The Lock-Keeper Blog

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...

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

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?

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.

Are you considering a trip to the Alsace region, but you need some pointers on where to go? We’ve got you covered for all the best things to do in...

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.

From ‘Emily in Paris’ to ‘Harry Potter’ and ‘Downton Abbey’, visit your favourite film locations while cruising in luxury on Europe’s canals.

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

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...

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

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

With so many delicious French desserts to choose from, it’s no wonder that France is home to the best patisseries in the world.

France is the land of delicious foods and excellent wines, so is it any wonder that there’s so many classic French dishes to try? Check out our 10 favourites!

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

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!

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...

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 markets in Alsace are a must visit for anyone who loves the magic of the festive season. Let's discover what makes them special.

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...

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

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.

Whisky is fascinating. There are hundreds of variations, yet very few whiskies taste alike. Find out more in our beginners guide to Whisky

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

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.

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...

Sampling cheese can be a delicious experience. Cheese always has a place at the table on European Waterways cruises, but what is the best way to serve it?

Writer and Travel Expert, Judi Cohen recounts her time aboard hotel barge Anjodi on Southern France's Canal du Midi in October, 2021

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

When it comes to a barge cruise, Europe is the perfect place to start your search. Here are some of the joys of going on a longer cruise…

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.

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

From private dining in the home of a 19th Century Artist, to lunch in an historic Burgundy domaine, find out about our private dining experiences...

New to the idea of barge tours? France is a great place to take your first one! You'll enjoy spectacular views, exciting activities and remarkable cuisine.

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....

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?

The River Saône flows for 300 miles from the Vosges Mountains to its junction with the River Rhone in Lyons and is navigable for 230 miles

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

The perfect holiday for those who love relaxing but also stretching their legs, a bike and barge holiday in France ticks all the boxes.

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!

On this truly fascinating tour, guests will have the opportunity to discover her studio that remains completely untouched since her death in 1899…

From various hull-styles to spotting triple deckers – here’s our guide to identifying the different types of barge...

A luxury hotel barge cruise isn’t like any other cruise. Discover all the perks of exploring Europe’s inland waterways at a slow pace in an intimate setting.

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…

We've asked a selection of travel bloggers, food writers and cruise experts to share their cruise highlights from their European Waterways luxury barge experience...

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...

Are you a Luxemotor bargee, or do you prefer a classic, wooden Tjalk? If you’re yet to discover, read on to uncover the various types of barge...

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.

On a luxury barge holiday in beautiful Burgundy, you will have the opportunity to taste a range of wonderful cheese. Here is a guide to the best Burgundy cheeses...

Did you know, France has a butter and oil divide? Find out if butter is really better in the cuisine of the South of France...

Discover 120 miles of the Canal de Garonne aboard hotel barge Rosa, with no less than 53 locks to cruise through!

Whilst Bordeaux is famous for its oenological (wine) offering, it's the cuisine of Bordeaux that has recently got visitors flocking! Here's why...

Want to know more about Western Provence wines? Our handy little guide will reveal everything you need to know...

Enjoy the experience of a private all-inclusive ‘floating villa’ for your family and friends in a luxurious 'travel bubble' amidst Europe's less-crowded countryside...

If you find yourself with some extra turkey this Christmas, this super easy Asian turkey salad recipe will be a refreshing way to spruce up your leftovers! 

Are you a turophile (cheese lover)? You'll love our guide to French soft cheese! From Brillat-Savarin to Tourrée de l’Aubier - how many have you tried?

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

Learn about some of the traditional Scottish drinks you can taste on your Highlands cruise with our handy guide to some of their lesser-known tipples...

As dreams of European travel becomes a possibility, finding the perfect holiday doesn't have to be a daunting task! Read on to find out why...

Barge holidays can be as relaxed or as action-packed as you like, with a diverse range of activities and outings that can be made from your floating home. Here are...

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 off-the-beaten-path excursions to culinary journeys through fine French cuisine – here’s our top 10 experiences to enjoy on a French Canal Barge Trip

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.