Activities | Prices | Includes/Not included  
 "Mainly Monet" Route | "Champagne Cruise" Route | "Taste of Burgundy" Route

A luxurious, fully inclusive, trip through the French waterways, with gourmet food and fine wines.

Originally a traditional Dutch motor barge, built in 1934 for carrying cargoes along the inland waterways of Europe, La Chouette has now been lovingly and professionally converted into a luxury charter barge for up to six guests in the space often devoted to twice that number.  

The cruise, which takes you through the French canal system offers a choice of three routes and is fully inclusive.

Relax on board as we take you along the tranquil waters of a canal and river system steeped in history, stopping to chauffeur you to sights of interest along the way. 

Sleepy waterside villages will unfold their secrets to an enquiring explorer. Majestic chateaux will enchant. The warmth and welcome you will receive from the local people will both enthrall and captivate you.

Food and wine are taken very seriously by both the French and your hosts Bob and Bobbie Marsland. Themselves lovers of good food, they make certain that whilst on board La Chouette you dine royally.

Their passion for French food extends to taking you out to sample many of the local restaurants along each route. Included in the price of your holiday these restaurants are specially chosen by your hosts for the quality of their food and wine.  

Many of these restaurants are featured in guidebooks. 

Breakfast is very relaxed on board La Chouette, the coffee pot will be on and the croissants warming ready for you.

Lunches,  when served on board, will consist of a buffet selection of salads, pate cold meats, home-made quiches, a variety of cheeses and fresh baked deserts. Four course dinners, when served on board in the evenings, are of the very highest quality.

If after all this food and wine you feel the need for a little gentle exercise ask to borrow the mountain bikes.

This year there is a choice of three routes, click on the title to reveal the full detailed itinerary.

"Mainly Monet" between Paris and Rouen

Beginning with a Champagne Cruise through Paris, during the week we will also be visiting :-

• Monet’s home and garden at Giverny 

• Marmottan museum housing more than 100 Monet paintings

• Rouen Cathedral

• Impressionist multi-media spectacular at Chateau d’Auvers sur Oise

• Richard the Lionheart’s 12^th Century fortress at Les Andelys    

"Champagne Experience" between Paris and Epernay

Beginning with a Champagne Cruise through Paris during the week we will also:- 

• have a private tasting of Brie de Meaux cheese with Givry red wine

• Visit Hautvillers, home of Dom Perignon, fabled creator of champagne

• Visit Reims Cathedral

• Visit Moet & Chandon’s sister champagne caves of Mercier

"A Taste of Burgundy" between Paris and Auxerre

Beginning with a Champagne cruise through Paris during our week we will also be:

• visiting Barbizon, famed village of the Pre-Impressionist painters in the Fontainbleau Forest

• visiting the Mediaeval town of Moret-sur-Loing  

• having a private wine tasting at Cotes St Jacques and visit to the 12^th Century wine press

• visiting the magnificent spired city of Auxerre. 

• Irancy, a picturesque village which produces superb red wine

• having a wine tasting – the world renowned dry white Chablis.

All cruises begin on Thursday, mid afternoon, and end the following Wednesday after breakfast.

2003 Programme between 15th May and 1st October

On Board

Lounge and Dining Area

The interior of the boat is carpeted throughout and decorated in traditional style with extensive use being made of mahogany panelling and brass fittings.

This, together with the tasteful soft furnishings, creates a charming and restful atmosphere.

There are comfortable lounge, dining and bar areas where you can relax with a book or listen to your favourite music.

You will also discover on board a small library, a TV and video, a CD music system and a selection of games

There is both air conditioning and central heating,  bicycles, hair dryers and a comfortable people carrier/mini bus for excursions. 

Each spacious stateroom has a large double bed which may be converted to twin beds if you prefer.

There is a dressing table and plenty of cupboard and wardrobe space.

All staterooms have their own en suite bathroom with a shower, wash basin and WC.

There is a vast sun-deck on which to laze, soak up the sun and view the passing scenery. At the front of the boat there is a table area where we usually serve lunch, beneath the cooling shade of a giant parasol.

The thoughtful design of this boat lets you be a part of or apart from the rest of the party as you choose. Everything has been planned with your comfort in mind.

What to Wear / Bring: -

Life is very relaxed on La Chouette and we recommend you bring casual clothing, pocket money and your personal toiletries. If you have any questions please don't hesitate to telephone or email the office who will be happy to help.

For more information please contact us at:   Free Spirit Travel   or call on:   01273-564230

Updated 22/05/2004