As Told by Our Guests...

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

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The Best French Barge Trip Destinations

Visit the Heart of the Barging Community in Burgundy

Beautiful Burgundy is considered to be at the very heart of the barging community, making it the perfect destination for your trip. Travel through quaint villages, see stunning scenery, and visit some of the wineries in the area as you take in the sights.

Explore History in Canal du Midi

For history fans, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better destination than Canal du Midi. The combination of antiquated villages and Roman fortifications will take you back to years gone by, with plenty of destinations to explore. Step into the past with a barge trip to Canal du Midi.

Dine in Style in Gascony

Enjoying delicious food is one of the best perks of any holiday, and Gascony has earned its reputation as a gastronomic wonderland. As the cultural heartland of garlic, duck confit, and foie gras, you can sample the most delicious food and drink excellent wine and brandy while there.

Take in the Wine Capital of the World in Bordeaux

Wine lovers will find that Bordeaux is an absolute must. As the wine capital of the world, you’ll take a barge trip through Bordeaux to some of the best vineyards in the country, sampling their offerings and getting a taste of what makes this the undisputed wine capital.

Discover the Beautiful Loire Valley

The Loire Valley is recognised as one of the most beautiful destinations in France to visit, with verdant landscapes and tranquil scenery to enjoy. You’ll feel totally at ease here, so if you are looking for the ultimate relaxing barge trips, Loire Valley France will not let you down.

Stunning Scenery and More in Champagne

As the name suggests, Champagne is the home of the sparkling vintage we all know and love. However, this isn’t all the area is known for. Your trip will take you to some of the best vineyards for a private tasting, with guided tours of the cathedrals and more.

Relax on a Garonne River Cruise

Discover the blended culture of Alsace & Lorraine today. Your barge trip will take you on a leisurely cruise of the area through the picturesque villages and stunning architecture. Its proximity to the German border means you’ll benefit from French and German culture and get a unique French barge trip experience.

The European Waterways team are here to help you find your dream destination in France. Contact our team today to talk about the different French barge trip destinations to choose from.

Explore Nearly 3,000 Miles of French Riverways and Canals

Your barge trip in France could take you anywhere. There are thousands of miles of canals and riverways to explore, so whether you choose to visit Burgundy or explore the stunning sights of the Loire Valley, you’ll find the perfect destination for you. With nine different destinations to choose from and nine countries across Europe to visit, you’ll find your barge trip unforgettable.

Hotel Barging With a Difference

Multi Generational Cruises

Multi Generational Cruises - Family Picnic

Why not get the family together, from grandparents to grandchildren, and charter a whole vessel for a family holiday that will be remembered always?

A Home Away from Home

Saloon

All of our vessels are well maintained and undergo refurbishment or redecoration every year. Your comfort is our priority.

Enriching Excursions

Excursions

All itineraries include the option of taking local tours and excursions to places of interest, be it a castle, market, museum or vineyard.

Insider Experiences

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Unique, special and memorable are some of the words used to describe our wonderful holidays.

Hotel Barging Experience

Barging Experience

Leave the hustle and bustle of everyday life at home and slow down, unwind and relax aboard a luxury floating hotel.

Outstanding Service

Service

Exemplary service is attentive without being intrusive. All crew speak English and are on hand to cater to your every need.

A Gastronomic Experience

Dining

Food and wine are an integral part of the barging experience and you can expect exceptional quality of both.

Family & Friends Cruises

Family Cruise

Perfect for a big group of family or friends, we offer the option of chartering the whole boat, which then becomes a home from home.

Barging & Biking

Spirit Of Scotland Biking

Make the most of the towpaths and borrow one of the bikes onboard, which is another relaxing way to experience the surroundings.

Shopping & Markets

Wonderful Local cheeses

Soak up a little local culture at one of the many markets along the way, which offers a great way to touch the cultural heart of a place.

Wine & Whisky Tours

Wine Banner

Explore endless vineyards and working distilleries and indulge in the finer things in life on one of our wine or whiskey trips.

Luxury Hotel Barge Trips in France

Travel in style on a luxury hotel barge. Our barges can accommodate between 6 and 12 passengers, and our high standards mean that every barge offers comfortable rooms of various sizes to choose from.

La Belle Epoque

La Belle Epoque - Cruising - 490

La Belle Epoque is a luxury hotel barge that carries 12 passengers and sails the stunning Burgundy Canal in Northern Burgundy.

L’Impressionniste

L'Impressionniste barge

L’Impressionniste cruises the Burgundy Canal and takes in the vineyards of Southern Burgundy. It is a deluxe, 12-passenger vessel.

L’Art de Vivre

L'Art de Vivre barge cruising

L’Art de Vivre is an exceptional vessel accommodating 8 passengers. It cruises the charming Canal du Nivernais and River Yonne in Burgundy.

Enchanté

Enchante

Enchanté is an exceptional 8-passenger vessel that takes in the sun soaked vineyards of southwest France along the Canal du Midi.

Take a Themed Barge Holiday

Whisky Cruises

For lovers of whiskey, join our Whiskey Trail cruise that takes in distilleries close to the Caledonian Canal and Loch Ness.

Wine Appreciation Cruises

Burgundy and the Languedoc region are perfect for our wine appreciation barge trips in France.

Family Cruises

Families can charter any of our vessels and enjoy a home from home experience while exploring the best of France’s waterways.

Verified Reviews

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Hotel Barge Cruises on the Canal du Midi in Southern France

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!

Experience the Champagne Region aboard Hotel Barge Panache

Few places on Earth can boast the name recognition of Champagne in France. You can taste the history, heritage and culture in every glass.

Cruise the Canal du Midi aboard Hotel Barge Enchanté

Enchanté is a hotel barge that offers an alluring blend of luxury and modernity. She is a vessel that will charm any discerning traveller on her sedate journey through the Midi countryside.

The Lock-Keeper Blog

Top Four Iconic Aqueducts in France

If you're a civil engineering buff, the waterways of France will provide much to marvel over (and under, and through!) Read More

Discover Auxerre: Cathedral, Old Town, Wines & More…

The French city of Auxerre is a dwelling frozen in time. Whilst you’re wandering around, it’s easy to forget you’re in France, and think you’re in a fairy-tale! Read More

Top 10 Best Places to Visit in Burgundy, France

Burgundy is one of the most idyllic regions in rural France. With so many beautiful places to explore, you’ll need our Top 10 guide to see the best bits! 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

6 Reasons You Should Go on a Canal Barge Cruise

Laura Lynch spent a week aboard the luxury hotel barge Finesse cruising the Canal du Midi. Read about her experience here 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

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