From the Irish Hotel Barge Shannon Princess It’s that time of year when much of our Emerald Isle is in fact blue. There are carpets of bluebells in woodland and forests, also in hedgerows where their presence indicates ancient woodland. They represent constancy and everlasting love… their Latin name is Endymion and Endymion was the […]

Tastes of Gascony What better way to spend a relaxed, romantic holiday than sampling some of the country’s delectable delights aboard a barge cruise? Here are a few of the specialities you should definitely try… Authentic Armagnac This alcoholic beverage is a signature speciality of Gascony. While it does share some similarities with its counterpart

Celebrate Flower Power in Holland with Panache Keukenhof Gardens turns 70 this year. An important anniversary for one of Europe’s most revered and celebrated of gardens. Come aboard the Hotel Barge Panache this May to stroll among the tulips of this Dutch gem! Flower Power at Keukenhof Each year, Keukenhof Gardens chooses a theme on

Celebrate Flower Power in Holland with Panache Keukenhof Gardens turns 70 this year. An important anniversary for one of Europe’s most revered and celebrated of gardens. Come aboard the Hotel Barge Panache this May to stroll among the tulips of this Dutch gem! Flower Power at Keukenhof Each year, Keukenhof Gardens chooses a theme on

French Wine & Mustard from Burgundy Easily accessible by the Canal de Bourgogne, the cities of Dijon and Chablis are renowned worldwide for their signature offerings – unmatched mustard and incredible premier cru and grand cru wine. Dijon’s Magnificent Mustard In the Middle Ages, the Romans introduced growing mustard to Dijon and the crop flourished

French Hotel Barge Renaissance – Meet The Captain  French Hotel Barge Renaissance – Barge Cruises on the Canal de Briare Hadrien Famy Hadrien is a Parisian with a love and innate understanding of all things French. He spent two years working in Australia but his passion for travel was not alleviated. Upon his return to

French Hotel Barge Panache: Visit Alsace & Lorraine Where French and German culture collide, this is a region for the adventurer in you. There can be no better view than from Panache’s on deck spa pool (hot tub) as the leaves of the forested hillsides turn from green to gold to red to yellow. French

Downton Abbey Cruises We are pleased to announce that the English Hotel Barge Magna Carta has added the Highclere Castle excursion to several of their cruise weeks for the 2019 barging season. This unique trip to the iconic castle and fictional site of the highly popular TV series “Downton Abbey” is a limited opportunity. The

Let’s Make Chocolate Truffles for Valentines The Irish Hotel Barge Shannon Princess has an easy recipe to make chocolate truffles for Valentines Day. Let’s check it out! Yummy Delights Olivia says: For me Chocolates and St Valentine’s Day go hand in hand. Chocolate is always delicious as a treat & perhaps the most romantic gift

Fancy a barging trip in Scotland this year? Take a jaunt on the legendary Caledonian Canal and delve into traditional Scottish cuisine aboard Scottish Highlander or Spirit of Scotland. Those who choose to explore these beautiful waterways are in for a real treat. Gorgeous barges, decorated in typical Scottish country style furnishings, offer a comfortable