Friday, August 2, 2013

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

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By Cathy Mercer


For both the cruise experts and the first time voyagers, there is nothing quite like floating along a river. Enjoying the luxury barge cruises France offers is an excellent alternative to a traditional cruising experience. Barges are large, yet elegant river hotels. Rather than check in and stay in one place, you check in and find yourself entering into a luxurious historical adventure in a top quality retreat.

Barges have been floating along French rivers for centuries. In the past, they carried supplies and materials to be delivered along the waterways. Now, they carry guests in sublime comfort. The wide construction of these huge boats allows the interior quarters to have sumptuous living spaces. It is common to have four suites with private baths. Guests are truly pampered because the staff often numbers more than those traveling.

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 completely optional. Some visitors will enjoy making use of bicycles often carried on board. These are wonderful for short jaunts into the countryside, or for riding up and down the canal side while the barges are passing through river locks. Walking or hiking into nearby towns is always enjoyable. Visiting with friendly, English speaking staff is always fun, too. But, many guests prefer to sit on the deck in comfortable lounge chairs and gaze at the sky and landscapes.

Barge tours are extremely detailed and organized to take care of each guest properly. Getting to the embarkation point for any selected tour is part of a process. You will need to connect from an airport to a designated hotel, where your hosts will greet you. From there, taking an air-conditioned shuttle to the river is common. Returning after the tour is equally planned. With guest numbers limited to perhaps eight to ten per tour, it is easy to see why no detail is left to chance.

Not enough may be said about the high quality menus offered on a typical barge. The chefs use regional foods featuring the finest French dining. It is divine to enjoy the regional fruits, vegetables, cheeses, breads, fish and meats typical of each locale. Add luscious wines to the menu with fabulous breads and all is good.

This is luxury that you could expect if you booked a stay at a world class hotel. The unexpected comes from the barge experience itself. Many will look forward to the beautiful vistas that appear while floating along the river. What is surprising is that these vessels are customized within and scrupulously maintained. With the chance to explore culture, contemplate history and enjoy the fullness of cuisine available, a few days cruise such as this can be a life changing event.

Experiencing the luxury barge cruises France has to share is a must for any traveler who would love to step back in time for just a while. The serene trip, punctuated with plenty of enticing activities, is to be completely enjoyed. This is an immersion in tradition and even legend, and beckons to those who appreciate quality.




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