Welcome to our fourth newsletter for WWW.INDULGEDTRAVELER.COM our luxury travel/lifestyle magazine for affluent Boomers.

Canal Barging in France. So easy, so special, so luxurious.

European Waterways is a series of luxury, bespoke barges accommodating up to 12 guests each. There were only 6 of us travelling on the all-inclusive, most lavish barge. The fare includes the local wines, with exquisite meals, the visits of historic treasures and, best of all, floating through the Loire country. The Renaissance barge turned out to be exactly what we wanted - a slow-paced cruise, and being tended to like the French royal families were before they lost their thrones and, a few, their heads.

HISTORY OF FLOATING THE CANALS: Once cargo vessels, these barges were bought about 30 years ago and lovingly remodeled into floating five-star boutique hotels. The Renaissance was refitted again in 2009, and although it accommodates 8 guests, we three couples, one from the UK, one from 'down under' and we two Canadians, proved to be a wonderful mix of intelligent, amusing and interesting conversationalists.

LAZY DAYS, ONLY IF YOU WANTED THEM TO BE SO: The mode was slow and easy. Take a walk or ride the available bikes and meet at the next stop. No need to rush off into a crowded lobby to line up for tours as on the large cruise ships. In this case, smaller is much better. There was no pressure to dress for dinners. We did all manage 'to wash up well' in our casual-chic ensembles. The formally set round table was perfect for our critiques of the day's activities. English Chef Ollie, was as French in his cuisine, as is possible. He had been to the town or village where we had stopped and got the freshest, tastiest breads, croissants, fruit, fish and meat.

LES ECLUSES: The first day was so note-worthy as we entered our first locks (en Français: les ecluses). We watched the water elevate while the next stretch went down. There were several of these experiences. The navigation had to be so very precise. One could actually touch the sides of the narrow canals, so Captain Laurent was completely focused, never leaving the Wheel House.

ACCOMMODATIONS: What a surprise when we saw our suite, Hugo. There are only four suites, all very similar. They compare well with many of Paris' five-star, small hotels. The closet was even too large for all our clothing, a strange occurrence for me since I do have a tendency to over pack.

MOST EXCITING ECLUSE: We moored at Pont-Canal in Briare, a sweet little town. Not far was the most unusual canal designed by Gustave Eiffel (circa 1895) of Eiffel Tower fame. This aqueduct or bridge was an elevated canal across the Loire River below. Imagine being on a canal over a river?

AH, CHOICES! While in Briare, the other five opted to go to an ancient castle, Sully-sur-Loire, a medieval fortress. One of its claims to fame is that Jeanne d'Arc came to visit on many occasions.

CONCLUSION: Les Ecluses never ceased to entertain and amaze.

The trip so slow, but the memories everlasting.

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