Insider Experiences
Gustav Eiffel's aqueduct at Briare
Authentic and Immersive On every hotel barge cruise, wherever it may be, we aim to give our guests authentic and immersive experiences. As your barge sedately makes its away along one of the waterways of France, Scotland, Holland, or perhaps Italy, you will have the opportunity to visit hidden places and meet local people from all walks of life. These ‘Insider Experiences’ are unique and personalised and each one offers the chance to uncover a true slice of local life. These forays to get ‘under the skin’ of local culture and history are not always shown in our published itineraries and many are impromptu, depending on the occasion and the interests of the guests on board.
Places and People On a Burgundy barge voyage, one of the friendly lock-keepers you meet may proudly want to show you around his little waterside home and vegetable garden, then offer you a hospitable glass of Pastis or a game of boules. While in the Loire Valley you can meet local Troglodytes (cave dwellers) in their dwellings chiselled out of rock faces by their forebears many years ago. And during a cruise in Holland, a visit to clockmaker’s workshop is a real insight into a highly-skilled profession. You may also meet people from very different backgrounds, such as the Count of a Renaissance chateau who will be happy to give you a private showing of his long-standing family home, then invite you to join him for a tasting of wine from his own cellar; or be treated to a special tour of the gardens of a Scottish castle by the head gardener – or even “the lady of the house” herself.
Oysters in the Midi
A Taste of the Good Life Local gastronomy is also a firm feature of our Insider Experiences. You may find yourself enjoying oysters with some chilled Picpoul de Pinet at an oyster farm as the sun sets over the sea in the Midi, or perhaps visiting an artisan chocolatier in her home to learn more about the expert art of chocolate making – and of course sampling the end product!
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Lock-house in Burgundy