Cruise in the France on the Canal Lateral a la Garonne, in the Southwest region, aboard the First Class Hotel-Barge LA CHOUETTE

SEVEN DAYS / SIX NIGHTS

The 6-passenger La Chouette is a traditional Dutch motor barge built in 1934 for carrying cargoes along the inland waterways of Europe. She has now been lovingly and professionally converted into a luxury charter barge for only six guests in the space often devoted to twice that number. La Chouette has moved to a new cruise region for 2011 in the Southwest region of France, offering cruises on the Canal Lateral a la Garonne either in Gascony, between Montauban and Agen or farther west in the Aquitaine region between Agen and Bordeaux.

Discover France the quiet way. Come for a holiday cruise on La Chouette and we'll show you a unique way of experiencing France and the French.

La Chouette is a luxury charter barge immaculately fitted out for just six guests and run by her owners, Bob & Bobbie Marsland.

Our aim is to help you have a holiday to remember. Relax on board as we take you along the tranquil waters of a canal and river system steeped in history. Sleepy waterside villages will unfold their secrets to an enquiring explorer. Majestic chateaux will enthral the visitor. And the warmth of welcome you will receive from the friendly local people will captivate you.

If you feel the need to exercise we have mountain bikes on board. Go for a ride along the tow path, or further afield to discover an off-the-beaten track village or monument, or just take a gentle stroll. You can meet up with La Chouette further along the waterway. At the leisurely pace we cruise we are never far away.

MEET YOUR HOST AND HOSTESS
Bob and Bobbie Marsland took their first trip on a canal and riverboat back in 1967 and it was the first of many such holidays. Indeed, over the next twenty-five years they cruised a large part of the British canal system, as well as taking several sailing trips on charter yachts in the Mediterranean.

Bob's work has been in television. He was a TV Director with the BBC before setting-up his own Independent Television Production Company. Bobbie also worked for the BBC and it was there that they met while on different training courses at the BBC training school in 1964. Bobbie left the BBC to bring up their children, and later forged a new career as a Government Officer in the Department of Social Security.

It was their mutual desire to change direction and create a business they could work in together that led them to buy a Dutch barge and have it converted into a luxury charter boat ideally suited to the French waterways.

Bobbie's passion for cooking and Bob's love of boating, combined with their fascination with France and all that is French, will ensure that you have a holiday to remember!

Features

• Size of barge: 100 by 16.6 ft
  
• Number of Passengers: 6
• Number of Cabins (all with private bath): 3
• Crew: 4
• Air Conditioning and Central Heating: Central heating, localized individual air conditioning units in each cabin.
• Salon: Lounge, dining and bar area with large windows, comfortable sofas, and dining table for six. Large wheelhouse with comfortable seating for all guests.
• Bar: Open bar
  
• Deck: Sundeck with chairs, table and large parasol.
• Spa Tub: No
• Cabin Features: Cabin 1 (bow): 104 sq ft, Cabin 2 is 99 sq ft ,Cabin 3 is 95 sq ft, each with twin beds or queen bed, dressing table and ensuite bathroom with shower.
  
• Vehicle for Transfers/Excursions: Air-conditioned Toyota Granvia 8-seater minibus
  
• Accessibility: Steps to salon/cabins.
  
• Bicycles: 6 mountain bicycles provided
• Meals: One meal ashore daily included with owners
  
  

La Chouettes' Deck Plan

Passenger Comments:

What a delightful adventure! We wanted to taste French wines, eat good food, meet new people and relax! Mission accomplished!!
-- C.G., WY, USA

It was all I'd hoped for. I definitely know it was all Lucie hoped. Thanks for a wonderful week and for making a culture and cuisine less mysterious.
-- H.O., WY, USA

This is the first time in forty one years that Peter ever relaxed on a vacation! Simply the best time we've ever had. We've eaten and laughed our way through the entire trip - bravo!
-- P.C., NC, USA

Thank you so much for a wonderful week on your floating home. You are very gracious, knowledgeable and warm people and made us feel so welcome. The meals were memorable and selection of restaurants was perfect. It was so nice to have new friends and we will definitely see you again.
-- G.S., GA, USA

The high points of the cruise were leaving Paris under the bridges, playing dominoes in the rain on top of the boat at 3am, learning about champagnes and wines, just sitting on top with coffee in the morning as well as amazing service.
-- K.S., USA

Everything was fabulous. Bob and Bobbie were great! We had no idea the food was going to be such a gourmet experience -- it gave us a chance to do something we would never have done otherwise. That aspect might be emphasized to future clients -- the quality of the restaurant stops and the whole gourmet experience.
-- M.C., USA

Incredible experience! Bob, Bobbie and crew felt like family by midweek. They were high points for us as well as the food, wine and beautiful countryside. As for the meals and wines they were absolute perfection -- all 60 types of wines and champagnes! Meals on board and out were some of the best we have ever had.
-- W.M., RI, USA

We had a wonderful time and it was beyond our expectations. There are many such barge trips in France but The Marslands made the difference. Bob and Bobbie Marsland are the most gracious and warm hosts. They were knowledgeable and always willing to tell us the details. They were flexible as well, accommodating our requests for bike rides, menus and on-shore time. We also enjoyed spending time with Bob or Bobbie in the wheelhouse. They added a familial element to the trip yet at the same time you are treated like a very special guest. Service was excellent. The crew, Natalie and Olivia, were bubbly and polite. The food and wine were gastrononmic delights; admittedly a slight overdose on calories and fat for one week. So it was good to have the combination of spectacular restaurants and Bobbie's home cooked meals. There was never a moment of hunger! Bob's knowledge of champagne and wines added to the enjoyment. The excursions were well organized and the variety was sufficient.
-- V.C., CT, USA

The La Chouette's routes through Gascony and the Southwest of France, from Castets to Agen and Agen to Montauban. For a more detailed look at the cruise route, view our map of the Garonne River.

*Note: Cruise directions and sample itineraries may be in reverse and are subject to change and may depend on bookings and local navigation conditions. Alternate excursions of equal appeal are substituted when needed. For charter cruises special itineraries can be arranged.

- 7 days and 6 nights on the barge, all cabins with private bath
- Transfers from Toulouse or Montauban, Agen or Bordeaux, to the barge and return, depending on cruise route
- All meals beginning with dinner on Thursday through breakfast on Wednesday
- One meal ashore daily included
- All wines with lunches and dinners
- Open bar on board
- All escorted side-excursions (hot air ballooning, golf, etc. at additional cost)
- Use of bicycles

What's Not Included

- Overseas air transportation to Paris and return
- Transportation from Paris to the Toulouse or Bordeaux area and return.
- Suggested minimum 5% gratuity for the crew, to be paid to the captain in equivalent euros

Special Places Travel, LLC "Barges in France (and the rest of Europe) ... for the experience of a lifetime!" ™ For booking information, Phone (toll-free): 1-877-64-BARGE (1-877-642-2743) Outside of the U.S.: 001.443.321.3614 or E-mail: info@specialplacestravel.com

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