Holiday in France 2024

Bonjour from Port Chalmers

Spring is here, our tomato seedlings are showing promise and the tarragon I thought was dead is sprouting vigorously.  It also means the 2023 season is over, with all our bookings paid for and processed, so now we are planning for next year. 

Last week we received the 2024 the cycling and walking itineraries and prices from our agent in Alsace, so will shortly revising our Backroad Discovery self-guided walking and cycling holidays.  No significant changes are expected and we can still accept bookings at the current rates.

Next year rental boats look to be our best seller as several clients are taking advantage of the early booking offers.  Booking early also gives you the best chance of securing the boat of your choice for your preferred dates as well as the discount. 

We discovered France's inland waterways in the eighties while working on hotel barges in Burgundy, Alsace and the Midi.  The highlight of that time was taking a 30m Dutch barge from Toulouse to Dijon.   We had less than two weeks before a charter booking, so we had to work from dawn to dusk.  There were some hairy moments, including wild weather on the Rhone, but that experience ingrained our love of France and its waterways.  Burgundy is still our favourite region and the 12 passenger Luciole on the beautiful Nivernais Canal (below) is our favourite barge.   Throughout its many refurbishments it has retained the two single cabins and is the only barge offering single accommodation without a supplement.  Transfers from Paris are included, so it has been especially popular with our solo travellers.  April and May are already heavily booked, so book now to avoid disappointment and to secure the best price.

James of the Walking Party is currently following the St James Way over the high plateau of the Massif Central to the fairy-tale villages of the Lot Valley.  Then he’ll have a couple of days break before his Haut Quercy walk, which includes four Kiwi walkers.  They are not a group, but James welcomes private parties of six to fourteen and is happy to tweak the itinerary, accommodation, etc. to suit their preferences.  Remember that the back up minibus carries refreshments and lunch, plus spare seats for weary walkers.

We truly enjoy designing and co-ordinating private holiday packages and already have one enquiry for next year around the Paris Olympics (27 July to 12 August).   Give Robert a call or email your dates and wish list and we will get back to you with some suggestions.

Bien cordialement,   Robert & Barbara