English
Spanish
French
German
Norwegian
Portuguese
Swedish
Italian
Russian
Simplified Chinese
Japanese
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 have the freedom to tailor the experience to suit everyone’s interests and preferences. The fully-crewed ‘floating villa’ experience allows for a comfortable and convenient stay, with en suite cabins meaning you only have to unpack once!
Family Fun Afloat: Up to 3 Kids' Travel for Free
When to Travel
Trying to decide when to travel? Summer in Europe is an ideal time to embark on our family cruises. The longer days provide ample daylight which are ideal for exploring the region, before returning to the barge to enjoy the facilities on board.
To further inspire your wanderlust, we have a fantastic selection of summer specials offering 20% off selected whole barge charters PLUS Free Kids’ places! For more information, read on…
Let us Take Care of the Details
From the moment we meet you and your family at your chosen pick-up point, you can rest assured that every detail will be taken care of by us. Child/booster seats for our air-conditioned minivans will have been organised, ready to be used upon arrival. We can also arrange travel cots, children’s bicycles and safety equipment, highchairs and baby gates – so there’s no need to bring your own!
At the planning stage of your family cruise, our team will talk you through the possibility of tailoring your itinerary to ensure there’s something for everyone in your family to enjoy. Your week will be loosely based around your chosen hotel barge’s Classic Cruise itinerary, and a maximum of four excursions can be swapped with family-friendly activities. You’re welcome to add more but will be at an additional cost. Whether it’s a wine tour and tasting for the grandparents, a culinary experience for the parents, or perhaps an enchanting castle exploration or theme park visit for the kids – you can change as much, or as little as you wish!
On board, there’s plenty for all to enjoy. Of course, the view of the surrounding countryside is sure to impress, and it may feel difficult to tear yourself away – particularly if you’re in the deck-top spa pool with a glass of champagne! However, our selection of boardgames, puzzles, and DVDs are great fun. And, if you’re feeling up for the traditional French game of pétanque – the crew will be happy to show you how!
Overall, booking a family charter cruise on a barge offers a unique and enjoyable experience for everyone in your group, making it an ideal choice for multi-generational families looking to create lasting memories together.
Your Expert Crew
Your expert and personable crew are there to ensure your safety and comfort throughout the trip, while also catering to your every need. The Captain will be on hand to talk you through your day’s activities, give you a personal insight into how to make the most of your time in each mooring, and will ensure a most enjoyable experience. The onboard master chef will cater to most dietary requirements, and should younger guests require earlier mealtimes or different menus – that won’t be a problem! Each meal is carefully designed to highlight seasonal produce and use locally sourced ingredients to reflect the region’s delicacies.
You’ll also be joined by an onboard Tour Guide who has a wealth of knowledge on the places you visit each day. Back on board, two Hosts and a Deck Hand (who often doubles as a Tour Guide) will ensure your safety and comfort throughout your stay, whilst remembering details such as your favourite post-dinner digestif, how you like your eggs in the morning, or when best to turn down your cabin in the evening. The Deck Hand can also teach you how to tie the ropes and how to safely manoeuvre a lock, should you wish to learn!
Choosing your Perfect Family Cruise
We offer Family Cruises on many of our barges in France, and further afield in Scotland, Ireland and England. Below are some of our most popular choices which may help you in your planning process.
L’Art de Vivre
Options include bowling, laser quest, ice skating, and visits to cultural sites such as the Caves of Arcy-sur-Cure or Château Guédelon. Various sports activities like tennis, swimming, and go-karting are also available.
For a unique experience, families can explore Cardo Land with dinosaur sculptures and sound effects, or La Fabuloserie museum showcasing unique art and sculptures. Nature lovers can opt for tree climbing or canoeing on the River Cure. Other adventures like quad biking, paintballing, and horse riding are available for older children. Additionally, hot air ballooning offers a scenic view of the Morvan Massif.
Overall, a range of activities catering to various interests and age groups is offered to ensure an enjoyable and memorable family vacation.
Discover our Family Cruises aboard the 8-passenger L’Art de Vivre
Summer Specials aboard L’Art de Vivre | Burgundy
SAVE 20% on Charters PLUS 2 Kids’ Travel for Free on the Following Departures: Jul 28; Aug 11 & 25*
La Belle Epoque
Amphitrite Aquatic Centre in Montbard offers a sports pool, fun pool with slides and more for all ages. Auxerre Museum is a free attraction with activities and a workshop for families. Art in the Forest showcases unique sculptures in Tonnere.
In Auxerre, enjoy bowling, laser tag, and mini golf for ages five and up. The Caves of Arcy-sur-Cure feature ancient cave paintings. Tennis courts, ice skating, and AB Loisirs for tree climbing are also available in the area.
For additional activities, quad biking in Morvan, horse riding in Morvan Massif, and hot air ballooning in Chablis are also options. Enjoy a variety of indoor and outdoor activities in and around these towns in Burgundy.
Discover our Family Cruises aboard the 12-passenger La Belle Epoque
Summer Specials aboard La Belle Epoque | Northern Burgundy
SAVE 20% on Charters PLUS 3 Kids’ Travel for Free on the Following Departures: Jul 28; Aug 4*
Finesse
There are plenty of fun and exciting activities to enjoy in Burgundy. Swimming options include indoor pools in Autun, lakeside beaches in Montchanin, and the Aquaparc at Dole and Beaune. At Diverti’Parc, families can enjoy a giant maze, petting zoo, and play area in one location.
Visitors can also explore the old Vairet-Baudot ceramic factory in Ciry-le-Noble, which is well-preserved and offers a glimpse into the manufacturing process. Horse riding activities are available in the Morvan Massif for children and adults, including pony trekking and horse riding under a full moon.
For a unique experience, visitors can go hot air ballooning to see Burgundy from a different perspective. Acrogivry is Burgundy’s largest adventure park, offering tree climbing and zip-lining courses in the Givry forest. Additionally, go-karting is available at a local track near Chalons for those seeking a more fast-paced adventure. These activities can be booked directly with the activity provider.
Summer Specials aboard Finesse | Southern Burgundy
SAVE 20% on Charters PLUS 2 Kids’ Travel for Free on the Following Departures: Jul 21 & 28; Aug 4 & 11*
Panache
Centre Aquatique is an aqua park in Sarrebourg featuring various pools and slides for all ages. The venue also offers a sports pool and Jacuzzi for adults, as well as a refreshment bar and restaurant in the summer. Bowling in Dorlisheim provides a fun atmosphere for all ages with illuminated lanes and pool tables. Kiny Parc is an indoor soft play centre for young children with inflatable courses and ball pits. Luge Alpine du Plan Incline offers a thrilling Alpine toboggan ride for adults and children. Sainte-Croix Zoological Park showcases European and endangered species in a 120-hectare area. Le Parc du Petit Prince is an aerial park with rides and animal exhibits for families. The Chocolate Museum in Strasbourg offers a tasty tour through the history of chocolate. Additional activities like Europa Park can be included in your itinerary, but must be booked independently.
Discover our Family Cruises aboard the 12-passenger Panache in Alsace & Lorraine
Summer Specials aboard Panache | Alsace & Lorraine:
SAVE 20% on Charters PLUS 3 Kids’ Travel for Free on the Following Departures: Jul 7; Aug 11*
Multi-Generational Family Cruises with European Waterways
If you’d like to learn more about our Family Cruises itineraries and possibilities, or you’d like to find out about our current availability, please contact a member of our Cruise Team for a no-obligation chat. If you are unsure of where to start, why not order a brochure to be delivered straight to your door!
*Summer Special Offers T&Cs
Kids’ Travel Free Spaces
8-Passenger barges: Pay the 6-person charter fare and enjoy two extra kids’ spaces for free
12-Passenger barges: Pay the 9-person charter fare and enjoy three extra kids’ spaces for free
20% off Whole Barge Charters
Offer is combinable with our Kids’ Travel Free Spaces offer.
Bookings must be made by Tuesday 13th May, 2024
CONTACT US ABOUT OUR FAMILY CRUISES