With capacity for up to four guests in two private cabins at opposite ends of the barge, our standard trip is six nights aboard the motorship “Nooit Volmaakt” (Monday 1500h – Sunday 1000h).   We are also pleased to customize your trip - please contact us so that we can work together on a three, four or five day trip to meet with your travel itinerary.  We’re flexible!

CRUISING THE CANALS

We avoid rigid schedules, but usually get underway soon after breakfast and proceed at a gentle pace along the canal. You can join us in the wheelhouse, relax on reclining chairs on deck or lounge on the foredeck, where the only sounds you will hear are the chorus of birds and whispers of water slipping past the bow.

Stopping for the day by 1400h or 1500h allows for time to explore ashore, compare restaurant menus and visit a chateau or cathedral if Michelin insists. 

ACCOMMODATIONS

The two private cabins include those features we like to find in a country inn –big cushy beds, down comforters and good reading lights. The aft cabin has a king bed and the forward cabin has two twin beds which can be joined.  The common areas include a bright, airy salon with easy chairs and lots of books and a kitchen/dining area with big windows looking out over the canal. “Nooit Volmaakt” has one shower on board and both cabins have sinks. 

To see more photos of our barge and her accommodation click on this link: "Nooit Volmaakt"

CUISINE

We welcome you with dinner aboard the first night and provide breakfast and lunch daily along with French wines, beer, bottled water and ice cream for those who need some fortification while reading or lounging around…

We take breakfast and lunch seriously aboard “Nooit Volmaakt”: guest crew members ease into the day with a full, French style breakfast.  Lunch includes a variety of salads, charcuterie, breads, cheeses and wines, reflecting the best of local marketplaces.

After exploring local villages, most guest crews like to gather back at the barge for complementary drinks at dusk before setting off to town for dinner – there is always a restaurant nearby that cries out to be sampled.  Or, if you prefer, you are welcome to join us in the experience of shopping at wonderful rural markets and in the preparation of a casual dinner on board.  We are always pleased to accommodate special dietary requirements.

TRAVEL LOGISTICS

  • Train schedules are available through the superb French rail site. http://www.sncf.co.uk/tgv.asp   It is so important to check the schedule carefully, reading the small print, as France has numerous public holidays/celebrations which can interfere with regular train services.  Fares are less expensive if booked more than 24 hours ahead.
  • Just prior to your arrival please phone us to confirm that we are where we should be!
  • The European train system is superb - fast and punctual. We have a cell phone on board (within France: 06.24.30.68.62). Just let us know your ETA and we will endeavour to meet you at the train/bus station and help you with your luggage. (Luggage with wheels is advisable.)

INTERNET AND PHONE 

  • Free internet for email use is available on board in most locations (a few spots along the canal have limited access).  We request that this use be limited to half an hour daily so that all guests have access. 
  • We have a mobile phone.

PERSONAL LIABILITY, TRAVEL CANCELLATION & MEDICAL INSURANCE

  • We strongly advise you to include sufficient insurance to cover all potential eventualities for your stay with us. Foreign health care can be expensive and we cannot accept liability for injury, death or disablement from whatever cause while you are travelling with us. We recommend that you consider trip cancellation insurance just in case of an unexpected cancellation.

REFUND POLICY

  • If your cancellation provides us with sufficient lead time for us to rebook your cabin, we will be pleased to refund your deposit.
  • We will provide a partial refund for unused full days in the event of the cruise being cut short. All advance contributions will be refunded without interest if the entire cruise is cancelled. 

 

PRIVACY PROMISE

We will not give out or sell our mailing list or pass on any other information about our guest crew.  We wouldn't like it. We do not think you would either.  We also will not post pictures of you enjoying your vacation on our website unless you give us permission!