European Waterways launch packages to add to the rugby world cup experience

European Waterways has revealed a number of customised itineraries fit for the worlds rugby fans headed to France for the 2023 world cup.
Travellers heading to France for the cup can combine the excitement of the tournament with the best France has to offer on a European Waterways luxury hotel barge cruise.
With barging already an established holiday choice for Europe bound Australians, European Waterways is the ideal choice for those seeking to wind down during or after the tournament with daily excursions, four-course gastronomic meals paired with fine wines and charming cruises along the picturesque canals and intimate waterways of the French countryside.

La Belle Epoque – Cruising. (Supplied)
During the tournamentThose attending matches at the Stade de Bordeaux or Stadium de Toulouse are in prime position to sail away on luxury hotel barge Rosa. Cruising the canals of South-West France, the 8-passenger Rosa features a spacious sundeck with a dining area fit for alfresco meals prepared by an onboard chef and comfortable loungers for guests to relax and take in the passing French countryside after a thrilling game.
Cabins and whole-boat charters are currently available for the September 3rd departure cruising the Bordeaux region, which includes an itinerary filled with immersive excursions that reveal the cultural, historical, and culinary traditions of the region, such as a visit to the world-renowned Saint Émilion and a tour on the Garonne River aboard a traditional flat-bottomed boat.
Those sailing on the October 22nd Gascony departure can look forward to a private visit to the Château de la Motte, accompanied by the resident Countess and a guided excursion and private tasting at a renowned local Armagnac producer.

Renaissance – Sundeck. (Supplied)
After the tournament With the majority of European Waterways luxury hotel barge cruises starting with a pick up in Paris, those attending games at the Stade de France can take their pick from an array of barges and cruise itineraries. Cabin space is currently available on the 12-passenger La Belle Epoque, 8-passenger L’Art de Vivre and 8-passenger Renaissance for October 29th departures, the day after the Rugby World Cup’s grand final.
Guests aboard La Belle Epoque are treated to the world-class cuisine of Northern Burgundy and explore UNESCO World Heritage sites that include the famed Abbaye de Fontenay, the oldest preserved Cistercian abbey in the world. Also on the itinerary is a visit to the family-owned champagne house Maison Taisne Riocour in the renowned wine growing region of Les Riceys, followed by a champagne aperitif and a private gastronomic lunch with the Baroness in the family’s chateau.
Cruising the Canal du Nivernais in Burgundy, European Waterways’ L’Art de Vivre is one of the company’s oldest barges. Guests aboard 8-passenger L’Art de Vivre can celebrate the Wallabies or All-Blacks triumph or drown their sorrows with a visit to the renowned village of Chablis, enjoying a private wine tasting at the prestigious Domain Laroche, followed by a visit to the 1000-year-old Obediencerie, where the wines are aged.
European Waterways’ flagship hotel barge, the 8-passenger Renaissance, cruises one of the country’s oldest canals, the Canal de Briare in Western Burgundy and the Loire Valley. A spacious hotel barge with beautifully appointed saloon, sun deck and spa pool, passengers are treated to a picture-postcard countryside dotted with sophisticated châteaux, quaint villages, and the rolling limestone hills of Sancerre, which many claim produce “the ultimate French Sauvignon Blanc.” Among cruise highlights is a wine tasting at La Perriere winery, known for its Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
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