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This week with you on your beautiful barge has provided us with memories that will
be in our minds and our hearts for the rest of our lives.
Our agent had told us it would be a very special experience and that we would be very satisfied
with our choice.But we could not have imagined how truly remarkable and wonderful absolutely everything and very experience
has been.
The beauty and the comfort of ESPERANCE as our home for a week ; it always brought
a smile to our faces to see it as we returned from a long walk,a bike ride,or a tour in your vehicle.
The incredible food prepared by the chef ; its taste, its artistic presentation, and the
quiet joy on the chef's face as we raved about each meal.
The special sights and places you took us, each day a total surprise, filled with history
of many ages and cultures and civilizations; a richness we do not have the opportunity to experience in our country. On the
2 nd day we could pick a "favorite" place or experience, but by the end of our cruise, it is impossible to single out one
or two or three "most favorite" memories. it is all one beautiful impressionistic piece of art, with each color and image
playing its part in a treasured painting.
But the most appreciated of all is the care you each took to make sure every moment
was perfect, every memory was lasting, every need was anticipated and met with professionalism and human caring. Your sense
of humor accepted, matched and encouraged ours; You took us for who we are, and made us better and happier. You became not
just our hosts, but our friends. That is the most treasured gift we take with us.
The vacation of a lifetime...
Last night we returned from our cruise, very happy and satisfied ! It
was indeed a great experience, a two weeks cruise with a barge was something we never did all over the years of travelling.
Virtually all factors worked out positively : the first week along the Rhone , entirely different from the second
week along the Canal du Midi. Fine weather throughout , except for quite strong and cool winds at times .
Most important however the success depended on ship , Captain and Chef . In all respects we are extremely
satisfied . The barge was spacious , both below and on the topdeck , ample room for the four of us . Most important was the
very positive and warm attitude of Mathias .
He was in a very pleasant way fully " master of the ship " any wish or problem was solved forthwith
. We all are deeply impressed by is capabilities , professionally and as a person . He was assisted by a Chef , someone
with topranking capabilities , his cooking every day gave him new applause , it was delicious !!
You know we travelled a lot over more than fifty years , but this was one of those rare cruises when
we said :" what a pity it is over it should have lasted longer !! "
It was the best the South of France can offer , but the decisive factor was Mathias , the Esperance
and the Chef . Alltogether a perfect combination !!
The four of us had the most wonderful vacation on the
Esperance, the
week of May 28. Just as your other client had written, Mathias and
his chef are the best one could ever
hope for. They are so attentive,
professional, and genuinely kind. The food was so delicious. If you
mentioned a favorite
dish, the chef presented it to us the next day. The
sightseeing excursions were both informative and most enjoyable.
Everything
on board was immaculately clean.
We relaxed immediately and fell into the captivating spell of Provence.
The feeling
has followed us to our home.
We offer the highest recommendation for this cruise and its staff.
The food
was outstanding. The service provided by Mathias and his crew excellent.
The barge and it's facilities were 6 star.
We
had a wonderful time and will be back in the future. We have also made recommendations to friends.
We are used to the very
best, so this is high praise indeed.
The selection of Mathias' barge was perfect for us, and the half-board
arrangement
worked very well (except for one evening when we failed to
follow Mathias' recommendation for a restaurant!). His "crew"
and the
chef, prepared such memorable and beautiful lunches that we asked for
all his recipes. Mathias and his chef
took great care of us, and were very
sensitive to our every desire. Mathias did a great job of selecting the
places
to tour, and it was amazing how he was able to get his Mercedes SUV
to each stop by the next morning.
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