Discover the historic legacy of Languedoc and its medieval walled cities aboard the Fandango and the Tango, two canal cruise ships in France

The Fandango, specifically built to the dimensions of the locks and stone arch bridges of the Canal du Midi, was constructed in 1939 to carry cargo from the Mediterranean Sea to the Atlantic coast. Abandoned in the 1970s, when highways took over barge freight, the Fandango was glamorously restored in 1991 by L’Occitane, a retail chain based in Provence. After successful years in Paris as a floating showroom, Fandango returned in 1998 to the Canal du Midi as a luxurious private charter barge and the historical flagship.

Key elements of the décor of the Fandango are the large opening brass portholes throughout the vessel, and skylights which open to provide fresh air and light. There is a sumptuous sitting room with extremely comfortable sofas and chairs, French fabrics and fun “brocante” antiques to create a cozy atmosphere, along with a library, CD sound system, and intimate bar provisioned to passengers’ specifications. Fresh bouquets of flowers guarantee a feeling of plush and pampered elegance. The ship’s galley is open for passengers to exchange recipes with the chef as the meals are prepared before their eyes. The Upper Deck has a terra cotta tiled sundeck with lounge chairs for all and a dining area under umbrellas. The Main Deck has the galley and dining area, the sitting room and small intimate bar. There are three individually decorated staterooms, one queen, one double and one twin, with beautiful handmade ceramic tiled showers and ensuite bathrooms. Each room has individual climate control.
 
The Tango was built in 1931 and initially navigated on the canals of North Eastern France. In the 1950s she sailed south and was shortened to 100ft. to fit the Canal du Midi. When commercial barging ceased in the 1970s, the Tango was retired in a small canal side village. A dream come true for the Tango’s present owner as he had seen the abandoned barge as a child, and in 2000 was able to purchase her. Now, lovingly converted into a deluxe charter barge, the Tango offers the ultimate in spaciousness and elegance for Midi barge cruising.
 
As with the Fandango, the Tango has large opening brass portholes throughout the vessel and skylights that open to allow for the circulation of fresh air and sunlight. The décor of the Tango includes French art deco fixtures, Provençal ivory linens and rich mahogany wall paneling to recreate an atmosphere of the 1930s French passenger liners. There is a large salon with sofas, fresh flower bouquets, a bar stocked to passengers’ specifications, a CD sound system, library and piano for on board soirées. The Upper Deck has two separate terraces, one for dining and one for deckchair lounging. The Main Deck has a saloon, dining area, bar and galley, and three exquisite staterooms, with a choice of twin or queen size beds. The bathrooms have stunning handmade ceramic tiles, roomy showers and heated towel racks. Each room has individual climate control.
 
The Fandango and the Tango can be chartered through The Barge Lady Collection.

For more information, visit www.bargeladycollection.com or call 800-880-0071.

October 29, 2004   Posted in: France