Barge Cruises in France (and beyond)

Barges sleeping 4-12 guests are your floating hotel with a gourmet chef, sundeck, bar, air-conditioned cabins, ensuite bathrooms and private tour guide.

Leave your worries behind and put yourself in the hands of the experienced crew, who will pick you up and transfer you to your barge for a champagne welcome.   They’ll carry your luggage, serve delicious meals with fine wines from the region and take you off to discover villages, markets, chateaux, churches, vineyards as well as meeting the locals.   Each morning, wake up to fresh pastries and coffee and another glorious day lived at 5 kms an hour.

We worked on the hotel barges in the eighties and, over the last 40 years, we have cruised most of the waterways, so contact us and we will find you the barge that is ideal for you.

All barge cruises are a mix of on-shore excursions and slow cruising.  Relax on deck while the countryside slides by, or stroll along the towpath, or explore further afield on one of the boat’s bikes.   Book a cabin or charter the whole barge.   Barge charters can be tailored to your party’s interests, such as wine, golf, cooking, cycling, and your party can be as small as four. 

Barges range from First Class to Ultra Deluxe and cruise throughout France, plus Venice, Great Britain and into Holland for the spring tulips.

"Hi Robert,

I thought I would let you know we are safely home from our holiday in Europe and the two barge cruises we did. We thoroughly enjoyed them – would do it again – and have been recommending them to anyone who asks. The cruise on the ROSA was exceptional. The staff were very busy but still had time to talk or see to any little request that might be made.  The Hostess cooked scrambled eggs for the first time ever for the English couple, who requested them for breakfast.  The Chef ( Mike) could have competed in Masterchef, as the four courses with a different wine for each were superb. Thank you for a wonderful time,  Bob and Pat"

"Dear Barbara and Robert,

We have recently returned from our 7 weeks in La Belle France and we were specially thrilled with our 6 days on the barge, LUCIOLE. What a tremendous experience that was . We realised a dream and were overwhelmed with everything!  The food, the crew, the wines and all the rich history so wonderfully explained to us by Michael. We cannot imagine ever experiencing anything like that again and are so very thrilled we took the opportunity to be part of that experience. Our friends, Joan  and Errol  loved it all as much as we did. How we would love to go touring with you two!  Maybe one day …… meantime, we will spread the word, and thank you for your part.  Sincerely, Barbara and Harold"

"Bonjour Robert

Here we are on board, where you have been trying so hard to place us since 2019!  The NYMPHEA & team are great and what a chef (Jérôme).  The vessel exceeds all expectation.  We are all very comfortable. Leigh provides interesting anecdotes about places & info not to be seen/read.    LE PETIT COQ AUX CHAMPS in Campigny was another 'Oh Robert, you've pulled it off again' surprise.   The restaurant Le Vieux Puit was also outstanding in service & cuisine.  Thank you Robert, the whole experience is fabulous.    Arna & John"