
Since the castle came into existence, it has been kept in the same family. The current owner will nicely guide you through his home, showing the history of his ancestors. The fact that the castle is private property and not a museum brings about a unique and authentic experience.
Enjoy Wine Tasting at Chateau Rully in Burgundy France
Your trip to Rully becomes more exciting with wonderful wine tastings. Its vineyards expand up to 32 hectares (approximately 79 acres), of which a third are classified as Premier Cru sites. Rully is known for its red and white Rully wines made from Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, respectively. Around two-thirds of the production consists of white wine, and around one-third is red.
Our France barge cruise is a perfect option for you to visit the Chateau de Rully and indulge in some excellent wine tastings, as well as touring this Medieval castle. Call us for more information about our France barge cruise! Europeanbarging.com 888-869-7907
Enjoy The Splendid Gardens of Apremont
Visit The Splendid Gardens of Apremont
Apremont is one of the loveliest villages in France. It is comfortably nestled in the heart of Berry, a landscape traversed by hedges and copses on the banks of the Allier. The village is overlooked by its castle, which is surrounded by a flower garden inspired by the “White Gardens” at Vita Sackville-West’s landscaped garden in Sissinghurst. The beautiful village was completely reinstated in the last century.
You do not get a tour of the castle, which is privately owned; but you do get to tour the extensive grounds and gardens – and sometimes, you also get to view special exhibits in the stables.
The owners of the castle actually own the village, with mostly estate workers living in the houses. The houses were bought up in the 1930’s by Eugene Schneider II of Le Creusot, who by marrying Antoinette de Saint Sauveur, daughter of the owners of the castle, had a passion for the site.
Get The History Of The Splendid Gardens Of Apremont
The gardens were developed in the 1970’s by Gilles de Brissac, great-grandson of Eugene and Antoinette Schneider. Ranked as a “Remarkable Garden”, this English garden, planted with rare trees is beautifully highlighted. Waterfalls, ponds and a perfect lawn cover more than five acres, which can be to walked from Easter to October.
In addition to lots of beautiful flowers and trees, there are unusual buildings among the gardens. These enchanting buildings had been designed by the Russian painter and architect Alexander Serebriakoff and his sister. These fantastical creations from around the world are in keeping with the exploratory spirit of the second portion of the 18th century.
A bridge spanning on one end of the lake is styled as a pagoda, with its gabled roof reminiscent of the temples of China. As though it were on the banks of the Bosphorus, both the exterior and interior of The Turkish Pavilion are a beautiful reminder of the past splendors of the Ottoman Empire. Lastly, the Russian-inspired Belvedere is situated to allow a stunning view over the river and beyond to the roofs of the village.
View Paintings From The Shop In Belvedere
Inside the Belvedere, eight panels were created especially for the Flower Garden over 10 years ago by the Montagnon Pottery in Nevers, based on original drawings by Alexander Sebriakoff. All of them can still be found in the shop. The panels tell the tale of an imaginary journey Pulchinelli took by the puppets of the Comedie Italienne of Venice. This trip takes in some of the MOST beautiful sights in the world and finishes, naturally, in the Flower Garden of Apremont. A disused quarry has been converted into a waterfall, of which all the surroundings have been constructed using 650 tons of rocks.
There is a small gift shop that you go through to get to the gardens and the stables. The shop has a small selection of candy, decorative items, garden books, and such.
Give us a call if you would be interested in learning more about our Upper Loire barge cruises! 888-869-7907
Cruise Along the Seine River and Visit France Harbor Town of Honfleur
Seine River Cruise France’s Harbor Town of Honfleur
The town of Honfleur surrounds a beautiful little 17th-century harbor, set in a sheltered cove off the Seine’s tidal estuary, in Calvados, Lower Normandy. Honfleur is still active as a fishing port and marina. The town has a great historic and cultural value, as it has preserved many historic and traditional buildings and takes pride in housing some interesting museums, churches and monuments.
Do Not Miss Out On The Medieval Seaside Town of Honfleur
The medieval seaside town of Honfleur has a tremendous appeal – with its narrow half-timbered houses and cobblestone streets. Unlike many other villages in Normandy, Honfleur was spared during the bombing of World War II as there was no manufacturing. For centuries, the old harbor has attracted many people with different interests. Here, you’ll find fishermen, artists, tourists and locals alike enjoying the same scenery that attracted celebrated painters like Delacroix, Sisley, Corot and Monet. Honfleur is as enchanting as the Impressionist paintings it often inspired.
Honfleur offers much to delight you. The tidy, picturesque streets of the town house many art galleries, artists’ studios, boutiques, restaurants and fine souvenir shops. You also can find some remarkable historical buildings, such as the largest wooden church in France, salt warehouses dating back to the 17th century, and the Lieutenance, the last existing part of a 16th century castle that fortified the town.
In fact, Honfleur today is both a river port and a seaport, providing modern facilities deep enough to accommodate big cruise ships. But there is an important fact to know that, while the boats now moored along the quays of the Vieux Bassin are mostly leisure craft along with the odd fishing boat, in bygone years, Honfleur’s military fleet was the pride of France.
Experience the Seine River Cruise
In spite of it’s prestigious past dating back 1,000 years, Honfleur has that special something which, even today, keeps it fresh, appealing and exciting. Honfleur is still a very popular tourist destination. Cruisers from the Seine River cruises frequently come to view her old world charm, picturesque port basin filled with sailing ships, and the winding alleys with half timbered houses. Contact us for more information. Europeanbarging.com 888-869-7907
A Dutch City and Delftware
Dutch City of Delft: Pottery History
The Dutch city of Delft is well known for its Delft pottery. The first Delft pottery was made in 17th century, when citizens of the Dutch town began to hand-paint classic pottery. Delft pottery is a tradition in blue and white and comes in various forms. You can find Delft pottery in blue and white milk jugs to kitchen tiles to a little girl and boy poised for a kiss. These porcelain pieces are classic symbols of the Netherlands.
With the passage of time, the distinctive blue-and-white Delftware grew in popularity, increasing the amount of antique vases, plates and figurines that may be found all around the world. It’s quite surprising that in a time when craft work is gradually losing appeal, the interest in Delftware is increasing. So anybody who is visiting Delft must visit the Delft pottery.
Explore Delft Pottery And Authentic Delftware
You can find Delftware in many Dutch households, and it’s enormously popular with tourists. However, authentic Delftware only can be found in the city of Delft, which was one of the most important ceramic production centers in Europe between 1600 and 1800. Delftware products have been an important export product from the Netherlands for 400 years, and it still enjoys a great reputation around the world. The 17th-century Royal Delft Factory (i.e. Koninklijke Porceleyne Fles) and De Delftse Pauw are the only genuine Delftware producers still operating. The charming town of Delft and its pottery factories and shops make it a must visit place.
In the creation of Delftware, a clay mixture is used that is covered with a tin glaze after it came out of the kiln. Delftware painters then paint the traditional patterns on the porcelain items totally by hand. Sadly, however, today only a small percentage of the Delftware is entirely painted by hand.
The city of Delft is often a port on either a barge or river cruise in Holland. So, you must visit the beautiful town of Delft and its Delft pottery and observe the art closely. You can also shop for some exclusive Delftware as a memory of the place! Europeanbarging.com 888-869-7907