I am booking a culinary barging excursion through Burgundy in July-August and looking at barges that feature ONLY 6-8 people and have kitchens large enough for cooking demonstrations as well as cooking lessons, with market visits.<BR><BR>I am about to choose a company, but I am curious about those of you that have done this already (this is my first trip). <BR><BR>Do you have any personal experience you can share about what company you chose and what you liked best and least?<BR><BR>The pictures are so beautiful and this region is amazing, I really am looking forward to it!<BR><BR>Thank you in advance for your suggestions....<BR><BR>Wendy

try french country waterways or abercrombie and kent for their barges-very 1st class-- some of the barge companies have older barges and accommadations aren't too spiffy

Thank you! I decided on French Waterways, only 8 people per ship and the state rooms are enormous! <BR> <BR>I'll see how impressed I am, 'after' the voyage! But I do hope it is a good one!

Wendy - any reviews from your trip? Thanks.

Can you believe that the company has decided NOT to cruise Burgundy for awhile, as there are too many self-drive barges? They have relocated to the Loire and I wasn't able to go! <BR>

Wendy, we've not cruised Burgundy so can't make a direct comparison. However, we have spent a week cruising the Loire and the Canal Lateral du Loire and were charmed by the territory. <BR> <BR>twenj

Wendy- <BR> We didn't do a culinary barge but we did do a hotel barge in Burgundy. It was wonderful. We booked through Le Boat, www.leboat.com. Talk to Debbie. Good luck.

Thank you for your experiences! I missed my chance for this year, but I will look into your contacts for next year! Merci! <BR>Wendy