The Lock-Keeper Blog

Rose gets the VIP treatment aboard La Belle Epoque, sampling Champagne, sipping cocktails and dining with Counts and Countesses along the way

WAVEJourney indulge in a dream culinary cruise through the heart of the Scottish Highlands, sampling the best that the region, and our inventive chef has to offer!

Take a look at our handy guide on which theme cruises are right for you, from Wine Appreciation in France to Whisky Trail in the Scottish Highlands

Head to Gastronomic Gascony for Rosa's delightful new excursions involving cheese, wine & afternoon tea in an 18th century chateau...

Perhaps France's most recognisable castle, the Château de Fontainebleau, located 55 kilometres southeast of the center of Paris, is one of the largest French royal châteaux, with a truly intriguing...

5 reasons to visit Auxerre, from foodie heaven to amazing architecture!

Visiting Ireland? The oldest licensed distillery in the world resides in County Westmeath, a lovely place to stop for a small tipple of the water of life!

Arguably the most famous Wedding Venue on the planet, certainly a must see if you're in England

A wonderful way to experience France, this Paris to Champagne luxury cruise pairs the excitement and romance of the French capital with the serene beauty, history and world beating wine...

These champagne houses are a must visit if you find yourself in France, truly the best of the best!

If you're looking for Italian Inspiration, we have it all, take a look at this comprehensive rundown on all we have to offer in this European gem.

Have you heard of the famous Scottish Munros? Perhaps you'd like to bag a few aboard a luxury barge cruise through the heart of the highlands?

Magnificent History, Incredible Views and Wonderful Wildlife abound at this unique spot on the shores of Loch Ness.

Visiting Venice, Verona or Mantua this summer? Here's just what you should do while you're there

This is the ultimate in family travel, pick and choose exactly what you want to do on an all inclusive barge cruise in Europe!

It's all castles, champagne and cruising in this rundown of our favourite 5 luxurious experiences

An early bird promotion for our eagle eyed clients, book now for 2020 and pay 2019 rates!

As we cruise across the world's most famous loch, can you spot one of the world's most famous mythical creatures?

Explore the districts of San Marco and San Castello just like a local aboard Hotel Barge La Bella Vita

The Bianco Canal is a little known Italian Gem, but what is there to see and do as you cruise along it?

With 17 vessels cruising the canals and inland waterways of the rural countryside, we have the perfect itinerary for every traveller.

We hear from a variety of the La Bella Vita Crew to see just what life aboard our Italian vessel is like

Champagne is good for a lot more than just the exquisite sparkling wine; with cathedrals, bustling towns and sunshine aplenty it's a destination with something for everyone!

There's no shortage of culinary genius aboard a French Barge Cruise, but what are our top 5 French foodie experiences?

The Loire Valley is the home of vineyards, storybook castles, caves and watersports, a wonderfully versatile destination for the whole family!

Discover two French staples at the places where they originated, indulge in the fantastic flavour of the Burgundy region

Thinking about flying solo on your next trip? Here's why you should join us, and become part of the European Waterways family

It's not quite river cruising, and it certainly isn't ocean cruising! But what is it that makes luxury hotel barging so special?

Wanting to know more about Bordeaux wine? Good years and bad? Which wine with which food? Read on for a brief glimpse into the good vintages, blends and bottles...

Béziers, Carcassonne & Narbonne are just some of the fascinating towns and cities we visit along this wonderful waterway

Meandering through the lush green countryside at the heart of Ireland, is the glorious River Shannon, a must see for anyone visiting the Emerald Isle!

France's history is inseparable from the great artists that have played a part within it, one such artist is Pierre-August Renoir, who inspired some of the design for our Burgundy...

514 Kilometres and 8 Centuries of fascinating, beautiful history along Champagne's River Marne

A delicious Risotto of Radicchio & Bastardo del Grappa Cheese

More than 1300 years of historical intrigue await you at the unique Abbaye St-Pierre de Moissac in Gascony, France

A wonderfully delectable dessert from the very capable hands on Chef Andrea - and a family recipe to boot!

The Aisne-Marne American Cemetery & Memorial is a humbling and historic visit at the heart of the Champagne region of France

Giulia tells us just why life in Venice aboard a hotel barge is so special to her

A delicious new wine tasting in a typical French town & the chance to see these magnificent birds of prey up close and in flight

Read on to discover the enigmatic, knowledgeable Captains that are at the core of your Hotel Barging Experience

With the 2019 season just around the corner - take a look at our most recent upgrades to the fleet and our ongoing collaboration with designer Marion Falchi

True, Keukenhof Gardens is beautiful every year, but this year is extra special as it celebrates 70 years of colour and natural beauty!

What better way to explore the cuisine of Southern France than aboard a luxury hotel barge, cruising through sunny Bordeaux?

2019 is the year to visit the Loire Valley! With magnificent Renaissance exhibitions, events & celebrations across the region there's plenty to excite and inspire

Discover some of the finest wine that France has to offer on a Wine Appreciation cruise in the South of France

Visit the 14th century Château de Duras, an architectural wonder, which has been both a fortress and a stately home over its 900-year history

Indulge in fine scotch, freshly caught wild salmon & other culinary delights on a barge cruise on the Caledonian Canal

Courtesy of our HR & Accounts Manager Isabelle, we have a delightful French Festive Dessert Recipe for you, to have survived for three generations it must be good!

Sip the week away aboard La Bella Vita as you indulge in Italy's finest wines and cruising scenery

Medieval History, Byronic Poetry and beautiful 14th Century architecture abound in the UNESCO city of Ferrara

Fresh Sea Oysters are a favourite feature of a barge cruise on the Canal du Midi, where we visit the local farm for a tasting and some sunset sea views

Guided Tours, Art, Architecture and the Roaring Twenties are in full swing this year at the legendary home of Downton Abbey

This diverse region of art, history, magnificent architecture and great natural beauty is an ideal honeymoon location

An innovative Venetian treat of grilled octopus, roasted pumpkin and artichoke.

Renaissance Celebrations in the Loire, Wildlife in the South of France & Gastronomic Heaven in Champagne!

Thinking about taking a trip to France? Here's the reasons why you should be!

Exciting excursions, fantastic food, and stellar service - here's why a Hotel Barging Holiday is fun for the whole family!

You're tasting a place when you taste French wine, so here’s a look at some of the top french wine regions you should visit.

Wild Horses in the Camargue, Soaring Herons on the Canal de Bourgogne and cheeky Otters on the Caledonian Canal - Nature & Wildlife are in abundance on a barge cruise!...

Discover a turbulent history and breathtaking beauty at the Strasbourg Cathedral.

Spooky stuff across the many historical castles in Ireland, France and the Scottish Highlands

Chablis may be known for its wine, but its history is just as intoxicating. Find out more here.

Bring beauty into your life at the Aalsmeer Flower Auction – it’s a safe bet you’ll leave with something gorgeous.

Our New Brochure is here! New look, new excursions & more photography than ever before, order yours now!

The Château de Nitray - tour this Renaissance gem in the heart of the Loire Valley, before a delicious tasting with the charismatic owner

Take a look at what's been going in the wonderful world of Barging over the previous month...

Bordeaux - The very essence of elegance, exquisite food, life affirming art and architecture... need we even mention the wine?

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

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

You can learn more about the Golden Age of the Dukes of Burgundy when you stop off at Château de Germolles.

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

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

Now a wonderful location to enjoy a cruise, for centuries the Canal de Briare was an important transportation channel.

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

Take the road less travelled and sample backstreet Parisian bars, the medieval beauty of Montargis and the riverside architecture of Auxerre

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

Are you a true turophile (cheese lover)? Our barge cruises in France are the perfect opportunity to get tasting!

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 ...

Foodie Francophiles, this is the blog post for you – find out our three favourite gastronomic opportunities on a French barge cruise.

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

Take a look at these Top 5 Wine Myths and educate yourself on one of life's finest pleasures

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!

Explore the fascinating but violent history of the fortified Mediterranean city of Carcassonne, from it's Roman beginnings to it's transformation into an economic hub.

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.

Join us on our website, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram for all things Burgundy, from famous wines to exclusive shots of unusual locations - #BurgundyWeek #LoveBurgundy

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.

The “living museum” of Zaanse Schans, visited on our cruise of Holland, brings Dutch history alive in the most exciting way.

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.

Italian river cruises along the main branch of the River Po afford the opportunity to visit Villa Ca'Zen, one of Lord Byron's inspirational romantic haunts.

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

Our guide to the crème de la crème of France's cheeses. Read on to find the perfect pairing for your wine, or just a moreish snack in it's own right!

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.

There are quirky historical stories to be discovered all over the French city of Narbonne... you just need to know where to look!

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

We are now offering 13 night Back to Back Wine Appreciation cruises in Burgundy and Champagne, France, with a free night's stay at a top hotel in Paris

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!

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

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...

Consider yourself a bit of a Crawley? Does the British Aristocracy strike a chord deep within you?

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.

The charming Dutch town of Delft is a fitting final mooring on our cruise aboard Panache. Discover its artistic heritage here.

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.

This particular recipe has been created by Andrea Chin, the talented Italian chef who prepares wonderful regional Italian cuisine on board La Bella Vita.

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...

The whimsical Hôtel-Dieu Hospice in the town of Beaune is an icon of the Burgundy region. Stepping into its courtyard is like tiptoeing into a Gothic fairytale, with its half-timbered...

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.

What barging enthusiast wouldn't love Venice? Take a look at our top recommended sights along the Grand Canal.

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.

The cruising highlight for many guests is the opportunity to experience canal locks first hand. Don't miss these two incredible experiences.

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.

Burgundy is a Mecca for wine connoisseurs - find out more about the vinous visits you can make when aboard L'Impressionniste.

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...

Dine aboard one of our luxury hotel barges, and experience the beautiful wines, delicious local cheese and freshly prepared first class meals

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.

What makes a holiday on France's waterways so special? Take a look at these unique experiences to find out!

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.

Give your children a family holiday to remember on a cruise through the awe-inspiring waterways of Scotland aboard Scottish Highlander.

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.

How do you get a canal barge up a mountain? Find out aboard Panache on the Canal de la Marne au Rhin!

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!

Here’s a recipe for a delicious dessert – Tipsy Laird – a Scottish version of the classic sherry trifle which is often served on special occasions like Christmas or New...

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.

Beautiful views are made that bit more special from the deck of a vessel - especially our Italian 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.

These top cruising destinations will pull at your heart strings - are you ready to tick them off your bucket list?

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.

Looking for that once-in-a-lifetime luxury experience for a special occasion? What could be more romantic than Venice, Verona and opera...

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!

The TV show may have finished but the magic of Downton Abbey lives on at Highclere Castle - discover our themed cruise.

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.

Three family-themed cruises, scheduled for this summer, are now bookable by cabins, with guaranteed departures when a minimum of three passengers book up to two cabins.

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.

A gentle barge cruise offers the ideal opportunity to explore some of France's impressive Châteaux. Here are our favourite five French Château

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.

Our culinary cruises offer more than just an exquisite menu every day - they offer the chance to learn from the masters!

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.

Christmas is fast approaching, so here is a different recipe for turkey stuffing from one of our barge chefs using some fine ingredients from various regions of France.

‘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.

Whether it’s catching a tennis match at the French Open, betting on the favorite in the Prix de L'Arc de Triomphe horse race, or cheering on a driver at Le...