Cruise in France on the Canal de Nantes a Brest in Brittany on the First Class Hotel-Barge LIBJE
SEVEN DAYS/SIX NIGHTS
The 4-passenger Libje is the only hotel barge cruising in Brittany. The owners, Ian and Jane Stade, have restored and lovingly converted this 80-foot classic Dutch barge into a hotel barge with two comfortable guest cabins, a bow cabins with double bed (156 sq ft) and side cabin with twin beds or double bed (106 sq ft), both including ensuite bathroom with full-sized shower. Both cabins have opening portholes as well as skylights fitted with blinds. There is a saloon/dining area on the same level as the cabins and full central heating throughout (no air-conditioning). The separate guest entrance allows easy access to both the saloon and guest cabins. The barge is available for charter only for up to 4 passengers.
The sundeck at the bow gives the perfect vantage point to soak up the scenery at the quietest point on the ship. Sitting here watching the views gently wrapping around you as we cruise the waterways and you sip a glass of wine just has to be experienced. In the event of poorer weather, guests are welcome in the wheelhouse with seating for all.
The Libje cruises in Brittany on the Nantes à Brest canal, which mainly uses existing rivers and made them navigable to river craft by including weirs and locks. As most of the towns in Brittany were built along the sides of the rivers, the canal cuts right through the center of some beautiful medieval towns such as Rennes, Redon, Josselin and Malestroit. The waterways are no longer used for commercial traffic and even pleasure boat activity is relatively light.
As Ian and Jane say:
-- Join the Libje for luxurious yet informal cruising as we introduce you to this fascinating, secret corner of France that still retains its Celtic heritage. It is the only crewed hotel barge holiday of its kind in Brittany; a truly individual experience that we know you will enjoy.
-- Explore the tranquil and beautiful countryside of Brittany with us on Libje, our purpose restored and converted spacious 80ft classic Dutch barge, as we gently travel the wooded rivers and canals of this unique Celtic corner of France. Enjoy all inclusive accompanied excursions to many places of interest.
-- Relax as we take you to the parts of Brittany that the car-bound visitor can never see, whilst enjoying the best of local produce either on board, courtesy of our award-winning chef or at one of the many excellent local restaurants. We do the work while you enjoy your cruise.
-- See the megalithic monuments that predate the pyramids, the gorgeous medieval towns and villages that sprang up along the river banks. See the gentle fertile countryside, the lush natural and varied woodland and the unhurried, friendly and uncommercialized lifestyle that is Brittany.
-- Above all, this is your trip, your barge holiday and we can tailor it to your interests. We are totally flexible in our itineraries, so if you want to do more cruising and less excursions, we can do it. More excursions and less cruising; we can do that too.
Ian and Jane Slade spent many years chartering sea boats on the West Coast of Scotland. It was while spending a winter in Northern Ireland using their boat as a unique one table restaurant that Jane won the Country Living Magazine's 'Professional Cook of the Year' award. They then spent ten years running a successful bed and breakfast on the Hebridean island of Mull in Scotland (during which time Jane won the regional Tesco seafood cooking championship). Now they have moved to France and once more find themselves afloat and offering guests the chance to share their enthusiasm for these waterways.
We should point out that there are two additional small crew, namely two dogs Millie & Pippa. Two very friendly mutts well used to guests after years and years in a B&B environment. It will be your choice whether to allow them below decks or keep them confined to the wheelhouse. They have never been allowed in the guest cabins. If you don't like dogs at all, there are alternative accommodation for them ashore for the duration of your cruise.
Features
- Size of barge: 80 ft by 14 ft
- Number of Passengers: 4
- Number of Cabins (all with private bath): 2
- Crew: 2
- Air Conditioning and Central Heating: Yes
- Salon: Salon/dining area with large windows, banquette, table and chairs on same level as cabins, flat screen TV, CD/DVD collection
- Bar: House wines, beer, nonalcoholic beverages
- Deck: Sundeck at bow with banquette, table and chairs
- Spa Tub: No
- Cabin Features: Bow cabin with double bed (156 sq ft) and side cabin with twin beds or double bed (106 sq ft), both including ensuite bathroom with large shower.
- Vehicle for Transfers/Excursions: 5-6 seat minivan
- Accessibility: Six steps from deck to salon. No steps to cabins.
- Bicycles: 2 3-speed cycles - more can be provided.
Libje Deck Plan
SAMPLE ITINERARY*
Brittany:
Nantes a Brest Canal:
Redon to Josselin
Wednesday - Redon
We will meet you at our agreed pick up point, and then transport you to the starting point of your cruise. Redon is at the crossroads of the Brittany waterways network, and stands at the junction of the River Vilaine (which runs from St. Malo in the North to Arzal on the south coast of Brittany) and the Nantes a Brest canal which runs East-West. Redon is an important historical town and has many riches, particularly in the old town. The Saint-Saveur Abbey founded by the monk Conwoin in 832 brought cultural glory and riches to the town. It was added to and modified up until the 17th century. Redon also hosts the excellent Inland Water Transport Museum. Settle in, and then enjoy a short cruise to a quiet countryside location where you can enjoy your welcome champagne dinner on board, and we can discuss your cruise in detail.
Thursday - La Gacilly
We head west up the canal de Nantes a Brest through Isle au Pies (Magpie Islands), a famous beauty spot. Its rocky cliffs and sheltered waters provide a playground for rock climbers and canoeists. We next stop at the village of St Martin, home of an artisan cider maker. You can try this local speciality and buy direct from the producers. From here we will take you to the town of La Gacilly. The old main street of this town has been converted over the years into a haven for artists and craftsmen. Each shop now houses a different skill with its own workshop. From glassblowing to wood carvers to artists,onyx workers, leather workers, woodturners, engravers, jewellers and musicians; La Gacilly has it all. In addition, the famous Yves Rocher beauty products are based here as well as Europe's first "vegetarium," a museum dedicated to the plant world. The whole village is decorated with flowers, and also hosts a major photography exhibition with large and spectacular photographs decorating the town. Definitely a trip not to be missed.
Friday - St Martin towards Malestroit
We now pass through beautifully unspoilt countryside and natural woodland as we head towards Malestroit. Founded in 978, this medieval town with its winding streets has many half timbered houses with overhanging gables liberally decorated with wood carvings. We arrive at Malestroit in time for lunch and a guided tour around the town. In the afternoon we take you to the gorgeous village of Rochefort en Terre. This picturesque spot is officially listed as one of only 15 entries in "Frances most beautiful villages" and won the best flower display so many times that it was banned from entering again! At nearby St Marcel is an excellent museum devoted to the resistance struggle in the second world war. Allow a half day if you wish to visit. We often also visit the nearby standing stones at Monteneuf. This smaller version of Carnac was discovered only 30 years ago after a forest fire revealed the alignments. Extensive searches have now revealed over 200 menhirs (upright stones) and several burial sites. Dinner can be taken in one of the varied restaurants in town.
Saturday
A gentle day pottering our way through several small villages stopping for bread at Le Roc St Andre with its gothic church standing high on a rocky bluff overlooking the river, or pretty little Montertelot. We stop wherever the fancy takes us, perhaps at the ancient little village of St Gobrien with its 10thC church and some of the oldest houses in the entire region. In the evening we choose a quiet countryside mooring and either provide your evening meal there or we can take you to a lovely little countryside restaurant. Sit on deck and listen to nothing but the sound of the birds.
Sunday - Towards Josselin
We now pass through some of the prettiest countryside on your cruise. Meadows come down to the river and the river winds through natural woodland. We arrive at one of the best and most famous canal views in France. As we round a bend in the river Oust you see the magnificent chateau of the Rohan family towering above the river. After negotiating the lock we moor below the chateau walls and Josselin is waiting for you. In the afternoon you can either continue your explorations round the medieval streets or we can take you to see Chateau Kerguehennac, an 18thC chateau that has recently been restored. It is surrounded by extensive gardens and is host to a superb arboretum. The upstairs rooms of the chateau are used as an art gallery.
Monday - Josselin
You will doubtless want to spend some time investigating Josselin. With Its pretty streets, the ancient church, timbered medieval houses, the excellent large street market, tie museum in the chateau itself with France's largest collection of historic dolls, the street cafes and variety of interesting family run shops, Josselin is, in many ways, the heart of the region. Choose from an excellent range of restaurants for your evening meal. If we are here on a Saturday morning, a favourite thing to do is to pick the best that the market has to offer and we all have a big "market lunch" with seafood, fresh roast chicken, country pate and sausage etc. From an upmarket yet reasonable restaurant high above the river or a waterside 'creperie,' Josselin has them all.
Alternatively, we can take you down to the south coast of Brittany to visit the historic walled town of Vannes with its chic shops and impressive gardens. Perhaps you might also be tempted with a visit to the stunning fortified chateau at Suscinio which once belonged to the Dukes of Brittany. If, however, you love just sitting back and taking in the waterways then we can continue cruising through increasingly rural surroundings to the little village of Cadoret. We stop en-route to take in the gorgeous little ancient village of Pomeleuc.
Tuesday
After breakfast on board we say goodbye to Libje and take you to Rennes or Redon by car for your onward journey.
Note: This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change. Depending on the previous cruise, the above itinerary might be reversed. Don't forget though, this is your cruise and your hard earned break. We are happy to modify the above suggestions. If you want to linger or take in more of any particular stop we can do it. Likewise if you want to do less cruising and enjoy more excursions, we can do it. Alternatively, if you want to see as much of the countryside by water as you can, extending the cruise to Rohan, and miss out on some of the excursions we can do that too.
Libje
2012 Season Cruise Schedule* |
| Week |
Route |
Season |
| Apr 8 |
Josselin-Redon |
Regular
|
| Apr 18 |
Redon-Josselin |
Regular
|
| Apr 29 |
Josselin-Redon |
Regular
|
| May 9 |
Redon-Josselin |
Regular
|
| May 20 |
Josselin-Redon |
Regular
|
| May 30 |
Redon-Josselin |
Regular
|
| Jun 10 |
Josselin-Redon |
Regular
|
| Jun 20 |
Redon-Josselin |
Regular
|
| Jun 28 |
Josselin-Redon |
Regular
|
|
| Cruise Schedule* ... continued |
| Week |
Route |
Season |
| Jul 11 |
Redon-Josselin |
Regular
|
| Jul 22 |
Josselin-Redon |
Regular
|
| Aug 1 |
Redon-Josselin |
Regular
|
| Aug 12 |
Josselin-Redon |
Regular
|
| Aug 22 |
Redon-Josselin |
Regular
|
| Sep 2 |
Josselin-Redon |
Regular
|
| Sep 12 |
Redon-Josselin |
Regular
|
| Sep 23 |
Redon-Josselin |
Regular
|
| Oct 3 |
Josselin-Redon |
Regular
|
|
The Libje's route through Brittany, from Redon to Josselin on the Canal de Nantes a Brest.
*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.
LIBJE
2012 SEASON PRICES in US DOLLARS |
| ACCOMMODATION |
REGULAR
Apr 8 thru Apr 14
Apr 18 thru Apr 24
Apr 29 thru May 5
May 9 thru May 15
May 20 thru May 26
May 30 thru Jun 5
Jun 10 thru Jun 16
Jun 20 thru Jun 26
Jul 11 thru Jul 17
Jul 22 thru Jul 28
Aug 1 thru Aug 7
Aug 12 thru Aug 18
Aug 22 thru Aug 28
Sep 2 thru Sep 8
Sep 12 thru Sep 18
Sep 23 thru Sep 29
Oct 3 thru Oct 9 |
|
Full Board Charter for 2 |
$8,662 |
|
Full Board Charter for 4 |
$11,550 |
|
Half Board Charter for 2 |
$7,612 |
|
Half Board Charter for 4 |
$10,150 |
What's IncludedFull board:
- 7 days and 6 nights on the barge with use of 2 cabins with private baths
- Pickup and drop off at Redon train station or Rennes or Dinard airport, to be confirmed with the barge owner
- All meals from Wednesday dinner through Tuesday breakfast, (or Sunday to Saturday, depending on the cruise week) on board or at selected restaurants as determined by the barge owner.
- Beers, table wines and soft drinks on board
- Daily escorted side-excursions
- Use of bicycles (helmets not included)
Half board:
- 7 days and 6 nights on the barge with use of 2 cabins with private baths
- Pickup and drop off at Redon train station or Rennes or Dinard airport, to be confirmed with the barge owner
- Breakfast and lunch each day, and welcome dinner on Wednesday or Sunday, depending on the cruise week
- Beers, table wines and soft drinks on board
- Daily escorted side-excursions
- Use of bicycles (helmets not included)
What's Not Included
Full board:
- Overseas air transportation to Paris and return
- Transportation from Paris to Redon and return
- Suggested minimum 5% gratuity for the crew, at passenger's discretion, to be given to the captain in equivalent euros
Half board:
- Overseas air transportation to Paris and return
- Transportation from Paris to Redon and return
- Five dinners, to be taken on shore at passenger's expense
- Suggested minimum 5% gratuity for the crew, at passenger's discretion, to be given to the captain in equivalent euros
 |
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Last Update: April 24, 2012
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