Newly remodeled Adrienne is luxurious way to tour French waterways

French country Waterways has launched the Adrienne, a luxurious, new all-suite barge that made her maiden voyage September 18, 2005 in the Upper Loire Valley, gateway to the chateaux country. The 12- passenger vessel is opulently decorated in 18th-century country french style with custom-made furniture adorned with intricate woodcarvings and rich fabrics. six suites have a lavishly carved king-size bed, armoire and bathroom of granite and marble. for the first time, FCW guests can choose an all-suite barge in every cruise region. The season is about to start! The Adrienne sails on leisurely six-night canal cruises between Chatillon-sur-Loire and Nemours in the Upper Loire on sundays from April 2 to October 29, 2006. All-inclusive cruise rates of $3,995 to $4,795 per person, double occupancy, are guaranteed when a deposit is made. A luxurious transformation In converting a cargo barge to a luxury hotel barge that is 90 percent new construction, the extensive changes included cutting the hull in two, removing parts of the bow and stern, and building a new mid-section using heavier steel and less ballast to provide more headroom on both decks and unusually large suites for a 12-passenger canal barge. Elegant, comfortable and spacious, the vessel has paneled walls and provincial furniture of French maple in contrasting antique glazed finishes, toile draperies and crimson carpeting in the salon, dining room and suites. The lounge, which has a well-stocked bar and library of books, games and music, opens onto a partially canopied sundeck. The salon has comfortable golden sofas with crimson pillows, upholstered chairs with carved trim, and an antique gold mirror and sconces above the burled-maple paneled bar. In the dining room the graceful curves of Louis XV-style tables, chairs and buffets are the setting for meals served with crystal and faience dishes from the renowned Gien factory in the Loire. Four-course dinners blending classic French cooking techniques and the trend towards lighter, healthier dishes are accompanied by Grand Cru and Premier Cru wines from Burgundy and other french regions. The suites, decorated in ecru, carmel and crimson colors, feature ornately carved motifs on the armoire, king-size bed, doors and bathroom vanity. They are also equipped with a desk, individual air-conditioning and heating controls, extra pillows, fresh flowers, heated towel bar, hair dryer and 110- and 220-volt electrical outlets. Choose from two leisurely routes The Adrienne's route on the Canal de Briare, Canal du Loing and Canal Lateral a la Loire includes two unique barging experiences: cruising over the River Loire on the world's longest canal bridge, the Briare Aqueduct designed by Gustave Eiffel; and mooring in Rogny-les-Sept-Ecluses below a huge seven-lock staircase used from 1642 to 1887. Wine tastings, bike rides, more Daily excursions take in Fontainebleu, the splendid Renaissance chateau of French kings; La Bussiere, a lakeside chateau with formal gardens designed by Le Notre; the famous faience factory in Gien; wine tasting in Sancerre; a walking tour of the flower-decked Montargis old town; and a horse-drawn carriage ride around the medieval walled town of Chateau-Landon. During free time passengers can relax on the sundeck and walk or bicycle along canal towpaths. Hot-air ballooning is an option. A festive dinner is held at the Michelin-starred Les Templiers in Les Bezards, once occupied by the Knights Templars and now a posh country inn. The chef personally selects the Munu Gourmand served with the finest wines from the Loire Valley and other areas of France. Mark Bostin, captain of the Adrienne, is the fleet's senior captain with 15 years of FCW experience. The barge has a passenger to crew ratio of 2:1. French Country Waterways owns and operates its entire fleet and is committed to setting the standard in personal service, quality and safety for luxury barge cruising. Its barges in Burgundy, Champagne, Alsace-Lorraine and the Upper Loire Valley are available for individual bookings and for charter. Booking information Cruise rates cover accommodations, all meals, one dinner ashore at the most celebrated restaurant on each cruise route, estate-bottled wines at lunch and dinner, open bar, all tours and excursions, bicycles, services of the English- and French-speaking crew and escorted transfers between Paris and the barge. Smoking is not permitted inside the barges. Information, brochures and reservations are available at French Country Waterways, (800) 222-1236 in the U.S. and Canada and (781) 934-2454 in MA; web site www.fcwl.com.