Hello... Bonjour!
Welcome to the Barge Anthonia, our home here in France for the past past five years. We invite you to join us to experience life on this beautiful classic barge, spaciously and comfortably accomodating up to four guests. Live with us as we cruise, explore, eat, drink and generally enjoy life on some of the most desirable waterways in France.
Imagine this historic barge becoming your home for a week. Relax on the spacious sundeck, watching nature pass by...slowly. Enjoy a superb lunch with delicious local wines, followed by a siesta in your comfortable private cabin.
Or, if you would rather... you could take the helm of an 80 ton ship (canal/river conditions allowing), learn the skills of working the ropes, operate the locks, discover a new recipe in the galley, explore by bicycle the stunning countryside.
During your vacation on board we will be your exclusive guides as we make several trips in our air conditioned vehicle to explore the sites of this beautiful region. The vineyards, the ancient chateau, colourful markets, chic shops, the choice is yours.
"What a six star holiday! Everything the very best - 'service', ambiance, superb food, copious quantities of delicious vino, etc., etc.."
JA Wilts UK
As private owner operators we can offer a vacation representing great value for money. We have complete flexibility to take the extra effort in personalising the trip around the real wishes of our individual guests.
You charter the whole boat, a maximum of just four guests, accommodated in two spacious state rooms, complete with modern ensuite facilities.
After meeting you at a pre-arranged nearby train station or car rental point we transport you directly to the barge. Once on board, you unpack your bags before enjoying a champagne ‘welcome aboard’ dinner.
Go Barging Barge Anthonia Canal Barge Trips
This page was last updated: June 7, 2008
site created 2006 Malcolm Nabarro - all rights reserved
Amazingly, each year, tourism doubles France's population and the French are as proud of their hospitality as they are of their much-admired life style. Generously sharing this inventive blend of gastronomy, wine, culture and history with each other is normal; so is sharing it with their visitors. Enjoy this adventure with us on Barge Anthonia.
Steaming coffee, French bread, Croissant and other pastries will welcome you each morning as preparations are made for departure.
By lunchtime we will be moored alongside a peaceful bank side, secured to the ancient quay of a small village, or amid the activity of an historic town. Lunch on the sun deck is typically French, with fresh bread and salads, local cheeses, meats and local wines, and can often stretch well into the afternoon!
Guests have full use of the barge; its library, music system, bicycles, and even a piano if the mood takes you. A drinks fridge will be stocked with wine, beer and soft drinks.
Outside the spacious sun deck is equipped with table, chairs, sun shades and loungers; the perfect place to watch the world go by.
Our new purpose built wheelhouse is where the action takes place when under way. Guests are welcome to join the skipper and take their turn at the helm. This is a great place to enjoy the cruising if the weather is inclement or the sun gets too hot.
Your holiday cruise includes breakfast and lunch each day, plus two evening meals on board. Other evenings are spent discovering the many restaurants serving food and wine from this gastronomically superb region. (Meals ashore, which can include lunch during a visit to Beaune, are not included in the cruise price).
Think Burgundy and you think wine; an excursion to a vineyard is often high on a list of priorities. Malcolm will drive you in our air conditioned vehicle and personally guide you on a tour of the vineyards of Burgundy, including a wine tasting in an ancient cellar.
Each day we cruise between three to five hours, absorbing the surrounding beauty and observing the wildlife, scarcely disturbed by our passing. Locks, bridges, tunnels, villages, towns and other boats pass serenely by.
Alternatively, if you prefer a little activity, a cycle ride along the canal-side towpath, or an exploration of the maze of country lanes and tracks can refresh the appetite for dinner.
The area is also renowned for its historic centres. We can visit an ancient castle or the beautiful cities of Dijon, Beaune, Chalon or Dole, all bursting with amazing architecture, great churches, magnificent cathedrals, museums and chic shops. Most centres have their characterful markets where you can buy everything from abundant locally grown fresh fruit and vegetables to a roast chicken!
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The Anthonia French Barge Vacations
Your hosts... thanks Cynthia (California)for the photo!
