I would love any comments on barging in France. Barges that have a crew and are not self operated. I have heard that Abercrombie and Kent operate some but can find no reviews. Thank you in advance

This source has been around for quite a while:

http://www.bargeladycruises.com/

Generally one pays for what he gets and the barges which have only 6 cabins can be quite expensive.

We used "The Barge Lady" Ellen Sack in Chicago to book our barge trip. We went on a small barge with 2 small staterooms with an English crew. She was very well informed and most helpful. Had a great trip...it was late in the Fall season and we ended up being the only passengers on thre last sailing. It was a great leisurily float. I hardily recommend it!

KN:

One of the nicest times we had bargeing was in '06. BargeLady turned us onto another company which may or not be defunk..but call BargeLady...we picked up the 20-passenger "Lorraine" with a full crew and comfortable cabins (19 on board) in lovely Strasbourg...barge had a 20-passenger mini-bus follow the barge and off we went on side trps every dao...7 nights in all...through wine country, vineyard stops and great scenery. Barge had ten bikes on baord and I really enjoyed that, meeting the barge at the next stop. My wife walked from one of the stops to another with a number of passengers...here are some photos for you. Great way to relax and watch the scenery go by...cost was $1750 per person then.

Stu Tower [email protected]

http://picasaweb.google.com/stuartto...SelectedPhoto#

http://picasaweb.google.com/stuartto...ndParis2006II#

Another excellent company is French Country Waterways, http://www.fcwl.com/. I've probably never felt so pampered as during our week on Horizon II cruising through Burgundy. The crew's express wish was to figure out what we wanted before we knew we wanted it. BTW, we did this back in '92 when prices were high but not nearly as high as today's.

Thank you all, some great tips.