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.

‘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 cruises.

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...

With over 100 islands in the Venetian lagoon, it’s tricky to pick the best ones to visit, so we’ve compiled a shortlist of our top 10.

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!)

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

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

Autun's rich architectural and cultural heritage makes this one visit not to be missed when cruising aboard hotel barge Finesse in Southern Burgundy

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!

Awe-inspiring views, and a dark yet fascinating history abound at this unique spot on the banks of the world-famous Loch Ness...

Visited aboard luxury hotel barge, Nymphea, the Château de Villandry really is a blooming marvel with spectacular floral gardens that are sure to impress all year round...

The Scottish beer industry is thriving and with more than 100 breweries operating the variety and quality of Scottish beers and ales on offer is greater than ever

The Abbaye de Moissac, in the foothills of the Quercy vineyards near the River Garonne, feature awe-inspiring architecture that tell stories that date back to the early 1100s. Visit on...

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

The River Yonne is one of the most important rivers in Burgundy, extending from Auxerre, where it joins the Canal du Nivernais

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!

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

Armagnac is a brandy that is produced in the Gascony region of Southwest France, but what makes it so special? This article will tell you all you need to know...

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.

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.

Christmas market cruises capture the true spirit of the holiday season, introducing travellers to Alsace and Lorraine at their most festive

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...

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

Learn the secrets of the historic vineyards of Clos de Veugeot and discover why the ancient site represents the winemaking industry of Burgundy

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.

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

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...

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

Guests aboard L'Art de Vivre or La Belle Epoque will visit the renowned Domaine Laroche, situated in the famous vineyards of Chablis...

Our River Shannon Cruises discover the myths and legends that hang over Ireland’s most famous waterways to this day…

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.

Whip up this recipe and sit back with a glass of Irish cream liqueur for St Patrick's Day.

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.

When considering the merits of a Caledonian Canal cruise, The Scottish Highlands is a destination that is well worth looking at. Here are just some of the reasons why…

The seven-rise Fonserannes Locks are an architectural highlight of any barge cruise. France is rightfully proud of this 17th-century engineering gem.

Holidays on the Canal du Midi are very popular today, but not many know about the construction of the Canal du Midi. Find out about its rocky history here…

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

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

The Étang de Thau, sometimes known as the Bassin de Thau, is the largest of a collection of saltwater lagoons that span along the French coast from the Rhône to...

Burgundy Wine Guide: The Burgundy wine region is home to some of the most expensive wines in the known universe, there are plenty of good, affordable wines that can...

Languedoc Wine Guide: All you need to know about one of the largest wine producing regions in the world

Bordeaux Wine Guide: All you need to know about one of the most significant wine regions in France

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

Southern Rhône River Guide: All you need to know about one of the most significant waterways of Europe

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

Alsace is a wonderful area to explore on a hotel barge holiday. A mixture of German and French culture plus several canals make for a delightful holiday. Here’s how to...

For anyone wanting to hop off and explore the land a little during their barge cruise, here are a few places to visit on a cycle on the Burgundy Canal.

Thinking of a Caledonian Canal Cruise? Our intimate week-long luxury barge cruises explore the Scottish Highlands in comfort and style…

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.

A luxury barge cruise in Alsace & Lorraine takes you on a real culinary treat, particularly in its capital city. Read on for a tasty guide to the cuisine...

From the Champs Elysees to the Île de la Cité, discovering the French capital on a Paris river cruise is a fantastic way to explore the Seine and surrounds

Bursting with culture and history, Scotland is a great place to visit – just make sure to master these fun Scottish sayings before you go!

Burgundy is the home of barging, and the canal itself is one of the most diverse and fascinating destinations in France, read on for the story of its unique history...

In the mood for something spooky? Why not read up on some of Europe's most haunted hotspots - all of which can be visited on a luxury barge cruise...

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

Discover one of Scotland's smallest 'pepperpot' lighthouses welcoming vessels from Loch Ness onto the Caledonian Canal...

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

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.

Now working as the chef aboard luxury hotel barge, Anjodi, chef Dave Lawrence shares a special recipe from his time aboard the Spirit of Scotland - an authentic Cullen Skink

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

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