The whole trip was like a beautiful dream. Even the weather was perfect. I felt very special and very pampered.
-- B.J., Aboard Anacoluthe, June 2006
On a scale of 1-10, it was 10++++! A very unususal, different way to vacation. Bathrooms very sufficient. Loved all the barge decor and lovely table settings every evening.
-- L.J., NJ, USA, aboard Anjodi, October 2007
Wonderful. My Mom and I had a great time. The crew were so wonderful and helpful. The food was so good and they took care of me being a veggie. Cabins were bigger than we thought and the baths had big sinks. I would do this again.
-- K.W., Aboard Athos, August 2006
Especially well organized with excellent Captain and Hostess and an exceptional crew. Our expectations were very high and we were not disappointed. The service was absolutely tops. Julie and Lindsey are both intelligent and competent young ladies with an attitude that was friendly and helpful and added a lot the the enjoyment to our trip. Rob is a chef of the highest quality and we felt lucky to have him prepare our food. Dannielle is a delightful hostess, so well organized so well prepared, and such an easy person to be around.
-- D.S., WA, USA, aboard Athos, October 2006
We loved it. We are all boating peole and for us these cabins were very luxurious - particularly because they were big compared to other charters we've enjoyed. No surprise, since this is a barge rather than a sailboat. The food was wonderful - to have such a wonderful chef for 8 people was such an unexpected treat. The crew and Danielle were so nice and accomodating and helpful. We loved the trips in the mornings to places like Carcassonne - nice to have a car. We were very glad that we reserved the barge to ourselves. It was nice to have the extra space.
-- L.S., CA, USA, aboard Athos, October 2006
Absolutely super. Just wonderful. The crew was wonderful. Enjoyed gourmet cooking and kidding the chef. They took us on tours daily, and all were very very good. Scenery was beautiful and had gorgeous weather. Cabins were very good.
-- M.G. WI, USA, aboard La Belle Epoque, April 2007
Very interesting and well choreographed, the chosen guides were very knowledgeable and informative. The wines were well chosen and the meals well prepared and beautifully presented.
-- D.S., CA, USA, aboard Bonne Humeur, October 2006
Fantastic. Barge was great, staff just super, a thoroughly enjoyable experience. The chef was unbelievable, and Gerrard was a great host, driver, guide, wine steward, etc.
-- D.T., VA, USA, aboard Bonne Humeur, August 2006
We thoroughly enjoyed the trip. It was a larger boat and felt spacious and uncluttered. The staff was 5-star. Everyone had a pleasant and cheerful personality, and were available for anything you need. The scenery was nice, even if the weather didn't cooperate on a few occasions... watching the scenery from the Salon was very nice too. The bathrooms were large, with big showers, and a large mirror. Plenty of storage space too. The ship was spotless. The food was very good. My allergies (to fish) were handled perfectly by the staff and the chef.
-- J.E., HI, USA, aboard Le Charlemagne, June 2007
Everything was fabulous. Bob and Bobbie were great! We had no idea the food was going to be such a gourmet experience--it gave us a chance to do something we would never have done otherwise. That aspect might be emphasized to future clients--the quality of the restaurant stops and the whole gourmet experience.
-- M.C., Aboard La Chouette, June 2006
The trip was everything we had hoped for and more. The ambience was spectacular -- beautiful scenery, relaxing, great food, extremely comfortable boat and a friendly, efficient and informed crew.
-- A.B., Aboard Clair de Lune, June 2006
The most amazing vacation we have ever had! You have put together a wonderful and very professional group of people. They not only went above and beyond on our behalf, but they were the friendliest and most accommodating people we have had the pleasure of dealing with. I thoroughly enjoyed the impromtu cooking classes. It was great to not just enjoy the food, but learn something also. When we left, we felt like we were saying goodbye to friends. You should be very proud of this group of people. They always went above and beyond to make us happy.
-- D.F., ON, Canada, aboard Clair de Lune, June 2007
Every meal was fabulous. Eros is such a talented chef. You can tell he loves his work. The wine and cheese w. meals was also great and varied. In addition, Leon took us for a flight of reds at a local wine bar...terrific local wines and sausage/ham of duck and goose. That's pretty hard to top!
-- A.B., NY, USA, aboard La Dolce Vita, April 2007
We would just like to thank you once again for the stunning few days that we had the privilege to spend with you all on your wonderfully comfortable and well appointed barge, and for the way you made us feel part of the family! You absolutely went out of your way to make sure that the modified itinerary we had requested on short notice suited us and our three boys (despite it being different from you normal schedule!), and yet you made sure that we got to experience almost everything during our slightly condensed trip!! We have had an experience that we will cherish for the rest of our lives!!! From the tranquil canal cruising, the customised menus and wonderful meals (so thoughtfully catering for the boys' tastes as well!), the adventure visits to the Caves D'Arcy, the river kayaking on the Yonne, the tree climbing, the visit to the amazing Guedelon building site, the relaxed cycling into the surrounding villages and along the beautiful unspoilt French countryside, digging for fossils (and finding them!), taking care of the children while the men were out kayaking, to gracing us with your company at the sumptuous Captain's dinner on Thursday evening, you made sure that we had the adventure of a lifetime!
-- P.G., South Afica, Elisabeth, August 2006
Excellent trip, in the greatest comfort, with superb food and drink, served with professional flare. The organisation was calm and unobtrusive with schedules arranged as though we had all the time in the world, which we did but we could have done with more. Renee and Liz, Megan & SiSi all looked after our every wish.
-- J.S., Aboard Emma, June 2006
This was an experience of a lifetime and Liz and Rene were the perfect hosts. I couldn't possibly think of anything more they could have possibly done. They were lovely, kind, facilitating and terribly charming people. The young man, Christophe, who was working as the guide was such a wonderful human being.
-- S.A., CA, USA, aboard Emma, April 2007
It was an absolutely fabulous trip. Rene and Liz were wonderful hosts and did everything to make sure we had a perfect vacation. We had everything we needed right at our finger tips.
-- S.A., CA, USA aboard Emma, April 2007
Every meal was special. "This is the best thing I have ever eaten" was repeated often. Very interesting local foods were served and our tastes were taken into account. Cheese selection was varied and delicious. Wines were abundant and very good, several rising to the excellent category, just right for our tastes. Several unique and delicious after dinner drinks were served, if what you wanted was not on board it would be shortly (They had everything we wanted).
-- J.C., PA, USA, aboard Emma, October 2007
The barge was lovely, very comfortable. The food and wine were excellent and the crew were pleasant and helpful. There was great storage space for clothes, even a hanging closet, which is unexpected on a boat. The bathrooms were great with wonderful water pressure and plenty of hot water.
-- L.N., ME, USA, aboard Emma, September 2006
Just wonderful. It was just the right balance of activity and laid back relaxation in great setting with outstanding hosts and accomodations. Service was faultless. Everything ran very smoothly but more important was the positive attitude of our hosts and crew. You felt much more like special family friends than host and guests.
-- R.F., ME, USA, aboard Emma, January 2007
Fabulous! Anne and each member of her team rate the highest marks for their professionalism, style and kindness. Exceeded expectations. We particularly enjoyed the great selection of music, deck chairs and tables, and bicycles.
-- N.D., GA, USA, aboard Esprit, June 2007
Loved it! Great scenery, interesting side trips and more food than one could possibly consume!
-- L.D., Aboard Fandango, July 2006
I really think the staff are excellent, and they obviously enjoy their job, which makes for a successful trip and puts travellers at their ease.
-- M.O., aboard L'Art de Vivre, May 2007
The trip was exceptional-a relaxing vacation that also introduced us to a variety of new places and experiences. More than we could have done on our own, and without mishaps or getting lost! We missed being on the barge as soon as the trip was over! Special Places Travel provided efficient and helpful service and guidance; we greatly appreciate it.
-- M.W., Aboard Libellule, May 2006
Really Great Trip. Outstanding crew. So personable, professional, helpful. They worked so hard making everything seem seamless. Their humor and teamwork were very evident. Their enthusiasm for what they do is amazing. Great Food, great scenery. Loved the wine and cheeses.
-- L.M., Aboard Litote, July 2006
I can not recommend the barge trip enough. The staff were WAY beyond perfect -- meeting every need of ours before we even asked. There wasn't a complaint from anyone on board for the entire 6 days.
-- K.E., Aboard Litote, June 2006
The barge week was outstanding! It will rank as one of, if not the best vacation we've ever had. The scenery, the food and best of all the crew made the trip so special.
-- N.F., Aboard Litote, May 2006
We all had a wonderful time. Crew, tour guide, trips, meals & wine all excellent. Very relaxing and enjoyable trip made especially so by the fantastic tour guide and crew.
-- J.D., Aboard Litote, May 2006
The trip was excellent: crew was friendly and competent, our guide was especially charming and knowledgeable, and we enjoyed ourselves.
-- E.S., Aboard Litote, May 2006
Like the trip, the secret to the success of the trip was the planning and preparation. Based on some the stories we heard from our group regarding the assistance they received from their travel agent, your service and follow up was the best.
-- N.F., Aboard Litote, May 2006
Far exceeded anything we could have imagined. The presentations of the wines and cheeses was wonderful. The food was extraordinary. I just wish we could adequately put in words how much we enjoyed the Litote. I was hesitant about the barge experience and went because my husband has wanted to do this for years. I cannot say enough about the great time I had. I loved walking along next to the barge and the bike riding was fun.
-- C.F., CO, USA, aboard Litote, May 2007
We're writing to thank you for all your help in setting up our trip to Alsace. The barge was wonderful, the staff super and the passengers delightful. The beauty of the countryside overwhelmed us as did the French chef's cooking.
-- B.H., Aboard Lorraine, June 2006
Our trip on the Luciole was wonderfully relaxing, refreshing and a gastronomical delight. The boat was well maintained and appointed. Most of our time was enjoyed in the salon, on deck, walking, biking or exploring the beauty of the villages and countryside. We would highly recommend this trip to anyone who wants a relaxing vacation and enjoy the local wines and flavors of France.
-- G.C., Luciole, May 2007
It was beyond all our expectations!!! The crew was very friendly and yet they were all very professional. We all wanted Dave, the chef to follow us home so that we could continue to enjoy the fabulous meals. We were three generations and everyone had a wonderful time.
-- D.K., Aboard Marjorie II, August 2006
The trip exceeded our expectations and all 12 of us had a great experience.
-- B.B., Aboard Marjorie II, July 2006
The barge trip more than exceeded our expectations and was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience from beginning to end, largely due to the excellence of the crew.
-- J.S., Aboard Marjorie II, July 2006
Fabulous. The barge, our accommodations, our gracious hosts, and congenial crew all met or exceeded our expectations.
-- P.W., Aboard Meanderer August 2006
Absolutely fabulous and perfect in every way.
-- J.G., Aboard Meanderer July 2006
Relaxing and lovely. Great food and lovely accomodations. Crew was superb.
-- L.W., Aboard Meanderer July 2006
This barge trip was lovely. Especially nice to be with an owner-captain. Friendly efficient crew and a fabulous French chef.
-- S.M., Aboard Meanderer May 2006
First rate; helpful, responsive and friendly.
-- P.W., Aboard Meanderer, 2006
Could not have been better! Crew was wonderful. Barge was spectacular. Barge was very clean. Fresh towels all the time. Crew was very attentive & easy to get along with which was great. The best barge we have been on. Would definitely recommend any barge operated by Phil (the owner) & would definitely rebook on the Meanderer in the future.
-- E.T., MA, USA, aboard Meanderer, October 2006
Staff was wonderful! Accomodations very comfortable and spacious. Food exceptional. Scenery and landscape serene, breathtaking at times. The barge was impeccably clean and decorated beautifully. Everything seemed first class, including the bicycles which we had great use for and much fun riding through the countryside and villages (probably my favorite part of the trip).
-- M.S., IL, USA, aboard La Nouvelle Etoile, September 2006
I have been traveling on business and pleasure for some 45 years. This will have to have been mine and my wife's most memorable travel experience in all aspects. Besides the excellent meals, which would compare favorably with some of the best meals we have experienced in Paris and New York, we had the pleasure of savoring a variety of some eighteen cheeses and sixteen wines. I was so impressed I asked for a listing to take back with me to share with friends. We also found facinating the description of the wines and cheeses provided by the very knowledgeable staff. Unfortunately, we will never find any of these cheeses in the United States ...maybe some of the wines.
-- R.H., CT, USA, aboard Nymphea, September 2006
The service was fantastic. there was no need un-met. Everyone should go on this trip at least once in their lifetime. It was beautiful.
-- J.K., FL, USA, aboard Le Phenician, June 2007
The barge was beautiful, so well appointed and luxurious. What a fantasic job Bertrand, Marc and his father did in renovating an old working barge into something so great and special.
-- I.M., aboard Le Phenicien, April 2007
The barge trip was splendid! The services by both Richard, Kathy, their wonderful staff and Special Places Travel were top notch.
-- D.R., Aboard Le Premier May 2006
First Class... very impressive. Everyday was a high point!
-- R.M., aboard Le Premier, June 2007
Extraordinary, from the beginning at our hotel in Paris and back to our hotel with, of course seven days on a magnificient boat in between. Kid glove treatment throughout. First class trip. The meals were very, very good. The chef (Kathy), at the outset, asked us what we liked and did not like and then proceeded for seven days to prepare meals that were up to our expectations. They were elagantly served by Tiffany. We even chose not to go out once for dinner at a restaurant. The wines were very good and generously bestowed.
-- J.R., aboard Le Premier, October 2006
It will be hard to surpass this experience or even come close. Excellent--Kelsey, Eric, Ann, Rejane, Jonathan and Spencer could not have been more pleasant and delightful.
-- S.N., NJ, USA, aboard Prosperite, June 2007
Eric is a wonderful cook, and the wine choices were top-notch and provided an excellent overview of the range of choices available. I am a critical guy, and always have some criticism in me. But this is a first for me, as I have none to offer. There's not one thing I would change. The whole experience from first contact with you to the drop-off at our hotel, rated a 10 out of 10.
-- J.M., FL, USA, aboard Prosperite, May 2007
It was a trip of a lifetime. An experience that was so wonderful, it is hard to put into words. We will never forget our special time on the Roi Soleil. The cruising was beyond beautiful. We had to pinch ourselves- it was like a fairytale. Seeing castles off in the distance, fields of vineyards, and witnessing the spring poppies was hypnotizing.
-- P.E., Aboard Roi Soleil, June 2006
Everyone was so helpful. It seemed that everyone in your office was working on making our trip perfect.
-- P.E., Aboard Roi Soleil, June 2006
Absolutely outstanding. We were immediately made to feel at home. All of the crew were personable, polite, helpful. Each of them were ideally suited to their tasks. I can't imagine any crew doing it better.
-- J.A., Aboard Saroche, August 2006
Absolutely first class. Outstanding in every regard.
-- H.G., Aboard Saroche, August 2006
The barge trip turned out to be even more wonderful than we expected. We were very surprised at how much we loved the barge. We couldn't wait to get back to the barge when we were out. We loved the trips down the canals and we were entranced by the wilderness of the Carmargue region. The service and attention to detail on the barge was spectacular. We loved the "cottage" feel of the decor and the relaxing atmosphere, while the experience of the food, wine, and service was nothing but elegant. On top of that, we loved their music collection. We will always remember cruising and listening to great music. Kevin and Jody and the crew, made us feel welcome from the moment we were picked up at the train. They made us feel completely at home on the barge and we felt like they became dear friends.
-- B.G., NY, USA, aboard Saroche, May 2007
The barge trip on the Savoir Faire was awesome!! The entire trip was well beyond all our expectations. Captain Chris and Fran were the perfect host and hostess - very attentive to all our needs and very warm and caring to our entire family. They were very intelligent and knowledgeable and great to talk to about so many things. They became part of our family. Our children and grandchildren were thrilled and delighted with every aspect of the trip.
-- T.C., Aboard Savoir Faire, June 2006
The whole barge trip was extraordinary and the perfect vacation for celebrating a 70th birthday. What a perfect way to travel with our entire family (14 in all). Please extend a thank you and lots of love to all aboard the Savoir Faire. We loved every minute of our trip. Thank you!
-- T.C., Aboard Savoir Faire, June 2006
It was a lovely cruise down a very pretty canal with a marvelous crew. The food was outstanding and a great selection of wines made the meals a highlight of the day. Loved the history from the very old to relatively recent, the wine tasting, the olive oil tasting, and the special surprises. It was an unforgetable week, and the crew made a months worth of relaxation possible in a week. No phones, no e-mail, and no TV - perfect.
-- E.B., Aboard La Tortue, July 2006
Dawn and Jason did a wonderful job. They made us feel very welcome and did their best to look after our every wish. We hope they enjoyed the cruise as much as we did and we wish them both much luck!
-- J.C., BC, aboard Who Knows, June 2007
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Special Places Travel, LLC "Barges in France (and the rest of Europe) ... for the experience of a lifetime!" ™
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