Are you looking for an unforgettable luxury barge cruise experience in France? Look no further, European Waterways offers the best luxury barge holidays at the most amazing locations across Europe. We promise to offer a wonderfully unique alternative to see one of the most beautiful countries in the world.
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
Where we Cruise in France

Nestled right at the heart of this beautiful country is Burgundy, a region often regarded as the place to go for the perfect French barge cruise. Famous for its wonderful wines, as you cruise through the region past acres and acres of sun-kissed vines, you will have the opportunity to stop and taste the delectable vintages at some of the most prestigious vineyards along the way. Besides Burgundy, the Canal du Midi is renowned for its fabulous options for a barge cruise.
France’s sun-drenched waterway right in the south of the country winds along shady canals, bordered by trees that sway in the gentle breeze, while passing charming old villages and the remains of many interesting Roman buildings. The pace of life is easy-going and you will soon find yourself unwinding into the relaxed way of life that is par for the course on our barge cruises in France.
Heading west from the Midi is the charming region of Gascony, which is another idyll, perfect for a barge cruise. France’s Canal des Deux Mers winds through L’Occitanie, famous for its watercolour scenery, its beautiful orchards and endless vineyards, while Bordeaux is yet another wine paradise ideal for exploring by water. Good food and wine go hand in hand on all of our barge cruise in France.
The chateaux of the Loire Valley offer the perfect backdrop to a French barge cruise. The vessel that tours the very essence of the Loire Valley along the River Cher is the only one of its kind in this region and we are proud to offer you a uniquely charming way to explore this magnificent land that oozes grace and incredible natural charm around every corner. Complementing the scenery are the fine examples of Renaissance architecture that add to the whole unique experience in this region.
Of course Champagne, lying east of the capital city of Paris, has fabulous barging opportunities in abundance. Your French barge cruise in this region will see you winding your way through bountiful vineyards, passing rolling hills, and making detours to wineries that offer you the chance to taste the fruits of these famous lands. It is not just the delicious sparkling wine that has made this region famous though, and on a cruise through this historical area, you will encounter chateaux, cathedrals and other monumental landmarks.
For those looking for something completely unique, we present some wonderful cruises in Alsace & Lorraine, which is on the eastern border of France. The distinct fusion of French and German culture is reflected in every element of community life here and as you gently cruise the canal you will find yourself visiting quaint villages, marvelling at fine Baroque and Romanesque architecture, and dining on regional specialities accompanied by the famous white wines of the region.
More Destinations
France is a huge country with over 2700 miles of stunning waterways, with all of the rivers linked up by a 750-mile network of glorious canals and decorated with spectacular French countryside. There truly is an endless opportunity to explore the water. Our French barge cruises navigate through the breathtaking canals of Briare, Nivernais, Burgundy, Canal du Midi, and other towns and cities rich in French culture.
As well as these stunning locations we also offer cruises to some of the other iconic and beautiful locations that the country has to offer.
Paris
The country’s capital, also known as ‘The city of lights’ is by far the most popular tourist destination in the country. It’s undeniable charm, culture, and history make it a must-visit when in France. The wonderful city has a huge number of restaurants and beautiful architecture for you to enjoy as you walk the picturesque Parisian streets.
A number of our barge cruises navigate through the magical waterways of the capital. There is no better way to see the city as you pass the most iconic locations such as the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame on your way around the city.
Picardy
For centuries the region of Picardy has been at the heart of Europe. The Vast farmlands have throughout history brought prosperity as well as conflict to the stunning region. This can be seen in the region’s history of gothic art and architecture. Amongst its stunning architecture are six glorious cathedrals, and stunning chateaux.
The battlefields of the region have truly left their mark on the landscape with memorials, cemeteries, and preserved features still visible today and you will get the chance to explore them all as you walk the towpaths. Each year in late spring Hotel Barge La Nouvelle Etoile cruises the fascinating region between Paris and Belgium.
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Video of the Week
Cruise Southern Burgundy Aboard Luxury Hotel Barge L’Impressionniste
Canal du Midi
If you are looking to experience the best of the French countryside, a cruise on a Canal du Midi barge might be just the thing for you!
Nymphea
Nymphea’s Dutch design with its shallow draft makes her the ideal vessel for navigating the beautiful sandy reaches of the River Cher in the Loire Valley. No other hotel barge cruises this magical waterway.
The Lock-Keeper Blog
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
Sancerre & the Upper Loire Wine Guide: France’s Most Diverse and Third Largest Wine Region
Sancerre is the most recognizable appellation for French Sauvignon Blanc in the Loire Valley. The region’s rolling limestone hills and semi-continental climate deliver richly textured wines 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
Cruising in Burgundy
David Powell spent a week on the luxury hotel barge L’Impressionniste cruising through Burgundy. Read about his experience here Read More
The Best River Cruise Ever!
Tim Hedgley cruised aboard hotel barge L’Impressionniste in Southern Burgundy in June 2017. Read about his experience Read More
Taking a Hotel Barge through Burgundy
Cruise through Burgundy aboard the elegant La Belle Epoque Read More
La Belle barge provides small-scale cruising with a very French flavour
There’s a lot of numbers, but no math needed for a six-day cruise along the Burgundy Canal on La Belle Epoque: one hotel barge, 17 meals, 22 wines and 19 cheeses, one hot tub, some mountain bikes and visits to at least a dozen interesting sites Read More