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| Bonheur is the french word for happiness, and there is a lot of
happiness to be found aboard this extremely comfortable barge. The barge is a dutch luxemotor type made of iron, and has been carrying various cereals and grains since the 1920's when she was originally built and launched in Holland Many believe that this 'luxemotor' shape of
hull to be the most attractive shape of barge on the canals. The lines
evoke the sailing and steam ships of the 19th century on which
the design was based. Like the Eiffel Tower, the hull is made of
rivetted iron. The barge of course has not carried cargo since at least 25 years, and from 2005 to 2007 has been the subject of a complete rebuild of the inside and superstructures. |
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The result is one of the most exciting new
boats on
the waterways, with high priority given to creating a very warm and
cosy interior, rather like a warm and spacious floating country
cottage. The interior is mostly in oak and has been finely crafted and fitted with many intriguing features for you to discover. The emphasis is on comfort, and so the layout has been limited to two double cabins only, each with a king-sized bed and high quality bedding and mattresses. There are plenty of places to relax both below and on the spacious upper deck as this barge is over 110 feet long. There is good natural light everywhere with opening windows throughout the boat in the salon and the cabins. |
| The owners are Paul and Annie Roberts, an
english
couple who have lived in France for many years and are great
enthusiasts of the french way-of-life and in particular the food and
the canals. For many years before coming to France, they managed a small island off the coast of south-west England, accommodating and entertaining thousands of visitors a year. Paul and Annie are highly skilled in many trades, and have refitted and rebuilt the Bonheur with professional techniques combined with excellent design and decoration. Their whole plan and purpose has been to create an environment for you, where you will eat, sleep and relax in style and comfort. They will be truly attentive to your needs, at the same time respecting your privacy and space as much as possible. |
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| We
can’t believe our good fortune in discovering the ‘Bonheur’ (and you
too). We have spent many holidays afloat – France. This was the best.
Everything you did for us was perfect. See you again next year! R&G Ramsden, England, 2009. | Thank
you for such a wonderful week! We couldn’t have asked for anything
nicer. Your barge is absolutely beautiful and the attention to detail
amazing. Your hospitality and graciousness will not soon be forgotten. Norris Family, USA, 2009. |
| Sometimes
there is no superlatives left to describe an event. This 6 day journey
on the barge Bonheur has been an adventure beyond my expectations.
After 6 weeks of travelling this has to be the ‘relaxer’ before
travelling home. This has been an unforgettable 6 days. Your attention
to detail is almost beyond belief. The cuisine was just the ‘bestest’.
Thankyou both for a wonderful time. P. Lupi Eumundi, Australia, 2009. | This
has turned out to be one of the very finest holidays that we have ever
enjoyed. From the moment we arrived we knew that it was right.
Congratulations to you both; you can feel justly proud. T&L Farrington, England, 2009. |