•  
  •  
  •  
  • Images of the Emma Barge

    Winner of the recently awarded ‘Talent D’Or’ prize for excellence in tourism, the ’Emma’ barge is celebrating her 100th birthday this year. We at The Barge Company spent the long weekend of 29 July—01 August on board this vision of loveliness on the Canal du Midi. Read on for an insight into life on board and to view our splendid new pictures of this barge—exclusively presented to you by The Barge Company.

    Images of the Emma Barge
    Images of the Emma Barge
    Images of the Emma Barge
    Images of the Emma Barge

    We met up with Liz and René and the Emma in Sète, located on the Mediterranean coast—once a small fishing village with a very strong Greek and Roman history, now a buzzing destination for all discerning tourists looking for the ‘real’ France (see pictures to left and below). Known now as the ‘little Venice of France’ this fascinating town is criss-crossed with canals and waterways, lined with elegant sandstone buildings with intricate facades and rows and rows of boats of varying colours and sizes. Nearer the Mediterranean Sea there are very modern fishing boats to be seen as the thriving fishing trade still exists here. Fresh fish and seafood of all shapes and sizes abound, and this is one of the many bonuses of a cruise aboard the Emma. Liz, your very capable Irish chef, has been cooking for 40 years, and it shows! If you like seafood then she and René will share with you the unique delights of this corner of France, bringing the freshest of produce straight from the clear blue sea to your plate.

    After exploring the Mont Saint Clair and it’s wonderful views (see bottom left) along the Mediterranean coastline, we were treated to a walk through the heart of the smaller fishing community (see below), where techicoloured boats were moored up everywhere and fishing nets lay drying in the sun.

    Then, back to the barge for a decadent lunch with gloriously chilled Picpoul le Pinet (local wine), as we set sail across the Etang de Thau (top picture, above right), cruising very close to her famous oyster beds.

    Images of the Emma Barge

    René took the wheel as we cruised out of Sète and into the Etang which is a salt water lagoon. The edge of the lagoon is encrusted with pretty little villages such as Bouzigues and Balaruc les Bains (see below left), which are each lovely places to step off of your luxury floating hotel for a gentle stroll around. One of them even has healing thermal waters which could be beneficial to those suffering from rheumatism.

    The Etang was perfectly blue as we sailed gently across (see pics below left and right).

    Images of the Emma Barge Images of the Emma Barge

    Between admiring the scenery whilst navigating the 27 km across the Etang de Thau, we took the opportunity to take some great shots of the cabins and their immaculate bathrooms. There are 3 cabins—green, blue and yellow, which can each be made into a twin configuration or a double. See the pics of blue and yellow cabins below left.

    Images of the Emma Barge Images of the Emma Barge

    All three bathrooms are perfectly co-ordinated with gleaming new tiles and sparkling taps. Each bathroom has a toilet, washbasin, generous-sized shower, plenty of storage space for cosmetic bags and suchlike, plus an abundance of soft fluffy bath towels and bathmitts which are replaced each day. Good quality shampoos and body wash is also provided, as are huge beach wraps, cotton buds, cotton wool, etc. These personal touches on the Emma mean you’ll be feeling right at home within minutes of stepping on board.

     
    Images of the Emma Barge Images of the Emma Barge
    Images of the Emma Barge Images of the Emma Barge
    Images of the Emma Barge Images of the Emma Barge
    Images of the Emma Barge

    Having crossed the salty ‘sea’ of the Etang de Thau (where René stopped the barge and we swam in clear her blue waters), we entered the 300 year old Canal du Midi and glided gently under the rows of ancient poplars planted on each side of the canal. The tow path follows the route of the canal so it’s great for cycling or walking if you wish to explore away from the barge or go ahead to take pictures etc.

    Lunch was a relaxing and sunny affair under the swaying trees and we made the most of the sunshine with wine flowing and even a little glass of the local, slightly sweet white Muscat wine. Fresh produce, sumptuous cheeses and generous wine completed this perfect picture of barging.

    Below, René takes the wheel and ensures that we gently float from port to port in utter safety. Born in Sète on the hill called the ‘Mont Saint Clair’, René is an authority on the local area, traditions, foods, wines, etc., and will be delighted to share all of his knowledge with you. His boating experience dates back many years and he’s an accomplished marine mechanic too, so you can be sure you’re in utterly safe hands.


    Images of the Emma Barge
    Images of the Emma Barge
     

    Life is gentle and carefree when you’re one of Liz and René’s guests, and you never know who will drop by for a drink and a chat at one of the pretty arched windows! (right)

    Images of the Emma Barge
    Images of the Emma Barge   Images of the Emma Barge
      Images of the Emma Barge  

    One of the highlights of our cruise on the Emma was navigating up the River Herault which is, in theory, in-navigable, but which we were able to enjoy for an hour or so before turning back. A mosaic of wildlife along the way, we spotted kingfishers, herons, cormorants, dragonflies of all colours and sizes, and even the odd human being, such as this canoeist (right).

    The sunny saloon area on the Emma, above, allows plenty of space for Liz and René’s collection of books, CDs, wines, photograph albums for guests to peruse, maps, discreet TV and DVD player and umpteen other possibilities for a rainy day. Happily, that is a very rare occurrence but it’s always nice to be prepared! The large awning on the sun deck also meant we stayed cool and shady whilst cruising (above left).

    Images of the Emma Barge  

    What could be better than a cool glass of fine champagne and some tasty nibbles after the adventure of cruising up the River Herault? We sat under the cool awning and felt like royalty as Liz and René regaled us with their stories of people on the river and the adventures they’ve seen in their many years on the waterways. Life is so relaxed, and Liz and René so very friendly and welcoming, that you’re always sure to feel utterly at home, as we quickly did! (see below).

      Images of the Emma Barge

    Later on that day we swam in the River Herault as the sun set behind the poplar trees. After showering and preparing for our last meal on board we joined our hosts on deck and enjoyed a fantastic supper by candlelight as the cicadas buzzed away all around us.

    The next day we enjoyed a tour of Agde—another ancient Greek settlement which is now very popular centre for discerning tourists, then it was finally time toleave the gentle and welcoming Emma.

    If you’ve enjoyed reading this and would like to see more details on Emma, please click here.

    If you would like to know which cruise weeks are still available please contact us.

     

    Dear Marie and Mark,
    I wanted to let you know what an absolutely wonderful trip we had in May. Emma is a splendid experience! From the moment we came on board, René and Liz, along with Megan and David, did a superb job: as Liz put it then, "we want to make this the best week of your life," and believe me they did. The cooking was varied, interesting, and always delectable. Liz' knowledge of local specialties, including cheese and wine, was impressive, and we learned a great deal. Service was warm and friendly, but impeccable, and always professional. Megan was our friendly angel, always ready with a smile and a glass of wine or cup of tea: David was a great companion and knowledgeable guide on our excursions. René was a wonderful, trustworthy captain whose intimate knowledge of the canal and its ways made our cruise a truly outstanding event. The accommodations on board were delightful: light and airy yet cozy on our one rainy day. The living room/dining room was beautiful, the bedrooms fresh and very nicely furnished with handmade quilts, and the bathrooms spotlessly clean and working perfectly. It was hard, however, ever to leave the deck, with its lovely furniture, flowers, and music. And the canal itself in May is, of course, spectacularly lovely.
            TL,2005

    ‘Every single person on the trip agreed that it was one of the best things they had done in years. The canal, of course, is breathtaking. The sights along the way were wonderful. But most of all we loved our barge…..the Emma was spectacular with its deep comfortable chairs and lovely elegance. Best of all, however, (was) the crew. They spared no effort to make us comfortable and pampered. Honestly, I can't praise them enough. I can certainly recommend (this) boat. I want to say a special word about the Emma and her crew. They were fabulous. We loved their friendliness and high standard of both hominess and elegance. Thanks for a great booking!!’
            SC, 2005.

     


    TO CONTACT US

    Phone: +33 563 02 87 04, Fax: +33 563 02 24 11
    Phone (Toll-Free from USA + Canada): 1-800-688-0245
    Email: info@bargecompany.com
    Web: www.bargecompany.com

    The Barge Cruise Company Ltd, 501 Chemin Lacoste, 82170 Grisolles, FRANCE

  •  
  •