''Enchanté'' () is a Belgian-built barge of the
''spits'' category, originally named ''Maria'', converted into a hotel barge. She is one of around 50
hotel barges operating on the French waterways.
History
''Enchanté'' was built in
Oostkamp
Oostkamp (; ) is a municipality located in the Belgian province of West Flanders. The municipality comprises the villages of Hertsberge, Oostkamp proper, Ruddervoorde and Waardamme. On January 1, 2019, Oostkamp had a total population o23,698 The ...
Belgium
Belgium, officially the Kingdom of Belgium, is a country in Northwestern Europe. Situated in a coastal lowland region known as the Low Countries, it is bordered by the Netherlands to the north, Germany to the east, Luxembourg to the southeas ...
in 1958 as a trading barge, 39.50m in length. She carried grain, carbon, chemicals and other bulk goods. She was christened ''Maria'' and was renamed several times before finally being registered in France under the name Enchanté, in 2009. She is constructed of steel with a high carbon content, which was more common in pre-war barges. Although slightly more brittle, this type of steel has excellent
anti-corrosion
A corrosion inhibitor or anti-corrosive is a chemical compound added to a liquid or gas to decrease the corrosion rate of a metal that comes into contact with the fluid. The effectiveness of a corrosion inhibitor depends on fluid composition and ...
properties.
''Enchanté'' was refitted for her new purpose in 2009, for a total of €500,000.
After the plans were drawn up by the Parisian naval architects Technicarene,
''Enchanté'' was transformed at the Chantier Naval de Meuse et Sambre
in Belgium in 2008/09. She was reduced to 30.00m in length, to suit the Canal du Midi, with its shorter locks and low curved bridges. She is one of only two Midi passenger barges with two interior decks.
Layout and accommodation
''Enchanté'' has four guest bedrooms, a saloon, demonstration kitchen and Jacuzzi for guests. Crew quarters are in the bow and stern.
The Enchanté has a crew of five: Captain, first mate/tour guide or matelot, chef, and two hostesses.
External links
* Owner's website
www.europeanwaterways.comComprehensive review of the ''Enchanté'' luxury bargeon the Canal du Midi
References
{{DEFAULTSORT:Enchante
Hotel barges
Barges of France
Canal du Midi
Hotels in France
1958 ships