The Lock-Keeper Blog

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

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...

What's better than a good read on holiday? Here's our top 10 books that inspired our love of the waterways...

We want to keep your passion for travel alive with your favourite memories from past trips with us. Here are some highlights from what you've sent in so far...

In 2019, Peter and his family chartered the Scottish Highlander from Banavie to Muirtown in the majestic Scottish Highlands. Here's a lovely poem he wrote from his journey...

From the galley of the Shannon Princess, chef Olivia Gibbons shares her recipe for a delicious barge-made country butter...

Derek Banks, Founder and Managing Director of European Waterways, gives us an insight on the history of his favourite routes along Europe's charming waterways

In search of a deliciously cheesy starter that can be made in advance of dinner? We've got just the recipe...

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

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

Our top 5 picks from the Burgundy wine region, taste guaranteed!

In search of some authentic Italian cooking? Why not try your hand at making La Bella Vita chef Andrea's ricotta capellacci with Parma ham crisps and parmesan - a true...

Planning a cruise along the French waterways? Our guide to useful French waterways terms will help you navigate with ease and confidence...

Chef Hannah Dunleavy from our flagship barge, Renaissance, shares her classic Coq au Vin recipe

Do you know how to serve the perfect cheese board? With a myriad of varieties to be enjoyed on board, our experts share their top tips...

Navigating Europe's fascinating canal locks plays a great role on a luxury barge cruise. Learn their history, how do canal locks work and their future in our guide...

There's more to Burgundy than excellent wines, its cuisine is particularly special too! Read on to find out more...

France is abundant with UNESCO World Heritage sites, and there's truly no better way to explore these locations than via the country's waterways

It's the people you meet that make your holiday truly unforgettable, so here's a few friendly faces you might meet on your luxury barge cruise...

Savour a taste of France with this delicious recipe for Parmesan Crusted Salmon with Fresh Tomato Sauce

From taste tests to detailed descriptions - here's everything you need to know about wine tasting

Complete privacy, hand-picked activities, personal chef and crew... Just a few reasons why luxury hotel barges create the foundations for the perfect family holiday.

To celebrate National French Bread Day in the United States, here's our foolproof Crusty French Bread recipe - best enjoyed straight out of the oven...

Sit back and relax with an indulgent pot of French Chocolate Mousse - easy to prepare, but not as easy to share!

One of the unique features of a river cruise in Italy is that you get first-hand experience of the history, culture and character of the waterways.

Whilst our luxury hotel barges enjoy their own unique character and charm, there are a number of qualities that you can be sure to expect each time you travel

Think you know your French wines? Whilst the varieties are of abundance, the great regions are comparatively few. Learn more in our handy guide...

Did you know, the word "barge" comes from the Latin word "barga" meaning small boat?

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

Celebrate National Cake Day with a traditional taste of France, using our recipe for golden spongey Madeleines

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

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...

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

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

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!

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

Have you always wanted to see Europe? Here's why April is the perfect time to set sail on Europe's waterways

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

With 18 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

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

All you need to know on the fantastic whisky producing regions of Scotland, from the sweet speyside single malts to the smoky Islay scotch

Wouldn't you like to know a little about the company history, and the main reasons that you should cruise with us!

A brief guide on the many sights and points of interest along France's famous Canal de Bourgogne- a must visit if you're in the Burgundy region!

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

Retired College Professor Jack Ruebensaal tells us all about his wonderfully serene trip through the heartland of France, Burgundy.

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

There are plenty of ways to keep children entertained aboard a barge cruise, no matter the destination!

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.

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

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

Vineyard views from the hot tub and exclusive historic visits throughout Holland, Champagne and Alsace & Lorraine - See Europe in Style aboard Panache

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

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

Time for a Girl's Getaway? Explore the Wine, Gastronomy, Art & Countryside in France or Italy aboard a private cruise

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

One for the foodies! What are truffles? Where can I get them? Why are they so rare?

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

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

A brief history of Bastille Day and the summer celebrations of France's independence

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.

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!

Wine tasting and sail boat racing – what’s not to love? Find out more about the Bordeaux Wine Festival here.

Want to explore The Secret France? Sick of tourist traps? Then read on for tranquil abbeys, stunning mountainside towns and secluded seaside villages

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

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

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

Having cruised 38 times on 26 different barges across Europe, Dorothy Mulligan tells us what keeps her returning year after year

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

Enjoy a midweek visit to a boutique champagne house aboard your hotel barge cruise through Burgundy

From the movie star status of the Eilean Donan Castle to the staggering beauty of Glencoe, a Scottish walking holiday has it all.