European Waterways Expands Presence in Southern France with Addition of "Clair de Lune" Luxury Hotel Barge

NEW YORK, NY, December 06, 2012 (Press-News.org) European Waterways is proud to announce the addition of luxury hotel barge Clair de Lune to its fleet for the 2013 season, cruising on the Canal Du Midi from April through November 2013. The luxury "floating hotel" will cruise through Southern France, or Le Midi in French, between the picturesque village of Le Somail and the medieval fortified city of Carcassonne. Its addition continues in the tradition of European Waterways, the largest luxury hotel barge cruise operator in Europe with a reputation for providing top class service.

"We are very excited to add Clair de Lune to our offerings in 2013," said Derek Banks, Managing Director of European Waterways. "On all of our hotel barge cruises, we strive to provide customers with the perfect blend of luxury, relaxation, and unforgettable cultural, scenic and gastronomical experiences."

One of the Fleet
Constructed by the same builders who built luxury hotel barge Anjodi, the six-passenger Clair de Lune is built to the highest standards, featuring three contemporary double or twin junior suites with en suite facilities. The luxury floating hotel is tastefully furnished with cherry wood and African hardwoods and exudes an atmosphere of style and sophistication. It boasts spacious common areas, including a large sun deck equipped with spa pool, perfect for soaking in the sun and enjoying the scenery while drifting slowly through the countryside.

In preparation for its "maiden voyage" as a member of European Waterways, Clair de Lune has undergone numerous inspections and upgrades to ensure its readiness to join the "European Waterways family."

"Our aim is to make sure that every vessel in our fleet meets the highest standards," Banks explained. "And we are sure that Clair de Lune will satisfy the high expectations that we - and our guests - have come to expect from the European Waterways brand."

As with all European Waterways vessels, Clair de Lune offers all-inclusive cruises, featuring six-nights in an air-conditioned cabin, an attentive English speaking crew, gourmet local specialties prepared by an onboard master chef and accompanied by fine wines, guided local excursions, and bikes on board for every passenger.

"Clair de Lune will join our hotel barges Anjodi, Athos, and Enchante on the picturesque Canal du Midi, offering our customers more choices for departures and cruise options in the region," said Banks. "Accommodating a maximum of only six passengers, it is an intimate, upscale hotel barge, making it an ideal choice for charter bookings with friends and family. The route also allows for good tandem opportunities for larger groups with any of our other three hotel barges on the canal."

Clair de Lune Itinerary Highlights
Cruises on Clair de Lune will feature a diverse itinerary, carefully designed to take in all that Le Midi has to offer. Among the highlights of the journey is a visit to the historic city of Narbonne, an ancient Mediterranean capital and the first Roman settlement outside of Italy. Guests will also enjoy private wine tastings at the Domaine Massamier La Mignarde and Château Villemagne; a visit to the hilltop villages of Montolieu, labeled "Village of the Books" and renowned for its many book stores and art exhibits; and a visit to Minerve, called one of "The Most Beautiful Villages Of France."

About European Waterways
The hotel barging experience is different from large vessel river cruising. It offers a slower paced, "gentle voyage of discovery" along the more intimate canals and waterways of Europe, allowing a small number of guests to become more fully immersed in the culture, history and gastronomy of the region. European Waterways is Europe's largest all-inclusive luxury hotel barging company, offering vacations in nine countries and carrying over 2,000 passengers a year. Founded nearly 40 years ago, they design, build, own and operate a private fleet of luxury hotel barges with cruises in France, Italy, Scotland, Ireland, England, Germany, Belgium, Holland and Luxembourg. Pioneers in hotel barging, they were the first company to operate a hotel barge on the Upper Nivernais in Burgundy, and the "real" Loire Valley. They are also the only company offering hotel barge cruises in Scotland and in the Venetian lagoon and River Po valley.