Luxury French Canal Cruises

Luxury Canal Cruises in France

If you are looking for a trip ‘off the beaten track’, you’ll be hard-pressed to find something better than a canal cruise. Exploring the waterways of France is the ideal way to see the country. There are nearly 3,000 miles of inland waterways and canals to cruise down, with plenty of excursions and places to visit.

A French canal cruise gives you full use of the barge facilities with sundecks, spa pools, and bicycles for riding along the towpaths. You’ll see France from a new perspective, exploring local culture, historic towns and making new friends along the way.

Visit Beautiful Burgundy

As one of the main wine-producing regions of France, Burgundy canal cruises are extremely popular. Not only can you explore part of the 60,000 acres of vineyards in the area, but you can explore the rich history and heritage too.

Roam The Historic Canal du Midi

If you are looking for the ultimate French waterway canal cruise, Canal du Midi is the place to be. The 360-km network of waterways is considered to be one of the most remarkable civil engineering feats and is basked in sun for the perfect getaway.

Private Tastings In Champagne

The champagne houses of France offer some of the best-tasting experiences in the world, with private tasting sessions available. You’ll find that there is no better way to sample luxury wine than on a French canal cruise in Champagne.

Discover The Architecture Of Alsace & Lorraine

Explore the rich culture and architecture of Alsace & Lorraine. From Christmas markets and close proximity to Germany, you’ll get a wonderful blend of experiences, with unique cuisine and stunning views along the Canal de la Marne au Rhin.

Explore The Culinary Delights Of Gascony

Food lovers will find the gastronomic delights of Gascony perfect for their French canal cruise. Taking you through the heart of L’Occitanie along the Canal des Deux Mers, you can explore orchards and vineyards with some of the most delicious food on offer.

Barge Cruises in Bordeaux

Bordeaux is a region of vividly colourful landscapes, wonderful gastronomy and a ‘terroir’ that produces world-renowned wines. Food and wine go hand in hand here and one is rarely seen without the other. Bordeaux barge cruises exemplify this and each visit highlights an intrinsic part of French culture.

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Themed French Canal Cruises

We offer a huge number of themed cruises throughout France that you can take part in upon chartering the full vessel. France is one of the more popular destinations in Europe when it comes to themed cruises, this is because there are so many activities that incorporate the country’s stunning history, culture and beauty.

You can choose from one of our many phenomenal themed charter cruises that have been satisfying our customers for decades.

Wine Appreciation Cruises

Over the course of our Wine Appreciation charter cruise, you will experience private tastings at some of France’s most exclusive and prestigious vineyards. During your visit, you will be accompanied by a professional wine guide who will provide information on the grapes, cultivation and history of the wineries. Tour guides often buy a few bottles for you to enjoy back on the barge as part of the upgraded onboard wine list which includes additional premier and grand cru wines.

Walking Cruises

The beauty of hotel barging and a Walking cruise is that two of the most relaxing holidays possible are merged to give you the best of both worlds

Christmas Markets

We offer a Christmas Markets cruise aboard hotel barge Panache in Alsace, with a special itinerary filled with twinkling lights, brass bands, the sweet aromas of mulled wine and gingerbread from quaint little chalet-like stalls.

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Why Choose European Waterways for Your French Canal Cruise?

Over 50 Years’ Experience

Established in 1974 and operating hotel barge cruises since the early 1980s, European Waterways has a wealth of knowledge and experience to share with our clients.

The Largest Barging Company in Europe

Still in the same private ownership of the Directors who run the company, our guests can be assured of consistently high standards of personal service, and vast experience of the beautiful, smaller canals and rivers we cruise on.

A Superb Fleet of 17 Vessels

We have hotel barges available for up to 20 passengers with cabin sizes varying from cozy and compact to ultra-deluxe staterooms comparable to top hotel rooms.

Cruises in 9 Countries Across Europe

We offer the widest choice of destinations of any hotel barge company. Cruising areas range from the Canal du Midi in Southern France to the Scottish Highlands and from the lush green landscapes of Ireland to romantic waterways Venice in Italy.

THE EUROPEAN WATERWAYS WAY

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Frequently Asked Questions

What activities are available aboard canal cruises in France?

Each morning and again after lunch, guided tours to historic and cultural sites of the region provide guests many interesting choices from visiting chateaux, famous vineyards, country market towns, private gardens to museums. Each hotel barge has a designated crew member guide and an air-conditioned van or bus that travels with it for daily excursions.

How long are your canal cruises in France?

Our hotel barge cruises are six nights / seven days in length, starting on Sunday afternoon and finishing on Saturday morning. It is possible to do multiple cruises joined together and we occasionally have special extended cruises.

What is included in my cruise?

All meals are catered for by our onboard Master Chef, good regional wines served throughout the cruise, an open bar with a large selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, chauffeured and guided sightseeing and use of all barge facilities. Some barges also have an on-deck jacuzzi. Local transfers to your barge are included and we will advise you of your meeting point at time of booking. On our Family Charter Cruises equipment for babies and children will be included on most vessels.

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