welcome on board ESPERANCE

Since more than twenty years, France Barging team has been offering cruises in the Mediterranean and on the European waterways giving the best of hospitality and entertainment .

We are now very proud to offer unique canal cruises on board Esperance for guests coming from all over the world and looking for an authentic experience.

This boat was such a rare find because she is one of the very last traditional Canal du Midi barges still cruising.

Choosing to cruise on Esperance is a genuine choice, a willingness to participate and maintain a part of the world cultural heritage related to the Canal du Midi ; a desire to enjoy the best France has to offer .

Dear Mathias, Dean, and Nathalie-

Thank you for an experience we will never forget. I keep looking at the pictures and remembering every wonderful moment, trying to prolong the vivid memories.

Mathias, the barge is incredible. As we kept mentioning, you have not missed anything. Every room, bathroom, seating area, upper deck is warm and comfortable. I can’t think of one thing you haven’t provided. I am in awe of the tabletop combinations you have and how you manage to store them. The dishware and glassware (plus multiple napkin folding) make every meal special. All these are things and add to the atmosphere but mainly, your humor and easy manor and willingness to share your experiences make for a perfect host.

Dean, what can I say? Every single meal was incredible. At the end of the week, I tried to write all the lunch and dinners down and was able to remember everything but a few desserts. They were all memorable. How you can do it all in your kitchen space and limited storage is beyond me. I also appreciate that you served appropriate portions so that on returning home, we’d only put on a few pounds. I will be dreaming of many of those meals for a long time.

Nathalie, thank you for getting us to all the sights in the area. Unfortunately, as you noticed, you got us after lunch when we all weren’t at our best (sleepy). Once we were out of the van though, you entertained us with castles, cathedrals, wine-tasting, shopping, everything the area had to offer.

Thank you for a wonderful time.

Gina and Jim

2011 CRUISES FEEDBACKS

The Esperance is a beautiful barge. We were so surprised to see a little car on board, a jacuzzi and 6 very nice bicycles. The moment we boarded the Esperance we were treated like we were royalty.

Mattias, the captain and owner, was so wonderful to us. I can't really describe the magical experience and do it justice. We would have dinner up on the deck and under the stars. Mattias would set the table with different dishes each night and candles, vases, little touches that were different each night.

The chef, Dean, cooked incredible dishes and desserts like I have never tasted before.Every morning Dean would bicycle to a different village to get fresh pastries, ham, cheese, etc.

We started in Carcassone and finished in Bezier. It was the most beautiful route with the Plain trees lining the edges.We have never been more relaxed as we sat on the lounge chairs and read, got some sun and enjoyed being together.

We had the choice of rooms since we chartered the barge for just the two of us. It would also be nice with another couple.Our room was very large with a huge walk in shower, a couch, chair, lots of windows and a very nice bathroom.

We were there last week in September and I know we will be back one day soon.

I wish there was a place on Trip advisor to review this barge. It is a trip not to be missed!!!

The highlight of the trip if I had to pick one was the day our tour guide, Nathalie designed a picnic and Dean, our barge chef made a delicious lunch for us to take to a vineyard at Chateau Villemange. It was an 8th generation vineyard where we helped pick (and eat , of course) the grapes. The owner Roger prepared the table in the vineyard's garden and poured us local wines after an elaborate tasting.

There was nothing about the trip we would change!!!!Mattias and Dean made the trip an exciting and magical adventure. We will miss them and the Esperance.

Robin & Joel

Esperance hotel barge cruising the Canal du Midi

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