Under the auspices of Ewaterways.com, you can barge around France on canal boats that bear names of a mushroom (Chanterelle), a plum (Mirabelle), a wine (Chardonnay) or a gastropod (Escargot) this spring for a moderate price, and get almost-free air thrown in, as well as two nights in a three-star boutique hotel in Paris. For the last two items, you pay only $9, though the cruise alone is $1,990 per person in the main season, for two of the boats (the Escargot and the Chanterelle).
Sailings in March are particularly pleasant if you like the French spring, when the flowers are beginning to peek out, and cool days are complemented by chilly nights, when you can bundle up outdoors or relax over a delectable dinner aboard the barge. Meals are prepared on board, many complemented by local breads and cheeses, as well as wines, of course.
And getting there? The $9 charge includes roundtrip airfare between Paris and most cities in the U.S., as well as two nights in the hotel, not to mention first-class train transfers to and from the barge in France. Although two boats charge $1,990 plus the $9, the Chardonnay cruise in main season is $2,299 for the two dates in March that it sails, and the Mirabelle is $2,199.
Sailing dates for the Escargot are March 8, 15 and 22; for the Chanterelle March 22 and 29; for the Chardonnay March 22 or 29; for the Mirabelle March 29. All dates are 2003. The Escargot follows the Ouche Valley in Burgundy, while the Chanterelle plies the Upper Loire. The Chardonnay cruises in Provence, and the Mirabelle the Bordeaux region. All ships carry 24 passengers, except the Chardonnay, which holds 50.
For more information, itinerary details or reservations, go to www.ewaterways.com or www.bargespecials.com. You can also phone them at 800/676-6613 or 212/725-5127.
