5 Luxury Barge Cruises for First-Timers, From Experts at French Waterways

European river cruises have been rapidly growing in recent years, but for travelers who’ve already sailed the continent’s larger waterways, a luxury hotel barge cruise on France’s canals can offer a smaller, more personal experience. And whether you’re looking for a cabin for two or a full charter for family or friends, the independent experts at French Waterways can help newcomers to this exceptional type of travel find the right barge and itinerary.

“There are about 75 commercial hotel barges in France, accommodating an average capacity of eight guests each, meaning only 18,000 people can enjoy this experience each year – that’s less than the number of people visiting the Eiffel Tower each day,” said Rosie Mansfield, CEO of French Waterways. “Cruising at a gentle pace, barges travel to smaller towns and villages where there are no crowds, so they truly are an escape from the overtourism of France’s major cities, coasts and mountains. Plus, you’ll enjoy very local and genuine excursions like tasting wine with a chateau owner, getting a private tour from an actual count or meeting market vendors and producers.”

Here are five itineraries that are ideal for first-time barge cruisers, recommended by Mansfield and the French Waterways team:

Luciole on the Nivernais Canal
A large and friendly barge kept in pristine condition, Luciole cruises the lovely Nivernais Canal between Auxerre and Clamecy in historic Burgundy. Offering exceptional service and gastronomic delights, the cruise stops at the vineyards of Chablis and invites guests to make the pilgrimage to the hilltop Basilica of St. Mary Magdalene. Luciole accommodates up to 12 guests in double, twin or single suites on the lower deck. Above, there’s a light and airy salon and dining area, with picture windows that open down the barge’s length. The sun deck offers additional shaded dining space and loungers for watching the stunning scenery drift by.

Rosie’s tip: “For first-timers, the itinerary is very balanced for food, wine and culture, and not too focused on a single aspect. This is also one of the most beautiful and diverse cruise routes I’ve been on.”

Available by cabin or to charter with pickup from a central Paris hotel, starting at $6,300 per person.

More information: https://www.french-waterways.com/boats/luciole
 
L’Impressionniste on the Canal de Bourgogne
L’Impressionniste takes a wonderful route through Burgundy along the Canal de Bourgogne between Escommes and Fleury-sur-Ouche. Excursions include visiting Dijon’s produce markets, mustard shops and the impressive Notre-Dame de Dijon church, and exploring historic Beaune, the capital of the Burgundy wine country. Accommodating up to 12 in double or twin suites, the barge is richly decorated with a wood-paneled salon, beautiful sun deck and hot tub.

Rosie’s tip: “Ask your driver if there’s time to drive a few kilometers across the vineyards during the Château du Clos de Vougeot visit to view the world-famous Grand Cru vines of Romanée-Conti. Many people come here to take a photo in front of the Romanée-Conti sign.”

Available by cabin or to charter with pickup from a central Paris hotel, starting at $7,090 per person.

More information: https://www.french-waterways.com/boats/impressionniste

Enchanté on the Canal du Midi
Living up to its name, Enchanté glides through the 400-year-old Canal du Midi west of Provence, passing Narbonne with its colorful markets and the medieval city of Carcassonne on a classic cruise between Trèbes and Sallèles-d’Aude. The barge places luxury and comfort at the forefront and is remarkably spacious, with double or twin suites that accommodate up to eight, plus a large sun deck and hot tub. Guests can savor Mediterranean cuisine through live cooking demonstrations in the open galley.

Rosie’s tip: “The Canal du Midi is one of the most requested regions we get for barge cruising, as showcased by ‘Rick Stein’s French Odyssey.’ There are wonderful local maker and produce stores in the fortified city of Carcassonne that offer super opportunities for souvenir shopping. For Canal du Midi cruises, consider flying to Barcelona, a short two-hour train ride from this region.”

Available by cabin or to charter with pickup in Narbonne, starting at $8,250 per person.

More information: https://www.french-waterways.com/boats/enchante

Élégance on the Canal de Garonne
A beautiful barge that accommodates up to six guests, Élégance provides an aura of timeless travel reminiscent of the Orient Express, with lavish mahogany interiors, three gorgeous stateroom suites, a salon, dining area and spacious sun deck perfect with hot tub for relaxation. The barge cruises the Canal de Garonne between Valence d’Agen and Montauban, absorbing the pink-hued beauty of Occitanie, the medieval village of Bruniquel and the historic Saint-Pierre Abbey in Moissac, a UNESCO World Heritage Site along the Santiago de Compostela route.

Rosie’s tip: “This itinerary offers a chance to see France with no lines or crowds – it’s one of the more undiscovered waterways. Also, Élégance’s outdoor space really lends itself to a group of girlfriends chatting, sipping champagne, sunbathing and enjoying the hot tub, and the itinerary is very flexible if you want to do more shopping than cultural excursions.”

Available by charter only for up to six guests with pickup in Montauban, starting at $42,000.

More information: https://www.french-waterways.com/boats/elegance/

Saint Louis on the Canal de Garonne
Cruising along the Canal de Garonne between Castets-en-Dorthe and Sérignac-sur-Garonne for one of the world’s finest wine experiences, Saint Louis features relaxed French country style below deck with three suites that accommodate up to six. A botanical-themed sun deck invites guests to feel part of the scenery, while excursions include visits to Saint-Émilion, Grand Cru wine tasting tours and Le Temple-sur-Lot, which served as Monet’s inspiration for his own water lily gardens.

Rosie’s tip: “Your full-day excursion to Saint-Émilion is an ultimate, unrivaled experience. For Bordeaux wine lovers, it’s a bucket-list tick.”

Available by charter only for up to six guests with pickup in Bordeaux, starting at $42,000.

More information: https://www.french-waterways.com/boats/saint-louis/