Welcome to our exclusive collection of hotel barge cruises. For over 40 years, we have specialised in creating luxury barge holidays on some of the most beautiful waterways in Europe.
The welcome we received and everything on board was perfect
Pauline Taplin, Hampshire, UK
This is a treasure that most people don’t know about
Denise Thorson , New Jersey, USA
Everbody should do this at least once in their life
Charles Baertl, Texas USA
For a very special occasion this is the place to be
John Thorson, New Jersey, USA
The Hotel Barging Experience
Whether your interests lie in gastronomy and wine, local history, and culture, or just relaxing on deck with a good book and a glass of Chablis, a “slow boat” voyage with us offers the ultimate in experiential travel. Each day as your ‘floating boutique hotel’ glides sedately along at walking pace, you can relax on deck and take in the passing countryside, then perhaps hop off at the next lock to stroll along the towpath or enjoy a little exercise on one of the barge’s bicycles.
With capacity for up to 20 passengers on board, a hotel barge cruise offers a more intimate, informal atmosphere than on larger river and ocean cruise vessels, so it is an excellent choice for couples, single travellers, families, or small groups.
Making New Friends as a Couple
Many of our guests choose a hotel barge cruise with us because they relish the chance to meet other like-minded travellers who enjoy the finer things in life, such as great service, fine dining, wine and good conversation. They are keen to find out more about local culture and history, but at the same time want an absorbing, slow-paced voyage of discovery.
Private Whole Barge Charters
When you charter one of our hotel barges – be it for a precious family gathering or friends’ reunion, a one-off celebration, or as a special interest group – we can arrange tailored itineraries to please everyone, whatever your ages or interests.
Travelling Solo
Our gentle voyages are also ideal for the single traveller who will be welcomed into the fold by the crew and their fellow ship-mates to join the ‘floating house party’, with everyone dining together around the same table and enjoying all the private escorted daily excursions as a group.
On board, there is a relaxed, intimate ‘house party’ atmosphere, whether you choose to cruise with other like-minded people, or charter the whole barge privately as a family or a group of friends.
Where We Cruise in Europe

Popular Destinations
Themed Barge Holidays
Verified Reviews
Video Feed
Video of the Week
Travel Expert, Lindsay Myers recounts her cruise aboard La Belle Epoque for NBC Access Hollywood
Hotel Barge L'Impressionniste
Hotel Barge La Belle Epoque
The Lock-Keeper Blog
10 Classic French Dishes You Must Try
France is the land of delicious foods and excellent wines, so is it any wonder that there’s so many classic French dishes to try? Check out our 10 favourites! Read More
The Ultimate Guide to the River Yonne
The River Yonne is one of the most important rivers in Burgundy, extending from Auxerre, where it joins the Canal du Nivernais Read More
The Historic Town of Vézelay in Burgundy
Vézelay’s St Mary Magdalene Church mesmerises travellers with its medieval architecture, crusading legends and hilltop vistas of French countryside. Read More
In the Press
La Belle barge provides small-scale cruising with a very French flavour
Mike Grenby spent 6 days on the Burgundy canal, read about his Belle Epoque adventure here Read More
La Belle barge provides small-scale cruising with a very French flavour
Mike Grenby spent 6 days on the Burgundy canal, read about his Belle Epoque adventure here Read More
Slow Barge through the Loire Valley
Karen Pasquali Jones takes a tranquil cruise aboard Renaissance, through Burgundy and the Upper Loire Read More