So, I was reading an article that appeared to claim that Barge Cruises are comparable to the River Cruises, but somewhat less costly. I’m not sure about the cost part, but the barge cruise idea sounds wonderful. I went on-line to French Country Waterway Cruises, a US-based company. Each barge is a floating hotel-du-charme, with 8-18 guests. This line has four routes: one in Champagne, one in the Upper Loire Valley (think gateway to chateau country), two in Burgundy (formerly its own very independent, very powerful duchy), and one in Alsace-Lorraine. (I didn’t know that Lorraine was the home of Proust’s famous madelines, did you? They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner on-board. They buy fresh-based croissants and pastries in the mornings and work with local farmers to use local products from the villages as they pass through. Of course, local wines are served with dinner. The sample menus were incredible. I yearn for the chocolate souffle served with a candied basket of wild strawberries and Grand Marnier sorbet. A motor coach travels with the barge, facilitating on-shore excursions. At least one night is devoted to dinner on-shore at a top quality restaurant. The website is romantic and effective. Check it out at: www.fcwl.com.
Sadly, it’s not cheap; however, if you happen to have cash lying around and book the 2009 trip now, there is a discount. Just a thought!