Hotel Barging

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...

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.

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.

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...

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…

A hotel barge cruise is a fantastic option for multi-generational families looking to enjoy a unique and relaxing escape together. With the entire barge privately chartered for your group, you...

Read on to discover the enigmatic, knowledgeable Captains that are at the core of your Hotel Barging Experience

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...

Discover the best of Burgundy and celebrate 50 years of luxury hotel barging on a one-off cruise hosted by European Waterways founder, Derek Banks

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...

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.

Our Burgundian cruise aboard La Belle Epoque offers the chance to visit the stunning Château d’Ancy-le-Franc. Find out more about it here.

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?

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.

History, architecture, art and food! Dijon has the best of them all. But what if you only have one day to spare?

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

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.

If you’re looking for culture, nature and history, look no further – here are ten of our favourite UNESCO World Heritage sites in France and Italy.

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.

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!)

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

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

Our 2023/24 brochure is out now! Find out what's new - from brand-new private excursions to easy-to-navigate pages to help you plan the perfect luxury hotel barge holiday...

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?

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…

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

Is a barge holiday in France on your bucket list? Let us inspire you to book sooner rather than later with our ultimate guide to the French barge holiday.

Packing for future European canal cruises? Find out what is essential to bring and what can be left at home...

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

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

In search of a boating holiday in France? Each and every region is sure to take your breath away with an abundance of fantastic sights...

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.

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

Offering a unique and intimate holiday option, a barge holiday in France is a wonderful way to explore this diverse and beautiful country.

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...

Whether it’s the Spring, Summer or Autumn months, we’ll help you find the best time for a barge cruise!

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...

We're delighted to have finished a proud 6th place as Best River Cruise Line in USA TODAY 10Best Readers' Choice travel awards in 2021! A very special, heartfelt thanks to...

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.

Our French 'foodie cruises' feature enhanced, more immersive wine and food excursions, daily gourmet dining and onboard cooking classes presented by our master chefs.

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...

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

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!

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

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.

Whilst travel is on hold for the time being, it's the perfect time to dream ahead and plan your next sojourn along Europe’s stunning waterways. Here’s L’Art de Vivre Captain...

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...

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

Dreaming of faraway shores? Escape reality with one of our top 10 movies and binge-worthy shows, alongside their locations which can be visited on our luxury barge cruises…

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 cruise teams have dined their way across France to bring you 6 classic French dishes, and how best to enjoy them.

Cuisine plays a huge role in our cruises, so here's an introduction to our master chefs, serving an array of world-class delights on board every barge...

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...

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

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.

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

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

Gascony has some of the most delicious gastronomic traditions in France. Our cruises introduce you to the region’s food and wine in the most wonderful way

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

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

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

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

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.

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

Thinking about flying solo on your next trip? Here's why you should join us, and become part of the European Waterways family

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

Renaissance Celebrations in the Loire, Wildlife in the South of France & Gastronomic Heaven in Champagne!

Wild Horses in the Camargue, Soaring Herons on the Canal de Bourgogne and cheeky Otters on the Caledonian Canal - Nature & Wildlife are in abundance on a barge cruise!...

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

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