Luxury barge cruises

Our love affair with the waterways of France began while working on hotel barges in the eighties.  When we returned to NZ we longed to go back as passengers and, in 1991, we escorted our first tour to France, incorporating a ten day barge cruise in Burgundy.  It was everything we expected and we still believe barge cruises are the perfect holiday, combining gentle sightseeing, relaxation, wonderful food and wine and a delightful sense of indulgence.

Never compare an intimate hotel barge with the large river boats sleeping 100-250 guests on the arterial rivers of Europe, nor think they are like the narrowboats of the UK.  Hotel barges sleep 4 to 20 guests and follow historic canals and rivers with locks that limit the vessel size (up to 38m x 5.2m).  They are spacious and luxurious with ensuite bathrooms, lounge, bar and sundeck, plus an attentive crew to handle your luggage, take you sightseeing, pour your drinks and serve your meals.  With a crew ratio of about 2:1 the level of personal service is unmatched.  

We embrace the idea of Slow Travel with all our holidays and cruising at 6kms/hr on a barge must be the epitome of that. The pace makes everyone relax and the tow path is always nearby for explorations ashore by foot or bicycle.  Wining and dining is an integral part of any visit to France and it is hard to beat the dining experience on board a barge.  The onboard chef makes everything from scratch using the best local products and the wines are carefully matched to the cuisine.  Cruise ships and river boats, catering for hundreds of guests, can never produce that quality.   

Mostly our barge bookings are for individual cabins with all-inclusive prices starting around 6000€, but all barges can be chartered for a private group/family and the itinerary adjusted to your preferences. 

For solo travellers there is no single supplement on our favourite barge, the 12 passenger Luciole.   It cruises the peaceful and beautiful Canal du Nivernais and transfers from Paris are included.

European Waterways operate several barges throughout France and currently are offering 10-20% off selected cruises from April to August, so if you are tempted please get in touch with your dates and we will you find the perfect cruise. 

Bien cordialement,

Robert & Barbara