Navigating the canals and rivers of France on a luxury barge: the best vacation

An ocean cruise is a wonderful experience, no doubt, and a river cruise can also be a fun vacation. But none of these come close to a luxury barge cruise in France. So the question is… how different is the French barge cruise from other types of cruises?

First, France is absolutely the place to be for sailing. It is the place of art, architecture, romance, culture, wine and gourmet cuisine. All of this can be yours as you glide gently down the River Seine through Paris and Normandy, up the River Rhône through sunny Provence, along the Canal de Bourgogne in rustic Burgundy, through wetlands Camargue or on the majestic Canal du Midi. in Languedoc. And don’t forget the Loire Valley with its abundance of Renaissance castles, as well as the Alsace and Champagne regions.

On a barge-hotel, you have a good opportunity to experience the local culture. The pace is slow and the distances covered are short. In addition, a barge can navigate through narrow man-made channels and reach places that the largest river cruisers would never dream of reaching. Therefore, it is the perfect way to venture off the beaten track, into the countryside. Once there, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to wander through the heart of the picturesque villages, where the smiling faces of the locals will greet you like visitors. Quiet walks along the canal towpath and visits to small vineyards to meet the “vigneron” and taste their wine are also common. And it’s not uncommon to come across a local market full of unusual items typical of the region.

You can “do” your own cruise. Most barge cruises have set routes. They sail upriver one week and come back the other way the next. But barges are usually small, 4-12 passengers, so other “whatever floats your boat” rental options are often easy to arrange. These themed cruises, usually for private groups or families, can be arranged to suit your own needs and interests. Wine, golf and cycling are the most common themed cruises, but there are many others: chocolate and wine in Burgundy, art and painting in Provence, Mediterranean gardens in the south of France, you name it… it can be done.

And, one of barging’s claims to fame is the kitchen. The culinary experience is the heart and soul of a barge cruise. The on-board chef prepares special gourmet meals using fresh, seasonal local produce daily. Delicious local wines are paired with his meals. And cheeses are always on the menu, of course. Every effort is made to keep your taste buds happy all the time. On some of these ships, drinks from the bar are even included in the package.

The barge cruise is truly a relaxing and rejuvenating experience. For many people it is a once-in-a-lifetime event that inevitably leaves behind fond and romantic memories. It’s about the good life, away from the pressures of modern life. Imagine gently wandering through bucolic landscapes, through historic towns, under ancient stone bridges, or past medieval houses and castles while savoring a local vintage on the terrace. Paradise!