In France, the fall means wine harvest season. It is a festive time of year across France, providing opportunities for foodies and wine lovers alike to experience many of the country’s cultural and gastronomic traditions. With European Waterways, guests have the chance to enjoy experiential excursions such as a truffle hunting adventure in the heart of the French countryside, as well as a private lunch and tasting at the Bouchard Pére et Fils winery in the Burgundian wine capital of Beaune.
European Waterways’ guests can experience exclusive opportunities like these, while also taking advantage of last-minute specials of up to 20 percent off on select cruises and dates, when booked before August 8, 2018.
Wine and Dine
One of the most prominent events throughout France in the fall is the wine harvest, and European Waterways’ guests can participate in celebrations that pay homage to the time-honored rituals of the season. Activities include guided tours of historic cellars, wine and food tasting, live music, and gourmet dining at area restaurants.
Guests can experience the wine harvest on the eight-passenger hotel barge Finesse. Cruising Southern Burgundy, guests can enjoy a private wine tasting and gastronomic lunch in the Puligny and Chassagne Montrachet vineyards, as well as a guided tour and subsequent tasting at the Château de Chamirey.
Last-minute specials are still available on select September and October cruises that offer prices starting at $6,075 per person, based on double occupancy, when booked before August 8, 2018.
The Languedoc region of France is today at the forefront of experimental French winemaking, making it an ideal spot for oenophiles. Cruising through the South of France on the historic Canal du Midi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the 8-passenger Anjodi and the 8-passenger Enchanté are ideal for exploring the harvest season. European Waterways is offering 10 percent off on select departures in September and October, with prices starting at $4,221 per person, based on double occupancy, when booked before August 8, 2018.
The harvest arrives later in September and early October in the Alsace & Lorraine region. Guests can sail aboard the 12-passenger Panache, which explores the famed Route des Vins d’Alsace and offers private wine tastings and Alsatian cuisine.
Panache guests can also enjoy a ride on the Arzviller boat elevator and take in the autumnal surroundings as their boat is hoisted up the slope on this mechanical structure. Some last-minute specials are still available on select cruises, with prices starting at $5,350 per person, based on double occupancy, when booked before August 8, 2018.
Truffle Hunting
For guests who want to hunt truffles in France, October is one of the best times to go, with the 12-passenger L’Impressionniste the ideal “floating boutique hotel” for the occasion. Other itinerary highlights include cruising through the postcard-perfect Ouche Valley and visits to historic cities such as Beaune, the unofficial “wine capital” of Burgundy, and Dijon, Burgundy’s ancient capital. Rates on L’Impressionniste start at $5,150 per person, based on double occupancy.
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