By Karen Quinn-Panzer
Travel Matters
Karen Quinn-Panzer
We have found the perfect trip for those who have a group of friends or family who want to travel together: a canal barge in France. Ooh la la.
We just returned from a trip with 18 client friends on the Upper Loire Canal with CroisiEurope, the premiere French river cruise company that recently celebrated its 50th anniversary. It’s quite the perfect “bubble” trip since, all guests and the crew of six were fully vaccinated. This is an all-inclusive experience that includes transfer from Paris, all food and beverages including wine and cocktails, Wi-Fi on board and all excursions.
To start with, the food and wine on the ship was perhaps the best culinary experience I have ever experienced out of the 45 cruises I have sailed. The chef presented a four-course luncheon (with cheese course each day) and a three-course dinner. In true French style, it was a set menu – and each one was better than the next. For those with allergies or aversions to certain foods, information can be provided up front and the chef works around those guests’ limitations. Be prepared to put on 10 pounds during this cruise. We vowed to skip the cheese each day but never succeeded.
Starting out in Briare, which features the second longest aqueduct bridge in the world (a bridge with water which crosses the Loire River), we set off on our adventure. Each day we had an included excursion, such as a tour of a medieval village, or an abbey visit given privately by the owner or a tour of the gardens at Apremont-sur-Allier. One of my favorites was a visit to a goat farm where we tasted three goat cheeses at different maturities accompanied by Sancerre wine from local vineyards. We also had a tour of a Pouilly-Fumé winery personally given by one of the winery owners. Vincent Chatelain’s family vineyards date from the 16th century. The personal touch made the winery visit that much better.
Each afternoon we were able to either bike along the canal or walk into the local town. Activity was very popular after the previously mentioned four-course luncheon. It was quite relaxing being on a barge with a jacuzzi on the sundeck. There is no motion on board, and the barge travels at a pace which is slower than you can bike or even walk at a moderate pace. The lock keepers operate only during the day so the barge docks for the evening.
On the last night we walked into Nevers with lanterns and toured the medieval section of town. The guides were all excellent, and for most of them we were the first American group that they led in almost two years.
This is a great trip for family reunions, high school or college friend reunions. Six different canal trips, including Burgundy and Alsace regions are available, and should be booked at least a year in advance.
Karen Quinn-Panzer is the owner and vacation specialist at Dream Vacations Quinn Panzer Travel in Milford.