Explore The Remarkable Champagne Region By Barge
If you're planning a barge holiday in France you should certainly consider cruising through the countrys world-renowned Champagne region. The picturesque tour will take you through gorgeous vineyards and breathtakingly beautiful towns and villages. There are a variety of barges that can take you on this tour, however the well-known Savoir Faire is certainly a cut above.
Savoir Faire
When on a barge holiday in France, it is vital to select a vessel that will meet (and exceed) any expectations you may have. The Savoir Faire is undoubtedly able to do so in every aspect. Built in 1932 as a Belgian transport barge, she was converted into a hotel barge in 1979 and substantially refurbished in 2005. She is designed for twelve passengers and has six staterooms, all with their own en-suite bathroom. In addition, the vessel has a saloon, dining area, mahogany bar and spacious sun deck. While on board, you will be attentively catered for by six English-speaking crew members including the captain, deck hand, master chef, tour guide and two housekeepers.
Champagne Region
If you have selected the Champagne Region to begin your barge holiday in France you are in for a true delight. The region begins approximately 75 miles from Paris around the city of Meaux, and stretches along the beautiful River Marne to the city of Epernay, which is home to famous Champagne houses such as Moet & Chandon.
Throughout the area, there is a vast variety of vineyards spread across the rolling plains, which, depending on the time of year you are cruising, may display the gorgeous new leaves of spring. During your tour you will also pass through the town of Reims, one of the capitals of Champagne and arguably its most noteworthy city. It has historic medieval cathedrals where the former Kings of France were once crowned.
Other Tour Highlights
Your barge holiday in France will take you an evening cruise through Paris, "the city of lights", where you will pass beneath the floodlit Eiffel Tower. You will also visit the city of Fontainebleau, located 55 miles outside of Paris. There you will see the historic and gorgeous Chateau de Fontainebleau, which once belonged to the French monarchy. From the 16th to the 18th century every monarch from Francis I to Louis XV made renovations to the palace, and it is thus a beautiful structure not to be missed. In addition, you will spend some time visiting the commune of Coulomniers in the Seine-et-Marne department of France - known for its delicious cheese.
Cuisine Aboard
One of the best parts of being on board one of these hotel barges is the magnificent cuisine. Aboard the Savoir Faire the world class chef will prepare scrumptious dishes such as braised beef fillet in juniper berry and red wine jus, and saddle of lamb with egg plant caviar. You will also dine on the famous cheese of the region including Gouda, Leyden and Maasdam. Accompanying the cheeses will be remarkable wines such as St Emilion Grand Cru, Chasagne-Montrache les Houilleres, Pomerol and Pouilly Fuisse. Sound tempting? That's just a taster!
Savoir Faire
When on a barge holiday in France, it is vital to select a vessel that will meet (and exceed) any expectations you may have. The Savoir Faire is undoubtedly able to do so in every aspect. Built in 1932 as a Belgian transport barge, she was converted into a hotel barge in 1979 and substantially refurbished in 2005. She is designed for twelve passengers and has six staterooms, all with their own en-suite bathroom. In addition, the vessel has a saloon, dining area, mahogany bar and spacious sun deck. While on board, you will be attentively catered for by six English-speaking crew members including the captain, deck hand, master chef, tour guide and two housekeepers.
Champagne Region
If you have selected the Champagne Region to begin your barge holiday in France you are in for a true delight. The region begins approximately 75 miles from Paris around the city of Meaux, and stretches along the beautiful River Marne to the city of Epernay, which is home to famous Champagne houses such as Moet & Chandon.
Throughout the area, there is a vast variety of vineyards spread across the rolling plains, which, depending on the time of year you are cruising, may display the gorgeous new leaves of spring. During your tour you will also pass through the town of Reims, one of the capitals of Champagne and arguably its most noteworthy city. It has historic medieval cathedrals where the former Kings of France were once crowned.
Other Tour Highlights
Your barge holiday in France will take you an evening cruise through Paris, "the city of lights", where you will pass beneath the floodlit Eiffel Tower. You will also visit the city of Fontainebleau, located 55 miles outside of Paris. There you will see the historic and gorgeous Chateau de Fontainebleau, which once belonged to the French monarchy. From the 16th to the 18th century every monarch from Francis I to Louis XV made renovations to the palace, and it is thus a beautiful structure not to be missed. In addition, you will spend some time visiting the commune of Coulomniers in the Seine-et-Marne department of France - known for its delicious cheese.
Cuisine Aboard
One of the best parts of being on board one of these hotel barges is the magnificent cuisine. Aboard the Savoir Faire the world class chef will prepare scrumptious dishes such as braised beef fillet in juniper berry and red wine jus, and saddle of lamb with egg plant caviar. You will also dine on the famous cheese of the region including Gouda, Leyden and Maasdam. Accompanying the cheeses will be remarkable wines such as St Emilion Grand Cru, Chasagne-Montrache les Houilleres, Pomerol and Pouilly Fuisse. Sound tempting? That's just a taster!
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