Reviews

Kind words from our valued travellers.

"THE trip of our lifetimes!"

Now that we're home and have had a chance to catch our breath, I just want to say THANK YOU for the most wonderful vacation we've had. This wasn't a trip of a lifetime; it was THE trip of a lifetime! Bob and I have been fortunate to share some pretty nice trips and vacations over the years. The Randle exceeded all our expectations.

We're so glad we chose the 13-day trip. It gave us time to settle in and really enjoy ourselves. The pace was so tranquil and gentle that I began to forget what day it was, not that it mattered. Every day was "best day ever!" The scenery was always changing, but at a languid pace. The excursions were all beautiful and interesting. The dining was fabulous, particularly on board. Gael's exquisite dishes paired with the perfect wines and unrivaled views couldn't be beat. We couldn't have had a happier 25th anniversary.

Thank you again for a most memorable vacation. It has been THE trip of our lifetimes!

Carol & Bob cruised with us Autumn 2023

"The trip of a lifetime"

We are sorry it took so long for us to thank you all again for the trip of a lifetime. The Randle was the perfect boat. Burgundy was the perfect setting, the Diner’s Nivernais canal and Yonne river cruise was the right choice, and the three of you, together, delivered a perfect cruise. Your skill, knowledge and kindness was evident from the outset and throughout the journey. In sum, our decision to cruise on the Randle opened the door to our best and most delicious travel experience ever. We couldn’t have wished for more.

Peter and Sonia cruised with us Spring 2023.

"A Special Very Memorable Magical Mystery Tour."
There are events in one's life that become life experiences, that is what we had on the Randle. We couldn't have asked for a better vacation anywhere in the world! Thank you all for your attention to detail and your thoughtfulness!

Kathy, Jerry, Susan & Jeff cruised with us Summer 2022

We had such a marvelous voyage on the Randle these past couple of weeks! You all have made this France trip so special!
We have made the most unforgettable memories! We Can't thank you enough for all of your hospitality!
We will miss you and hope to see you again soon.  

Judi & Carlos cruised with us Spring 2022

"Thank you - Talk about the trip of a lifetime!"

The Randle is a beautiful classy boat. Comfortable with anything we needed, right at hand. Tim - A fabulous host, not to mention a great captain with vast knowledge of the France canals & rivers & so accommodating. Gael - Your meals were beyond delicious and made with such love & care. Stuart - You made our afternoons with your knowledge of the history of France and the fun tours & tastings. It has been such fun - We don't want to leave. 

Terry & Dave cruised with us Spring 2022.

Many thanks for a fantastic holiday. We all enjoyed it very much.  You have a fantastic barge which is really well appointed.
We all really needed the holiday, and it did not disappoint. Everything was just perfect.
Please pass on our thanks to Gael and Stu as well. Gael’s cooking was excellent and Stu gave us some very interesting tours.
I would not hesitate to recommend the Randle.

Rich and Martine cruised with us Summer 2020

"Slow Travel at its Best" ★★★★★
"My husband and I chartered this 4 passenger DELUXE barge which travels in Burgundy. We had never traveled this way before. We had no idea. We put ourselves in the hands of The Randle with Tim (owner and Capt) along with Gael a cordon bleu trained chef for a glorious, relaxed week of slow travel. Passing thru numerous locks provided entertainment between idyllic countryside scenery. Gael made lunches and breakfasts to order. Daily when we'd tie up, off we went on foot/via mercedes with Stuart to visit villages/chateau/shop. Wine tastings. Food was outstanding as was the burgundy wines and various. A/C in luxurious (by barge standards) staterooms, fine linens, ample hot water for showers and the like. The Randle was the most handsome barge on the canals. To use a car metaphor. If The Randle was a Bentley, the other barges we saw were Winnebago's. Booked 2 WEEKS in 2020."

Judy & Mark cruised with us summer 2019

"Idyllic, highly personalized way to see rural France" ★★★★★
Magnificent week with Capn. Tim, Chef Gael, and "transportation co-ordinator' Stu aboard the Randle. We explored towns we'd never heard of, many unchanged for hundreds of years, and saw a France we'd never have been able to on our own--in the company of highly knowledgeable local residents(the above-mentioned English expats). Chef Gael was happy to accommodate my vegetarian husband, and introduced us to some of the best cheeses we ever tasted. And, of course, being in Chablis,the wines weren't too shabby either. Highly recommended" 

Liz & Greg cruised with us summer 2019

"An incredible week on the Randle" ★★★★★   "Last week my wife and I spent an incredible week on the Randle. We had the whole boat to ourselves because her friends bailed out at the last minute but I have no doubt that had they been there the experience would have been just as enjoyable. Captain Tim, chef Gale and deck hand Stewart were delightful and met our every need.

Between our starting point ,Clamecy , and ending point ,Auxerre, we passed through almost 40 locks. Our path weaved in and out of the Nivernais canal and Yvonne river through the beautiful Burgundy countryside. After a continental breakfast, most mornings were spent chugging to the next mooring- Gale ( who was trained at the Paris Cordon Bleu) provided an incredible lunch very day and a 5 star dinner
on our second night. Most afternoons were spent on an excursion ( Noyers medieval village, cave painting tour and Roman ruins were highlights) and evenings at local restaurants.

We have traveled widely and I can honestly say that I have never enjoyed a more pleasurable experience. Thanks to Tim, Gale and Stuart we will very fond memories of our trip and recommend it highly to others!"

Micheal & Sandra cruised with us autumn 2018

"The Randle - a dream holiday" ★★★★★
"My husband was a bit sceptical when I booked 3 days on the Randle, a wonderful, luxury barge which was to take the two of us along the Nivernais canal. It took about 10 seconds on board to turn him around.

From the welcome aboard bottle of Mumm champagne, to the glorious meals prepared by Gael, to the beautiful green aspects of Burgundy along the canal, the trip was utter perfection.

Tim the captain is charming, and designed the trip to suit us and what we wanted to see and do. With first mate Stuart, there was a seamless process getting the car to spots where a tour of vineyards etc could take place. Our cabin was very comfortable, and air-conditioning meant that the hot weather we encountered was not a problem. A blissful 3 days. I can't wait to do it again."

Anne & Ralph cruised with us summer 2017

"A great get-away for total relaxation! We've been back 3x to the Randle!!" ★★★★★
"Tim and Gael are so warm and friendly and the Randle is a beautiful barge. We think it's the best on the canal.
Gael is a fabulous cook. We have chosen to charter the whole barge each time we have gone. It becomes our private barge and is very romantic. The last time we went for our first wedding anniversary and we would highly recommend it for a honeymoon or anniversary. There are wonderful small towns to see and sites as well or just stay on the barge and walk or bike the canal. My favorite vacation ever!!"

Jen & Kip have been cruising with us since 2012