The Lock-Keeper Blog

Reims is famed for its cathedral, champagne, and stunning architecture – here’s the lowdown of what to see and do so you don’t miss out.

Know the difference between a Kir and a Kir Royale cocktail? Let us tickle your tastebuds with everything you need to know about the making of the elegant Kir Royale...

Consumed at social gatherings all over the globe, it’s used for toasts at weddings and seeing in the New Year. But the real question is, do you know your champagne...

Discover the great significance of the American battlefield and cemetery at Belleau Wood, and the Château-Thierry American Monument - where US soldiers turned the tide of World War One

Prosecco, the drink of choice for celebrations all over the world. But do you know your prosecco from your spumante?

Discover the history behind the construction of the Canal du Centre in Southern Burgundy, and how it's one of our most popular cruises today!

Experience the natural beauty of the Scottish Highlands guided by our top 10 things to do, to see the best landscapes, lochs and architecture in the region.

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

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

A beautiful stop aboard La Bella Vita's Italian cruise route is the colourful port of Chioggia – here's what to do while you're there!

The dazzling Italian city of Ferrara will captivate your imagination and transport you to a Renaissance utopia. Filled with an array of cultural and architectural masterpieces, you’ll think you’ve woken...

Cruise beneath the five-arched bridge of the Château de Chenonceau and experience the splendour of its turreted façade when you cruise the Loire Valley aboard Nymphea

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!

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!

Located fifty kilometres south of Auxerre, Vézelay offers a rich tapestry of culture, tradition and history amidst spectacular surrounds...

The spectacular fortress of Carcassonne is the best-preserved medieval fortress in the world and has served as inspiration to the castles of fairy tales

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

Discover Strasbourg’s iconic Gothic Notre Dame Cathedral, offering awe-inspiring views from the tallest medieval spire in Europe!

Viva the experience together on the Barge Rosa with great friends cruising down the Canal de Garonne through the vineyards of the French Bordeaux!

The Ultimate Guide to the Canal du Centre - History, interesting facts, maps, nearby towns and villages, places of interest and lots more!

Stéphane Mazières worked alongside chefs from global Michelin-starred restaurants. Now working aboard hotel barge Rosa, read more about his career...

The world famous Keukenhof Gardens in Holland is renowned for its spring displays of over 7 million colourful tulips and flowering bulbs.

Visit Hampton Court Palace to stroll the spectacular gardens, see fabulous furnishings and experience the ghost of Henry VIII’s wife!

Windsor Castle was founded by William the Conqueror, a French claimant to the English throne, who seized the Crown in 1066 at the Battle of Hastings.

The Christmas markets of Alsace are a must visit for anyone who loves the magic of the festive season. Read more in our guide to Alsace Christmas markets

A barge cruise in Italy is a feast for the senses, and ever-so relaxing - but it’s not sedentary. Shore excursions can be as energetic as you care to make...

To make it easier for you to choose which Loire Valley châteaux you stop at, we’ve put together a list of our top 5, so you don’t miss the best...

Explore the origins of the Noilly Prat vermouth distillery at the picturesque port-town of Marseillan in the South of France

From pizza to pasta, these are the 10 must-try Italian dishes that will make your trip to Italy even more delicious.

Cruise through the charming city of Mantua, Italy and explore its 6 must see sights aboard the La Bella Vita hotel barge.

We’re so grateful we had such an awesome captain on Anjodi. The week’s experience sailing the historic Canal du Midi in the South of France was spectacular.

The Ultimate Guide to the Canal du Nivernais - History, interesting facts, maps, nearby towns and villages, places of interest and lots more!

Writer and Travel Expert, Lauren Yakiwchuk recounts her luxury cruise aboard hotel barge La Bella Vita from Venice to Mantua

Writer and Travel Expert, Rose Palmer recounts her cruise aboard hotel barge Renaissance along the Canal de Briare in June, 2022

Explore Ireland’s rich history at the Clonmacnoise ruins aboard luxury hotel barge Shannon Princess

Relax onboard the luxury Barge, La Belle Epoque, and enjoy a tour of the famous Abbaye de Fontenay

Take the opportunity to sit back on the sundeck of Magna Carta with a sherry in hand, enjoying views of Great Britain's royal palaces and rural landscapes.

This summer, we're celebrating Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee. Could there possibly be a better way to celebrate Her Majesty’s 70 year reign than to visit England and cruise the...

The Ultimate Guide to the Caledonian Canal - History, interesting facts, maps, nearby towns and villages, places of interest and lots more!

Does it get any more indulgent than sampling exceptional wines at the vineyards of Burgundy’s oldest wine company? Maison Champy has been producing award-winning wines since 1720 and it’s the...

Thinking of taking one of our river cruises in Italy? One of our top destinations and this short video shows you why guests love it so much!

Need ideas for take-home treats from a Garonne river cruise in the French region of Gascony? We have some good ones here…

If you’re thinking about embarking on an Italian river cruise, we’ve chosen 10 top reasons why we know you’ll love the experience.

This Italian chocolate cake is easy to make and just as easily devoured! Originating from Capri, torta caprese is known for its cocoa and almond flavour.

Cruising by barge, you’re bound to fall in love with the natural beauty of Ireland. Learn about history and culture on a cruise along the River Shannon.

A themed canal and river cruise in Italy is a wonderful way to dive deeper into the Italian way of life.

Luxury, history and culture: this is what a river cruise in Italy is all about. Discover the highlights of the top 6 places to visit on an Italian river cruise....

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

Discover fine Languedoc wines at the Château Pech-Celeyran, where guests aboard hotel barge Anjodi can enjoy an unforgettable tour and tasting...

This guide provides you with a broader insight into this wonderful waterway and the surrounding towns & villages

The Ultimate Guide to the Canal du Midi - History, interesting facts, maps, nearby towns and villages, places of interest and lots more!

The Ultimate Guide to the Burgundy Canal - History, interesting facts, maps, nearby towns and villages, places of interest and lots more!

Luxury hotel barge, Magna Carta, featured on Channel 5's Cruising with Jane McDonald along England's royal River Thames. Read on to find out more...

The olive press of l’Oulibo is located on the banks of the Canal du Midi. Those on a cruise aboard Enchanté can stop by and taste the famous Lucques olives.

Having lived on a boat from 3 months old to living on a remote French island in the Pacific, L'Impressionniste Captain, Mélissa Gilly has a fascinating story! Read more...

Planning a luxury cruise in Champagne? These amazing attractions are the jewels of the Champagne capital!

Admire stunning architectural heritage when you discover Mantua Italy, a popular port of call aboard La Bella Vita

Planning some time in the Scottish Highlands? You can't leave without a visit to the spectacular Eilean Donan Castle - a highlight on our cruises in Scotland

From France's picturesque Loire Valley, Captain Laurent Charbonnier now leads the way along the historic Canal du Midi aboard our luxury barge cruise, Anjodi. Find out more about Captain Laurent...

Born and bred in England's North Yorkshire, Captain Mick Forster now leads the way aboard luxury hotel barge, Scottish Highlander. Read about Mick's journey on the Caledonian Canal here...

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.

In Part 2 of our Best Insider Experiences, we show you where we take you off the beaten track on barge trips in France and Scotland

Classically-trained French chef, Sylvain, has been the master chef aboard Enchanté for ten seasons. Read about life as a barge chef on the tranqil Canal du Midi...

Our barge trips in France and Italy afford the most wonderful exclusive experiences that take you off-the-beaten track to meet the ‘real’ locals...

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

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.

Calling all solo travellers! Our new and exclusive solo cruise offers the very best of Venice to Mantua with the addition of some 'extra surprises' - exclusively picked for this...

From how it was made to how it's enjoyed today - read all about the Burgundy Canal's rich and complicated history

Our very own Chef Arnis from La Belle Epoque, shares three of his signature recipes including his popular Beef Bourguignon

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

Wine lovers unite! New to L’Impressionniste, we visit the enchanting Domaine Chanson, located in the heart of the Burgundy ‘terroir’ since 1750. Here’s a sneaky peek at what’s in store...

Going on holiday by yourself can seem like a daunting experience, but did you know that one in six holiday makers now choose to travel alone? For everything you need...

Top sights include a tour of Warner Bros. Studio Tour London - The Making of Harry Potter, Legoland, and Thorpe Park amusement park.

Enjoy the cultural and historic attractions of Burgundy on a relaxing hotel barge cruise through this stunning French region

The Château de la Bussière is a beautiful 17th century castle, complete with gorgeous gardens and the opportunity to pick your own raspberries!

A historic jaunt to a countryside château in the company of a count... oh and there's falconry too!

Fine dining, fresh ingredients & open air markets, Sue Reddel's cruise aboard Enchante is foodie heaven!

A magical evening of fine wines and gourmet dining as Jo cruises by moonlight through Paris

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!