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THIS IS INFORMATION FOR THE "PLATINUM RANGE" OF BARGES & BOATS
To see the 'Range' of your boat or barge
look top-right of the boat's box on the 1-5 cabins pages.
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THE "PLATINUM FLEET" OF BOAT CRUISERS AND TRADITIONAL-STYLE BARGES
Some important things to know
We're very proud to represent our friends who own this wonderful fleet of boats and barges on the southern part of the Canal du Midi and in the Burgundy Region of central France. They're a family-run company and they have old-fashioned values, just like us.
"Platinum Range" refers to the boats and barges owned and run by this company. Most of the boats and barges are of very high quality but we also show some of their boats which we call the "Baseline Class". This is because the service is still excellent and friendly, even though some of these less expensive boats in the Baseline Class don't have quite the same degree of comfort. They're still above the "budget" standard you may see on other websites!
The boats and barges are beautiful - well-maintained and with an above average degree of comfort and facilities. Some of the barges and boats have air-conditioning which can be useful in the summer.
We don't describe any rental boats as being in the 'luxury' category. That is very hard to find in France, unless you're going on a boat with a crew, like the luxury hotel barge cruises we offer. Rental boats naturally get wear and tear and none are perfect. However we think the PLATINUM range of boats are really nice and some of the models are extremely well-furnished.
So, "Don't be put off by the price!" These are good quality boats and barges.
The PLATINUM fleet comes with many extras already included - things you might have to pay extra for from other companies. And take a good look at the amount of space you get with a PLATINUM boat or barge!
THE PLATINUM FLEET OF "LIN" BOATS
The Lin series are exceptionally complete motor yachts, arranged for maximum convenience and comfort and offer superb value for money.
The interior finish is lovely, with beautiful teak wood and quality fittings.
You will be pleasantly surprised by the functional details, things that go to make life on board a joyful experience. The boats’ characteristics are truly exceptional. Thanks to their unusual chine-type hull, these boats are highly stable and their new shape below the water line combined with the shape of the keel and the rudder, and the rudder balance means that they are easy to pilot in reverse, even counter to the propeller’s direction of rotation.
THE PLATINUM FLEET OF "EC" BARGES
The Platinum range of barges is unique to our partners and is designed for spacious and comfortable cruising. They have used their extensive knowledge of both the French inland waterways and the requirements of most discerning clients to design and fit out these barges to an excellent standard.
Their large and spacious saloons are the focal point for onboard entertaining and are finished in exotic woods and feature stereo radio/cd players. Open plan from the saloon is the well appointed galley with microwave and two fridges on the larger models, allowing the preparation of both aperitifs and gourmet meals.
Cutlery, crockery and linen are of a higher standard and towels are provided. Their large aft decks come with table, chairs, parasol and second exterior steering position and are perfect for al-fresco eating.
To complete the comfort each barge has electric flush toilets, central heating and its own 220v supply, which runs the air conditioning, immersion heater and any domestic appliance you may wish to bring.
Being barges they are designed for slow and comfortable cruising, their stately progress and stability allows you to enjoy the passing scenery.
The barges are comfortable, safe and reliable.
They are regularly inspected and maintained, and meet all the requirements of the French Canal Authorities. Before departure the barges are serviced and cleaned, both inside and out, to ensure that they ready for your arrival.
All the barges are fully equipped and have hot and cold water, air-conditioning, heating, showers and toilets, 12v and 220v circuits. Their galleys have cookers, fridges, sinks, pots and pans, and there is also and a full complement of cutlery and crockery. We even supply a cleaning kit with washing up liquid and cream cleaner etc.
For your comfort, freshly laundered sheets, duvets and pillow cases are provided.
Finally for all the barges with a fly bridge we put a table and chairs aboard, so that you can enjoy the great outdoors!
THE PLATINUM FLEET : "BASELINE CLASS"
The "Baseline Class" of the Platinum range includes the BRM and VIK boats, and the BUR barges. They have the advantage of being very good value, whilst still being offered by this operator whom we consider to be the best for French Canal and River Holidays!
SLEEPING ARRANGEMENTS
The sleeping capacity is a major factor in determining your choice of barge. We have our own system on this website! We know other companies do things differently, but we try to think like you - the holidaymaker.
Most of our clients want to know "How many separate sleeping cabins?". So that is how we describe each barge at the top of its description. Of course on each barge you can sleep more people if you convert the living room seats into a bed, but if you want to be really comfortable then you want to know how many sleeping cabins.
We don't recommend using the maximum sleeping capacity. The comfort on board will then start to be reduced.
CHARACTERISTICS
INSIDE EQUIPMENT OF THE BARGES
● completely fitted with WC's, shower and wash-hand basin
● a kitchen with cooker, oven, sink and fridge
● complete household: crockery, cutlery, pans...
● beds with sheets, pillows, pillow cases, blankets or duvets
● air-conditioning and heating systems
● all barges are equipped with 2 steering positions
OUTSIDE EQUIPMENT OF THE BARGES
● deck furniture with table and chairs (see barge's detail)
● Sun umbrella or sun canopy
ROUTES
● Return journey or
● One-way cruising (subject to a supplement)
EXTRAS
● Cleaning of the barge inside and outside at the end of your cruise
● Navigation hourly rate (€7-9 per hour, depending on the boat)
● Cancellation insurance
● Car transfer (In the case of a one-way cruise, the transfer of your car from the departure base to the arrival base might be possible. Fee varies according to routes. It is best to book this service in advance. In some places, shuttle bus, taxi or train can be a possibility.)
● Bicycles
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There are many options when choosing a boating or barge holiday in France. The first thing to do is contact us and we'll be able to advise you about availability and some other basics.
When the basics are done, and you know the boat or barge you want is available, at the place you want it, then we can get into details. :)
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