HOTEL
BARGING
IN FRANCE
Unwind and take a leisurely
luxury hotel barge and meander the inland waterways
of France. See life pass you by on canals, rivers and
lakes. Life will unfold before you whilst you relax
and enjoy gourmet cuisine, fine wines and the company
of like-minded passengers. Of course, our crewed barges
cater to the individual traveller or families or groups
of friends. When you dock, guided tours of castles,
vineyards, chateaux and markets will entice you ashore.
On your return to your floating hotel, our dedicated
staff will ensure a warm and inviting welcome. Perhaps
you have a specific hobby or sport you would care to
focus on during your cruise - then our theme cruise
itineraries should be perused from our cruise guide
or cruise maps. We look forward to welcoming you on
board to experience our luxury barge cruises for discerning
clientele in search of an enchanting, leisurely and
unique experience.
THE EVOLUTION OF BARGING
Barging
began at the time of the Industrial Revolution, delivering
produce, goods and post across the European countryside.
Long, wooden, horse-drawn boats were pulled through
the canals, designed to navigate the narrow locks and
bridge spans. The boatmen and their families began to
live on board their boats to minimise costs and cleverly
rented out rooms.
In the early 20th Century the efficient diesel and steam
engines replaced the horses. With the continued advancements
in technology, cargo hauling became extinct and in the
1940s canal holidays took their place on the many canals
and river. Being proud of their heritage, people not
only restored castles, homes and gardens but enthusiasts
also lovingly restored and refurbished the old barges.
Villagers along the waterways were friendly to the new
breed of travellers and catered to their needs. This
tradition is still in place today.
Please note that the majority of barges today are beautifully
refurbished barges or designed to replicate the original.
They incorporate modern facilities for the comfort of
the guests without compromising the integrity of the
boats. New barges will be specified in the descriptions.
WHERE
TO CRUISE IN FRANCE?
( Barges
selected by regions )
HOW
MUCH IT COSTS?
( Barges
selected by prices )
2012
BARGING IN FRANCE
EARLYBIRD SPECIAL OFFERS
30%
discount -
Randle
in Burgundy - France /Special Couples / All departures
20%
discount - Caprice
in Burgundy - France / Cruises departures: April 1 &
October 2012
EARLYBIRD
SPECIAL DISCOUNT PER CABIN
20%
discount -
Panache
in Belgium & France / Cruises departures: 20 &
27 May 2012
10% discount - Anjodi
on canal du Midi - France / Cruises departures: March
/ April 2012
10%
discount - Rosa
on canal du Midi / Gascony- France / Cruises departures:
March / April 2012
10%
discount - Belle
Epoque in Burgundy - France Cruises departures: April
2012
10%
discount - Art
de Vivre in Burgundy - France / Cruises departures:
April 2012
10%
discount - Scottish
Higlander in Scotland/ Cruises departures: March
& April 2012
10%
discount - Magna
Carta in England / Cruises departures: March &
April 2012
CHARTER
SPECIALS
US$
6000 discount - Burgundy / Savoir
Vivre - up to 8 pax, April, May 2012
US$ 3000 discount - Burgundy / Luciole
- up to 14 pax, April, July, August 2012
15%
discount - Burgundy
/ Randle - 4 pax charter
(offer valid for all bookings)
10%
discount - Gascony
/ Midi on Rosa - 6 to
8 pax charter, March, April & May 2012
10%
discount - Burgundy / Belle
Epoque - France - 12 pax charter, April 2012
10%
discount - Burgundy/ Art
de Vivre - France / 8 pax charter April 2012
10%
discount - Canal du Midi / Anjodi
- France / 8 pax charter
March & April 2012
10%
discount - Holland
Tulips on Panache -
8 to 12 pax charters, April & May 2012
10%
discount - Italy
on La Bella Vita
- 20 pax charters, April 2012
10%
discount - England
on Magna
Carta - 8 pax charters, Feb, Mar, April
2012
10%
discount - Scotland on Scottish
Higlander /
Cruises departures: March & April 2012
Barge
cruises on canals in France
30 barges selected by comfort
|
| paris
sightseeing tours |
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|
The
best barges in France |
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*****
|
Barging
on Canal du Midi
Luxury canal barges
cruises
in France
Alouette
/
6 passengers
canal barge |
| Alouette
is a well-appointed Luxemotor barge only 30 metres in length.
Wining and dining is a highlight of any cruise. The table
d’hôte menus on board the barge are of the very highest
quality and include many regional specialities and fine
wines. |
| canal
hotel barge cruise in france |
*****
|
Barging
in Burgundy
Luxury canal barges
cruises
in France
Amaryllis
/ 8 passengers
canal barge |
| The
eight passenger ultra deluxe
Amaryllis has been decorated by some of the most respected
names in France and Italy. The air conditioned interior
of this luxurious barge is traditionally French, with contemporary
touches set off by Louis XVI and XV antiques. |
| canal
hotel barge cruise in france |
*****
|
Barging
on
Canal du Midi - Provence
Luxury canal barges cruises in France
Esperance /
4 passengers /4
days cruise available |
|
This beautiful barge has been converted
into a luxury, private yacht with no expense spared. We
strongly recommend full board as food and wines are exquisite.
Ideal for 2 couples. Three options are available: full-board,
half-board, bare-boat. |
| canal
hotel barge cruise in france |
*****
|
Barging
in Burgundy
Luxury canal barges
cruises
in France
Fleur
de Lys / 6 passengers
canal barge |
|
The luxurious 6 passenger Fleur de Lys
boasts a stately lounge with a Grand Piano, open bar and
large windows that panoramically frame the passing countryside.
The separate dining room accommodates the most elegant candlelit
dinners. |
| canal
hotel barge cruise in france |
***** |
Barging
in Provence
Luxury canal barges
cruises
in France
Napoleon
/ 12 passengers
canal barge |
| Napoleon
is a magnificent river cruiser, combining all the amenities
of a luxury hotel with the friendly ambience of a country
inn. Napoléon cruises between Arles and Tain l’Hermitage/Tournon;
sun-drenched landscapes that inspired the great canvases
of Cézanne and Van Gogh |
| canal
hotel barge cruise in france |
***** |
Barging
in Holland
- Champagne - Alsace
Luxury
canal barges
cruises in
France
Nouvelle
Etoile / 8 passengers
canal barge |
| La
Nouvelle Etoile is offering a wonderful blend of traditional
elegance and sophisticated, state of the art facilities.
One of the suites is fully adapted to accommodate passengers
with physical disability and the barge is fitted with a
lift for wheelchairs. |
| canal
hotel barge cruise in france |
*****
|
Barging
in Burgundy
Luxury canal barges
cruises
in France
Renaissance
/ 8 passengers
canal barge |
| Renaissance
features a new refitted interior which will delight the
most discerning passenger. The beautifully appointed lounge
has comfortable seating. A cosy bar is stocked with your
favourites, and bookshelves contain a Bose CD system, current
books, up-to-date periodicals and magazines. |
| canal
hotel barge cruise in france |
| |
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|
|
Luxury
barging holidays in France |
****
|
Barging
in Burgundy
Luxury canal barges
cruises
in France
Belle
Epoque
/ 12 passengers
canal barge
2012
EARLYBIRD DISCOUNT
|
| The
Belle Epoque has been designed with both elegance and passenger
comfort in mind and offers a sun-deck spa-pool, plus sauna
and fitness studio. The wood panelled saloon and dining
room, together with other luxury facilities, are all fully
air-conditioned. |
| canal
hotel barge cruise in france |
**** |
Barging
on Canal du Midi
Luxury canal barges
cruises
in France
Clair
de Lune / 6 passengers
canal barge |
| Clair
de Lune offers luxury comfort for a unique holiday experience:
a placid and perfectly paced cruise on an idyllic World
Heritage Canal du Midi. Ideal for a holiday with family
or friends, each cruise aboard Clair de Lune is tailored
to the group's taste |
| canal
hotel barge cruise in france |
****
|
Barging
on Canal du Midi
Luxury canal barges
cruises
in France
Enchanté
/ 8 passengers
canal barge
2012
EARLYBIRD DISCOUNT
|
| Enchante
is tastefully furnished in exotic hardwoods creating a bright
and airy atmosphere. She has a large, spacious saloon where
the attention to detail is exceptional. She has a demonstration
galley for guests to view the chef. |
| canal
hotel barge cruise in france |
****
|
Barging
in Burgundy
Luxury canal barges
cruises
in France
Impressionniste
/ 12 passengers
canal barge
2012
EARLYBIRD DISCOUNT
|
| The
12 passengers is crewed by a knowledgeable Captain, Master
Chef and crew of three. L'Impressionniste's classic route
covers some fine Burgundian rural cruising with plenty of
opportunity to cycle and stroll along the tow-path and wander
into nearby villages. |
| canal
hotel barge cruise in france |
**** |
Barging
in Burgundy
Luxury canal barges
cruises
in France
Hirondelle
/ 8 passengers
canal barge |
| The
8 passenger Hirondelle cruises the Canal de Bourgogne, the
Canal du Centre, the Canal du Rhône au Rhine and the River
Saône. The Burgundy is renowned for their vineyards, Gothic
churches and abbeys, Renaissance châteaux and picturesque
villages. |
****
|
Barging
in Holland & Alsace
Luxury canal barges
cruises
in France
Panache
/ 12 passengers
canal barge
2012
EARLYBIRD DISCOUNT
|
| Panache
is traditionally furnished in an old ship style with brass
and mahogany, creating a charming ambience. The barge offers
a choice of six air-conditioned Junior Suites, all with
full en-suite facilities with oversized showers with massage
jets and double sinks. |
| canal
hotel barge cruise in france |
| canal
hotel barge cruise in france |
**** |
Barging
in Burgundy
Luxury canal barges
cruises
in France
Reine
Pédauque / 8 passengers |
| The
Reine Pedauque offers a luxury 3 or 6 nights barge cruise
vacations in southern Burgundy, France. She is designed
specially to accommodate passengers with physical challenges
and fitted with a lift for wheelchairs. The doors are wide
enough to allow wheelchair access on all decks. |
****
|
Barging
in Holland & Burgundy
Luxury canal barges
cruises
in France
Savoir-Faire
/ 12 passengers
canal barge
New
Ititnerary - 2012
EARLYBIRD DISCOUNT
|
| The
luxury12-passenger Savoir Faire has been providing outstanding
service and cruises throughout Europe since 1979. Continually
upgraded and refurbished throughout, her six staterooms
offer enchanting accommodation for 12 passengers who are
catered for by 6 English speaking crew. |
| canal
hotel barge cruise in france |
| canal
hotel barge cruise in france |
****
|
Barging
in Burgundy
Luxury canal barges
cruises
in France
Savoir-Vivre
/ 8 passengers
canal barge
2012
EARLYBIRD DISCOUNT
|
| Why
not make your holiday a little more innovative and unique
with the new cruising concept of the hotel barge Savoir
Vivre? The great value, all-inclusive 8 passenger Savoir
Vivre offers an enriched, fun and authentic approach to
barging on the very beautiful Canal du Bourgogne in Burgundy. |
| canal
hotel barge cruise in france |
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|
Great
value cruises on French canals |
*** |
Barging
in Alsace
Luxury canal barges
cruises
in France
Lorraine
/ 22 passengers
canal barge
EARLYBIRD DISCOUNT |
| The
Lorraine offers a high comfort level. You will experience
air conditioned comfort on a vessel that is tastefully decorated
with a mix of beautiful wood and brass complimented by lovely
fabrics. Spacious saloon, bar and sundeck. |
| canal
hotel barge cruise in france |
*** |
Barging
in Burgundy
Luxury canal barges
cruises
in France
Caprice
/ 21 passengers
canal barge
EARLYBIRD DISCOUNT |
| Your
Caprice Burgundy cruise begins in Dijon. From Dijon you
will cruise the Burgundy Canal, one of the oldest in France.
Whether your mooring is in a vineyard or a quaint village,
the Heart of Burgundy offers unlimited opportunities to
make the the best vacation of your life. |
| canal
hotel barge cruise in france |
*** |
Barging
in Camargue - Provence
Luxury canal barges
cruises
in France
L'Estello
/ 20 passengers canal barge |
| L'Estello
can accommodate a maximum of twenty guests in ten cabins.
For your enjoyment, we have bicycles, fishing rods, an Ipod
docking station and a home entertainment system. E-mail
facilities are available. This barge is owner-operated.
The crew is multi-lingual. |
| canal
hotel barge cruise in france |
***
|
Barging
in Camargue - Provence
Luxury canal barges
cruises
in France
Phénicien
/ 18 passengers
canal barge |
| All
cabins on the Phenicien feature the same comfortable equipments,
en suite bathroom, air-conditioning with individual control,
superior bedding. On the main deck. the sun of Provence
will gently warm you up through the large panoramic windows. |
| canal
hotel barge cruise in france |
***
|
Barging
in Burgundy
Luxury canal barges cruises
in France
Luciole
/ 14 passengers
canal barge 2012 EARLYBIRD
DISCOUNT |
| The
14-passenger 'Luciole' allows the guests to explore in comfort
the intimate up-country waterways of central France. Over
the years, groups of friends and family parties have frequently
chartered the 'Luciole' for their own exclusive use. |
| canal
hotel barge cruise in france |
*** |
Barging
on Canal du Midi
Luxury canalbarges cruises
in France
Athos / 10 passengers
canal barge |
| ATHOS'S
five cabins offer all modern comforts and her saloon, dining
area, bar and sun deck are perfect for relaxation. An English-speaking
crew of 5 efficiently attends to your comfort and entertainment
to ensure an unforgettable experience. |
| canal
hotel barge cruise in france |
***
|
Barging
in Burgundy
Luxury canalbarges cruises
in France
Art
de Vivre / 8
passengers
canal barge
2012
EARLYBIRD DISCOUNT
|
| The
Art de Vivre started life as a Scottish munitions carrier
before being converted in a luxury barge. Your crew of four,
Captain, Tour guide, Master Chef and Hostess, has an excellent
knowledge of the "Nivernais" and its Art de Vivre. |
| canal
hotel barge cruise in france |
*** |
Barging
on Canal du Midi
Luxury canal barges
cruises
in France
Anjodi
/ 8 passengers
canal barge
2012
EARLYBIRD DISCOUNT
|
| The
Anjodi is of classic Dutch Designi. She has been completely
refurbished in the tasteful tradition of African hardwoods,
hand-crafted panelling and shining brass, creating a comfortable
and charming anbience. She offers a choice of four air-conditioned
twin staterooms with full en-suite facilities |
| canal
hotel barge cruise in france |
***
|
Barging
in South West on Canal du Midi
Luxury canal barges
cruises
in France
Rosa
/ 8
passengers
canal barge
2012
EARLYBIRD DISCOUNT
|
| Rosa
is an old Dutch “Clipper” barge. Her saloon is welcoming
and features attractive wood panelling, comfortable seating
and a cosy bar. There are 4 air-conditioned staterooms,
each with en-suite facilities. Rosa also featured in the
hugely successful television series, Rick Stein’s French
Odyssey. |
| canal
hotel barge cruise in france |
***
|
Barging
in Camargue - Provence
Luxury canal barges
cruises
in France
Etoile
/ 7 passengers
canal barge
|
| L'Etoile
is proposed half-board or full board and can accommodate
a maximum of 7 guests - or can cruise in tandem with other
vessels for groups of up to 16 guests. Children over the
age of 5 are welcome. There is a special itinerary for children
in Provence! |
| canal
hotel barge cruise in france |
*** |
Barging
in South West on Canal du Midi
Luxury canal barges
cruises
in France
Saint Louis
/ 6 passengers canal barge |
| The
Saint Louis, best described as 'casual luxury' - cruises
along the delightful waterways of south-west France with
4 or 6 guests. She follows 2 different itineraries, cruising
along the peaceful Canal de Garonne that flows between the
cities of Toulouse and Bordeaux in South-West France.
|
| canal
hotel barge cruise in france |
*** |
Barging
in the Chateaux Country
Luxury canal barges
cruises
in France
Nymphea
/ 6 passengers
canal barge
2012
EARLYBIRD DISCOUNT
|
| The
Nymphea is cruising the incredibly beautiful river Cher
in the Loire Valley. Her traditional ship's interior features
a warm classic decor of rich varnished hardwoods, stained
glass and a welcoming country house atmosphere. Nymphea
is the only navigating under Chenonceau. |
| canal
hotel barge cruise in france |
*** |
Barging
in Burgundy
Luxury canal barges
cruises
in France
Who
knows / 6 passengers
canal barge |
| Who
Knows invites you to experience the unique joy of cruising
the historic canals of France. Together with the well stocked
bar and second outside sun terrace for enjoying the summer
sun and amazing scenery the Who Knows is the perfect way
to see unspoilt France. |
| canal
hotel barge cruise in france |
***
|
Barging
in Burgundy
Luxury canal barges
cruises in France
Randle/ 4 passengers
canal barge
|
| The
Randle is an elegant riverboat with modern comforts and
classic charm. It features open bar and a cellar with range
of great regional wines. Cabins are wood panelled with en-suite.
The boat is air conditioned for hot summmers and centrally
heated for cool late season evenings·
|
| canal
hotel barge cruise in france |
***
|
Barging
in Brittany
Luxury canal barges
cruises
in France
Libje / 4 passengers
canal barge
"The only barge cruising in Brittany" |
| Join
us for a comfortable and informal cruise as we introduce
you to this fascinating, secret corner of France that still
retains its Celtic heritage. We are the only crewed hotel
barge holiday of its kind in Brittany, a truly individual
experience that we are sure you will enjoy. |
| canal
hotel barge cruise in france |
