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 Rendez-Vous
Burgundy, Canal de Bourgogne: Fleurey sur Ouche to Vandenesse-en-Auxois
If you fancy a themed cruise then the Rendez-Vous might be just the luxury hotel barge for you, as the owner operators Spencer and Rejane Hayes are happy to devise itineraries for golf lovers, wine buffs or those with families to amuse, although for most people just gliding along some of the most beautiful waterways in Europe is an end in itself. There are three delightful en-suite staterooms of up to 120 square feet each and the decor is best described as contemporary chic, with comfortable lounge and dining areas below and a wonderfully sunny deck complete with hot tub for you to relax in. The crew of four offer impeccable service and are dedicated to showing you the very best of the Burgundy region.
The construction of the Canal de Bourgogne was completed in 1832 and follows the course of first the River Armancon and then the River Ouche through east central France. Located close to its summit, the pretty rural village of Vandenesse-en-Auxois marks the start of the southern reaches of one of France’s loveliest waterways, winding through perhaps 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.
A typical day will see you idling along the sleepy canal in the morning – you can lounge on deck with a cooling drink in your hand and watch the ravishing countryside pass by, and for those keen to explore further afield there are bicycles available. After a delicious lunch, most afternoons will offer diversion in the form of a visit to a local attraction – for example a trip to a local farm to learn all about the legendary French cheese making process.
The chef has such confidence in his abilities that he is happy to share them with guests, who can watch as he works away in the open galley whisking up irresistible set menu dinners using the very best of fresh, locally sourced produce. A selection of the finest wines in the region will compliment his gourmet creations.
You are welcomed on board Rendez-Vous with a glass of champagne and a delicious dinner, the perfect prelude to your week afloat, which begins in earnest the following day with a lovely cruise through the rolling green hills and photogenic villages of the Ouche valley to your mooring at Gissey-sur-Ouche. This is complemented by an excursion to the famed Côte de Nuits along the Route des Grand Crus and a visit the Clos de Vougeot to discover the role that medieval monks played in the development of winemaking techniques. Next stop along the waterway is at Dijon, where a guided walk is the ideal way to discover the historic heart of the regional capital, known for its famous mustard but also its venerable Ducal Palace. Mooring overnight at La Bussière-sur-Ouche leaves you well placed for a whole day excursion to Beaune, wine capital of the famous Côte D’Or, where you can visit the spectacular fifteenth century charity hospital the Hôtel Dieu and enjoy a wine tasting or two. The shopping isn’t bad, either! Day Five presents you with a relaxing cruise in the morning followed by a visit to one of the loveliest villages in France, Châteauneuf-en-Auxois, a medieval hilltop enclave that offers spectacular views as far as the distant Morvan hills. Your final day is a leisurely one as well, with a slow meander to Vandenesse-en-Auxois for a visit to a cheese farm, before saying farewell to the Captain and crew at the evening’s Gala Dinner.
These lazy days on Rendez-Vous, 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 Rendez-vous
► 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.
Just call us to make your dream cruise come true
+1 405 445 0350 | +61 3 9005 8569 | +44 7590 287 178
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.
