Thinking of buying a Barge in Europe?

Before making such a big commitment wouldn't it be nice to take an extended "test drive" before taking the plunge?

Well now you can with a "Barge Experience Cruise" aboard our beautiful 25m Luxemotor "C'est la vie" on the picturesque Canal de Briare in the Loire and Burgundy regions of France.

Barge "C'est la vie" is normally available purely for seven night, skippered holiday charters for up to four guests but due to popular demand and interest from would-be barge owners, we now offer charters specifically for those who would like to experience barging in France first hand.

Our "Barge Experience Cruise" route follows the same Upper Loire itinerary as our normal skippered charters (seven day itinerary from Chatillon-sur-Loire to Montargis) but for the would-be barge owner, we offer as much hands on time as you would like. Whether you want an intensive week of barge handling training or simply the chance to sample a week of relaxation barge style, "C'est la vie" has something to offer.

Your knowledgeable Captain Phill Spurge has over 10 years of European canal & river experience which he will happily impart to wannabe barge owners. Experienced instructor Phill comes to the barge every day for the daily cruise but every night you have the privacy of the barge to share with your own group - your Captain does not live aboard (although there is always someone on call nearby to help with any problems!) For licencing reasons, it is not possible to rent a barge the size of C'est la vie for bareboat charter but with our "Barge Experience Cruise", you come as close as you can to having your own barge before taking the plunge and buying.

C'est la vie is set up as a luxurious self catering holiday barge, equipped with everything you could need to make a week on the French canals a great holiday. The accommodation on board (two twin/double air-conditioned cabins, each with en-suite bathrooms) is perfect for a couple, small group of friends or family - and if you come with others who are not "barge minded" there is plenty for them to see and do during a relaxing week of cruising through a truly magnificent part of France.

During your cruise, your Skipper is happy to impart all of his barging knowledge to would-be owners and the precise itinerary can be tailored to suit your needs. Please let us know what your particular interests in barging are and we will happily look at how we can help you get the best from a week aboard C'est la vie.

Our terms, conditions and prices for "Barge Experience Cruises" are the same as for our regular holiday charters and all the features of the regular charters are included in the price too. Simply, a charter aboard C'est la vie offers the chance to enjoy a fabulous holiday - but with the bonus of getting your hands firmly on the wheel (and ropes) to try the idea for size yourself!

We'd love to introduce you to the joys of barging in France and very much hope to help you join the barging community soon!