European Waterways, Europe’s largest hotel barge cruising company, is offering two free nights at the 4-star Hotel Westminster in central Paris for guests who charter the luxury hotel barge Renaissance in 2017. The hotel stay includes breakfast and can be used either pre- or post-cruise. This offer can also be combined with current specials on the Renaissance of 10% off charters for select departures in April and May and 10% off per cabin on select departures in May. Booking deposits must be made by January 6, 2017 to be eligible.
Offering a truly scenic voyage through France’s Upper Loire region on the Canal de Briare, the Renaissance cruise is “the perfect setting” for a wedding anniversary celebration or small family reunion, according to managing director Derek Banks.
“The intimate, eight-passenger Renaissance is the height of luxury and fine dining as it cruises France’s oldest canal through lush, rolling countryside and storybook villages,” said Banks. “Guests can enhance their vacation experience with a stay at the ‘crown jewel’ of Paris hotels, the Hotel Westminster. Its central location will enable them to visit nearby, ‘must see’ attractions that include Place d’Opéra, the Tuileries Gardens, and the designer shops in Place Vendôme.”
At less than two hours from central Paris via European Waterways’ private chauffeur service, the Renaissance cruise is popular for its gourmet dining and excursions that include châteaux tours, private wine tastings and cultural attractions in a region famous for its white wines. Cruise highlights include a visit to a renowned Sancerre winery and a tour of the privately owned Château de la Bussière, known as the “fishermen’s castle” for its collection of freshwater fish. The château also features giant wooden games in the courtyard that can be enjoyed by children.
Guests will also delight in crossing the River Loire on the elevated aqueduct at Briare, built by Gustave Eiffel – the same architect of the Eiffel Tower. For culture lovers, there will be visits to the magnificent Château de Fontainebleau, once home to the French royal family, and to the old town of Moret-sur-Loing, the home and final resting place of the impressionist painter Alfred Sisley.
Prices are all-inclusive and include all gourmet meals, fine wines, open bar, escorted daily excursions and local transfers to and from the hotel barge and a designated meeting place.
