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 luxuries that are expected in a high-class hotel. Her classic hull, arched windows and sleek lines put her in the enviable position of one of the more attractive barges cruising the waterways of France. The barge is owned by Kevin Tickell, who has extensively cruised 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. He spends 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.

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. The vessel has a split-level lounge/dining room, and a large sundeck and parasol-covered dining deck for 'al fresco' meals. The lounge/dining area was designed to reflect the colors of Provence. The subtle peach and cream decor is accented with amber and turquoise highlights. The cool mosaic tiled dining area and white oak floor in the salon are complemented by wrought iron and hardwood balustrades. Large 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. The comfortable armchairs, wood burning fire, fully stocked bar, stereo/CD player, satellite TV, video and DVD player and library complete the cozy atmosphere. Every cruise aboard the Saroche is a gourmet experience. Many other barges offer set menus each evening, whereas the Saroche offers a choice of dishes for its daily 5 course menu. The chef will discuss your personal preferences and tailor the week's menus to reflect your suggestions, including any special dietary needs. Every meal will feature a selection of fine wines from Burgundy and Bordeaux including many 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 themselves. Guests are invited to visit the "cave" to select their own wines each evening, however recommendations will always be offered to help you along.

The specially selected crew of four include the Captain, Chef de Cuisine, a tour guide and a hostess, who have many years of experience in hotel barging and catering. This combined experience ensures that cruising aboard the Saroche is a relaxing, comfortable, informative and gourmet experience. Passengers are made to feel at home and quickly become friends. Kevin is committed to offering guests a quality experience in every aspect. In addition to the exceptional accommodations, amenities and the food and wine, the Captain and crew are also committed to tailoring the daily excursions to fit your interests, wherever possible. While aboard, guests are encouraged to regard the Saroche as their floating home.

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.
• 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 and including ensuite bathroom with large tiled shower.
• 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

Dining Aboard The Saroche:
SAMPLE MENU

• B.L.T cocktail
• Baby zuchinni flowers filled with cheese
• Lobster tail salad with a lemon dressing
• A peppery watercress soup with lime
• A light langostine soup
• Spiced tomato consomme
• Grilled artichokes with a lemon butter
• Mousse of asparagus spears with a chervil sauce
• Twice-baked souffle of goats cheese with a hazelnut scented vinaigrette
• Assorted selection of French cheese

• Roast wood-smoked ribs of beef, served with a shallot & red wine sauce
• A terrine of foie gras scented with truffles
• Sea bass with a brown butter, caper & lemon sauce
• Breast of chicken with a wild mushroom sauce
• Fillet of turbot with scallops and baby leeks
• Roasted breast of duck served with a quince puree
• Tartare of marinated wild salmon with a cucumber salad
• Roasted rack of lamb with an olive & caper sauce
• Fillets of poached fish served with spring vegetables and fresh herbs
• Baked snails filled with garlic & parsley butter
• Fillet of beef with a dijon mustard sauce
• Roast suckling pig, served with a thyme sauce
• Assorted selection of French cheese

• Chocolate tart
• Caramel apple with a vanilla custard
• Summer fruits steeped in a raspberry sauce
• Iced Grand Marnier souffle, served with chocolate sauce
• Tuile with fresh strawberries with white chocolate & mint ice cream
• Poached pear in St Emillion, served with autumn raspberries and figs

Passenger Comments:

The Saroche's routes through Southern Burgundy and Provence. For a more detailed look at the cruise route, view our map of the Rhone River and the Canal du Rhone a Sete in Provence, and the Canal de Bourgogne in Burgundy.

*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.

Please visit our Special Offers page to see potential discounts for this barge or many others.
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