From Deck Hand to Tour Guide and now Captain of luxury barge cruise, L’Art de Vivre, Matthew has donned many hats during his time at European Waterways. Having spent many seasons on France’s beautiful canals, Matthew shares his knowledge of the history, culture and beauty of the places we visit.
Whilst travel for many is on hold at present, here’s a slice of digital escapism through a series of virtual tours, led by Captain Matthew himself…
Whilst travel is on hold for the time being, now is the perfect time to dream ahead and plan your next sojourn along Europe’s stunning waterways. To guide you with your travel plans, here’s L’Art de Vivre Captain and tour guide, Matthew, who will lead you on a virtual journey through verdant countryside, world-famous wineries, culture-rich centres and so much more – to give you a glimpse of what’s in store aboard a European Waterways luxury barge cruise.
On our first virtual tour, we visit the medieval fortified city of Carcassonne in France – nestled on an imposing hilltop, high above the spectacular Aude River in the south of France. With a rich tapestry of history, and stories of bloody battles just waiting to be told, join L’Art de Vivre Captain and Tour Guide, Matthew, as he takes us as far back as the third century AD – the times of the Great Romans…
In part two of our Virtual Tours series, we visit the pretty little town of Chablis, known as the “Golden Gate” of Burgundy. Today, it is famous for its crisp dry white wines, but the story of Chablis is far older than the grapes that have made it so famous. We learn of its Roman and Viking past, followed by an in-depth discovery of the viticulture of the region.
Enjoy Chablis on our La Belle Epoque and L’Art de Vivre cruises through Burgundy >
For our third instalment of Virtual Tours, join us as we look into the evolution of French architecture and learn not only of their origins, but also their features and construction – including a masterpiece of Romanesque architecture at the Basilica of Saint Mary Magdalene, in the ancient hilltop village of Vézelay and the awe-inspiring Gothic Cathedral of Our Lady at Strasbourg.
In our fourth instalment of Virtual Tours, join us as we visit the majestic Palace of Fontainebleau. Set deep within the ancient forest and with an unbroken chain of 34 Kings and 2 Emperors, it stands as France’s oldest Royal Residence and, quite possibly, one of the most beautiful. From Louis VII to Napoleon III, Fontainebleau has witnessed more than 800 years of history and continues to play a major role in the reception of foreign officials and dignitaries today.
Visit the Palace of Fontainebleau aboard Hotel Barge Renaissance >
In our fifth episode of our Virtual Tour series, we visit Cawdor Castle in the Scottish Highlands. Forever linked by Shakespeare with Macbeth (Macbeth was Thane of Cawdor), Cawdor Castle houses a superb collection of tapestries, pictures and furniture reflecting 600 years of history. Outside the castle walls are beautiful landscaped gardens.
Part one of our sixth episode of our Virtual Tours series visits Beaune – one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Burgundy. Here, we delve into the region’s rich history, including a visit to the Hôtel-Dieu, a charity hospital funded by the sale of wines produced on lands donated by its benefactors.
To plan your post-lockdown escape along Europe’s charming waterways, please talk to a member of our team or order a copy of our brochure for a slice of armchair travel inspiration.
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