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| From Venice and Its Lagoons to the Canal du Midi in France, European Waterways Guests Can Experience Some of the Top Wonders of the World While Safely Distancing in the Fresh, Open Air. (Pictured: European Waterways' Anjodi Hotel Barge Cruising at Fonserannes) |
By Anthony Diaz (Anthony@herman-almontepr.com)
As travelers seek out "the great outdoors" after months of
staying at home, they are looking at less crowded destinations where they can
safely social distance. UNESCO World Heritage sites are a great option, since
many are natural attractions that can be enjoyed in the fresh, open air.
European Waterways takes guests to some of the top UNESCO sites in Europe
aboard their fleet of luxury hotel barges, offering the opportunity to see
these wonders “up close and in person.” These include such famous attractions
as France’s grand Canal du Midi – a masterpiece of hydraulic and
structural engineering and one of the greatest constructions of the 17th
century.
Originally used for transporting wheat, wine and textiles, the Canal du Midi
fell into neglect for over 100 years with the introduction of the
railroad. It enjoyed a renaissance as a popular tourist destination in
the 1980s and 1990s thanks, in part, to barging visionaries such as European
Waterways, which introduced travelers to its beauty, natural charm and
engineering brilliance.
“Among the many UNESCO sites that are literary part of the 'great outdoors,'
the Canal du Midi is in a class by itself,” said Derek Banks, managing director
of European Waterways – one of the early barging pioneers on the canal. “We are
pleased to have played a part in making it one of France’s most popular
destinations, introducing travelers from all over the world to the fascinating
and historically rich countryside surrounding it.”
Four on the Midi
Four of European Waterways’ luxury barges cruise various lengths of the Canal
du Midi, which stretches 224 miles through picturesque countryside and sleepy
villages to connect the Atlantic Ocean with the Mediterranean Sea. They
include the 10-passenger Athos – a converted grain and wine barge; the
8-passenger Anjodi – a classic Dutch barge which made her first
appearance on the canal over 35 years ago; the 8-passenger Enchanté,
which offers a distinctive blend of luxury, spacious accommodations and style
in the Midi countryside; and 8-passenger Rosa, which cruises the western
end of the canal, close to Bordeaux.
In addition to the unique experience of floating upon this serene and scenic
man-made marvel, guests can enjoy specialized cruises such as food and wine
appreciation, family and multi-generational, biking, and golf. Excursions
include tours of such historical sites as the UNESCO-listed medieval fortified
city of Carcassonne, plus picturesque Minerve and Narbonne.
Vineyards and Churches
Other luxury barges in the European Waterways fleet introduce guests to their
own respective UNESCO sites. In the summer, the 12-passenger Panache cruises
the Champagne region, whose vineyards and wineries are UNESCO
accredited. Guests also visit the stunning Cathedral of Notre-Dame in Reims;
and later in the year, the barge travels on to the historic city of Strasbourg
in the Alsace region of Northeastern France. Guests aboard the
8-passenger Renaissance hotel barge can marvel at the 12th
century Château de Fontainebleau, while the 8-passenger L’Art
de Vivre offers excursions to the hilltop abbey of Vézelay – a
prominent pilgrimage destination.
On La Belle Epoque cruises, guests can visit the Abbaye de Fontenay in
Burgundy; meanwhile, the unique Climats and Terroirs – the natural climate
and rolling vineyards of Southern Burgundy – can be appreciated aboard the
12-passenger L’Impressionniste.
‘Veni, Vidi,’ Venice!
European Waterways’ unique Venetian luxury hotel barge, the 20-passenger La
Bella Vita, treats guest to UNESCO sites that include Venice and its
lagoons; the Renaissance cities of Ferrara and Mantua, and the
Po Delta. The annual Opera Cruises also introduces guests to the city of Verona,
another UNESCO site.
More information on the Canal du Midi and other UNESCO sites visited by
European Waterways can be found at https://www.europeanwaterways.com/blog/top-unesco-sites-in-france/.
Book With Confidence
European Waterways' “Book with Confidence” policy provides flexibility in
rescheduling future cruises, should they be impacted by government
restrictions. The health and safety of guests are also top priorities, with strict
protocols in place that include crew and passenger temperature checks as well
as deep cleaning and disinfecting of all cabins and public surfaces on the
boats. For more information, visit www.europeanwaterways.com.
About European Waterways
Hotel Barging is a boutique, unique experience which offers an immersive,
all-inclusive “gentle voyage of discovery” that focuses upon the culture,
history, fine wine and gourmet cuisine of the region. With a 6 to 20 person
capacity and 1:2 crew ratio, European Waterways are able to provide an
impeccable level of on board service and can transport their guests on the
intimate inland waterways that are inaccessible to larger vessels. This
fascinating network of smaller canals allows for flexibility, spontaneity and
ample opportunity to hop off and explore the beautiful surroundings via
bicycle, or on foot. In addition to this there are daily, chauffeured
excursions “off the beaten track” to a wide variety of enthralling locations,
from exquisite wine tastings to private tours of stately homes. With over 40
years’ experience and a fleet that spans nine countries it is the largest
luxury hotel barging company in Europe. For more information, call
1-877-879-8808 in the U.S. and 1-877-574-3404 in Canada, or visit
www.europeanwaterways.com.
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