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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 or on the name Clair de Lune. 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’… |
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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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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 carried on 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 2006 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 2006 - 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 du 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, funloving 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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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
The Barge Cruise Company Ltd. 501 Chemin Lacoste 82170 Grisolles FRANCE |
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