Saroche barge in Champagne

The word “barge” doesn’t really conjure images of a modern holiday.  More likely, you’re picturing a boat that may as well be traveling back (very slowly) into the nineteenth century.

And yes, there are still some of those barges out there, hauling grain or other cargo – though there may also be a jaunty Peugeot on board, ready to tool around town in between runs.

Saroche began life as a cargo barge, but it’s been totally reborn into a sort of floating country house with small but comfortable cabins, a cozy living and dining area, and a big deck with plenty of shaded seating.  Our six night charter had just the right balance of relaxing on board and exploring the Champagne region, with a wonderful outing every day.  And the food?  Well, that’ll be in a separate post.  Let’s just say we all gained at least 5 pounds!

Welcome aboard!  Here’s the deck, ready for our daily al fresco lunch –

And the dining room, where breakfast and dinner were served –

On Saroche, each of the three cabins are equally sized so there’s no need to worry about who gets the “good” room!

Life on a barge is certainly slow-moving, there’s no escaping that.  We were underway for a couple hours each day at a top speed of about 3 mph, with frequent stops to go through canal locks.

The good news is that this offers a chance to disembark and stroll along the tow path between locks, two or three miles, with Saroche always comfortingly in view (along with the promise of an icy glass of Champagne and some nibbles).

There are lots of swans on the canal, including this family with three photogenic cygnets –

And this group who were dutifully following the signage –

In addition to our excursions, we also had the chance to explore around our daily moorings – sometimes at a small town where we could join in shopping for provisions, other times just pulled up along a field.

It may be slow, but that’s what makes it so wonderful.  After a week where my biggest decision was what kind of pastry to have for breakfast, I was relaxed enough to face the real world again.

Merci, Saroche, and I hope à bientôt!