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DISCOVER FRANCE & SPAINAfloat in France Burgundy, Canal du Midi, FranceFields bright with sunflowers, châteaux amongvineyards: these are scenes uniquely accessed bythe five luxurious Afloat in France péniche-hôtels.Softly gliding along rural waterways, they passthrough remote countryside, with stops at markets,historic sites and to join local experts.Carrying between 4 and 12 guests, these spaciousbarges are perfect for a group of family or friends.Gourmet dining and attentive service are providedby the friendly on-board team.ROUTES A variety of routes, operating betweenApril and October, include Côte d’Or, Burgundy,Franche-Comté, Saône, Provence, Vallée du Rhône,Midi and Camargue. Optional extensions before orafter the cruise in adjacent cities, or Paris.FEATURES 5 péniche-hôtels for private hire or on a percabin basis. Air-conditioning, sun deck, library/lounge.Some offer plunge pools. Themed golf and family weeks.Customised itineraries. Masterclass art and wine tours.General Manager: Mr Nigel BealingTel: Please see numbers on fold-out map (page 88).afloatinfrance.comGREAT DINING New for 2013: across the fleet,Afloat in France cruises now include a deliciousdinner ashore in a Michelin-rated restaurant.Hôtel du Palais Biarritz, FrancePositioned between two spectacular beaches, thisgreat “palace hotel” has welcomed guests since1893. Originally the residence of Napoleon III, itblends glamour and sophistication with Basquecountry warmth. In the Biarritz area, enjoy greatgolf, beaches, Basque villages and Spanish cities.LOCATION Beside the Grand Plage of Biarritz. By car fromnearby airports: Biarritz (15 mins), San Sebastian, Spain(30 mins), Pau (1 hr), Bilbao, Spain (90 mins), Bordeaux(2 hrs). Six direct TGV trains daily from Paris.ACCOMMODATION 30 suites and 123 bedrooms.DINING La Rotonde for fine dining with ocean views. VillaEugénie for Michelin-starred cuisine. L’Hippocampefor relaxed, poolside dining. Le Bar Impérial forconvivial cocktails. Le Salon Eugénie for light fare.FEATURES Le Spa Impérial with indoor pool, GuerlainSpa and fitness centre. Outdoor swimming pool andchildren’s pool. Pitch and putt. Business centre.General Manager: Mr Jean-Louis LeimbacherTel: +33 5 59 41 64 00hotel-du-palais.comAn Orient-Express Associate HotelWHAT’S NEW Biarritz is a food lover’s paradise.Explore its delis and head to the historic CentralMarket when it reopens after restoration in summer.98