Luxury Travel Advisor attended a press conference this week hosted by Sud de France. Le Boat, European Waterways, CroisiEurope, bedsonline, and XL Airways, were in attendance and spoke about their recent developments in the region. In fact, after a realignment of France’s regions, the Sud de France or Région Occitanie – as it now can be referred to – still has plenty of hidden secrets. Here's the latest from suppliers operating in the region.
XL Airways will be offering seasonal flights from JFK to Paris this winter. Flights in December run on the days of the 16, 17, 18, 19, 21, 23, 26, 28 and 30 and flights in January run on the 1,2,4, and 6. The flights depart at 9:25 p.m. from New York. The lowest rates, when available, run under $600 with taxes included.
Le Boat, the self-driven yacht company, will be adding 16 two-bedroom barges this year with 47 more planned for next year. Their current fleet of barges range from one to five cabins – guests simply dock in areas of their choice; though they also have the ability to create an itinerary with Le Boat.
European Waterways’ On remaining select 2016 departures, travelers may receive $2,500 off per cabin and $8,000 off full boat charters. In addition, European Waterways is offering a free hotel night with all new bookings for the remainder of 2016.
CroisiEurope plans to add seven boats to its fleet in the next two years. All of their ships are built in the company-owned shipyard, while their itineraries range from four to 40 days. For those travelers looking for an itinerary that highlights wine, consider the "Discover the Fabulous World of Vines and Wine." This six-day journey sails through the famed wine region.
Avanti Currently offers a nine-day package through Sud de France with stops in Biarritz, Midi-Pyrénées, Carcassonne, and Sarlat for a taste of the region’s medieval cities, pre-historic caves, cuisine, and wine.
Bedsonline works with 30,000 hotels in major cities across Europe, providing agencies accommodations and travel extras. This service also offers direct transfers of online services for major cities such as Paris and Madrid, in addition to putting together excursions for travelers. Advisors looking to book through bedsonline can use the website and API.
Rail Europe provides service through France. The train service is perfect for any land-based trip or for a pre- and post- adventure. Now, travelers can get extra travel days on the Eurail Global Pass. This includes two extra days on a 15-day pass, three extra days on a 22-day pass, and five additional days on a one-month consecutive pass. Book this special deal by September 29.