The Hotel Barging Experience

A hotel barge cruise is a very special way of exploring many of the glorious inland waterways of Europe, particularly those that larger river cruisers just cannot reach.

The Ambience

On board, there is a relaxed, intimate ‘house party’ atmosphere, whether you choose to cruise with other like-minded people, or charter the whole barge privately as a family or a group of friends.

Life on Board

Whether your interests lie in gastronomy and wine, local history and culture, or just relaxing on deck with a good book and a glass of Chablis, a “slow boat” voyage with us offers the ultimate in experiential travel. Each day as your ‘floating boutique hotel’ glides sedately along at walking pace, you can relax on deck and take in the passing countryside, then perhaps hop off at the next lock to stroll along the towpath or enjoy a little exercise on one of the barge’s bicycles. You may come across some locals playing a game of boules, or a charming canal-side village to explore and then re-join your hotel barge, which will never be far away. During your gentle voyage of exploration, your hotel barge may negotiate a truly impressive feat of engineering, such as Gustave Eiffel’s aqueduct across the River Loire at Briare, the amazing Boat Elevator at Arzviller in Alsace, or the world’s oldest canal tunnel at Malpas on the Canal du Midi. Each one is an unforgettable experience in its own way.

Renaissance cruising Gustav Eiffel's aqueduct at Briare, over the River Loire

Private Guided Excursions

Our hotel barge cruises offer a balanced daily blend of gentle cruising and enriching excursions. After an early morning breakfast, or perhaps a light al fresco lunch on deck accompanied by a glass or two of chilled rosé, there is an escorted excursion – maybe to a charming local market where your chef shops for the evening meal, to a château or a vineyard for an exclusive tour and private tasting. Many of our visits are to places ‘off the beaten track’ hidden gems that larger groups cannot access – offering an authentic immersion into the culture, history and gastronomy of the region.

Wining and Dining

After a day of cruising and sightseeing, there is time for an aperitif or maybe a relaxing soak in the deck-top spa pool, before a gourmet dinner prepared by the onboard chef using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. To further enhance your immersive dining experience, your host will explain the characteristics of each accompanying wine and cheese as they serve them. A perfect end to the day as you relax in conversation and share the day's experiences with your fellow passengers at the dining table.

What is Included?

Each hotel barge cruise is for 6 nights and includes: l Comfortable accommodation in air-conditioned, en suite staterooms or suites

l Gourmet meals prepared by the on-board chef, complemented with fine wines

l Private and often exclusive daily excursions to hand-picked hidden gems l Private air-conditioned transfers to designated pick-up points l Complimentary bicycle use and on most barges, a deck-top spa pool l Attentive service from an experienced crew – Captain, Chef, Tour

Guide, and Hosts

Enchanté cruising the Canal du Midi

What is Luxury Hotel Barge Cruising?

l Hotel barges cruise the smaller rivers and canals that are often inaccessible to larger vessels l Our hotel barges accommodate a maximum of 20 passengers, with a passenger to crew ratio of 2:1, ensuring attentive and personalised service l Cruises cover shorter distances, at a very slow speed and never at night l Cruising just a few feet from the towpath, it's easy to step off and explore on foot or bicycle l Unique cruising experiences that are not available to larger vessels e.g.

Eiffel's Aqueduct at Briare, or the boat elevator at Arzviller l With an on-board chef, meals focus on the specialities of the region l Private, whole barge charters are possible for families, friends and special interest groups l The pace is gentle, with time for immersion in the local culture, history and gastronomy l Excursions are in small groups to places “off the beaten track” l Canals are quieter, usually with little other water-borne traffic, and never any rough weather!