Jackie

We're thinking about taking a barge trip in France this Sept for our 25th wedding anniversary. Has anyone gone barging? Any recommendations, tips, etc?

Robin

Hi Jackie--<BR><BR>If you are interested in a hosted barge (not one you drive yourself), I can recommend a wonderful operation-- Swan Cruises. We toured with them in 2000, and had a terrific experience. This is a 90-foot barge owned and operated by an American couple. They take a maximum of four guests. Because it is only a single barge, the only hitch is that you have to want to be where they will be at the time of your anniversary! But I would highly recommend the experience. You can email me with further questions, if you like.<BR><BR>www.swancruises.com

Gretchen

We took a barge trip in Burgundy last October arranged through Abercrombie and Kent. It was excellent--18 people (barge capacity =22), crew of 6. Quarters were pleasant below deck; dining room, lounge/bar and deck very lovely. The crew was terrific--food sumptious. 3 course lunches and dinners with 2 wines with each. We ended up tasting upwards of 28 wines and 30 cheeses. The barge we were on was Lafayette. They have some weeks that are wine tasting centered. The sightseeing tours (on a bus that followed us) were well done by an attractive and knowledgeable young French woman. Chef was French--remainder of the crew English and Scottish. If you google for Abercrombie and Kent you can find their site with excellent pictures of the barges.

elvira

We didn't barge, we did a self-drive cabin cruiser in the Venice lagoon. We used Crown Blue Lines - one caveat, don't prepay the fuel. We did, and ended up having to pay AGAIN when we returned the boat.<BR><BR>I'd recommend<BR>www.france-passion-plaisance.fr <BR>for a self-drive.

Tom

Driving your own barge is a hoot, once you get the hang of it. You can stop anywhere you like along the way at the many little villages. We took the Nivernais Canal from Tannay toward Auxerre, and opted for a round trip deal rather than one-way. The trouble with the one-way trips is that you have the pressure to spend several hours a day boating, and we wanted something a little more relaxed (even though it does mean backtracking). It was lovely. E-mail me if you have specific questions.

jacoba

Hi Jackie, the perfect barge for a wedding anniversary is named L'Etoile II, they have a special launching price for this barge at www.hotelbarges.com<BR>Take a good look at it !<BR><BR><BR><BR><BR><BR><BR>