The Lock-Keeper Blog

Bright mornings on the course and lazy afternoons with a glass of wine on deck - what could be better?

If you’re looking for culture, nature and history, look no further – here are six of our favourite UNESCO World Heritage sites in France and Italy.

Beaune is overflowing with history, art and wine. Here are the best sites for culture lovers, including parks, museums and of course, tastings.

Time for a Girl's Getaway? Explore the Wine, Gastronomy, Art & Countryside in France or Italy aboard a private cruise

Deep in the rolling French countryside lies the thirteenth century Château de Ratilly, a haven for artists and history lovers

One for the foodies! What are truffles? Where can I get them? Why are they so rare?

Waterfalls in Paris? A candlelit maze in the Loire Valley? These gardens are a cut above the rest.

History, architecture, art and food! Dijon has the best of them all. But what if you only have one day to spare?

A brief history of Bastille Day and the summer celebrations of France's independence

Whether you’re a tennis ace or a cycling superstar, make the most of the summer’s biggest sporting events on a specialist themed cruise.

Take a look at these 3 Mediterranean River Ports, a bold and beautiful mixture of architecture history and foodie heaven

20% off Summer & Autumn Charter Prices - Perfect for group travel

Wine tasting and sail boat racing – what’s not to love? Find out more about the Bordeaux Wine Festival here.

Want to explore The Secret France? Sick of tourist traps? Then read on for tranquil abbeys, stunning mountainside towns and secluded seaside villages

The Barge? The Food? The Company? The Crew? Why should Luxury Hotel Barging be on your Bucket List?

A Luxury Irish Hotel, A Private set of Residences at Loch Ness and a beautiful display of Falconry ...

Delve into the history of our very special hotel barge, La Belle Epoque, who has long called the canals of Burgundy home.

Private tours with the aristocracy, once in a lifetime nature cruises and boutique champagne tastings make 2018 a great time to go barging

Grab a true taste of France as you cruise along the Canal du Midi, aboard the world renowned Anjodi, hosted by a fantastic all French crew

Our newest cruise takes you behind the scenes of England's most famous regal residences, including private tours of Windsor Castle & Hampton Court

Having cruised 38 times on 26 different barges across Europe, Dorothy Mulligan tells us what keeps her returning year after year

If you’re seeking a glimpse of the history and viticulture of the Languedoc region, look no further than the Château de Perdiguier.

Share some quality time with your better half on a romantic cruise of Holland aboard the luxurious Panache.

#BurgundyWeek highlights including: Hotel Barge L'Art de Vivre, Château d'Ancy-le-Franc, and of course some stunning vineyards and vintages!

Here are our most highly recommended cruises for those seeking barges, birds and blooms this springtime.

Are you a castle enthusiast? Don’t overlook Ireland’s collection of weird and wonderful strongholds! Read about 3 of our favourites.

Dinner is served at the gourmet restaurant in the secluded and beautiful Le Château de Vault-de-Lugny

We offer you our rundown of spectacular French River Cruises, from ballooning across the Burgundy Vineyards to the Royal French castles of the Loire Valley.

Enjoy a midweek visit to a boutique champagne house aboard your hotel barge cruise through Burgundy

From the movie star status of the Eilean Donan Castle to the staggering beauty of Glencoe, a Scottish walking holiday has it all.

Find out more about the highlights of our cruise through Germany and Luxembourg aboard the luxurious La Nouvelle Etoile.

Two fascinating Châteaux situated in the remarkable countryside of the relatively unknown Gascony region, both are highlights of Luxury Hotel Barge Rosa's cruise route.

Champagne Cruises for 2018, a unique way to see the effervescent heart of France

Discover the magnificent Journées Romaines Festival, held in the historic Burgundian town of Autun at the height of summer.

Sample some of France's romantic delights, from the Lovers' Bridges of Annecy to the world's largest reflecting pool in Bordeaux

From Venice to Paris and Amsterdam to Champagne, spend this Valentine’s Day exploring these beautiful destinations from the peace and seclusion of the water.

No Single Supplement on a Wide Range of Hotel Barge Cruises, eliciting big savings, there has never been a better time to travel solo and make new friends!

A uniquely Venetian tour, free of charge, 20% Cabin discount and the fascinating history of a very romantic mode of transport

Cruise along the Canal du Midi and the Rhone, experiencing the beautiful wildlife of the Camargue and the exceptional architecture of Arles.

Discover the quirky, individual experiences that just aren't available anywhere else

A true, traditional taste of the Venetian region and a guided tour of the renowned fishing port, Chioggia. An Insider Experience for those of adventurous heart!

Autumn is a beautiful time for cruising, which is why we've been planning a potential new route through Burgundy, on some spectacular rural canals.

Spring is an ideal time to visit Burgundy. Warming temperatures create perfect conditions for sightseeing and cycling alongside the canals, and the hillsides are in bloom.

The Canal de Bourgogne doesn’t just have stunning surroundings – its feats of engineering are equally impressive! Find out more here.

Discover the literary nature of France, expatriate Paris, the battlegrounds of WWI and the stunningly romantic villages of Chocolat

Our top 5 picks from the Burgundy wine region, taste guaranteed!

Discover the history of the bridge at the Château de Chenonceau, which the Nymphea cruises under on our Loire Valley cruise.

A Sparkling Festival in the North East of France; Live Music, Art Installations, Unique Architecture and World Renowned Champagne in abundance

You can uncover the history and impressive engineering feats of the Canal du Nivernais on a Burgundy barge cruise. Start your journey of discovery here.

Abroad in France? Here's a rundown of useful phrases, translations and general advice on French Wine

Our compilation of the best destinations in Scotland, from Scottish Castles to Whisky distilleries, there's something for everyone.

Mark's Mince Pies - A classic Christmas stalwart with a delicious modern twist!

Tired of the crowds? Want a true taste of Venice? Read on to find out how to experience Venice like a local

We're offering a ‘Black Friday’ 30% discount on whole barge charter prices for 6 night cruises aboard L’Impressionniste, La Belle Epoque and Spirit of Scotland when booked between 24th November...

Looking for an indulgent cultural experience? Look no further than our spectacular Opera Cruises from Venice to Mantua.

Tor those of you, who are celebrating this Thursday, allow us to help you out a little in the kitchen with a delicious Sausage Stuffing recipe, courtesy of our very...

Do you have plans for the third Thursday in November? Get to France – le Beaujolais nouveau est arrivé!

No wine? No problem. Delectable cuisine, fairy-tale architecture and traditional canals mean Burgundy has plenty of alternatives to sitting and sipping.

Our barging holidays allow you to dig a little deeper. Find out more about the immersive ‘Insider Experiences’ we offer.

Guests aboard the hotel barge Renaissance are in for a treat when they visit Gien, the home of Faience pottery.

While cruising along some of France’s most iconic canals, stop off at some very well-known local markets to try and buy fresh produce.

No barge cruise in Bordeaux would be complete without a visit to Saint-Émilion, one of its largest and oldest wine regions.

We are delighted to announce that once again we are offering a number of “Downton Abbey” cruises along the Royal River Thames aboard Magna Carta.

Olive lovers will relish our excursion to l’Oulibo in the Languedoc-Roussillon region, with tastings of olives, olive oils and tapenade.

Why not combine a trip to watch the 2018 Ryder Cup in Paris with one of our charter golf cruises in France?

Our Burgundian cruise aboard La Belle Epoque offers the chance to visit the stunning Château d’Ancy-le-Franc. Find out more about it here.

Engineering enthusiasts, get excited! Guests experience the impressive Malpas tunnel from the deck of Anjodi on our Canal du Midi cruises.

What’s the difference between ‘whisky’ and ‘whiskey’? Read our latest blog post (and join our Whisky Trail Cruise) to find out...

Our 6-night cruises along the Canal du Midi in the South of France, departing on July 13, will give passengers the chance to celebrate Bastille Day, the French National Day,...

What could be more pleasant than cruising through picturesque vineyards? Sampling the fruits of their labour, of course!

April 23 is St George’s Day, celebrating England’s Patron Saint and renowned dragon-slayer. It is an ideal occasion on which to bake that most quintessentially English cake, the Victoria Sponge,...

Spooky castles, flower auctions and olive farms... take a look here at some of our favourite unique excursions.

We have recently launched our 2018/19 brochure with details of all our European cruises on the 17 hotel barges in our fleet

The RHS Chelsea Flower Show is the highlight of our English flower cruises in May, which use the Thames as a route through the Garden of England.

This time of year is when many vegetables are harvested at their best having benefitted from the summer warmth. A great seasonal dish is Ratatouille Nicoise, a popular dish with...

The Great Glen is your oyster when you cruise the Caledonian Canal on our barge cruises. Find out more here.

Explore the countryside through which the canals and rivers of Europe pass by bicycle. Find out more about our barging and biking options.

Our cruise aboard the Panache in Alsace and Lorraine kicks off in style in Strasbourg, where old, new, German and French influences meet.

Our cruise aboard the Panache in Alsace and Lorraine kicks off in style in Strasbourg, where old, new, German and French influences meet.

From the Roman to the Romanesque and beyond, the Burgundian town of Autun bears evidence of its long and proud history.

On a floating holiday with European Waterways you always see something special - a different view from your cabin window every morning!

What could be more decadent than a Champagne cruise? Find out about this special itinerary aboard the hotel barge Panache.

We are delighted to announce the arrival of our new 12-passenger hotel barge “Spirit of Scotland”. She will cruise the Caledonian Canal and lochs of the Great Glen in the...

With its fairytale citadel ringed by ancient walls, the city of Carcassonne is a highlight of our Canal du Midi cruise on the hotel barge Anjodi.

Bring 'Beauty and the Beast' to life on your family barge cruise when you visit the fairytale Château de Sully-sur-Loire.

Hotel barge holidays explained: how the onboard crew, the relaxed pace and the chance for unique cruising experiences sets a hotel barge apart.

Considering a hotel barge holiday in Holland? We only need one word to convince you: Keukenhof!

If you are a single traveller, or perhaps want to cruise with family or friends and would simply like a cabin to yourself, then our new 'No Single Supplement' offer...

European Waterways’ shore excursions along the French Canal Du Midi offer intimate glimpses into rich local heritage and historical wonders

Cruising the Canal du Midi on your next trip? Here are our best picks along this iconic waterway.

It's a tough contest, but we have compiled a list of our favourite canals in France... would these make your list?

After much dispute, we have settled on a list of what we think you'll agree are Burgundy's very best sights.

Holland: the home of tulips, windmills and a number of our vessels. No wonder it's one of our favourite itineraries!

The diverse itineraries aboard our charter barges in Burgundy and the Canal du Midi make for a marvellous multi-generational holiday.

The bicycles aboard all of our vessels offer the chance to explore their surrounding countryside - this Burgundy route is a beauty!

Nothing says floating luxury like Finesse, one of the latest additions to our fleet. Find out more about her here.

Did you know that Anjodi has a tv star past? Find out more about her appearance on Rick Stein's Food Odyssey.

Our beautiful barge La Belle Epoque makes a journey through film history when it cruises through Flavigny-Sur-Ozerain.

Have you every wondered what life is like as a master chef on one of our luxury hotel barges? Meet Mike.

This beautiful baked camembert with a Port and Red Currant Sauce recipe is a clear champion when it comes to dinner parties.

Beef bourguignon is a well-known, traditional French recipe. It is a stew prepared with beef braised in red wine, traditionally red Burgundy, and beef broth, generally flavoured with garlic, onions...

It's hard to find a holiday that Mum, Dad, Granny and the children enjoy - our family cruises may be your answer!

Burgundy has been synonymous with world-class wine for centuries - now its vineyards are an official UNESCO World Heritage Site!

What's the best way to admire the bonny highlands? From the deck of a hotel barge on the Caledonian Canal!

France's UNESCO-protected Canal du Midi is one of our most popular cruising destinations. Find out why here.

Are you getting ready to discover the Route des Grands Vins on your Alscace cruise? Here are our wine tasting tips.

From Keukenhof Gardens to the Aalsmeer flower auction, our spring tulip cruises through Holland are blooming marvellous!

Our WW1 Commemorative cruises give you a fascinating opportunity to learn more about the Canal du Nord during the Great War.

A visit to the sprawling Ducal Palace in Mantua is the spectacular finale to our cruise through Italy on hotel barge La Bella Vita.

If there is one dish that is immediately identified as being Scottish, it is haggis. Contrary to an old yarn, haggis is not a wild animal indigenous to Scotland.

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

Superb Scottish whisky is the lifeblood of our Whisky Trail cruise along the Caledonian Canal. Discover the visited distilleries here.

You can’t please everyone – or can you? On our hotel barge cruises you’ll find there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Read to find out how we can manage your...

Feast your eyes on this chocolate Guinness cake recipe recommended by the master chef aboard hotel barge Shannon Princess.

Whether your passion is history, golf, walking or gastronomy, we have an Ireland cruise for you aboard the Shannon Princess.

If you look carefully, you'll discover that a rich history, as well as world-famous wine, flows through Languedoc-Roussillon - find out more here.

Discover the 100-year-old history of the hotel barge L'Art de Vivre, from ammunition carrier to alcohol deliverer.

Exploring the Canal de Garonne couldn't be more pleasurable aboard the beautiful hotel barge Rosa. Discover her heritage here.

Cruising in the off-peak months the spring gives you the chance to see Europe spring back to life. Read on for the best places to cruise.

What gastronomic delights await visitors to Hampton Court Palace? Find out aboard our hotel barge Magna Carta!

You can't help but admire the transformation of our hotel barge Finesse, the ultimate upcycling project! Find out more here.

The town of Bresse in Burgundy claims to produce some of the world’s best poultry, free-range birds that are fed on creamy milk and wheat.

Of all the villages in France, only 200 can be called 'Les Plus Beaux'. Find out more here.

Burgundy beckons the avid oenophile. Take a look at our out top 7 wine tastings and tours in this region.

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

Skin the tomatoes by pouring boiling water over them, then leave for one minute before draining them and slipping off the skins.

If you are a lover of fireworks, the place to be on the evening of July 14th is Carcassonne in Southwest France

A highlight of our cruise in Alsace is the chance to discover more about the region's most famous artisan: René Lalique.

Your barge deck is the perfect place to relax in the sunshine with a book - here's our recommended reading list!

Forget a summer holiday - harvest time in autumn is ideal for oenophiles to cruise the vineyards of France's wine regions.

September sees the launch to the marketplace of European Waterways’ new 2017 Brochure, featuring a wide choice of exclusive hotel barge cruises on the canals, rivers and lakes of mainland...

We would like to remind you of our 10% off “early bird” special offer on selected departures in 2017.

What better way to celebrate the delights of fine French cuisine than to experience it as you drift along the serene waterways of Southern France?

Looking for a holiday with Panache? You'll love our Spring tulip cruise through the blooming fields of Holland!

Go on, treat yourself to a chartered culinary cruise through the famed gastronomic landscapes of the Southwest of France.

What could be more quintessentially French than wine and cheese? Find out more about the pairing on your French barge cruise.

Bordeaux has recently been voted the best city to visit and it’s easy to understand why. This capital of the most renowned wine-growing region in the world has much to...

‘Le Plus Beaux Villages de France’ is a collection of stunning small French villages. Read on to find out which ones you can visit on our Burgundy cruises.

Here is a recipe for Cullen Skink, a very tasty soup which is also often served on Burns’ Night. This soup has its roots in Cullen, a small town on...

Here we look at Roquefort, a wonderful blue sheep’s milk cheese, produced in southern France. It is served most often on our hotel barges on the Canal du Midi.

What could be more romantic than sedately cruising through the Loire valley past vineyards and chateaux, enjoying each other’s company as you sip champagne and enjoy fine cuisine, while on...