china_cat

We're investigating the possibility of chartering a crewed barge for 7-10 people in the spring or summer of 2006. I've been looking at francecruises.com.

Does anybody out there have any personal experiences with barges to share? I've searched back in the forum and found a little, but not much. I'm curious if you went, were the barges comfortable, how was the food. If you had kids along, did they have fun or get bored. Any other websites or companies I should investigate.

Thanks!

china_cat

ttt

cocofromdijon

I found a few addresses on www.cotedor-tourisme.com. as there is no direct link, here they are :

CROWN BLUE LINE
La Gare d’Eau
21170 SAINT-JEAN-DE-LOSNE
Tél :Tél : 03 80 27 03 50 / 04 68 94 52 72
Fax :Fax : 03 80 27 03 51
Mél. [email protected]

LES CANALOUS
Port de Plaisance
21270 PONTAILLER-SUR-SAÔNE
Tél :Tél : 03 85 53 76 74
Fax :Fax : 03 85 53 76 71
Mél. [email protected]

LOCABOAT HOLIDAYS
Quai du Port au Bois – BP 150
89303 JOIGNY CEDEX
Tél :Tél : 03 86 91 72 72
Fax :Fax : 03 86 62 42 41
Mél. [email protected]

SNC NICOL’S YACHT
Base Nicols – Marina Halte Nautique Rue Carnot
21500 MONTBARD
Tél :Tél : 03 80 92 30 05 / 02 41 56 46 56
Fax :Fax : 03 80 92 38 85 / 02 41 56 46 47
Mél. [email protected]

have a great trip!
corinne
www.myhomeindijon.com

PS have a look to that link, more general but which can help maybe.
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34604832
Nukesafe! are you around? (I know he is going to cruise on the Saone in September..)

Gretchen

I looked at the site quickly. We did a Burgundy barge trip with Abercrombie & Kent--at very similar or less prices than those on the site. I take it you are a "group". You might look at French Continental Waterways or A&K also for other barges. Our experience was just incredible. The food and service was impeccable. The accomodations were very comfortable and the sightseeing opportunities very well arranged and knowledgeable. I don't think it is a vacation for children.
Google for French canal barges and you will find even more.

china_cat

Gretchen, I'll take a look at the companies you mentioned.
we are a group, my family actually. The kids would be my 2 nephews who will be 13 and 17, so its not like I'm talking about small children. I'm still a little afraid they will get bored, although maybe they would like helping with the locks?

was it boredom, or safety that made you suggest it was not a good idea for children?

Thanks for the info, Coco, I will look at these companies as well.

Gretchen

I think they are old enough to enjoy the trip. I think you could do nicely on any of the barges many companies offer, sharing with other passengers on it. OUrs was for 22 people. There were a couple of parties of 4 and the rest pairs. It was interesting to meet and hear others' travels. It was a terrific week. They included the TGV from Paris to Dijon on both ends, and there was the possibility of an add on in Paris--which we did on our own for a lot less.

china_cat

which barge did you travel on?

interestingly, A&K and France River Cruises list several of the same barges, and seem to have identical prices. I'm thinking that they are both simply booking agents, as I believe the barges themselves are privately owned by their captains. Does this seem correct?

nukesafe

Not quite sure what type canal barge you are looking for. Are you interested in a "Hotel Barge", i.e., one in which you have a skipper and crew that does all of the boat driving, cooking, etc. as if you are in a moving hotel, or are you interested in a "self-drive" canal boat?

On a Hotel Barge trip your every need will be taken care of, and you will have little to do by eat, watch the scenery drift by, and go on excursions. I think the kids would be bored stiff.

We have always gone the "do-it-yourself" route. It means more work for all involved, but (even in my 70's) I am not ready for the hotel barges. We will be doing the Saone for a week in September with another couple. Boat handling is simple, and the navigation is even simpler -- you are in a canal with only two ways to go. Can't go wrong.

I do know that some companies try to supply a "middle of the road" option, where a skipper is provided, and you fend for yourself for cooking, eating out, and excursions. You might try www.holidayboat.net. They are a Dutch agent that books canal boats all over Europe. I have found them to be most helpful in answering questions promptly.

I'm sure you will love traveling the canals and rivers of Europe. Have a great trip!

Gretchen

Yes, probably are just brokers. We were on the Lafayette--I think the nicest of A&K's. I believe they charter it for the season each year. The crew of the barge is actually French Continental Waterways. We were supposed to be on Mirabelle and did see it in Dijon, tied up. The deck on Lafayette was nicer--covered--good for rain and sun. Not much covered deck on Mirabelle. In my mind there is a difference in "hotel" barge-- and these old converted barges. There are huge ships that travel on the rivers--too big, of course, for the canals. I consider them to be very sterile, and I don't think this is what you are asking about. The locks are fun, but you can get caught up on them pretty quick!! There are bicycles on the barge and as you go through a lock you can get off and either walk or bike to the next lock and get back on. Good activity for the kids. I know a lot of people are the do it yourselfers, but it can be a lot of work, in my opinion.
There is a lOT of sightseeing that the barges take care of--a little bus travels along the river and transports the group to various sights/sites/wine tastings.

china_cat

Hi nukesafe,
yes we are more interested in the hotel barge type, where we have a crew and meals and work are taken care of. I hope to find one that has a good itinerary with a fair amount of sightseeing excursions. Normally I travel more independantly, but in a group of 10, I think it is much easier to have the activities planned out so there are no decisions to be made (hence, no arguing during hte vacation about where to go, or when to eat).

The more I learn, the more I think this kind of trip will be perfect.

Gretchen, I think I agree with you about the larger versus the smaller barges. I've seen some of the bigger riverboats, and the don't look very interesting to me. These small ones which hold 6-10 people seem very charming. I could not find either the Lafayette or the Mirabelle listed on A&K's site, currently.

Gretchen

Go here. It is Continental Waterways. Their prices are quite a bit better than what I recal from your first site.
http://www.frenchhotelbarge.com/cont..._waterways.htm

As I mentioned, you might google French barge and look for more.
But I can heartily vouch for this group.

Gretchen

Let me add, in the spirit of your comment about having these arrangements made for your group, if you want a guide in Paris, I recommend you contact Michael Osman. He is EXcellent.

MercedesRospigliosi

Some owner-operated barges have a family program that may not be advertised on the internet...We reserved a 6-passenger vessel in Provence last year for our small group of 4 adults and 2 children and we were offered a special family charter price.
We dealt directly with Jean-Francois at francecruises.com and were very pleased with his knowledge and service.
Hope that helps.