Where We Went & Who We Met
Exactly 24 hours after leaving the office - and traveling by subway, air and fast
French train - we reached paradise: The Canal du Midi, idyllically flowing deep in Southwest France.
The canal is known for its many intimate and
personable barges - and we enjoyed several. On
the "country-house" style Emma, owners Liz and
Rene are your friends in France, while on Alegria, owner Olivier serves up boutique hotel style sophistication and an international vibe.
On Roi Soleil, owner Guillaume DePerthuis came especially from Paris, and we caught up with old friends - Guide Rex and Captain Finnegan. Roi Soleil is the only Ultra-Deluxe barge on the Midi; it is supremely elegant and service oriented. Along the way, we popped into the Anjodi and Clair de Lune; shopped at local markets; and cruised under the ancient stone bridges of this divinely beautiful canal.
After a quick detour to Aigues-Mortes in the
Camargue to overnight at the new and modern
Enchante - We adored the attractive, young
owners Roger and Louisa - we hopped another
train to Burgundy. Captain Francois Everson met
us. (We have been colleagues for many years and he is now doing a superb job aboard Savoir Vivre)
Flying visits to Prosperite (on which we ate dinner with Barge Lady guests), Papillon and Who Knows assured us that quality remains high on our Burgundy barges. Our last day in Paris was spent visiting hotels that we recommend and book. We can't wait to return to France! |
From top to bottom:
Cruising along the Midi on Alegria
Ellen, Captain Olivier and Chef Gladys
Prosperite cruising in Burgundy |
From left to right: Anita introduces the wines before an alfresco lunch aboard Emma;
Ellen and Caroline with Liz and Rene; Anjodi, Alegria and Emma moored in Le Somail.
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What We Ate
Delicious Canal du Midi
Menus... And Memories!
What did we eat? A better question: What didn't we eat! Like any barge guest, we feasted on fresh and local ingredients, divine cheeses (LOTS of cheese in fact....) pastries fresh from the village baker, and yummy desserts.
On Emma, delicious luncheon buffets were served under the striped canopy, while dinner brought us such delicacies as Garlic Prawns served in a Filo Basket, Supreme of Guinea Fowl and the "Emma Fromage Experience" - Roquefort, frozen grapes and Muscat Dessert wine. On Alegria, note Ellen's happy face as she devours Chocolate Mellow - an individual molten chocolate cake with a cherry in the center - Dessert Nirvana! On Roi Soleil, we watched our Chef produce ultra-sophisticated fare from the open kitchen. After elegant hors d'ouevres, we enjoyed twice-baked cheese souffles, rack of lamb, and a trio of homemade sorbets for dessert. Our barges: France's finest floating restaurants!
We hope you'll be tasting along with us soon!
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