Interview with : Christophe Sentuc, founding director of Terres & Voyages and Fleuves du Monde

What are the special features of Fleuves du Monde boats?

Christophe Senduc: This is a small fleet that we have developed on the Mekong, in Cambodia and Vietnam, and on the Nile in Egypt. These boats, with a maximum capacity of 15-20 passengers, are built the old-fashioned way. All made of wood, in the local style, with a steel hull and a shallow draught that allows them to access small, isolated villages. The atmosphere on board is intimate, warm and in tune with the country.

What type of operations are you targeting?

C. S. : These boats are suitable for exceptional, top-of-the-range and personalised rewards. They can all be privatised. They offer a special approach to the country, allowing stopovers that are inaccessible to larger ships. For example, on board the Toum Tiou on the Mekong, comfort is equivalent to that of a four-star hotel. Passengers discover places that are little-known to the general public; by taking canals, they meet villagers and really enter into the intimacy of the country.

Do you offer special services for this clientele?

C. S. : Tours can be tailor-made according to the customer's wishes. Boats can be grouped together, as can certain events: fireworks on the water, dinners in exceptional locations with large tables laid with white tablecloths, silver candlesticks and stylish service, nights under the stars on deck with all the necessary comforts, meetings with local personalities...