hotel barge holidays in france

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barges by region

Loire Valley
The jewel in France's crown

The Loire Valley is rich not only in timeless beauty, legend and grace but teems with history. The Loire's beauty has remained largely unchanged over the centuries. Amble your way through narrow, charm filled, centuries old villages, discover hidden shops and open markets or chat to a local cheesemaker about his famous goat-cheese.

Champagne - Alsace
bubbles & architecture

The Champagne region stretches along the beautiful River Marne to the city of Epernay, home to renowned champagne houses as Moet & Chandon and Veuve Cliquot. Vineyards spread across undulating plains as far as the eye can see. In Alsace Lorraine, the unique blend of French and German cultures is evident. Baroque, Gothic and Romanesque architecture stands against the rolling vineyards and fairytale castles.

Upper Loire - Burgundy
famous Briare aqueduct

The Loire region is a typically French landscape with peaceful, rolling countryside. The cruise takes you through majestic woodland and open farmland to the most famous waterway landmark in France: The 700 yard long aqueduct, which carries the canal across the River Loire at Briare. The aqueduct was built by the great engineer Eiffel.

Nivernais - Burgundy
dramatic nivernais canal

The Nivernais Canal is both beautiful and dramatic, rated by experienced barge travellers as one of the finest cruise routes in Europe. Embracing both river and man-made canal, the Nivernais preserves the character of 150 years ago. You cruise through lands where Charolaise cows graze by the water's edge. Centuries-old locks mark the way. You can ride a bike or stroll along the old towing path.

Burgundy
history & wine

Burgundy is the most famous barging region in France, steeped in picturesque villages, Gothic churches, Renaissance Chateaux and hillsides of patchwork vineyards. Since Roman times, the Art of Living, "Art de Vivre", is encapsulated in Burgundy with history, gastronomic delights and fine wines. Explore quaint towns such as Clamecy, the famous palace in Dijon, the castle of Chateauneuf or Vezelay with its hilltop basilica St Mary Magdelain.

provence & canal du midi
between shade and sun

Breathe in the relaxation and warmth and light of The Mediterranean, as you navigate along the 300 year old Canal du Midi, meandering inland, lined with plane trees and cruise under superb arched bridges, linking ancient villages, miles of vineyards and Roman fortifications. Visit the walled city of Carcassonne, the most intact medieval fortified city in the world.

Gascony / Bordeaux
wine most famous region

The region of l'Occitanie is a veritable palette of colors and scents emmanating from orchards and vineyards. You will learn of the region's artists and rural culture and visit historic fortified "bastides" such as Valence d'Agen. Then sit back and cruise by picturesque, ancient villages and quaint farms, sipping Bordeaux wine and sampling French food. .