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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
The Largest Barging Company in Europe
A Superb Fleet of 17 Vessels
Cruises in 9 Countries Across Europe
See what Our Clients Say
Exceptional Service and Expert Staff
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
Spirit of Scotland
Spirit of Scotland is a deluxe, 12 passenger hotel barge that sails the Caledonian Canal and Loch Ness in the Scottish Highlands
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
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
Introducing our New Solo Traveller Cruise
Calling all solo travellers! Our new and exclusive solo cruise offers the very best of Venice to Mantua with the addition of some 'extra surprises' - exclusively picked for this... Read More
Meet Our Barge Chefs
Cuisine plays a huge role in our cruises, so here's an introduction to our master chefs, serving an array of world-class delights on board every barge... Read More
A Spotlight on Domaine Chanson
Wine lovers unite! New to L’Impressionniste, we visit the enchanting Domaine Chanson, located in the heart of the Burgundy ‘terroir’ since 1750. Here’s a sneaky peek at what’s in store... 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