Lucky guests on the Elegance will float back in time to the Art Deco heyday of famed Orient Express trains!
Elegance is owned and managed by Mathias Gilles, known for the signature sophisticated style of his first barge, the Esperance. Elegance displays his longtime fascination with the glamorous train travel of yesteryear. “Precisely as on the Orient Express, Elegance is a work of art that displays a beautiful collection of furniture and objects,” says Mathis.
Elegance’s marquetry, woodwork, cutlery, crystalware, wallpaper, and fabric have all been chosen to reflect this retro-chic railway theme. The celebrated Art Deco artist Rene Lalique’s 1928 etched glass panels — once found on the Orient Express trains! — now enliven the barge’s light-filled salon. Three identically sized cabins ensure luxurious accommodations with Jazz Age charm. A graceful spiral staircase leads to the spacious deck, where ample outdoor seating beckons for hours of lounging and al fresco dining.
Onboard cuisine features the region’s fresh seafood and savory flavors, paired with crisp Rosés and small-batch spirits, some created in the surrounding region. As on Esperance, original and creative table settings provide a fabulous feast for the eyes! Enriching excursions introduce guests to French history and heritage – including visits to charming seaside villages, tasting freshly pressed olive oil, and exploring beautifully preserved churches.
Floating museum and delightful canal barge: Cruise on the Elegance and enjoy the best of both worlds!