CONTACT: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Stephanie Sack
Communications Manager at The Barge Lady
stephanie@bargelady.com or 800.880.0071
“IMPRESSIONISTE AND CHATEAU” FRENCH BARGE CRUISE CAPTIVATES TRAVELERS
Art and Architecture Buffs Explore Villages Where French Impressionist Painters Lived and Worked
Île-de-France, France – The world of crewed and luxurious French barge cruising and the lives of several Impressionist artists who painted in the villages near Paris have merged together for a special travel experience on the MS Elisabeth, an eight-passenger, Deluxe-rated barge. With its uniquely art- and artist-focused guided excursions, the MS Elisabeth appeals to those interested in culture, architecture, and historical personages. Aboard the MS Elisabeth (see attached #1), guests will visit the tiny village where Van Gogh painted his last works; Giverny, Monet’s famous gardens; and the riverside town where Renoir enjoyed and depicted the café lifestyle. The Barge Lady, Ellen Sack, is an American-based broker of luxury European barge cruises, and has recently added the MS Elisabeth to her portfolio of 50 barges. “To walk in the footsteps of these masters makes the art come alive,” explains Sack. “Sophisticated guests will appreciate this once-in-a-lifetime immersion into the lives and loves of these fascinating artists.” Added to these highlights are chateau visits, modern art installations, moorings in quaint towns, gourmet cuisine, and opportunities to bicycle along the route.
MS Elisabeth is owned and operated by a Belgian couple, Captain Bernard Buisseret and Chef Martine Buisseret, seen with Ellen Sack, the Barge Lady, on the right, (see attached #2), and they are assisted by their crew of two. In addition to the “Impressionist and Chateau” theme, guests who are interested in cooking are invited into the kitchen by Chef Martine for informal cooking lessons, and may accompany her to shop at an outdoor produce market. MS Elisabeth passengers are further exposed to the artists and their art thanks to a gift offered by The Barge Lady of the Two Day Paris Museum Pass, which provides free entry and no lines in 60 museums in and around Paris. Prior to their cruise, guests can preview the work of Vincent van Gogh at the Musee d’Orsay and view Claude Monet’s masterworks, the Nymphéas (Water Lilies) painted in the artist’s garden at Giverny and donated to the French state at the Musee de l’Orangerie. The vessel cruises on rivers within an hour’s drive from Paris, and carries up to eight guests in four double occupancy cabins, each with en-suite bath (see attached #3). The barge is sold on a private charter basis, offering a welcome for four couples or a family who want to enjoy the experience in their own group.
Six night cruises on the MS Elisabeth depart every Sunday from Paris and return the following Saturday to Paris. The 2015 season begins on May 3 and ends October 11. The price for a private cruise for eight guests is $40,000; for six guests, it is $36,000. The cruise rate includes all meals, wine with meals, open bar, daily chauffeured and guided sightseeing, use of all ship’s facilities such as bicycles and transfers to and from central Paris and the barge route. “As a 25-year veteran of the barge cruise industry, I am delighted to debut the MS Elisabeth to my clients,” Sack says. “New barges are always very exciting to visit and recommend, and I am confident that MS Elisabeth guests will be as impressed I am with the barge, its sophisticated European owners, and the indelible cultural experiences.”
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Since 1985, Ellen Sack, The Barge Lady, herself, has been the world’s leading expert in selling European hotel barge vacations. These bespoke vessels carry between 4 and 24 guests, are fully crewed and can be found on the French canals, as well as on the inland waterways of Italy, Holland, England, Scotland, Ireland, Belgium, and Germany. Barging delivers personalized service, gourmet cuisine and wine, leisurely bicycling, and the guided exploration of local sights. Sack, based in Chicago, is a pioneer and trailblazer in the barge industry, and has received many accolades. The greatest personal thrill was her selection in 2011, 2012 and 2013 as a Top Travel Specialist by Conde Nast Traveler Magazine, joining an elite community of worldwide travel providers. In 2014, Sack was chosen for Wendy Perrins WOW list of Trusted Travel Experts, and has been recommended by the author of 1000 Places to See Before You Die, and by the travel editor of The Today Show For more information, visit www.bargelady.com or 800-880-0071
Maralyn D. Hill
Maralyn D. Hill, M.Ed., The Epicurean Explorer
Executive Editor, LuxeBeatMag.com
Luxe Beat Magazine Digital Editions now online at http://luxebeatmag.com/magazine/
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