2019 BOATING GUIDE


Enjoy a bespoke cruise along the Marne river and canal aboard Serenity Barge, where you will “arrive as guests and depart as friends” 


SARL Croisière de la Vie For starters, we can’t think of a better barge name than C’est La Vie. Far from the downbeat connotations the phrase has adopted in the English language, it’s the perfect celebration of life on the river: yes, life really can be this relaxed. Inspired monikers aside, this luxury hotel barge has a fascinating history. It started out in 1960 as a commercial barge transporting goods across Holland, Belgium and France, before being converted in 2004 to accommodate passengers. It’s now the epitome of comfort and modernity, with a beautifully appointed lounge, dining areas, air conditioning, a well-stocked bar and four spacious cabin


suites. A fully crewed charter aboard C’est La Vie allows guests to float serenely through the Burgundy countryside, simply escaping the demands of everyday life. www.charterbargefrance.com Tel. +33 (0)3 86 55 21 06 cestlaviebarge@gmail.com


Serenity Barge


“Arrive as guests and depart as friends” is the motto at Serenity Barge. With a strong focus on hospitality, the dedicated crew (including resident cats Salt and Pepper) take guests along the winding Marne river and canal in Champagne, a region awash with rolling vineyards and charming villages. Bespoke cruises are the


company’s bread and butter, and the team will put together a tailored itinerary according to your availability and interests – this could include all sorts of local activities, from cellar tours and market visits to tastings of the famous local fizz itself. With three en-suite cabins available, you can either take the reins and charter the whole barge or book an individual cabin. www.serenitybarge.com Tel. +33 (0)6 20 05 42 81 serenitybarge@gmail.com


Saint Louis Hotel Barge Originally hailing from Ireland, Wendy and Peter came to France in early 2014 with a vision, and have since transformed the Saint


Louis into a luxury barge beloved for its refined style and tranquillity. On board, three full-time crew members attend to your comfort and well-being, whilst two part-time tour guides are on hand to make your experience that extra bit more informative and personal. Coasting along in the glorious South West, an area rife with vibrant markets selling fruit, vegetables, meats, cheeses and wines of great note, the Saint Louis team sources produce locally for fresh meals expertly paired with wine – there are a whopping 600 bottles on board! www.saintlouisbarge.com Tel. +33 (0)7 87 35 33 60 relax@saintlouisbarge.com


❯❯ Feb/Mar 2019 FRANCE TODAY ❘ 165


IMAGE © SERENITY BARGE


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