We boarded Athos at Marseillan, a charming little port village an hour south-west of Montpellier. When I say “port”, even though it’s only a stone’s throw from the Mediterranean, the port is actually on a huge saltwater lagoon, the Etang de Thau. This is a unique place to board a barge, because mooring points for barges are usually on canals… this one feels like you’re on the sea!

I was pretty thrilled when we were greeted by Tour Guide Matt, who I first met 12 years ago during his first season on board! In an industry where there are lots of seasonal staff (always fantastic mind you) it is really special to be welcomed back by an old friend. And he is an exceptional guide – one of those who eloquently paints a picture that truly makes history come alive. The Canal du Midi is so rich in history and it’s so much more captivating with someone like Matt!

So… on board we were welcomed by Matt and the crew – Claire and Emily our hostesses, Sylvain the chef and pilot Pierre-Yves, while champagne and nibbles were served. Then we settled into our cabins and unpacked before our first taste of the exceptional gourmet cuisine we were to be offered each day. And again, we hit the jackpot… Sylvain is one of the most talented chefs in the fleet! His gastronomic creations were a highlight of the week… it wasn’t long before every meal time we were positively drooling in anticipation of what was coming up!

Before leaving Marseillan on Monday morning, we did a little trot around the village and visited the Noilly Prat Vermouth distillery. I always thought of Vermouth as a drink my parents drank in the 70’s… but I am here to tell you, it’s soooooo good! Sweet, dry, served straight or in a cocktail… I am converted! It delicious! For inspiration for your next party, have a look here at some of the distillery’s suggestions!

After our first afternoon’s cruise we moored at Portiragnes, which is a short bike ride (or van transfer if you don’t feel like cycling) to the beach – now we really are on the Mediterranean! And there we stumbled across a fabulous beach shack restaurant where we sat with toes in the sand enjoying an evening coktail or two before returning to the barge. Actually to be honest, we didn’t stumble across it… this is an example of the crews on board the barges always knowing great local places to go, that you would never find on your own!

Tuesday was a pearler of a day, to use a very Aussie term! We visited the gorgeous village of Pezenas, an ancient hidden gem with a captivating history (again, brought alive by the fabulous Matt), stunning architecture, winding cobblestoned streets, and enticing little shops. It’s off the usual tourist route so just beautiful to walk around at leisure and not be fighting your way through the hordes! After returning to the barge and a delicious lunch on deck we crossed the 18th century aqueduct over the River Orb and begin the ascent of an 17th century feat of engineering, the Fonserannes Staircase Locks. There are 7 locks to go through, rising nearly 22 metres over a distance of 312 metres. This is such fun and we attracted quite a crowd onshore, watching our majestic lady Athos “rising” to the occasion! As you can see in the video, my guest and good friend Julia and I enjoyed the experience from the hot tub… and a few French rosés were consumed as we went!

Just going back to the lunching on deck “thing” – on the Canal du Midi the weather is beautiufully temperate and during the season from May to September most meals can be taken at the dining table on deck, which is one of my favourite highlights of any barge cruise. Soaking up the atmosphere of the village you’re moored in, or watching the beautiful countryside roll by as you cruise, and at the same time being pampered with a delicious meal and accompanying wines, is simply bliss. Athos also has a unique mechanical shade canopy on deck to protect guests from the sun, which is controlled by the pilot and is a fantastic addition to high standard of comfort of this barge!

Wednesday brought us to Narbonne, an historically rich market town which boasts numerous vestiges of ancient Rome and a magnificent medieval Cathedral. To top off a brilliant tour around town, we ended up in the market for lunch… a super fun experience I won’t go into here but you can see for yourself on my Instagram post!

 

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Thursday, something totally different to start the day, with an olive oil tasting at an 80 year old olive cooperative – yum – and then a spectacular drive through the hills to Minerve, classified among the most beautiful villages of France with a fascinating and blood-soaked history as a Cathar stronghold. Picture beautiful winding cobblestone streets and stunning views across a gorge… another day experiencing the beauty and diversity of this breathtaking region.

And Friday, our last day, was a show stopper with a trip to Carcassonne, the fairytale medieval walled city – in my opinion one of the most spell-binding sights in France! Once again Matt made history come alive as we walked among the fortifications and ancient streets before heading home for our last cocktails on deck and a scumptious final dinner created by Sylvain.

What a cruise! One of the many things I love about this cruise is the proximity of charming villages to the canal, so that while cycling along the towpath you can stop off for a coffee (or more wine! Or a local beer!) or of an evening, hop off the barge and wander into a local cafe or bar on the village square.

Life passes at a slow pace in the south of France, and the cruise is a wonderful combination of exploration and relaxation. Endless fields of lush green vines, rolling hills, sunshine and a superb Mediterranean “vibe”, sharing a week with fabulous people and the kindest  and most attentive of crews… now you can understand why Athos is one of my favourite barges!

The post Floating Paradise on the Canal du Midi… Hotel Barge “Athos”! appeared first on Toujours France.

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Travelling on a barge cruise in France is something that many people dream of enjoying, but what happens when it comes to the crunch and you’re ready to live the dream? You’ve saved up the pennies, organised the leave, got the dog into a kennel, and talked the grandparents into looking after the kids (or you ARE the grandparents and you’ve released YOURSELVES from looking after the kids!) … now how in the heck do you choose which barge to book? Which region to cruise in? And now you actually think about it, what do you actually DO on a barge cruise?!!

We receive these inquiries every day, and I’ve been a specialist agent for the barge cruises for 20 years now – so I have all the answers!

Barges are categorised as First Class, Deluxe, Ultra-Deluxe and Ultra-Deluxe Plus. More about that later. However the first thing to remember is that across the board, the cuisine, wine, excursions and level of service are consistent on every barge – and all exceptional! The private chefs on each barge are carefully chosen for their experience in the industry, innovative cooking and obviously the ability to work in a small space! The meals they produce in those little galleys are simply mind-boggling. So whatever category barge you choose, you can rest assured that you will be absolutely blown away by the wonderful food!

Premium wines are served on board and these wines are painstakingly chosen by the crew (tough job!) from local domaines, many of whom you will never have heard of but all of whom are highly regarded in their region. Many have won awards or are renowned among wine experts. It’s a fabulous way to experience French wine because every single lunch and dinner of the week is accompanied by two different wines – red, white or rosé. In addition, there will always be at least one tasting a week as an excursion off the barge – often a superb experience at a local chateau, or meeting the families who have produced generations of amazing wine!

Service… well, the standard of service is that of a 5 star hotel – even if you are staying on a smaller 3 star barge! The crew are made up of different nationalities, always English speaking, always exceptionally experienced and focused on pampering their guests. My guests always comment that the crew “makes” the cruise – and that is absolutely true! Their warmth, humour and kindness is part of the experience which you leave at the end of the week holding close to your heart.

Excursions each day are diverse, informative (accompanied by the excellent tour guides that are part of the crew on every barge) and include visits to chateaux, wine tastings, local markets, exquisite little country villages and historic sites. Again, all of the excursions are designed with a great deal of thought and local knowledge by people who know the most interesting and exciting locations!

So whilst your choice of barge may be based on budget, you can be reassured that absolutely every one of these components of the cruise are the same across all of the barge fleet – of an exceptionally high standard, and guaranteed to make your cruise unforgettable!

The different barge categories are more fully explained on our website. You can have a read at at our “Barge Categories” page and this should help you get a picture of what these barges will offer in terms of space. Put simply, usually the barges are categorised based on cabin size, salon size and the level of luxury of the amenities on board.

Some people love a big cabin and bathroom; others see it as a place only to sleep and shower – whichever the case I would definitely say that most of your time is NOT spent in your cabin! There are too many wonderful things to experience outside! Some of the barges really are like a beautiful floating 5 star hotel – but the First Class categories are still beautifully appointed and absolutely charming. I hesitate to use the word “charming” because it has not escaped me that some travel writers use that term when what they actually mean is “dated” – that is DEFINITELY not the case here! When I say charming I mean beautiful polished wood panelling, lovely paintings, extra-comfortable salon and outdoor furniture, finest quality linens and toiletries, and so on.

So… when you are trying to narrow down your options, I would start with the following:

1. Decide what budget you’d like to stick to and the level of luxury you are prepared to pay for. On our website you can see the prices from flipping through the categories and getting an idea of the price ranges in each category. On each individual barge page is a section with current pricing. These are in euros or US dollars. For our Australian customers, we convert at the current currency exchange rate at time of booking.
2. You may also want to choose a bigger or smaller barge depending on how large a group you want to be part of.

Now which region? That is one of the toughest choices. ALL of the cruise itineraries, without exception, are absolutely beautiful. It is worth taking the time to flip through our guide to the regions and see if anything really stands out as being more “you” – are you very active and want lots of cycling and walking along towpaths? Are you a history buff and want lots of historic sites? Are you mad about wine and want to be in a famous wine region? All of these factors may influence your choice.

Whichever barge and cruise itinerary you choose, it is hard to describe the enchantment of cruising along one of the peaceful waterways of France – walking and cycling along quiet country paths; relaxing on deck as you pass through magnificent countryside, past little villages and hilltop castles; enjoying a glass of outstanding local wine and attentive crew members checking on your every need!

I’m passionate about barging for many reasons, but especially because it is one of the most enjoyable and authentic ways to see the different regions of France. The barges carry a very special and unique ambience which ensures that you enjoy the week from the first moment you step on board. One of the things that ‘make’ a barge cruise is the crew; their extraordinary knowledge of the region they operate in, and their focus on the guests to ensure that they have an exceptional holiday. It’s the little surprises they provide, such as appearing on deck with a yummy pre-lunch aperitif, or diverting to a special place that is not necessarily on the itinerary, but turns out to be an amazing sight or experience, that make a cruise even more special. I also love the feeling of soaking up the countryside and life on the canal, as I walk or cycle on the towpath every day. And of course, the food and wine are always superb!

If you still can’t decide which cruise you’d like to do, please give us a call or drop us an email! We have been on all of the barges in our fleet and can give very specific advice on each of them!

Email: info@toujoursfrance.com.au
Phone: +61413055360

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LOCAL/REGIONAL HOLIDAY RENTAL COMPANIES:

There is absolutely nothing wrong with companies like Air BnB etc and I have rented quite a few fantastic little places for myself and family through them. However you can also get a very reliable and consistent standard with local holiday rental companies… ie companies that are located in the region you’re searching in, or specialise in just one or two regions. These are management companies that have vetted the properties before putting them on their books, keep a close check on maintenance and cleanliness, and provide good customer service – because if they don’t, the owners as well as the clients will be on to them!

I’m not talking about those holiday rental companies, travel companies or sites that offer numerous countries and regions – that’s pretty much what Air BnB does. I’m referring to very local companies, as defined above! They usually have a hand-picked, limited selection of properties that they manage.

Here are just a few local/regional companies that I have used this year for myself and/or clients, whose properties were fabulous and the managers great to deal with. There will be hundreds more throughout Europe of course… good luck with your searching!

Paris:
www.parisperfect.com

Southwest France:
www.keyweek.com

Provence:
www.onlyprovence.com

San Sebastián, Spain:
www.feelfreerentals.com

Andalucia/Costa del Sol, Spain:
www.marbellamountainresorts.com

MORE GENERAL SEARCHES:

If you are looking more generally for a place to stay, putting in your criteria and checking out what comes up in a Google search, keep these tips in mind.

1. One confusing thing can be that some properties are listed with multiple agents, including Air BnB as well as numerous holiday rental companies. Not only that, each site may call the villa or farmhouse or whatever by a different name! And also charge a different rate for the same dates.
2. So the temptation is to go with the site offering the cheapest rates, right? And there’s nothing wrong with that EXCEPT that you should make 100% certain that the Terms and Conditions are the same. An example might be that one site is cheaper but the rate is 100% non-refundable. You need to be certain you’re okay with that – if not, go with a site that is offering the same property but with more flexible terms, even if it’s a little more expensive. 
3. Also, if a company is really prompt with their replies to you, good at communicating and informative, then definitely consider doing your booking through them. If a company is slow with communication, doesn’t answer specific questions etc., I find that a bit of a red flag. It’s an indication of professional they are in their business practice.
4. It can pay to dig a little deeper and try and find the actual owner. Some owners only list with one rental company. Others list with multiple companies. Some have their own website, but also list with other sites to maximise their exposure. If you can do some Googling and work out who the actual owner is, go straight to them (remembering that this search is not always simple, given the aforementioned habit of calling different properties by different names!). Not only will the owner be pleased to avoid the cut they have to give the other site or agency, it’s much easier to deal with an owner direct rather than having to direct all your questions and messages through a third party.
5. As a general rule, if the photos are unclear, the property may be a little dated or run-down. If they only hone in on say, a lamp in a bedroom, without showing the whole room, or a shelf in a bathroom without showing the shower or bath, that’s a bit of a give-away! Ditto for photos not taken in a good light so that you can’t see any flaws, damage etc. In my experience, the more professional the photos, the more professional the owner or agency!
6. After your stay, chase up the security deposit immediately. It’s normal for an agency or owner to ask for a deposit, but sometimes they can be a little tardy in refunding and if you don’t chase it straight away, it can get put aside until they catch up on their accounting. Of course, this shouldn’t happen, but sadly it does. I am still chasing a deposit on a property we rented in June, which is so disappointing given that we loved the place and would have rented it again. But to me, this is a total red flag and the fact that the rental company has been so slack puts me off doing so!
7. A lot of agencies and owners these days offer extra services, such as chefs, local guides, spa treatments etc. Booking these services through them can be cheaper and easier than searching and booking for yourself, and they often have a short-cut to the best local people.
8. Very few places are absolutely perfect. You can search for hours looking for exactly the right place, and become very frustrated. Make a list of criteria prioritising the most important features you’re looking for, ie “must haves”, and a secondary list with “nice-to-haves”. Make a list of potential places as you go and save favourites. It can all become very overwhelming, but good lists can keep it manageable!

Having your own place can be a huge amount of fun, either on your own or with a group, and feels like a more “local” experience. I especially enjoy having a chef come in to do some of the meals! Your own villa or apartment can also be a perfect base for a special birthday celebration or anniversary week… and you don’t have to worry about when the bar or restaurant closes!

I love staying privately, self-catering with family and/or friends, in some beautiful European location, as much as staying in the most beautiful 5-star hotel!

Email: info@toujoursfrance.com.au
Toll free within Australia: 1800 606 838
From outside Australia: +61 1800 606 838

The post Renting Holiday Villas in France and Spain… some great tips to help you make the right choice! appeared first on Toujours France.

We might be moored in the heart of a pretty little French village, or in front of a majestic palace, or simply on a remote stretch of waterway under the plane trees… we could be kicking back in the jacuzzi… or relaxing in a comfy deck chair… or gathered around the table chatting with friends about the day we’ve just spent discovering some little-known part of France… yep, livin’ the life!

These images are from cruises on “Athos“ on the Canal du Midi, “La Belle Epoque” in Burgundy, and “Panache” in Alsace. Bliss!

The post Relaxing on Deck in the Evening… appeared first on Toujours France.

Are you thinking of going? The extra lure of seeing some world-class Rugby matches is tempting many fans to France in September and October 2023!

Apart from the games, what are your plans?  Hotel? Air BnB? Villa rental? Which region will you travel to?

HOW ABOUT AN ALL-INCLUSIVE WEEK OF GOURMET CUISINE, FABULOUS FRENCH WINE, VISITS TO PICTURESQUE  VILLAGES, COLOURFUL COUNTRY MARKETS, CHATEAUX AND WINERIES, WHILE CRUISING ON YOUR PRIVATE FLOATING HOTEL ALONG THE PEACEFUL WATERWAYS OF FRANCE… AT AN EXCLUSIVE PRICE FOR OUR TOUJOURS FRANCE GUESTS?!

We have two wonderful barge cruises for you to choose from – one in stunning Alsace in northern France, and the other on the beautiful Canal du Midi in the south of France – both in September 2023, so that you can tie in with any three of the Australian matches in St Etienne and Lyon:

17 September: Australia vs Fiji
24 September: Australia vs Wales
01 October: Australia vs Final Qualifier Winner

PANACHE: A Deluxe category barge offering an enchanting cruise in  Alsace, northern France – a region full of fairytale villages, hillsides and vineyards, and the beautiful city of Strasbourg with its half-timbered buildings and magnificent cathedral.

This is a great offer – a cruise in 2023 at 2022 rates, and a €500 euro per person discount on top of that. Our exclusive Rugby World Cup cruise price is €5250 euros per person – normal price for this cruise in 2022 is €5850 euros per person. Departure date: 10th September, 2023.
You can see Panache and the delightful cruise itinerary HERE.

ENCHANTÉ: An Ultra-Deluxe category barge offering the ultimate in cruising luxury with huge cabins and a demonstration galley so that foodies can watch the chef at work, on the gorgeous Canal du Midi in the south of France. Picturesque hill villages, wineries and markets are highlights of the cruise.

This is a great offer – a cruise in 2023 at 2022 rates, and a €365 euro per person discount on top of that. Our exclusive Rugby World Cup cruise price is €6025 euros per person – normal price for this cruise in 2022 is €6390 euros per person. Departure date: 10th September, 2023.
You can see Enchanté and the delightful cruise itinerary HERE.

Remember, the price is all-inclusive – 6 nights/7 days en-suite accommodation on the barge, gourmet cuisine (created by our private on-board chef), premium wines and mixed drinks, excursions and entries are all included.
Gratuities for the crew are not included and are at your discretion – please ask us for guidance.

Plenty of walking and cycling are available on both of these cruise routes.

As we are chartering the barges exclusively for our clients, you will be part of a group of like-minded guests who will be in France making the most of this opportunity to see the World Cup, and discovering some of France while they’re there! 

This offer is also open to an entire group of friends or family wishing to take the whole barge for their exclusive use (subject to availability). We can also offer other barges to suit your group’s needs, on a range of dates.

BOOK YOUR PLACE NOW! EMAIL US ON info@toujoursfrance.com.au
or call 0413055360 within Australia and +61413055360 from outside Australia.

The post Rugby World Cup 2023 – How About A Barge Cruise Between Matches?! appeared first on Toujours France.

Beaune is an exquisite town – stunning architecture, the ubiquitous cobblestone streets, a cute weekly market, wonderful wine and really fabulous restaurants. And of course it’s surrounded by the world-renowned Côte de Beaune vineyards. A bottle of Romanée Conti can set you back $20,000 or so…! But don’t stress, you can buy superb Burgundy wine for a “normal” price. There’s literally thousands of winemakers in Burgundy!

I always stay at the Hotel Le Cep in Beaune. It’s gorgeous and has a beautiful little courtyard to relax and have a glass of… wine!

I highly recommend a visit! More about Burgundy to come… and here are the links to those barges I mentioned earlier:

Impressionniste: https://frenchbarging.com.au/…/cruises/impressionniste/

La Belle Epoque: https://frenchbarging.com.au/cruises/la-belle-epoque/

Finesse: https://frenchbarging.com.au/cruises/finesse/

Prosperite: https://frenchbarging.com.au/cruises/prosperite/

The post Discover the Exquisite Burgundy Town of Beaune appeared first on Toujours France.

Olivia and Ruairi are the owners of Shannon Princess, a barge that as Ruairi himself puts it, “is not the prettiest girl in the fleet”! She does not look anything like the French hotel barges but once you step onboard, she is definitely as beautiful as the rest! The salon is lovely, the cabins cosy but extremely well appointed and the upper deck area is gorgeous – comfortable, pretty outdoor furniture and colourful pots scattered around – perfect for a summer’s day watching the stunning Irish countryside slip by.

And yes, we did have long, hot summer days… it was the hottest season in decades! Blue sky, high temperatures and the locals were enjoying the superb weather while it lasted – swimming in the rivers, out walking, picnicking and busking in the colourful streets and parks of Galway and Dublin*, and of course enjoying a pint on the street outside the charming pubs that are so prolific all over Ireland! 

The excursions along the route were wonderful.  We visited ancient ruins at Clonmacnoise, enjoyed a “birds of prey” presentation at Ardare Manor (which was awesome – getting up close and personal with these amazing birds was really special), visited haunted Leap Castle and met its eccentric but wonderful owner, and enjoyed a glorious afternoon wandering around Galway soaking up the atmosphere in that vibrant town.

As always the hostesses on board were fabulous, catering to our every need – and there is something extra special about Shannon Princess which I can only attribute to it being a family-run operation – Ruairi and Olivia have been in the business for years and have created a very personal, intimate cruise that really does make you feel like part of their family. Ruairi is full of fascinating facts and stories of Irish history and traditions, and Olivia’s cooking is truly exceptional, holding her own amongst the best of the barge chefs.

It’s easy to think of France straight away as being the pinnacle of barge holiday locations… but Ireland on the Shannon Princess is an absolutely outstanding cruise!

*Post-cruise, we stayed at the Merrion Hotel in Dublin – I cannot recommend it enough for its superb location, exceptionally beautiful rooms and terrific service!

The post A Magnificent Irish Barge Vacation – Shannon Princess! appeared first on Toujours France.

We were thrilled to experience our first cruise on board “Spirit of Scotland” a few weeks ago and would like to share the highlights of this wonderful cruise with you!

Having Scottish ancestry I am always very excited to be back in Scotland, and especially in my favourite region, the Highlands. How could anyone fail to be thrilled at the sight of these stunning landscapes and ancient castles (and cute-as-a-button Highland cattle?!!)

I actually began my trip in Edinburgh, staying at my favourite hotel – The Balmoral. Greeted by charming Scots doormen in kilts (of course!), every visit leaves me feeling that I could not possibly EVER choose another hotel in Edinburgh – from the friendly staff, beautifully appointed rooms, excellent restaurants and fabulous location to the GORGEOUS framed movie posters of Sean Connery in every room – it’s MY place in Edinburgh!

If you are going to take a cruise on one of the Scottish barges I do recommend a few days in this most beautiful of cities. A few suggestions: a walk through the historic centre… visit Holyrood Palace, Edinburgh Castle & the Golden Mile. Avoid the touristy shops & if you want serious quality cashmere in beautiful designs, go to Hawick on the Grassmarket. Take a tour or a cab to Rosslyn Chapel, a short drive from the city – fascinating. Same with the Royal Yacht Britannia… I love this visit, and have been a number of times – an intimate glimpse into the ship which was the “home away from home” of the Royals for so many years. It was a sad day when The Queen finally bid farewell to a ship that had served her family for over forty years. All the clocks on Britannia are stopped at 15:01, the time The Queen was piped ashore for the last time. This was one of the few occasions The Queen publicly shed a tear.

Well, there’s just a few suggestions for your pre or post-cruise stay but I’d better get on to the barge! I took a train to Inverness, where the crew was picking us up at a local hotel – a lovely ride through pretty scenery. At the hotel pick-up I was very pleased to see Helen, who I had met on previous cruise on Scottish Highlander, and who is now Captain on the Spirit.

Cruising through Loch Ness

We drove a very short distance to Muirtown, where the barge was moored – on alternate weeks, it’s moored in Banavie, near Fort William, about 1 ½ hours away – not actually that far as the crow flies but it’s necessary take the roads around the lochs, as there is no freeways – a damn good thing! Either way, whether the longer transfer is at the beginning or the end, it’s not that bad – because the scenery is stunning!

“Spirit of Scotland” is a brand new reincarnation of a barge that operated in France for many years, and has been beautifully redecorated with brand new cabins and bathrooms. The salon area is one of the most spacious of any barge in the fleet and has huge picture windows that mean that if that notorious Scottish weather sets in, you can still totally enjoy the views! In addition, the huge full-floor upper deck is a superb area to relax and enjoy the scenery in good weather – perhaps with a glass of Scotch whiskey chosen from the wide range offered on board?!

Historic Fort Augustus                                                                We passed by Scottish Highlander –
                                                                                                                   having  a ball too!

But the cruise on board Scottish Highlander is not just about historic sites. It’s about absorbing and enjoying Scottish Highland culture and tradition and they do it so, so well. The excellent Glen Ord whiskey distillery tour; a fabulous musical evening with two young local lads (who are renowned throughout Scotland both for their modern original compositions and beautiful renditions of traditional ballads); being piped ashore by a local piper as we arrived at Laggan Locks; the fabulous Scottish cuisine prepared by our chef Marc; a meal out at a great little local restaurant in Fort Augustus; Helen’s local stories and folklore that she imparted throughout the week – we could not help but feel we had been beautifully & totally immersed in the local culture!

The Highlands of Scotland are famous for a number of historic events – most notably the Battle of Culloden and the Massacre of the MacDonalds at Glencoe (a side note here – yes fans of “Outlander” can relive the lives of Jamie and Claire to their hearts’ content during this cruise – we even visited the Clava Cairns, the ancient stones that inspired Craigh na Dun!) As well, the castles of Urquhart and Eilean Donan are instantly recognisable and have graced many a shortbread tin in the last century… we visited them all, and were captivated, saddened and enthralled all over again by their fascinating history.

Exquisite Highland Scenery

And after all, isn’t that what a barge cruise is all about? To unpack and relax and feel “at home” for a week, knowing that in the hands of the always-fabulous crew, you will be introduced to the local flavours, traditions and the best highlights of each region? I’ve now been on so many barges, in numerous regions of France, as well as the UK and Italy – and my passion for this type of holiday never wanes. Every cruise is different and every region offers a unique diversity – and I never get sick of sitting on deck, a glass of wine in hand, watching the world go by and looking forward to the next highlight. Barging really is SO fabulous – and Spirit of Scotland is one of the best!

See more about “Spirit of Scotland” right here!

We are going to offer charter next year, for the exclusive use of our clients – with a beautiful add-on in Edinburgh before the cruise. If you are interested in booking a cabin on this full group charter (date to be advised), or a cabin on any other dates, please contact us at info@toujoursfrance.com.au or you can call us toll free on 1800 606 838.

Our fabulous pilot, Peter                 Piped ashore at Laggan                       Wonderful chef Marc!

Beautiful Anna pours champagne       Enjoying our champagne!                Helen, our amazing Captain
as we go through the locks
at Fort Augustus

“The Girls” – Katie, Helen &                  Beautiful table setting                       Loved the Scotch whiskey!
Anna, dressed up for the                     for the Captain’s dinner
Captain’s dinner

The post In The True “Spirit Of Scotland”! appeared first on Toujours France.

Exceptional service and a delightfully warm and experienced crew make this a truly outstanding standard of cruising – deluxe plus on the lovely Burgundy Canal!

Prosperite’s itinerary includes highlights of the beautiful wine route of the Cote d’Or, market day in Dijon, dinner at the Michelin starred restaurant at L’Abbaye de la Bussiere and a visit to the enchanting town of Beaune.

An incomparably luxurious week awaits you. See more about Prosperite here

Please let us know if you’d like to join us on the beautiful Prosperite! info@toujoursfrance.com.au

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