An Experience of a Lifetime
Wow! Our trip on the Serenity Barge was a wonderful, unique adventure! The five of us enjoyed every minute, even when we encountered some showers. It’s the quintessential food and wine tour in the picturesque, serene French countryside along the Marne River at the beginning and then through the canals. The natives take great pride in their cuisine, whether you dine in a modest cafe in a tiny village or in an elegant Michelin-starred restaurant near the city.The barge includes three lovely guest cabins with all the modern conveniences.These can be rented out individually, but we suggest that you book with five (no single supplement) or six friends or family members. Claire’s two well-behaved cats live onboard, although they’re not permitted in the guest accommodations. You’ll receive in advance a tentative itinerary with choices of activities for each day. The group (or those who book first) then decides.
But the element that made our stay such a success was our hostess/owner/tour guide/captain Claire. She’s an enthusiastic Brit who loves her work, and she’s a very kind, interesting, and generous person. She expertly steered the barge (even through numerous locks!), prepared delicious meals, kept our cabins spotless, shared the local history with us, and treated her guests like royalty. She would even run out early in the morning to buy fresh pastries for us at the local bakery. Her able assistant Coco helped with many of these tasks and was our van chauffeur. Claire is well-respected by her colleagues in the region, connecting us with scrumptious restaurant meals beautifully presented, champagne tastings in well-known champagne houses and even in a chateau. She took us on a tour of the vineyards, to an open-air market in Epernay to select our lunch fare one day, and to the cathedral and Villa Demoiselle in Reims.
Considering everything, we think that the price of this experience is very reasonable, and we would highly recommend it.
