June 2007
 You may ask yourself why you never did this before. At least that was our reaction
when we first learned of a couple of exclusive luxury barges quietly cruising the
canals of France.
If your tumultuous lifestyle asks for refreshment,
a relaxing French Waterways cruise is the
ultimate way to recharge your spirits, while slowing
you down to appreciate the natural beauty and
charms of the French countryside. Enjoy the serenity
of gliding through beautiful, natural scenery,
like an Impressionist painting, with majestic
châteaux, medieval stone villages, picturesque
pastureland and fields of wildflowers.
The canal and river networks of Europe date
back to Roman times, and take the traveller
through areas which are otherwise forgotten or inaccessible. In France alone, there are 8000 kilometers
of canals crossing the great cities and
linking them directly to rural splendour and country
estates.
Travel by canal is in itself a very a unique and
special experience but the combined talents of
chef Stephen Pope and Parisian fashion designer
Martine Gibelin has taken this experience to an
elevated level of luxury and comfort.
 Upon arrival on the barge we are welcomed with
champagne and exquisite canapés by the friendly
crew of four instantly making us feel at home.
The captain welcomes us aboard and the chef
proposes to us a wide selection of French culinary
specialties, which make our moths water
while at the same time encouraging us to let him
know if we have any special wishes.
Then our personal guide introduces us to the
many possible excursions and visits along the
route and we know immediately we will not be
bored. Should we take a private tour of a Château,
visit a cheese farm, a chocolate maker, a cellar
with private wine tasting, or should we instead
see an art gallery, local museum or antique dealer.
Perhaps we will do something sporty instead like
hiking, biking, horseback riding or enjoy a game
of golf, We will of cause also need to set aside
time for shopping. The options seem endless.
After the welcome we retreat to our room to
finish unpacking. The boat is like a floating palace,
with sumptuous accommodations and elegant
living areas, and accommodates 8 guests in 4 luxuriously
appointed suites with the style and comfort
of a 5 star hotel. Each of the four very spacious
guest apartment includes two single or 1
king size bed, exquisite console and chairs, drawers,
a large closet, and an attractive, large bathroom
with an enclosed shower stall, toilet, vanity,
hair dryer, terry robes, heated towel bars, magnifying
mirrors, generous storage space, and fabrics
and linens from France’s most exclusive
Houses, stylish furnitubre, original paintings, fine
china, crystal and silverware, marble, teak and
handmade terracotta tile adorn each suite. The
main salon and adjacent dining area are similarly
furnished with impeccable taste, with beautifulbouquets of fresh flowers adorning the rooms.
There is no routine when travelling with French
Waterways, and the crew surprised us daily: from
a picnic in the vineyards, a visit to the farmers’
market with the Chef where we assisted him in
choosing the freshest ingredients for tonight’s dinner,
to a “Petanque” tournament (traditional
French ball game), a cooking class, a wine tasting,
an invitiation to table setting (from napkin
folding to flower arrangement), a small quiz
around the cocktail hour, or a surprise party...
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