Canal du Midi Cruises » Colibri
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info@boutiquehotelbarges.com
Colibri is a beautifully maintained vessel with a light and spacious interior and a beautiful garden on deck. You will feel immediately at home, relaxing into the comfort of this professionally run cruise.
Please contact us for rates and availability for 2024
Not only were our expectations met, but greatly exceeded. The barge is thoughtfully well appointed with such attention to detail, from the comfortable beds, linens and towels to the beautiful table settings. We have never experienced such pampering and fine service. The friendly family atmosphere that you have created only serves to enhance the experience.
A & G, British Columbia
Colibri is a classic Dutch Luxemotor canal barge, built in Friesland Holland in 1931, and lovingly converted from her cargo carrying days into a luxury hotel barge. Colibri has been completely refitted in 2004 and a upon the splendid foundations we have added a touch of luxury and an air of relaxed elegance.
Barge Colibri will be cruising the beautiful Alsace Valley in 2024. Join us and cruise aboard a luxury hotel barge, whilst being indulged with gourmet cuisine, fine wines, and daily excursions to the regions sites. A true luxury travel vacation.
The unforgettable barge cruise vacation
Colibri offers a week cruising through the beautiful Alsace Valley as it follows the meandering contours of the land surrounded by vineyards and historical villages.
About Owners Earl and Fiona
We really enjoy welcoming our guests aboard Colibri and sharing our cruising with you. Each cruise is special and different. The country side changes, new plants blossoming, colourful spring birds, first fruits, autumn leaves, and of course our guests, all different and sharing the cruise and many other experiences with us, be it musical lunches at the Narbonne markets or owls hooting over head at night. Sharing our passion for Colibri and cruising the canals is a great pleasure, and of course the fine foods and wines of the region.
We have worked for many years in the luxury yachting industry, cruising the Mediterranean, Caribbean, from Australia to Alaska and have now chosen to make the canals of France our cruising ground. Having married in France and fallen in love with the country, life style, foods and wines, we can think of no better place to cruise.
Luxury Hotel Barge
Colibri is a superb luxury hotel barge, The deluxe accommodation offers elegance and comfort whilst maintaining a relaxed atmosphere for up to four guests. The delicious cuisine, sumptuous wines and high level of service go together to make the most wonderful barge cruise vacation.
Colibri is privately owned and operated which means we can tailor the excursions to suit your interests and ideals to make your cruise the holiday of a lifetime. Come aboard and be indulged and pampered, it is our pleasure for you to thoroughly enjoy your cruise and vacation to France and the Canal du Midi.
Barge dimensions
Colibri is 26.5 meters in length and 5 meters in width. Despite her generous size Colibri takes only four guests, thus affording space and maximum comfort to all parties. The interior is air conditioned to ensure your well-being.
Accommodation
Sleeping accommodation is in two generous staterooms, with modern en-suite bathrooms. The beds are European king-size, or if prefered, two twin beds to afford flexibility to guest's arrangements. The cabins are furnished with French oak furniture with ample hanging space and draws to unpack into and feel at home. The linens are of luxurious quality with silk duvets for comfortable summer nights. The bathrooms are modern with large showers, heated towel rails, hairdryers and bathrobes.
Facilities
The dining area and salon are light and spacious, the perfect place to relax and feel at home, read a book, or chat over dinner and a glass of wine. There is an Ipod friendly music system and a collection of music, a small library of books and games. Guidebooks for the area are available for you to browse and help us to customise the cruise to your wishes. If the evenings turn a little chilly, the fire can be lit. On deck there is the canopied wheelhouse, where you may be shaded and chat with the Captain and be involved in all aspects of cruising the canals.
The large deck space allows for comfortable al fresco dining, and the chance to relax and find yourselves in awe of the scenery as we pass ancient villages and vineyards. There are lounge chairs for those who wish to take some sun whilst cooled by the gentle breeze as we cruise along.
Four bicycles are at your disposal for riding the towpaths or exploring the villages and surrounding areas. Plus our chauffeured air-conditioned minibus to take you on excursions so that you can take in the sites in the area surrounding the canal.
An updated 2024-2025 itinerary for Colibri is coming soon!
The Alsace Valley is one of Frances up and coming wine regions and a great place to explore ones taste buds and the local wines, impress your friends with your knowledge of fantastic but little known wines. The numerous chateaux and wineries are more than willing to share their knowledge and wines with you.
Stunning wineries can be found in the Alsace Valey area, growing a variety of grapes and producing very different wines. This enables the visitor to explore the region and its beautiful wines without travelling great distances, whilst ones tastebuds are taken on a gastronomic tour.
Earl spends his winter months learning about, and searching out new wines and wineries (A tough job!!!). His selection is impressive and he encourages you to taste and comment. Earl has visited the wineries of all the wines we carry on board, for him knowing the winery and wine makers is a big part of enjoying the wine.
Wine and cheese are a natural combination. We offer a variety of cheeses from all regions of France, our emphasis is on small regional producers, local where appropriate, and preferably organic. French cuisine
Inspired by thousands of years, French cuisine is truly world-renowned.
A highlight of each day will be the lavish meals created for you, using regional flavours and incorporating traditional dishes.
The emphasis in the cuisine on board is the use of fresh, locally produced ingredients. We use organic products where possible, flours, oils, vegetables, meats and cheeses. We will not say that we are wholly organic, however we consciously bring the best elements for taste and health into our dishes.
Lunches are an assortment of salads and platters served 'family style' so you may help yourselves and enjoy the relaxed informal setting. Dinners are four course feasts, using the best ingredients to produce fine dining. Desserts are a favourite course of Fiona's, they are all delicious and 'mostly fruit'!
Caramelised Pear and Blue Cheese Salad
Poussins with Crunchy Country Ham & Sage Butter
Rosemary Potatoes Sauté Neduterrabeab Vegetabes
Lemon Ricotta Flan with Red Berries
Selection of Local Cheeses and Figs
Published prices are subject to change.
Barge Cruise Full Board
The cruise aboard Colibri comprises of accommodation for four people, including breakfast, lunch and four-course dinner. Selected wines will be served with the meals, with an open bar available for your pleasure. There are daily guided excursions to local sites of touristic interest. During the week, a meal may be taken ashore at a carefully selected local restaurant. The price for the Nivernais Cruise is 16500 Euro for 4 guests, all inclusive.
Barge Cruise Half Board
The half board cruise option aboard Colibri comprises of accommodation for four people, including breakfast and lunch each day and your first evening meal on board. Meals are served with selected wines, there is an open bar and other beverages are always available. There are daily guided excursions to local sites of touristic interest. Guests take their evening meal ashore at their own expense. The price for the half board cruise is 15500 Euro for four guests
Luxury hotel barge
Colibri affords you all the comfort of a small luxury hotel, with the bonus of privacy, personal service and daily changing views.
Not included are airfares and transport to the nominated meeting place, personal holiday / travel insurance, use of the telephone, special excursions and activities not discussed at time of booking.
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