sjde Posted November 23, 2016 #1 Share Posted November 23, 2016 It doesn't seem there is a section for barges. Awhile ago I had come across a company that seemed to have reasonable prices for this type of cruising but can't remember it now. Can anyone help? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rosethorn40 Posted November 23, 2016 #2 Share Posted November 23, 2016 CroisiEurope offers barge cruises in France that seem reasonably priced. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TrulyBlonde Posted November 23, 2016 #3 Share Posted November 23, 2016 French Country Waterways, Belmond, Abercrombie & Kent all offer French barge cruises (luxury). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare terry&mike Posted November 24, 2016 #4 Share Posted November 24, 2016 I sailed in the Burgundy region on the Dutch Barge "Imagine". It had been retrofitted as a 2 guest bedroom barge and was very enjoyable. I booked it myself, directly with the owners, who are the Captain and his wife. If you need more information, email me at home(at)terryandmike(dot)com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kbwinn Posted November 24, 2016 #5 Share Posted November 24, 2016 We sailed on French Country Waterways' Adrienne in Burgundy last year. Was a fantastic trip, cannot say enough good things about it! Sent from my iPad using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sjde Posted December 2, 2016 Author #6 Share Posted December 2, 2016 Thank you Rosethorn40 for that suggestion. CriosiEurope does indeed seem priced moderatelyl ( about $423 pp/nt) compared to the others I've found which are $600-$1000+. Has anyone heard of 4Winds specialty Tours or know anything about them? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ROLLTIDE2 Posted December 4, 2016 #7 Share Posted December 4, 2016 We spent a week on the Magnolia barge in October anf I recommend it highly. Owner/operator was very helpful, the food and drink were excellent, and Burgundy is a beautiful, interesting area. One of our best vacations ever. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bellemere Posted December 4, 2016 #8 Share Posted December 4, 2016 We booked our barge trip in France thru Barge Lady Cruises out of Chicago. She represents different size barges in France and other countries in Europe. Our barge trip is one of most favorite vacations we have taken. http://www.bargeladycruises.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sjde Posted December 4, 2016 Author #9 Share Posted December 4, 2016 Looks like you have to charter the entire boat with the Magnolia. We'd prefer to find a cruise where we can join others. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
winegirl Posted December 6, 2016 #10 Share Posted December 6, 2016 Took a barge cruise through Burgundy via Abercrombie and Kent in 2001 (right after 9/11.) Spouse says this is his favorite trip of all time--very peaceful, beautiful area and away from the horrible world events. Barging is a very different "cruise" experience from ocean or river cruisers. Barges are compact and do not have the amenities of a larger ship. But they are set up nicely and we had phenomenal dining (French chef on board.) It is a slow paced, intimate experience. Our barge was set up for 22, but everyone but 8 of us cancelled after 9/11. Since then, the barge companies have stepped up the game and reconfigured many of the barges to offer much larger cabins and fewer cruisers per barge. Had a phenomenal tour guide, Patrice Bedert, who we'd love to engage again but cannot locate (worked for the company Continental Waterways, who ran the barge "L'Abercrombie.") We look forward to other barging experiences in the Loire, Champagne and Alsace Lorraine. I'd look at the "Barge Lady " website to compare multiple companies, multiple price points as well. A friend of mine used French Country Waterways and had high praise for that company as well so we'd definitely consider them in the future. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hybrn8 Posted December 11, 2016 #11 Share Posted December 11, 2016 We did one of these a few years ago with LocaBoat Plaisance... Great fun going about at your own pace. This type of river/canal vacation is really popular with Europeans. We were on Canal Midi rather than big river which would have stressec us. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NickCarraway Posted December 12, 2016 #12 Share Posted December 12, 2016 Thanks for bringing up this topic. I had heard of barge canal cruises some time ago, but had never really considered them until this came up, and it really intrigues me. I hope other people will contribute their thoughts and experiences. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cruiseguidepat Posted January 8, 2018 #13 Share Posted January 8, 2018 Took a barge cruise through Burgundy via Abercrombie and Kent in 2001 (right after 9/11.) Spouse says this is his favorite trip of all time--very peaceful, beautiful area and away from the horrible world events. Barging is a very different "cruise" experience from ocean or river cruisers. Barges are compact and do not have the amenities of a larger ship. But they are set up nicely and we had phenomenal dining (French chef on board.) It is a slow paced, intimate experience. Our barge was set up for 22, but everyone but 8 of us cancelled after 9/11. Since then, the barge companies have stepped up the game and reconfigured many of the barges to offer much larger cabins and fewer cruisers per barge. Had a phenomenal tour guide, Patrice Bedert, who we'd love to engage again but cannot locate (worked for the company Continental Waterways, who ran the barge "L'Abercrombie.") We look forward to other barging experiences in the Loire, Champagne and Alsace Lorraine. I'd look at the "Barge Lady " website to compare multiple companies, multiple price points as well. A friend of mine used French Country Waterways and had high praise for that company as well so we'd definitely consider them in the future. Hello l am Patrice thé guide le thé abercrombie barge. Tank you for thé comment. If you need a guide in France again call me l will be pleased to guide you again ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CroisiEurope America Posted January 17, 2018 #14 Share Posted January 17, 2018 Our barges in France are some of our most popular programs! We currently operate 5 barges - each with it's own region and flavor. The MS Raymonde - Cruising from Paris to Epernay - the Home of Champagne The MS Jeanine - Burgundy and Franche Comte from Dijon The MS Deborah - the Heart of France on the Upper Loire from Briare to Nevers The MS Madeleine - From Strasbourg to LaGarde in France's Alsace The MS Anne Marie - Coastal Provence and the Languedoc From Sete to Arles Barges have the same inclusions as our River Cruises - delicious French Cuisine, Daily Tours, and comfortable cabins. They tend to cover smaller distances and move a bit slower - as a result you get an intensive insight into a unique French Region. This doesn't mean they have to be less active - bikes are provided on board to cycle the tow paths, or around the towns you visit. With just 22 passengers on board, you end up making close friends with your traveling companions - and making memories to last a lifetime! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KathyK13 Posted January 17, 2018 #15 Share Posted January 17, 2018 Our barges in France are some of our most popular programs! We currently operate 5 barges - each with it's own region and flavor.The MS Raymonde - Cruising from Paris to Epernay - the Home of Champagne The MS Jeanine - Burgundy and Franche Comte from Dijon The MS Deborah - the Heart of France on the Upper Loire from Briare to Nevers The MS Madeleine - From Strasbourg to LaGarde in France's Alsace The MS Anne Marie - Coastal Provence and the Languedoc From Sete to Arles Barges have the same inclusions as our River Cruises - delicious French Cuisine, Daily Tours, and comfortable cabins. They tend to cover smaller distances and move a bit slower - as a result you get an intensive insight into a unique French Region. This doesn't mean they have to be less active - bikes are provided on board to cycle the tow paths, or around the towns you visit. With just 22 passengers on board, you end up making close friends with your traveling companions - and making memories to last a lifetime! Are the tours in English as well as French? Are passengers usually all French or are there international travelers as well? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CroisiEurope America Posted January 17, 2018 #16 Share Posted January 17, 2018 Hi KathyK, On our River Cruises and our Barges, we offer excursions in English as well as French. We tend to keep the barges to one language group only - it works better with such small groups if everyone speaks the same language. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
su-arizona Posted January 19, 2018 #17 Share Posted January 19, 2018 I have been looking at the CroisiEurope barge itineraries, and they do look interesting. But I kind of had my heart set on a barge trip on the Canal du Midi. Does anyone have any experience with barges there? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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