There are about 60 boutique hotel barges that cruise along the peaceful and beautiful canals and rivers of France. They vary in size, comfort level and price – and they can be found in all the most attractive regions of France. Some can be booked by cabin (room) others are chartered complete by groups and families. Whatever the details of any particular barge, they all come complete with captain and crew who look after navigation; and professional chef and hostess to care for guests.
People often say that they feel they have been treated ‘like royalty’ and this is a very unique experience. Here is just one example of what that fabulous luxury hotel barge cruise in France is like:
Hotel Barge Magnolia
Burgundy, Canal de Bourgogne: Dijon to Escommes
Recently completely refurbished and now boasting a tranquil dove grey interior, Magnolia achieves a perfect blend of comfort and contemporary chic. The communal areas are elegantly furnished and the three well-appointed en-suite cabins are particularly roomy with up to 17sq m of space, enabling six guests to unwind and relax. On deck there is an outdoor ‘plancha’ bar-be-que and fridge, plus parasol sun shades, loungers, and a spa pool as well, meaning that owner operators Magali and Nicolas Rancelot and their crew can ensure all of your holiday needs and desires are amply catered for.
Completed in 1832, the historic Canal de Bourgogne follows the course of the River Armancon and then the River Ouche through eastern central France. Its southern reaches encompass one of the most highly-regarded winemaking region in the country – the celebrated Burgundy Route des Vins offers some of the best of French reds from the Côtes de Nuits to the Côte de Beaune and all stops in between. The regional capital is Dijon, where the Ducal Palace was once the official residence of the Dukes of Burgundy and now houses the Musée des Beaux Arts containing works by many Great Masters including Titian, Veronese, Brueghel and Rubens. In the 17th century Dijon was granted exclusive rights to produce mustard, a skill that locals have honed down the years and nowadays the famous Dijon mustard adds a piquant note to the cuisine for which the Burgundy region is so well known.
No two days are alike, yet all of them combine a perfect blend of cruising during the morning, or if you prefer, strolling along the dappled towpath, or perhaps setting off on a bicycle in search of the ultimate bastide village: sun-baked and photogenic, with pastel painted shutters, decorative iron work street lamps, and cobblestones that have been worn down over centuries. During the afternoon you might be lured away by the prospect of an excursion – there’s even the chance to dine at home with a local French family.
With an outdoor cooking facility on deck and a brand new kitchen below where guests can choose to cater for themselves, there is a genuine culinary choice on board Magnolia. If you prefer to have the services of a chef, you can rest assured that his continental breakfasts, lavish lunches and excellent four-course set menu dinners will consist of only the freshest of locally sourced ingredients, accompanied by the region’s excellent wines.
Cocktails on board welcome you to Magnolia and the ancient Burgundian capital of Dijon, providing a perfect foretaste of the delights to come. As your beautiful barge glides through the equally beautiful Ouche valley you can dip in and out of life afloat with a programme of excursions tailor made to introduce you to the beating heart of Central France.
Among the highlights are lunch at a local farm to discover the famed Burgundy truffle Gold Valois; a tour of Domaine Rion for a tasting of prestigious Burgundy wines; a chance to explore Dijon, famed for its stunning Ducal Palace which is now a world class art gallery and its vibrant covered market built by Gustave Eiffel; dinner at the Michelin starred Abbey of La Busssière; a guided excursion to Beaune, the wine capital of the Côte d’Or and its stunning 15th century hospice; dinner at the home of a Burgundy family, a real local treat, and last but not least Châteauneuf en Auxois to discover the château and its medieval village, which offers spectacular views across the valley to the Morvan hills in the distance. The Captain’s Farewell Gala Dinner on the final evening gives guests the opportunity to swap notes and share memories of an exceptional week away.
These lazy days on Magnolia, drifting through some of the most languidly beautiful landscapes and offset with just the right amount of cultural stimulation, will surely work their magic and leave you feeling renewed and replenished. The countryside, the culture and the cuisine really are the stuff of which dreams are made and when you surface= at the end of a memorable week, you will probably find yourself wanting to dream again.
► Find out more about hotel barge Magnolia
► Make an enquiry to get a firm quotation for this or any other hotel barge for the time of year that interests you.
Burgundy South ~ Saône
Famous for its red and white wines and its Grand Cru route through the vineyards, the region bursts with culinary prowess too. The Dukes of Burgundy left an historic legacy, including medieval Beaune, the modern city of Dijon and one of the most popular waterway routes from Paris, the Canal de Bourgogne, which meanders through the Côtes d’Or and into the peaceful Saône river southwards.
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Our Unique Expertise – France, Cruising the Waterways and Hotel Barging
We have explored the rivers and canals of France on our own boat since 2003, logging up over 10,000km along most waterways, in most regions, at all times of year.
Independent, impartial and enthusiastic, we have personally visited and know every hotel barge, every owner-operator and fleet, published here.
