The Lock-Keeper Blog

Join guest contributor Susan as she shares her 6 night cruise on luxury barge La Bella Vita through Italy’s Veneto region and Po Valley.

One of "Les Plus Beaux Villages" in France, Lagrasse is a stunning hilltop village nestled amongst miles of vineyards and pretty countryside.

Château de Josselin is located in Brittany, France, in the town of Josselin on the River Oust. It is one of the region’s most medieval castles and remains owned by...

Discover the charm of Italy with a luxury river cruise. Explore Venice and hidden gems while enjoying gourmet meals, local excursions, and serene landscapes.

Curious about hotel barge cruises? Our FAQ guide answers the most common questions and helps you explore this one-of-a-kind luxury getaway.

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

Discover the perfect multi-generational holiday with a luxury family cruise in Europe. Enjoy all-inclusive dining, family-friendly excursions, and a private floating boutique hotel tailored for all ages.

Many people set out to see the best of Italy but end up experiencing only the busiest version of it. That’s where Italy River Cruises offer something fundamentally different.

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

You may know of Épernay’s celebrity status when it comes to celebratory fizz, but did you know these 9 facts revealing the real city of champagne?

Hotel barging has always been about more than what’s in your glass. It’s about discovery at a gentle pace, exceptional service, and experiences shared in remarkable surroundings.

Considering a solo traveller escape? Here's a selection of our most frequently asked questions about solo cruising

The Champagne region offers more than just fine bubbles. Discover its waterways, landscape, culture and more with European Waterways.

The Italian and French Renaissance period ushered in a complete change in architecture, art and more in Europe. Discover why.

Enjoy unforgettable family-friendly barge cruises through Europe’s scenic waterways. Experience kid-friendly activities, cultural excursions, and all-inclusive comfort—perfect for multi-generational holidays and adventures for all ages.

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...

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

Bordeaux wine is some of the most sought after in the world - so here's what you need to know about its history, grape varieties and pairings.

Here is your ultimate guide to sparkling wine, from Champagne and Prosecco to Cava, Franciacorta, Crémant, Asti Spumante, Pétillant-Naturel, and more. Learn what makes them different and the unique characteristics...

Our golf cruises offer something new: a stunning course, a new stretch of canal and the perfect blend of relaxation and challenge.

Explore hidden France aboard L’Art de Vivre on the Canal du Nivernais, where history, nature, and slow travel meet in the heart of Burgundy.

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

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

Spring Cruising in the off-peak months gives you the chance to see Europe spring back to life. Read on for the best places to cruise in March, April and May.

Experience the Scottish Highlands aboard Spirit of Scotland, a luxury barge cruising the Caledonian Canal and Loch Ness. Enjoy breathtaking landscapes, rich history, fine whisky, world-class golf, and exclusive excursions.

Do you know what pétanque is? It's one of the most popular games in France, that literally everyone of any age can play. Learn how to play with the locals...

Discover European Waterways' new Active Experience Cruises – luxury barge holidays combining wellness, adventure, and cultural immersion, with tailor-made itineraries for private groups seeking activity without compromising on comfort.

Discover European Waterways' new Active Experience Cruises – luxury barge holidays combining wellness, adventure, and cultural immersion, with tailor-made itineraries for private groups seeking activity without compromising on comfort.

August in France is a time for sunshine, tradition, and taking life at a slower pace. As families reconnect and the countryside comes alive, our luxury hotel barges offer the...

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

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

Step off the Shannon Princess and into Ireland’s most haunted castle. Discover Leap Castle’s chilling history, legendary ghosts, and secret dungeon on an exclusive, spine-tingling tour with its resident owner.

We hear it often. ‘I do not like chardonnay wine’. But why, and what is the best chardonnay alternative? And how does chablis fit into this?

Love truffles? Enjoy hunting, tastings, and gourmet dishes on a luxury barge cruise through southern France aboard Anjodi, Enchanté, and Athos.

Travel writer Buzzy Gordon recounts his unforgettable shore excursions in Northern Burgundy aboard La Belle Epoque, from private château visits and falconry displays to wine tastings in Chablis, revealing the...

Travel writer Michael Edwards shares his first luxury barge cruise experience through Burgundy, exploring scenic canals, fine wine, rich history, and unforgettable moments aboard La Belle Epoque.

Discover the differences between organic and biodynamic wines on your luxury barge cruise through Europe’s finest wine regions. Learn about wine certifications, sustainable practices, and how these wines impact taste...

Discover the underground wonder of Aubigny Quarry, a breathtaking 'stone cathedral' in Burgundy. Explore its history, from Roman times to Haussmann’s Paris, and see how its prized limestone shaped iconic...

Journey through the land of the Cathars aboard Anjodi, a luxury hotel barge on the Canal du Midi. Discover medieval castles, rich history, and breathtaking scenery on this unforgettable voyage.

Researchers at European Waterways reveal the best Irish counties to enjoy a pint of Guinness and a bite to eat as you celebrate the spirit of the Emerald Isle this...

From château luncheons with nobility to wine tastings in ancient cellars, culinary delights await aboard our luxurious hotel barges...

With their sleek black hulls and timeless elegance, Venetian gondolas are an enduring symbol of the Floating City. Though only a few hundred remain today, these iconic boats continue to...

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

What makes a luxury barge cruise with European Waterways truly exceptional? Quite simply, it's our European Waterways Way! Uncover the art of slow travel in style here...

Join us as we close our laptops, put down our tablets and silence our telephones as we enjoy the ultimate digital detox on a luxury barge cruise...

On our Scottish cruises, the exceptionally stocked open bar plays host to several choices of single malt whiskies, scotch and bourbon. But what is the difference between them? And dare...

Discover the importance of the French Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée system and the significance on your favourite French cheese and wines!

From the Yonne to the Saône: Burgundy is rich in architectural heritage, and by far the most impressive of its numerous historical buildings are its Romanesque churches. Discover just a...

There is so much to love about travelling to new places and experiencing local cultures, but nothing compares to the sights, sounds and scents that awaken the senses on a...

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

Discover the rich and creamy flavour of Roquefort cheese, a classic French fromage. Perfectly paired with Muscat grapes, figs, or walnuts - served on our Canal du Midi cruises...

When in France and tasting the delicious wines, you may hear the term ‘terroir’ - a truly French concept. Discover French wines and their terroir as we delve into its...

Travel Blogger, Jo Castro, cruised the Canal du Centre and the River Saône aboard hotel barge Finesse. Read part one of her journey here...

A portmanteau of the words "hobby" and "holiday" - Hobbidays are the hot new travel trend of 2024! Have you booked yours yet?

From discovering Clansman history to exploring the rugged landscapes of the Scottish Highlands, peppered with hidden beauty and dramatic waterways, Scottish Highlander guest, Ray Hoover, shares his stories from the...

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

We understand how challenging it is for many family members to plan quality time together, so a week aboard an all inclusive ‘private floating villa’ in France could be just...

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

Take a wine harvest cruise through France in Autumn for a chance to see grape picking and winemaking in action

Our Tour Guides have compiled some of their most frequently asked questions on French cheeses to help you understand the importance of one of France’s greatest exports…

The Venetian Lagoon is an ambiguous area that is neither land nor sea. Stretching some 34 miles in length and 7 miles wide, it takes a crescent shape along...

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!

Derek Banks shares the fascinating journey of how he went from cleaning and servicing boats on the River Thames to owning and operating a fleet of luxury hotel barges in...

Champagne may be a famous wine, but the region is also home to exquisite landscapes, heritage, and cuisine. Find out more with our Top 10 Best Things to Do!

Australian TV chef, Justine Schofield, cruised through Burgundy aboard hotel barge La Belle Epoque in her latest series: French Gourmet. Discover the highlights from her cruise here...

Italy produces approximately 600 different types of cheeses, and some of their most famous cheeses date back centuries, or even millennia years in the case of Pecorino Romano

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

Wine tasting without experience can feel a little overwhelming, so the European Waterways Guide to Wine Tasting will make you a pro in four sip-size steps.

You may think that only river and ocean cruises are synonymous with a premium experience, but hotel barge cruises are every bit, if not more, luxurious! Here's why...

If you love warm, buttery pastries, then chances are you’re partial to a croissant or two. But, how much do you really know about the humble croissant?

Guide to Italian wines including wine regions, categories, classifications, how to read the label and more!

Italy’s longest river, the River Po flows through many important cities through its 562km course, including Turin, Piacenza, Cremona and Ferrara.

A river cruise in Italy with European Waterways is a fantastic introduction to this wonderful country, with something for every kind of traveller.

The Venetian Lagoon is an ambiguous area that is neither land nor sea. Stretching some 34 miles in length and 7 miles wide, it takes a crescent shape along...

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.

Travel writer, photographer and avid 'quilter' Rose Palmer-Sungail shares her memories aboard hotel barge La Bella Vita...

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

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

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

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