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French Promise founder, Philip Haslett started his French career in 1987 in the world of luxury hotel barges and knows the routes inside out and can create a pre or post tour that complements your cruise perfectly.
he concept of luxury travel on a canal barge was conceived in France. Reformed cargo barges were stripped down and completely refurbished to the highest levels of comfort and now feature on nearly every waterway in the country. With all of the comfort of a luxury hotel combined with the privacy of a private charter, there is no better way to discover France at a pace that allows you to appreciate every aspect.
French Promise founder, Philip Haslett started his French career in 1987 in the world of luxury hotel barges as deckhand, guide and eventually as captain of several luxury hotel barges notably in the Loire, Burgundy, the Rhone and South of France and still has strong ties in this very close knit world. Not only can he recommend the right vessel for you, but knows the routes inside out and can create a pre or post tour that complements your cruise perfectly.
To the North, wine is ever present with the vineyards of Chablis and many other hidden secrets to be unveiled on your trip, but there is also some of the most fascinating historical visits including the Romanesque Basilica of Vezelay, the Abbey of Fontenay, the medieval villages of Noyers and Flavigny seemed to have stopped in time. And let’s not forget the food from simple Gougeres to Oeufs en Meurette, Coq au Vin, Boeuf Bourguignon… just writing this page is making me hungry!
In the Centre of the region is the ever popular Ouche Valley, which will allow you to discover the classic Burgundian highlights including Dijon, Beaune as well as some lesser known touring options with feudal castles, markets and wine of course!
Further South, cruise the Saone and the Doubs River and the Canal du centre. Here Beaune will also feature on your program as will the delicious offerings from the Côte Chalonnaise vineyards, all interspersed with castles, Charolais cattle and some of the finest Gourmet cuisine of course.
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