France barge FAM
We discovered the Art of Slow Travel on a CroisiEurope Barge
We traded in the busy streets of Strasbourg for pure relaxation aboard CroisiEurope’s MS Madeleine barge, winding through the Alsace region of France. With just 11 cabins on board, our FAM group of 21 (including myself, Tammy, the 5Continents host!) was the perfect size. Big enough to mingle, yet small enough to really connect and share plenty of laughs along the way.
As we glided through 41 locks on the Marne Canal, the crew assured us the first would be the most exciting, however, standout moments included a 17-meter elevation lock and the incredible Arzviller Incline Plane (imagine an elevator for a barge!) which replaced 17 locks and reduced the trip length by a full day.
Life onboard was all about the details: a crew of 6 delivering above-and-beyond service (step into the jacuzzi and voilà, champagne arrives within minutes!), French cuisine crafted in the tiniest of kitchens, and daily wine pairings with cheeses unique to the region.
Top highlights included:
- Panoramic canal tour of Strasbourg, a UNESCO World Heritage site
- Glass blowing demonstration at Crystal Lehrer
- Saverne walking tour and the Chateau de Haut-barr
- Vins d’Alsace Domaine Bohr tour and wine tasting
- A private dinner at La Marne to experience authentic Tartes Flambees
- Visit to the Maison du Kochersberg Museum for a feel of Alsace traditions
- Gala evening with special guests David Boigne and Sabrina Greca
Testimony from advisors:
“I’ve been dying to do this! The barge experience is like an upscale houseboat. This is a fantastic experience for a group, family, or even a corporate getaway for 6 nights. We are on the canals of Europe, not the rivers, where you can walk along the canal from lock to lock or enjoy a scenic bike ride. The food is amazing — it’s like going to a friend’s house for dinner, a French friend who happens to be a Michelin-star chef, serving 4-course lunches. The excursions are off the beaten path, un-touristed, and customizable, offering a truly authentic experience. If you have clients looking for adventurous, authentic, slow travel, I think this is absolutely fantastic!”
Wendy Weir from Farmstead Travel
“What a fabulous experience on our 5Continents/Croisi river barge cruise. Gentle canals passing through verdent green French countryside. Quaint towns, farms, castles as far as your eyes could see. Delectable cuisine by our personal chef, and such outstanding service by our crew on this intimate boat.”
Stephen Harper from Travel Best
Why Barging?
CroisiEurope barges are perfect for small groups, families, or corporate getaways. Six nights of slow travel means scenic canals, hidden villages, and fresh local cuisine at a pace your clients will love. Walk, cycle, sip wine, and savor the culture. Slow travel never tasted so good!
Full article and reference : https://mailchi.mp/cee9b7671b87/explore-the-amazon-new-itineraries-from-croisieurope-18250722