The Lock-Keeper Blog

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...

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

Considering a hotel barge holiday in Holland? Spring is the best time to visit the Garden of Europe.

Experiencing Bordeaux aboard a hotel barge offers a striking contrast to the typical wine tour. Enjoy slow travel along the Canal de Garonne

If you look carefully, you'll discover that a rich history, as well as world-famous wine, flows through Languedoc-Roussillon - find out more here.

We give you 10 great reasons to visit Ireland, To experience the best Ireland can offer, immerse yourself in Irish culture, landscapes and gastronomy while staying in luxury on your...

Bailly LaPierre is an underground winery in a cave quarry, dug out in the 12th century. Let us introduce you to their sparking Crémant wine while aboard the hotel barge...

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.

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

Italian river cruises along the main branch of the River Po afford the opportunity to visit Villa Ca'Zen, one of Lord Byron's inspirational romantic haunts.

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.

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

Uncover the journey of our Ultra Deluxe hotel barge Kir Royale - from wartime vessel to ultra deluxe hotel barge - now offering luxury cruises through Champagne, France.

Discover Strasbourg’s rich blend of French and German culture, stunning Gothic architecture, mouth-watering cuisine, and UNESCO-listed charm on a luxury barge cruise aboard Panache.

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...

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...

New to Finesse’s Classic Cruise itinerary is a visit to the Santenay wine estate, Jean Baptise Jessiaume. Here, every bottle tells a story of heritage, innovation, and the timeless art...

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

Whether you’re looking to cruise the canals and waterways of Holland, or take in the wine routes of Alsace-Lorraine, Panache is the perfect barge for lovers of unique culture, cuisine...

Dreaming of pleasant days on the canals of the South of France filled with sunshine, incredible wines, and daily cultural immersions? A cruise aboard Enchanté may have everything you’re looking...

Our Tour Guides give you their tips on visiting Beaune, in France. Recommendations, insights and personal knowledge from European Waterways.

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

In 2008, European Waterways unveiled the Ultra Deluxe Renaissance, paying homage to the region's rich tapestry of cultural and architectural brilliance from the Renaissance era...

Hotel barge L'Impressionniste began life transporting logs between Paris and Brussels. Today, she cruises the Burgundy Canal on an immersion through history, culture, and world-famous food and wines...

If stunning scenery of mountains, forests and glens is your kind of thing, read on to find out the full itinerary and our top highlights from a cruise aboard the...

Bring 'Beauty and the Beast' to life on your family barge cruise when you visit the fairytale Château de Sully-sur-Loire.

Step aboard Anjodi, a luxurious hotel barge, and discover the charm of the picturesque Canal du Midi in southern France

A historic barge with a fascinating past, now a luxury hotel barge cruising the Canal du Nivernais in Burgundy, offering stylish interiors, gourmet dining, and unforgettable excursions.

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...

Gently cruising the Burgundy Canal, the 12-passenger La Belle Epoque showcases the very best of Northern Burgundy and is ideal for wine and culture enthusiasts.

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!

Measuring more than 230km from north to south, the Burgundy wine region is as varied as it is beautiful, and our luxury hotel barges cruise through some of its most...

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...

With many of Southeast England's iconic locations based outside of London, a Thames River cruise can reveal some off-the-beaten track gems.

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

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.

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

Situated just off the Canal du Midi, the Château de Paraza is the ultimate wine tasting experience for visitors to the Minervois wine region.

We are delighted to announce the latest addition to the European Waterways fleet: the 8-passenger Ultra Deluxe hotel barge, Kir Royale, debuting in Champagne from May 2024...

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.

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.

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

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...

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!

Burgundy is one of the most idyllic regions in rural France. With so many beautiful places to explore, you’ll need our Top 10 guide to see the best bits!

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

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

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.

Visit Hampton Court Palace to stroll the spectacular gardens, see fabulous furnishings and experience the ghost of Henry VIII’s wife!

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.

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

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

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...

Beautiful views are made that bit more special from the deck of a vessel - especially our Italian barge, La Bella Vita.

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.

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

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…

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.

Visiting Ireland? The oldest licensed distillery in the world resides in County Westmeath, a lovely place to stop for a small tipple of the water of life!

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

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

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.

You can uncover the history and impressive engineering feats of the Canal du Nivernais on a Burgundy barge cruise. Start your journey of discovery here.

From how it was made to how it's enjoyed today - read all about the Burgundy Canal's rich and complicated history