Warming Temperatures Make Spring in Southern France the Perfect Time for a European Waterways Luxury Hotel Barge Cruise

Online, February 15, 2011 (Newswire.com) - While Paris in the spring has always enjoyed a well-deserved reputation among travelers, the true connoisseur also knows that the southern French countryside, which includes the Midi and Gascony, offers its own unique, natural beauty and romance. Springtime is one of the sunnier periods of the year, with the region basking in plenty of warm sun and temperatures climbing into the pleasant 60s. It is ideal weather for long, leisurely strolls through historic villages, fragrant vineyards, and medieval castles. The hills come to life with almond blossoms and the scent of lavender and thyme. A bright, clear light reveals a land that is "radiant and sunny and covered with flowers," in the words of Vincent van Gogh, whose fascination with the vibrant colors of spring in the South of France led to more than fourteen paintings of orchards in less than a month.

The Midi in the South of France and Gascony in the Southwest cover the region of the country that borders the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean. European Waterways, Europe's largest luxury hotel barge cruise company, offers some of the most memorable barge cruise options in this region, with a wide range of excursions and daily activities that take full advantage of the excellent weather and blossoming countryside.

A Taste of the Good time
European Waterways' 8-passenger Anjodi, a classic Dutch barge featuring African hardwoods, handcrafted paneling and shiny brass, offers the perfect opportunity to experience the cuisine and the cultural heritage of the south of France. The vessel features a choice of four staterooms with full en-suite facilities, and a spacious sun deck with a heated sunken Jacuzzi. It was specifically rebuilt to navigate one of France's most famous landmarks, the 300 year old Canal du Midi (canal of the two seas). The canal, a World Heritage site, is the most popular barging route in Europe. It meanders through thousands of square miles of vineyards and introduces travelers to a unique cuisine that combines Provencal and traditional flavors, highlighted by fresh sea food as well as excellent local wines.

Among the excursions offered on the Anjodi is a tour of Carcassone, the most complete medieval walled city in existence and a UNESCO World Heritage site, and a visit to Pezenas, a village associated with French playwright Moliere. During the cruise, European Waterways' guests also visit the 12th century hill-top fort in the village of Minerve, considered "one of the most beautiful villages in France," and enjoy private wine tastings of Corbières and Minervois wines at the distinguished Châteaux Guery and Perdiquier.

The Anjodi currently has a special offer of $3000 off the whole charter price for six to eight passengers for cruises in March and April 2011. Vessel must be booked by February 25 to qualify. Other conditions may apply.

A Delight to the Senses
European Waterways' Enchante follows a similar route as Anjodi, with excursions to Carcassone and Minerve, as well as to Lagrasse with its 8th century abbey. Passengers will also explore Narbonne's colorful indoor market. Here, they will find fresh produce that includes vegetables, fruits, spices, as well as large barrels of olives, mounds of shellfish, oysters, and other seafood, plump figs, honey, and a wide variety of nuts.

Other highlights include a visit to a traditional 'Oulibo' or olive press to sample the famous Lucques olive oil and a private wine tasting in Saint Chinian, the first village in the region to receive the enviable French A.O.C. rating, one of the world's oldest and strictest systems for designation of wines and quality control.

Tastefully furnished in a contemporary style, Enchante offers a bright, spacious saloon with all the modern amenities, including internet connections and a sound system. A master chef onboard whips up some of the most delectable, regional specialties, served with fine local wines. The spacious sun deck is perfect for al fresco dining and has an inviting spa pool. Bicycles are available to be used at any point during the cruise.

Enchante is offering $1,000 off per cabin, based on double occupancy for its April 10 and April 17 departures, as well as a substantial $5,000 off the whole boat charter price for six to eight passengers for its April 24 departure. Travelers must book by February 25 to take advantage of these special offers. Other conditions may apply.

A Rose-Colored View
Spring is also the perfect time to come aboard European Waterways' Rosa to cruise the Canal Lateral a la Garonne, the continuation of the Canal du Midi that meanders through Gascony towards Bordeaux. Milder temperatures make it ideal for enjoying the "douceur de vivre" (the "sweetness of life") in Gascony. One of the least populated areas of southern France, it is a haven for people in search of tranquility and relaxation.

The 8-passenger Rosa has been completely renovated and features four guest rooms, comfortable seating and a cozy bar. A wide sundeck offers passengers the perfect vantage point from which to enjoy the spring weather and great scenery. Amenities include bicycles and a spa pool on the sundeck. Four knowledgeable crew members, including a talented chef, offer personal attention to all their guests.

Highlights of the cruise include visits to the historic towns of Montauban & Auvillar. Mountaban is the second oldest of the bastides - towns built during the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries - in Southern France. Auvillar is famous for its art galleries and wine. During the cruise, passengers will also experience the crossing of a 1000 foot aqueduct and enjoy tastings at producers of two of the area's best known products - Armagnac and foie gras.

Rosa offers $3,000 off its whole boat charter price for six to eight passengers for all April and May 2011 departures, as well as $1,000 off per cabin, based on double occupancy, for its May 15 and June 12 departures. Guests must book by February 25 to qualify. Other conditions may apply.

Complete information and departure dates, along with discounts on many luxury hotel barges throughout France and Europe, can be found on the European Waterways site, http://www.gobarging.com.

"The south of France remains one of the best areas to experience the arrival of spring, become immersed in the history and culture of the country, and enjoy the regional wines and cuisine the way the French do," said Derek Banks, Managing Director of European Waterways. "With so many cruise options and excellent values available, why wait any longer to book the vacation of a lifetime?"