Cruise in France on the canals and rivers of Southern Burgundy or Provence and the Camargue aboard the Deluxe Hotel-Barge SAROCHE

SEVEN DAYS / SIX NIGHTS

The 6-passenger Saroche was designed to offer the atmosphere of an elegant home without sacrificing any of the luxury to be expected from a high-class hotel. She is one of the most attractive barges cruising the waterways of France, with classic hull, arched windows and sleek lines. The barge is owned by Kevin Tickell who has cruised extensively on board in the inland waterways of Europe and has spent several years on board a luxury motor yacht based in the Mediterranean. He has a deep love of the waterways, especially throughout France, which he has made his home - spending winters in the Camargue and summers in Burgundy. He also has a passion for good food and fine wines and has designed Saroche around this concept so that passengers can experience the true flavors of France while on board.

The specially selected crew of four with captain, chef de cuisine, guide and hostess, have years of experience in hotel barging and catering and combine this experience to ensure that cruising on board Saroche is a relaxing, comfortable, informative and gourmet experience. Passengers, who are made to feel at home and rapidly become friends, appreciate their friendly, cheerful personalities and sense of humor. Kevin is committed to offering guests not only quality in terms of the barge and its amenities, but also flexibility with regard to cruising, excursions and the food and beverages on board. Cruising routes allow for 3 to 4 hours cruising per day, stopping each evening either in one of the towns mentioned in the itineraries or in a country village, depending on guests' preferences. Wherever possible cruises can be tailored to fit in with passengers' requirements. It is the Saroche's aim to provide a cruise tailored for you. Guests are warmly welcomed on board and during the Champagne reception are encouraged to regard Saroche as their home.

Every cruise on board Saroche is a gourmet experience. Whilst the majority of other passenger barges have a set menu each evening, Saroche offers a choice of dishes each evening on its 5- course menu. The chef will discuss your personal preferences with you and tailor the week's menus to reflect these. We also cater for special dietary needs. Buffet lunch spreads include mouthwatering home made quiches, patés and terrines, cold cuts and crisp salads - rounded off with dessert or a selection of cheeses and all accompanied by excellent wines. Saroche carries a 'cellar' of some 200 bottles of wine and champagne - specially selected fine wines from Burgundy and Bordeaux are complimented with prize-winning vintages from lesser known regions, vineyards and châteaux. Many of these wines are virtually unknown outside their own region of production, however their excellence will speak for itself. Guests are invited to visit the "cave" and select their own wines each evening, although crew are always happy to recommend wines to accompany the menu selections. During your cruise and for the Captain's farewell dinner guests are invited to dine on shore to sample the regional cuisine and ambiance at specially selected country auberges and local Michelin rated restaurants.

The vessel has a split-level lounge/dining room, a quiet library and writing room featuring a foliage surrounded fish pond with goldfish and a large sundeck and parasol-covered dining deck - for meals 'al fresco'. The lounge/dining area was designed to reflect the colors of Provence, its subtle peach and cream decor highlighted with accents of amber and turquoise. The cool mosaic tiled dining area and white oak floored salon are complemented by wrought iron and hardwood balustrades. Large opening windows and a hexagonal skylight flood the room with sunshine and fresh air, as rippling reflections from the water dance across the wood timbered ceiling, flashing across brass ceiling fans - all reflecting and absorbing the atmosphere, bright colors and sunshine of the French countryside. The comfortable armchairs, wood burning fire, hardwood fully stocked bar, stereo/CD player, satellite TV, video and DVD player and library complete the cozy atmosphere - where passengers quickly feel at home.

Saroche's staterooms reflect the high standard to which the vessel was designed. The staterooms are bright, luxurious and spacious - more closely resembling a hotel room than a ship's cabin. All the beds can be converted into either twin beds or a queen bed. The staterooms have large wardrobes with ample hanging drawer and shelf space and alcoves with make-up/shaving mirrors above tiled washbasins. Bathrooms contain extra large fully tiled shower cubicles with high ceilings, easy access glass doors and adjustable speed shower nozzles. Hot water is abundant, hair dryers are provided in all cabins and large fluffy bath sheets add to the feeling of luxury. All cabins have opening windows, central heating and individually controlled air conditioning systems.

Features

• Size of barge: 128 ft. by 16.5 ft.
  
• Number of Passengers: 6
• Number of Cabins (all with private bath): 3
• Crew: 4
  
• Air Conditioning and Central Heating: Yes
• Salon: Split-level lounge/dining room with picture windows, skylight, comfortable sofas, and wood burning fireplace. Separate library with fishpond.
• Bar: Open bar
  
• Deck: Sundeck with spa pool, chairs, and dining table for alfresco dining. Parasols for shade.
• Spa Tub: 6
  
• Cabin Features: Cabins 1 & 2 are 183 sq. ft, cabin 3 is 204 sq. ft., all with queen or twin beds and baths with large tiled showers.
  
• Vehicle for Transfers/Excursions: Air-conditioned high-top 9 person Peugeot minivan
  
• Accessibility: 30 in. wide gangplank. Steps from deck to lounge and dining area, one step to cabins.
  
• Bicycles: Six 5-speed road bikes with baskets and lights.

Saroche's Deck Plan

Passenger Comments:

The barge trip turned out to be even more wonderful than we expected. We were very surprised at how much we loved the barge. We couldn't wait to get back to the barge when we were out. We loved the trips down the canals and we were entranced by the wilderness of the Carmargue region. The service and attention to detail on the barge was spectacular. We loved the "cottage" feel of the decor and the relaxing atmosphere, while the experience of the food, wine, and service was nothing but elegant. On top of that, we loved their music collection. We will always remember cruising and listening to great music. Kevin and Jody and the crew, made us feel welcome from the moment we were picked up at the train. They made us feel completely at home on the barge and we felt like they became dear friends.
-- B.G.

The barge trip was a nice and relaxing vacation with luxury accommodations, fabulous food and pleasant staff. Excellent. The staff did everything they could to make our trip comfortable. All requests were accommodated. Lindsay, our service person, was very sweet and most gracious. The meals and wines were excellent with a capital "E". The meals were absolutely fabulous. They were upscale, gourmet food presentations with quality and flavor. Jody is an outstanding chef. The wines were superb. Each meal was graced by both a white and red wine. We were served a great variety of wines and all were excellent quality. This was a great trip and a fabulous experience.
-- B.T., NH, USA

High points were definitely the FOOD and WINE!!! It was incredible that we actually had choices - all of us!! Everything was sumptuous. Jodie is a marvelous chef!! Also the running of the bulls was exceptional. Also, our tour guide was exceptional. Simon guided and watched over us very gently and there was no task or question that he didn't see to. We were never 'steered' to gift shops or any of that nonsense. Also going through the locks was unique. Oh, I could just go on and on. It was a super experience.
-- M.B., NJ, USA

The first barge trip of the season and the boat and crew were just as sharp and well tuned as if they had practised all year. This trip exceeded all expectations - not only in the luxurious quarters, but excellent creative cuisine and interesting well planned excursions. For a once in a lifetime experience of France and the best an international crew can offer - the Saroche is it! Thanks to Kevin, Jody, Simon and Una.
-- K.A., TX, USA

Thank you very much for suggesting the Saroche as our hotel barge in France. In a word, the week was glorious! It exceeded our every expectation. Captain Kevin Tickell and his crew made us feel immediately comfortable on Saroche from the initial champagne reception with Jody's fantastic nibbles to the last wonderful meal aboard. We were blessed with great weather which allowed us to really enjoy the deck of Saroche and the hot tub as we floated past the incredibly pastoral countryside of the Burgundy Canal. Back to the food - it was fantastic, and the nightly selection of wines complimented each course beautifully. The excursions we took were a great balance of history, scenery and wine tasting! Kevin was a great captain, making sure we were well cared for, and always happy to go the extra mile for our enjoyment. The 6 of all agreed that it was truly a vacation of a lifetime.
--T.H., GA, USA

What was once a fantasy is now a reality... what was only a dream is now a memory Saroche was the experience of the century!

*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.

What's Included

- 7 days and 6 nights on the barge in a cabin with private bath
- All meals from Sunday dinner through Saturday breakfast
- Wine with lunch and dinner
- Open bar
- Captain's farewell dinner ashore
- All escorted side excursions
- Use of bicycles
- Transfers from Dijon (for Burgundy cruises) or Montpellier/Avignon (for Provence cruises) to the barge and return

What's Not Included

- Overseas air transportation to Paris and return
- Transportation from Paris to the barge and return
- Suggested minimum 5% gratuity for the crew, to be given 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