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At European Waterways, we have nearly five decades of experience guiding our clients on the best barge trips in France. All of our holidays are designed to show you the true beauty of the country.
Luxury Barge Trips in France
French boutique barge trips offer you the most relaxing way to explore the country in style and comfort.
Our luxury barge trips fit a range of different holidays, from exploring the breathtaking scenery of the country to discovering historic sites and dining in style. Get off the beaten track and onto the water with French barge trips today.
The Ultimate Escape on a French Barge Trip
Barges are one of the best ways for you to explore France. With nearly 3,000 miles of canals and riverways to travel along, you’ll get to see the most beautiful sights and find a new way to explore the country. Take the road less travelled by booking a barge trip in France.
Your trip will take you to the most magnificent towns and cities, as well as quaint villages and undiscovered gems. From day trips with gastronomic delights to wineries and forgotten ruins, you’ll enjoy an unforgettable experience with European Waterways.
Over 40 Years of Expertise
Established in 1974, European Waterways knows the best rivers and canals to visit in France. Our expert teams have chosen the best destinations for truly unique experiences each and every time.
Choose From 9 Destinations in France
France has many beautiful destinations for you to visit, following some of the most iconic rivers and canals the country has to offer. Each location is beautiful in its own way so explore the country in your own way with a barge trip.
Barge Trips in France and Beyond
Here at European Waterways, we offer the greatest choice of destinations not only in France but across the entirety of Europe. Choose from nine destinations when you book today.
Exceptional Customer Service Every Time
From the moment you step on board, you’ll be made to feel welcome. Our friendly crew take pride in their work, giving you the care and attention you deserve. We will be there to help you every step of the way.
Read Our 5* Reviews
Our 5* feefo rating from over 900 reviews shows just what our customers think of their French barge trips with European Waterways. Customer service and delivering an exceptional experience are at the heart of everything we do, so read the reviews to see what your trip could be like.
Book Your Premium Hotel Barges
The European Waterways fleet is full of luxury barges, with passenger capacities ranging up to 20 people. From cosy rooms to ultra-deluxe statements, you’ll get a home away from home.
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 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
Using the waterways of France to travel around will give you an unforgettable holiday experience. This unusual holiday will allow you to see the country in a completely different light, with daily excursions to some of the best vineyards and guided tours of historic monuments. You’ll enjoy the best food the region has to offer and be made to feel completely at ease on your luxury barge thanks to the welcoming and friendly staff and crew.
Multi Generational Cruises
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
All of our vessels are well maintained and undergo refurbishment or redecoration every year. Your comfort is our priority.
Enriching 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
Unique, special and memorable are some of the words used to describe our wonderful holidays.
Hotel 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
Exemplary service is attentive without being intrusive. All crew speak English and are on hand to cater to your every need.
A Gastronomic Experience
Food and wine are an integral part of the barging experience and you can expect exceptional quality of both.
Family & Friends Cruises
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
Make the most of the towpaths and borrow one of the bikes onboard, which is another relaxing way to experience the surroundings.
Shopping & Markets
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
Explore endless vineyards and working distilleries and indulge in the finer things in life on one of our wine or whisky 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.
Nymphea
A high class vessel accommodating 6 people, the Nymphea cruises the River Cher that meanders through the Loire Valley.
Rosa
Cruising the Canal de Garonne in the Gascony and Bordeaux regions of southwest France, Rosa is a luxury vessel that accommodates 8 passengers.
Athos
Athos travels the historic Canal du Midi in southwest France and accommodates 10 passengers in its first class accommodation.
L’Impressionniste
L’Impressionniste cruises the Burgundy Canal and takes in the vineyards of Southern Burgundy. It is a deluxe, 12-passenger vessel.
Take a Themed Barge Holiday
Your French barge trip can be customised to suit your parties’ particular needs and interests. From winery tours and private tastings to daily excursions to some of the historic sites of the region, you’ll find exactly what you are looking for with European Waterways.
Whisky Cruises
For lovers of whisky, join our Whisky 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.
Biking Cruises
Cycling the long towpaths running next to the canals in Scotland and France is a relaxing activity that complements any of our holidays.
Verified Reviews
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Video Feed
Since our first video upload in 2010, we have added more than 100 hotel barging video clips and we hope you have enjoyed watching them. YouTube has seen us receive nearly three million views and we are hoping for more!
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
For interesting information about the hotel barging experience, the history of our barges and the best of our excursions, make sure you stay up to date with our Lock-Keeper blog. Every few weeks we will share something new and exciting with you.
Exploring Burgundy: The Château de Bazoches
Visit the impressive Château de Bazoches aboard L’Art de Vivre to experience exquisite architecture, stunning views and to learn of the great Field Marshal, Vauban. Read More
A Spotlight on The Château de Paraza
Situated just off the Canal du Midi, the Château de Paraza is the ultimate wine tasting experience for visitors to the Minervois wine region. Read More
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
In the Press
There have been many interesting and entertaining articles written by journalists and travel writers from across the globe about their journeys on our luxury hotel barge cruises.
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