Thursday, 1 August 2013

Relish In 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.

While daily meals are offered on board, guests are able to sample the wide variety of local fruits and vegetables. When the chefs shop, sometimes it is possible to go along and watch them select the very best from nearby markets. Wine tasting is always popular too, as excursions are scheduled to try the varied flavors of each region.

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 is a level of luxury in an unexpected place. Booking a five star hotel that floats is unique. Not only are the scenic views more than might be imagined, but these barges are well built, and impeccably maintained inside and out. The river routes are filled with history, local culture and delicious foods, so a cruise of several days will bring plenty of enjoyment and surprises.

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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