Afloat in France tie up with Orient-Express Hotels, Trains & Cruises

Wednesday, 26 May 2004. 

Afloat in France operates bespoke cruises by ‘péniche’, with a fleet of five of these deluxe barges, on some of the most beautiful inland waterways of France. Each péniche is individual in design and lavishly appointed, can accommodate 6 to 12 guests and offers high quality dining and tailor made itineraries. 

Nick Varian, Vice President of Orient-Express Hotels, Trains & Cruises, said that the company had been interested in the opportunities and special experiences afforded by the French rural waterways for some time. 

“During the course of 2003 we became aware of the luxurious quality of the Afloat in France boats and product. We feel that the Orient-Express philosophy of creating unique travel experiences in five star surroundings fits very well with the niche that the Afloat in France team has developed,” added Mr. Varian. 

Each péniche is available for private hire between April and October, giving guests the opportunity to have their own floating house party. Individual cabins can also be booked on some boats and all have an atmosphere conducive to complete relaxation. 

All itineraries are tailor made to reach into the heart of rural France. Burgundy, Provence, the Rhône Vallée and Languedoc-Roussillon all feature extensively usually within a week long cruise on a fully inclusive basis. 

The crew are largely British and French and each péniche has a pilot, guide, housekeeper and chef. The on board guide can arrange specially tailored land programmes for each party, from private vineyard or chateau visits to biking or ballooning. Each péniche has bicycles on board and its own chauffeured air-conditioned mini-bus on standby so guests can explore the rural French countryside or local cultural attractions. Transfers to and from Paris are by means of TGV. 

Fleur de Lys and Amaryllis are the ultimate in French péniches and sleep 6 and 8 respectively. They have sundecks and are the only two péniches on the French inland waterways to have outdoor heated pools.  Both are for private hire and can be booked together to travel in tandem for a larger group. 

Alouette and Hirondelle sleep 6 and 8 respectively. They are ideal to hire for a family holiday or cabins can be booked individually. Each has a sundeck, a spacious salon and a dining room with plenty of books and games to keep guests entertained whilst on board. They can also be booked together to travel in tandem for larger groups. 

The river cruiser Napoleon accommodates up to 12 people and can be booked on a per cabin basis as well as being privately hired. It has a sundeck with Jacuzzi as well as an area on the upper deck for alfresco dining. 

“Péniche cruising with Orient-Express is a great alternative to a staffed villa holiday as well as a great opportunity to learn about and experience a more traditional French lifestyle,” added Mr. Varian.  

“The boats accommodate 6 to 12 passengers in the same space as other operators put 18 to 24, giving our guests rather more spacious surroundings in which to enjoy a cruise that is as relaxing or as structured as they desire.” 

Orient-Express offers three and six night cruises which can be combined with an optional stay in the company’s Hôtel de la Cité in Carcassonne on selected routes.

Fleur de Lys can be hired for a week long fully inclusive cruise through Burgundy from £3,670 per person including transfers, meals and drinks on board, use of air-conditioned mini-bus and all shore activities featured in a personalised itinerary. 

Alouette can be hired for a fully inclusive 3 night cruise on the Canal du Midi through the Bordeaux wine region from £1,690 per person.

A week long fully inclusive cruise on board Napoleon on the Rhône / Sôane rivers costs from £2,930 per person based on 2 adults sharing a double cabin. This includes return Eurostar to Paris and onward 1st Class TGV train connections to join the péniche, all meals and drinks on board and all shore activities outlined in the itinerary.

Transfers from London or Venice to Paris on the legendary Venice Simplon-Orient-Express can also be arranged. 

For further information on all Orient-Express péniche cruises with Afloat in France call 0845 077 2222 or visit www.orient-express.com 

For further media information contact Kathryn Malone at Orient-Express public relations on 0207 805 5064 or email Kathryn.malone@orient-express.com. High resolution images of the fleet are available at http://213.235.14.20/lispics1