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In mid July I (Marie - Owner and Director of The Barge Company) was invited to spend a
day and night on board the splendid ‘Meanderer’ barge, cruising in the Upper Loire region
of France between Rogny-les-Sept-Ecluses and Chatillon-sur-Loire on the Canal Lateral
à La Loire. Not a lot of time, you might think….but certainly long enough to see that
her owners really know what they’re doing!...And that is why we have made her our
‘Barge of the Month’ for August 2009. We are thrilled to be able to share with you our
exclusive new photographs taken during the visit, which we hope will whet your appetite
for a sumptuous week of elegant relaxation in the Upper Loire, cruising through this
beautiful area which is so often referred to as ‘The Garden of France’…
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George and Susan Kovalick (above) are your warm and experienced owner-operators on board this very
luxurious 6 person hotel barge. See George loving his job above, with hard-working Susan by his side.
Both have a background in high end travel and the service industry, and so they know what discerning clients
expect these days.
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There are three wonderful double or twin cabins on board the ‘Meanderer’. Two are exactly the same dimensions (Cabin 1 and 2), and Cabin 3 at the end of the long corridor (below right) is a little larger as it spans the entire width of the boat. See the deck plan below and pictures further down. |
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I was privileged to sleep in the larger Cabin 3 (above left), and after a glorious night’s restful repose I can personally vouch for the Meanderer’s top quality mattresses, pillows and linen. My bathroom (above right) was equally top-notch. Gleamingly clean as if it was only tiled yesterday, it was a real pleasure to savour the shower and the complimentary luxury bath products from the French ’Occitane’ range. (above middle). |
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Casting off from Rogny (above) I began to get an appetite as breakfast was being laid out for me on deck by one of the barge’s friendly Hostesses, Sophie (below left). The table was bedecked with a dazzling array of croissants, breads, fruits, yoghurts, home-made jams and cereals—plus coffee and fruit juices of course! Cruising whilst breakfasting outside…..mmmmm…….Who could possibly ask for more? |
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The lock houses along the way are a particular treat. Many have impressive gardens, orchards or flower displays and it’s not unusual for Susan and George to exchange home-made jams or flowers with the friendly lock-keepers as they pass by. The lock-keeper of the lock below recently won a national award for his stunning flower displays. |
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As we continued to wend our way along the tranquil and unspoilt Canal de Briare we negotiated lock after lock (see Meanderer going down, left), with beautiful countryside and small villages all along the way. At times I got off at a lock and went ahead to take pictures whilst savouring the fresh clean air of a brisk |
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stroll next to the water’s edge on the well-kept tow path. Everyone you meet is friendly and has time to linger and exchange a few words, plus the bird life is always audible, which is a real treat! |
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Soon the morning had melted away in front of us, and it was time to eat another meal. Lunch this
time! Somehow I was hungry again...Must have been all the walking and talking!
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In conclusion, I spent a truly splendid 24 hours on board one of the finest hotel-barges in Europe. Run by
her dedicated owner-operators George and Susan (as opposed to an employed crew), Meanderer is a regal
beauty of the French waterways, with a really ‘personal touch’. The sense of relaxation on board
needs to be experienced to be believed. If you live a stressful life or have a hectic career and are looking
for a vacation that requires practically no decisions to be made for a whole week (except perhaps which
wine you prefer with your dessert!) then look no further—the Meanderer is it. To see the full information
including prices please click here, and to contact us to check availability or with questions, please
click here. | |
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WE HOPE TO SHARE THIS WELL KEPT SECRET WITH YOU SOON…. |
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