Agents unpack French beauty aboard barge with CroisiEurope & 5Continents

5Continents recently hosted 12 Canadian travel advisors on a barge in France with CroisiEurope, introducing travel pros to the art of slow travel.

The six-night sailing aboard the MS Raymonde from June 19-25  took place along the Oise River, which is just north of Paris.

CroisiEurope owns and operates six barges vessels (also known as péniches). Each one has just 11 cabins and holds a maximum of 22 passengers.

READ MORE: “Outstanding”: Agents discover barge cruising in France with CroisiEurope & 5Continents

As PAX learned during a brief péniche sailing last December, the experience is like being on a floating boutique hotel that’s staffed with a personal crew and chef.

Sailing through France’s countryside

Meandering through France's picturesque canals and rivers, CroisiEurope’s barges can explore charming villages, historic sites, and breathtaking natural beauty from the comfort of an intimate vessel.

The itineraries also cover some of France’s most culturally rich regions, from the vineyards of Burgundy to the landscapes of Provence.

Guests also enjoy guided excursions, gourmet meals featuring regional specialties, and the chance to immerse themselves in the local culture and traditions.

Advisors sound off

In a press release, Danny and Debbie Almon of AlmonTravel called their barge cruise “delightful.”

“From the viewpoint of very experienced river cruisers (11 itineraries), we were looked after in all aspects of our adventure, from expertly planned and guided excursions in each port, opportunities to simply relax and enjoy the river navigating, as our crew put it,” the pair said in a joint statement.

READ MORE: On Location - What’s it like on board a "péniche?" PAX cozies up with CroisiEurope & 5Continents in France

The barge sails about 32 kilometres per day, on average, the duo noted.

They appreciated having beverages made on order, meals using local ingredients “prepared for and carved in front of us,” experiencing different local cheeses and wines with meals and “lively camaraderie with the staff, all of whom spoke English quite well.”

“The local towns we visited were wonderful examples of communities that reached far back in time and without exception, were friendly and open to our visit,” the Almons said.

Diane Donato, manager of Inclusive-Travel, added how the staff “made us feel like family.”

“I don't remember laughing so much on a trip,” Donato stated.

CroisiEurope & 5Continents

CroisiEurope operates canal cruises in France’s Burgundy, Alsace, Provence, Champagne and Oise Valley regions.

Itineraries can be customized based on interest, and for travel advisors hosting small or niche groups, there are opportunities to charter ships and create exclusive experiences.

Barge cruising, in France, has been around for a while, but is only now starting to gain steam in the Canadian market. For the client who’s been there, done that, and enjoys flexibility, a péniche cruise is something new to consider.

5Continents, which represents CroisiEurope in Canada, ties everything together. The company specializes in creating tailor-made journeys – and only works with the trade.

For more info, click here.

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