English 
Spanish
French
German
Norwegian
Portuguese
Swedish
Italian
Russian
Simplified Chinese
Japanese
Welcome to our exclusive collection of hotel barge cruises. For over 35 years, we have specialised in creating luxury barge holidays on some of the most beautiful waterways in Europe.
Luxury Hotel Barge Cruises
A truly unique experience
The Hotel Barging Experience
Far removed from the hustle and bustle of city life, these voyages allow you to travel in luxury without the strains of packing and unpacking, whilst enjoying a balanced blend of daily excursions and fascinating cruising.
Over 35 Years’ Experience
Established in 1974 and operating cruises since the early 1980s, European Waterways has a wealth of knowledge and experience to share with our clients.
The Largest Barging Company in Europe
Still in the same private ownership of the Directors who run the company, our guests can be assured of consistently high standards of personal service, and vast experience of our markets.
A Superb Fleet of 17 Vessels
We have vessels available for up to 20 passengers with cabin sizes varying from cozy and compact to ultra-deluxe staterooms comparable to top hotel rooms.
Cruises in 9 Countries Across Europe
We offer the widest choice of destinations of any hotel barge company. Cruising areas range from the Midi in Southern France to the Scottish Highlands and from Ireland in the West to Venice in the East.
See what Our Clients Say
Many of our guests book with us over and over again and also recommend us to their friends – which is the best endorsement that a travel company can hope for. See some of their comments on Feefo, below.
Exceptional Service and Expert Staff
Our crews are trained to provide the highest levels of service whilst making you feel totally at home. Our office staff will equally guide you effortlessly through the process of booking the holiday of a lifetime.
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
A Home Away from Home
All hotel barges in the fleet benefit from an annual refurbishment and this may vary from redecoration and refurnishing of the...
Themed Charter Cruises
We can arrange a wide selection of themed charter cruises which will appeal to all types of interest groups, large or small...
Multi Generational Cruises
With capacity for between 6 and 20 passengers, a private hotel barge charter is perfect for a multi generational getaway
Hotel Barging Experience
Far removed from the hustle and bustle of city life, hotel barge voyages allow you to travel in luxury without the strains of...
Insider Experiences
These experiences form the heart of a European Waterways cruise; spontaneous, unique adventures that just couldn't be had anywhere else
Outstanding Service
Crews are mainly British or French and they all speak English, so there is no need to worry about a language barrier when they are...
A Gastronomic Experience
The classic traditions of French and International cuisine are an unforgettable highlight of your cruise. The onboard chefs are...
Enriching Excursions
Every hotel barge cruise includes daily excursions to some fascinating local places of interest - châteaux, Cathar hilltop...
Themed Charter Cruises
We can arrange a wide selection of themed charter cruises which will appeal to all types of interest groups, large or small...
Family & Friends Cruises
Families or groups of friends can charter any of the hotel barges. You will have the whole vessel to yourselves and she becomes a...
Barging & Biking
We know that many of our passengers enjoy taking some exercise during their hotel barge cruise, so each vessel carries...
Shopping & Markets
Even if you are not normally a lover of shopping, the vast array of fascinating shops and markets you can discover on one of our...
Wine & Whisky Tours
Many of our cruises are through some of the best wine- growing regions of France, such as Burgundy, Bordeaux...
Our Exclusive Collection of Hotel Barges
L’Impressionniste
L’Impressionniste is a deluxe, 12 passenger hotel barge that cruises the Burgundy Canal in the wine region of Southern Burgundy
L’Art de Vivre
L’Art de Vivre is a first class, 8 passenger hotel barge that cruises the charming Canal du Nivernais and River Yonne in Burgundy
La Belle Epoque
La Belle Epoque is a deluxe, 12 passenger hotel barge that cruises the picturesque Burgundy Canal in Northern Burgundy
Themed Barge Holidays
Family Cruises
Family themed holidays are available aboard all our barges. You have the whole vessel to yourselves and she becomes a home from home, except we...
Golf Cruises
Scotland, Ireland, England and France all have some great golf courses including Royal Dornoch, Lahinch, Galway Bay, Wentworth, Sunningdale and Cap d'Agde...
Wine Appreciation Cruises
Our wine appreciation holidays in Burgundy and the Languedoc region will give you the opportunity to visit some renowned vineyards with our...
Video Feed
Video of the Week
Despite the growing popularity of cruising, especially on large river vessels, hotel barging is still a little known niche concept.
Cruises in Italy
Our Italian holidays afloat will let you discover that country’s hidden beauty!
Cruises in Alsace & Lorraine
In the Summer and Autumn, hotel barge Panache sails the beautiful waterways of Alsace
The Lock-Keeper Blog
Useful French Waterways Terms
Planning a cruise along the French waterways? Our guide to useful French waterways terms will help you navigate with ease and confidence... Read More
10 Movies & Binge-Worthy Shows to Spark Future Travel Inspiration
Dreaming of faraway shores? Escape reality with one of our top 10 movies and binge-worthy shows, alongside their locations which can be visited on our luxury barge cruises… Read More
Meet the Locals: People You Might Meet on your Luxury Barge Cruise
It's the people you meet that make your holiday truly unforgettable, so here's a few friendly faces you might meet on your luxury barge cruise... 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