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NEW
JACUZZI ON BOARD! - RELAX IN TOTAL LUXURY AND LET YOURSELF BE
PAMPERED IN STYLE...
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Welcome to our December edition of Barge of the Month. At a time when
the skies are often grey and it can be difficult to remember the feeling
of sunshine on your face, we’d like to lighten your heart with the
gorgeous Clair de Lune
barge, which in 2006 will cruise the Canal du Midi with up to 6 passengers
in relaxed splendour. To go to Clair de Lune
’s barge
page at any time, please click here. Click on pictures to enlarge.
To succomb to temptation, read on...!
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The latest
improvement to this lovely barge is the outdoor heated jacuzzi that
was installed in 2004. Now you can really ‘relax, unwind and let the
world float by’…
Please note the jacuzzi has been installed at the front of the bargein the space that is visible in the picture above.
Click here to go
to the Clair de Lune barge page.
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The addition of
the jacuzzi has meant the
Clair de Lune
now ranks among the very best barges to cruise the Canal du
Midi. Owner-operated by Berend
(Dutch) and Barbara (German) you are sure to enjoy the cruise of a
lifetime on board.
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The Clair de Lune
enjoys a wonderful feeling of calm and tranquillity on board, and guests
have often remarked up on it. With a
crew of 4
to look after your every
need and pamper you in the way that you surely deserve, it is also a
barge
well known for its fun-loving and relaxed atmosphere, and is
especially good for families with children who wish to charter. The
newly installed jacuzzi has particularly proved an instant ‘hit’ with
the children in 2004, making her an even better choice for family charter cruises.
The main salon and dining room is furbished in exotic
hardwoods, and colour schemes are gentle, with original art works on
many walls and lovely tiles and bathroom fittings in eaxch cabin’s en
suite private bathrooms.
Bedrooms
are large and spacious (by barging
standards) and are accessed by a long, airy corridor that runs almost
the full length of the barge (see cabin pictures below).
The sun deck is remarkably large
and is one of the barge’s many excellent features.
Shaded in the summer, there is every opportunity for guests to bask in
the sun, wallow in the cool jacuzzi, or stay cool in the shade of the
barge’s awning. Either way, you’re sure to find the perfect spot for
you. The barge interior is fully air conditioned so overheating—even in
July and August is never a problem.
Great for senior cruisers
—the Clair de Lune has
very few steps
and those she does have are not steep, so the
Clair de Lune is the perfect barge for senior travellers with limited
mobility.
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Spacious cabins makecruising a delight on the Clair de Lune
, with lovely tiled bathrooms
with full sized shower and lots of big, fluffy towels in your en
suite private bathroom.
Fine dining is the order of the day on board the Clair de Lune. Breakfasts are generous
with pastries, croissants, breads, jams, yoghurts, fresh fruit and much much more, followed
by gourmet lunches of several courses accompanied by fine wines. Evening meals are a sumtuous
affair with several gourmet courses, again accompanied by excellent wines personally
chosen by the owners, and of course coffee and chocolates to finish (herbal teas and other infusions
are also available, should you prefer). Your personal barge chef will ensure that
any allergies or dietary requirements that you may have are thoroughly respected, and nothing
will be too much trouble.
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Above, left and right, the Clair de Lune
’s elegant dining table. Middle photograph—
anniversaries,
birthdays and any happy event is always a source of inspiration for the chef, as celebrations are very much encouraged on board!
Wedding
anniversary cruises are particularly popular... Meals on Clair de Lune can be taken either
inside or outside on the large sun deck if preferred.
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Bicycles are carriedon board so exploring can always be done independently, and there
are always plenty of
pretty villages and country lanes to explore
if
you want to venture further than the tow path.
Click here to go to the
Clair de Lune’s barge page,
where you will be able to find a
sample itinerary
for 2006 as well as
more pictures
of the barge and
a
full schedule of prices.
Themed charter cruises
such as wine,
golf, cycling, history and architecture, art and architecture, canyoning, caving, white water rafting and similar are always
available.
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In 2005 Clair de Lune will cruise on the Canal du Midi, offering 3 types of cruise—the ‘Casual
Value’ cruise, where lunches are taken at clients’ expense in local auberges in small, characterful
nearby villages, the ‘Classic Midi’ Cruise—full board, all-inclusive pampering(!) and NEW
FOR SUMMER 2005 - the ‘European Summer Cruise’ - see full details below!
NEW ‘EUROPEAN SUMMER CRUISE’ - now available through The Barge Company!!
For active, independent and inquisitive travelers….The emphasis will be more on barging and
enjoying active family activities found nearby the canal hence the minibus is left behind.
Barging enthusiasts and nature lovers will particularly like this option, as the cruise goes through the
stunning Camargue Nature Reserve, past the Island of Saint Lucie, abundant in wetland birds and
fauna. Starting on the Canal de Midi at Marseillan or Agde, the Clair de Lune will cross over the river
and take the Canal de la Jonction and then the Canal de la Robine past seaside lagoons, marshland and
garrigue to rejoin the sea once again at Port-la-Nouvelle.
This newly-designed cruise is for families
and active groups, aimed at discovering the Mediterranean lifestyle while cruising in comfort
along canals running adjacent to the seashore. Emphasis is on activities and visits close
to the canal. Beach trips, cycling excursions, canoeing with Clair de Lune’s own canoe in the lagoons
en route, horseback riding or even visiting a ‘manade’ (bull and horse ranch) are a just few of the many
possibilities. Of cultural interest, the route takes us through the heart of quaint villages such as
Capestang and Le Somail, historic Narbonne, with its lively market and impressive cathedral, as well as
stopping in the bustling shipping and fishing port of Port-la-Nouvelle. Winetastings, museum visits and
archeological sites are also within a walking distance from the canal. Therefore the bus will not follow
the boat everyday. Enjoy life at the speed of a barge! However, a minibus trip to the medieval city of
Carcassonne can be included as an option, at extra expense.
The ‘European Summer Cruise’ is only available during July and August.
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Happy Captain Berend, left, and Barry, your knowledgeable, fun loving Driver- Guide (right)
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Helpful hostess Carey and superb Chef John enjoy a welcome break with refreshing
watermelon (right)
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Contact us
for more information on Clair de Lune
or to request availability!
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