Visit France 2022

Bonjour from Port Chalmers.

We trust you all enjoyed the Easter break.  Jacinda has decided the time is right to start travelling again and of course we agree.  Covid is no longer the malevolent pandemic, but something we have to live with and while the war in Ukraine is a worry and totally incomprehensible, our partners in France assure us life is going on as usual.  They are promoting lots of special offers for spring (up to June), although the summer months are heavily booked with so many bookings carried over from previous years.

We believe in setting an example, so have booked our flights to France for September and are eager to catch up with colleagues and friends.  We are also meeting UK friends in Alsace for a cruise on Le Boat’s newest model, a Horizon 2, from Boofzheim, south of Strasbourg, up to Hesse, near Sarrebourg in the Vosges Mountains.  

In the eighties we worked on a hotel barge along this route and have been desperate to return to the canal, so this will be a long-awaited rental boat adventure.  The deluxe hotel barge Panache will also be cruising in Alsace, so we plan to re-visit that barge, wherever our routes cross.  

The delightful charter barge, Le Papillon (below), changed hands just before covid and now has been completely refurbished with two large suites for up to four lucky guests.  If you are going to be in France in May they are offering 20% off a cruise along the picturesque Nivernais Canal in Burgundy, starting on 22 May or 29 May 2022.  If you are tempted please call for their pdf brochure and more info.

The rental boat companies all currently have special deals, but note that many end on 1 May.  Some will be extended and if you are planning for 2023, bookings are open and 10%-15% discounts are available.

We hope we have stimulated your interest in travel to Europe and urge you to get in touch to discuss your travel plans and aspirations.

Best wishes,  Robert & Barbara