pennx4

We are planning a hotel barge trip for September and think we are going to book on French Country Waterways Burgandy tour aboard the Esprit. Any expereience with this company? How does the Burgandy tour compare with other regions? What is the average age of hotel barge passengers? Thanks.

Gretchen

We went with Continental Waterways, booked through Abercrombie and Kent. It was an absolutely terrific time. ANY thing we wanted the crew would obtain. The food was beautiful and deicious. Because of the water level we were on the river Saone a good bit. The canals were fun--walked or biked the path to the next lock. We had all ages--40 and up. Very interesting mix and folks.

pennx4

Thanks for the info. Which trip did you take? Any suggestions for what to bring or leave home?

Gretchen

We did Burgundy--started in Dijon. There was a little bus that went along with us to take us on daily sightseeing trips or wine tastings. The barge was Lafayette--I think it is chartered for the season by A&K from French Continental Waterways. We were in October--it was coolish in the mornings and evenings. The cabins are not huge, of course. You unpack and they store your luggage.

Gretchen

I just googled on your barge. It looks very similar to ours. You will love it.

oliviaconklin

I am a frequent barge traveler and I find the canals of burgundy too "busy" with an increasing number of narrow boats, barges, etc...especially in the fall.

You may want to take a look at frenchwaterways.net as they offer cruises of similar quality in the Loire and even Alsace...

Also, France Cruises is a good source for even more choices in all areas of France.

Good luck!

Gretchen

interesting. We had very little traffic but it was a couple of years ago. Did they get in the way in some way? Loire and Alsace would be lovely, but then they don't have the Burgundy wine.

SuzieC

I'm with Gretchen - not that busy...and absolutely - its Burgundy...
the food and the wine...history ...