Barge Lady Cruises - Chicago, Illinois

russineastgreenbush

There are not enough superlatives to describe our experience on Esperance, arranged through Barge Lady Cruises. Juana handled everything with professionalism and ease. From the first moment we contacted her and she helped us narrow down which barge/canal would be best for our group to the moment we boarded Esperance Juana was fantastic.
As for the crew of Esperance (Gail, Victor, Chloe and Andraj) our sincerest gratitude for an exceptional experience that we are never going to forget; memories for a lifetime. The barge experience is unique and unlike anything we had ever done, so we had no expectations when we started our journey. But from that first greeting by the crew until the sad moment it came to say goodbye we felt like we were amongst friends we had known forever. Each one of the crew is phenomenal and there is nothing they wouldn't do to ensure your comfort and enjoyment.
The barge itself is beautiful with comfortable areas both inside and out. The cabins are all well appointed with ensuite bathrooms, queen side beds, wardrobes and air conditioning.
Gail picked us up in Narbonne and we sailed for 7 days, ending up in Beziers. In that time we were treated to the warmest and most professional of service whether on the barge or on an excursion. No detail was overlooked.
We opted for the food plan and, OMG, Chloe, the chef, is so incredibly talented. Each meal blew us away with the creativity, presentation and overall flavors she offered. Truly it was 5-star dining every meal. Were Chloe to go on any television cooking show she would win hands down. Simply the best.
Our trip was to celebrate my 60th birthday. I can honestly say that we have memories that will last a lifetime. No praise is high enough and our most heartfelt thanks to Juana at Barge Lady Cruises and the entire crew of Esperance.

CHRISTOPHER M.

It is hard to know where to begin with this review. My wife, another two couples and I booked with the Barge Lady on the Espérance.

From the moment we walked on the barge the experience was way beyond our expectations. The crew; Captain, Victor, First Mate, Gail, Chef Maxime and Host Chloe were beyond friendly, helpful and welcoming.

The trip is at once relaxing and yet filled with interesting cultural and history excursions lead by Gail. From castles, to olives, to churches to beautiful countryside it is near impossible to describe just how wonderful this experience was.

The group was always encouraged to enjoy Maxime’s amazing food. Our group couldn’t wait to taste his latest creations.

The ever present owner of the barge, Mathias Gilles, was there to welcome and greet us along the way. His easy leadership style was evident in the crew and experience they delivered. Our group has chartered boats before with crew and chefs, but this was a grand standout.

Victor, with his ready smile and calm cool collected captaining of such a large vessel is beyond impressive. We never rubbed against anything! (Which is amazing, wait till you see the bridges he navigates through!)

Gail and Chloe were always ready to help and Chloe’s sweet good morning greeting lit everyone’s morning. Gail’s knowledge of the south of France was incredible. Gail always had a plan and made sure everyone was taken care of.

I hope this review finds its way to Mathias and his amazing crew.

David L.

The most enjoyable vacation that we’ve ever taken. Not one complaint. Everything exceeded our expectations. Wonderful people. Incredible day tours. Food was amazing. Their attention to detail is amazing.

Cyndy

My husband and I have enjoyed several Barge Lady cruises! We consider them the best vacations we've ever had. Most recently we spent a glorious week in Burgundy, barging with friends. The arrangements the Barge Ladies made were perfect! We completely relax on Barge Lady barges because we worry about nothing! The food, the staff, the barge were all superb. The wines were outstanding (and we are quite particular about wine). We even learned from our Captain that The Barge Lady is well known by all the barge owners in Europe and known for her 'very high standards'! We can't wait for our next barge and of course we will use Barge Ladies!! Thank you for the most amazing memories!!

david Z.

My wife and I have traveled on safaris, individual tours in Europe, Asia, Latin America, Cruises, and group tours throughout the world and I have never had as relaxing and as comfortable a travel experience as I've had on a barge tour. The service was excellent and the food was outstanding. In fact each dinner surpassed the quality of a Michelin Star restaurant we encountered on our most recent barge trip.
More importantly the Barge Lady Cruises was one of the best tour companies with which I have dealt, and i have had frequent trips arranged by the finest tour operators in the business today. Our trip was perfectly arranged and their knowledge of the barges was impeccable. Once we had indicated what we were looking for they placed us in just the right situation. I have recommended them to many friends and associates.

On balance a barge trip became an outstanding way to take in the culture of a country (France in our case)from a totally different perspective. The Barge Lady is the best resource I have found to make that happen.

David Z

Bill S.

My wife and I had a terrific vacation to celebrate our 25th anniversary! Barge Lady Tours found the perfect trip for us. Ellen and Caroline listen, they are responsive and responsible, they take the time to answer questions, handle requests and work through all the details... we felt that we received personal care and attention from start to finish. The barge itself was great: very comfortable and excellent amenities. Fantastic food and of course absolutely beautiful scenery and views that we could not have gotten elsewhere.

Heather A.

My husband and I took a wonderful barge cruise in August 2016 to celebrate our 20th anniversary. The Barge Lady and her team were terrific from beginning to end. They asked us some questions about what we were looking for in our vacation, and then gave us a few suggestions of barge trips that would fit. The one we chose was absolutely perfect for us (and one that we had not initially considered). The Barge Lady staff then helped us with support throughout the entire process - helpful packing lists, detailed information about the barge tour itself, help with hotels if we wanted it, exact train times and stations. etc... It was a level of service not often experienced in current travel planning. This was a trip of a lifetime (except that it was so great, we can't wait to do another - and this time bring the kids!).

Sam L.

We were on The Magnolia. The owners and their staff were better than 5 stars, 10 stars! The agenda was very interesting and entertaining. Food, drink and company were over the top. Definitely would recommend The Magnolia for a wonderful time.