Meet the Locals: People You Might Meet on your Luxury Barge Cruise

There are a whole host of elements that make a holiday memorable, and we truly believe that it’s the people you meet along the way that play a huge part! We’re not just talking about your fellow guests, either. Read on for an introduction to just some of the many faces you’ll meet on your European Waterways luxury barge cruise…

Friends or family enjoying a delicious meal aboard luxury hotel barge Athos - european canal cruises
Meet people from all walks of life on your luxury barge cruise

Count Bertrand de Vogue

Take a Burgundy cruise aboard elegant La Belle Epoque or L’Impressionniste and you’ll have the opportunity to visit the stunning Château de Commarin for a falconry display, followed by a private tour of the château by the owner, Count Bertrand de Vogue.

Read more about Château de Commarin here >

Count Bertrand de Vogue

The Baroness of Château de Ricey-Bas

Those planning Burgundy cruise aboard La Belle Epoque will enjoy a delightful lunch with the Baroness of Château de Ricey-Bas with its 12th century vaulted cellars and fascinating thousand-year history.

Inspired? Watch this short video to find out more >

Enjoy a delicious lunch with Baroness Les Ricey-Bas

Ian Mackinnion

Cruising the majestic Caledonian Canal aboard Scottish Highlander or Spirit of Scotland? You’ll be sure to meet resident highlander, Ian Mackinnion, who will talk you through the history and importance of kilts in Scottish culture and, of course, how to properly wear one!

Discover our Scottish Highland cruises here > 

Scottish Highlander Ian Mackinnion shows how to wear a kilt

The Countess of Villa Ca’Zen

A luxury barge cruise aboard La Bella Vita as she sails between Venice and Mantua will offer you the opportunity to enjoy an exclusive private dinner at the 17th century Villa Ca’Zen, nestled on the banks of the River Po.

Learn more about the history of Villa Ca’Zen here >  

Meet the Countess of Villa Ca'Zen, nestled on the banks of the River Po - private dining experiences

One of Many Friendly Lock Keepers Along the Way

All locks along France’s waterways are either automatic (by the press of a button) or manned by an often-resident lock keeper. On many of our cruises, our friendly lock keepers will offer the chance to wander among their charming and sometimes quirky canal-side residences. You’ll often hear stories of the canal, a brief history and maybe even a tour of their coveted garden patches!

For news from the towpath, read our Lock Keeper Blog >

A French Lock Keeper tending to his gardens, whilst waiting for European Waterways luxury barge cruises

Want to Know More?

You can also sign up to our monthly e-newsletter for exclusive first access to offers, interesting articles and general news from the waterways. Click here to signup >

For help in planning your perfect barge cruise, order a brochure or speak to a member of our cruise team today.

Traditional Lockhouse along the canal Nivernais in France

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