There’s only one way to discover the real France – and that’s by taking a vacation on the waterways of this beautiful country. Its wealth of rivers and canals take you to its very heart, allowing you to immerse yourself in its soul in a way that road and rail travel simply cannot. France’s river and canal network threads its way through every region, knitting together a thousand years of history, heritage and culture – through some of the worlds’ most historically important cities and towns, and some of the world’s finest wine and gastronomic regions.
Visiting France by boat, barge or river cruise ship allows you to sit back, relax and take it all in. The charming medieval towns and villages, the superb local produce markets, the breath-taking scenery and the idyllic restaurants and cafés you discover en route, they’re all within reach. All you need do is choose how you would like to discover them.
SELF-DRIVE BOATING HOLIDAYS
Hiring your own self-drive boat is one of the most rewarding holiday experiences, especially in a country with so many varied routes to choose from. Whether you are planning a getaway for two, a family escape or a group holiday, you’ll find the ideal-sized boat to suit your needs and your budget. You are very much in control, so you can do as little or as much as you like, stopping wherever you like. There’s certainly no shortage of things to do, but there’s also plenty of time to switch off, relax and enjoy the tranquillity.
LUXURY HOTEL BARGING
Hotel barging is an especially relaxing way to immerse yourself in the finer things in life. Beautifully converted from commercial boats, or newly designed and built, with your comfort and attention to detail in mind, they offer fabulous interiors, superb food, fine wines and incredibly personal service. Catering exclusively for just a handful of guests, they offer a truly unique experience and the chance to enjoy a vacation of a lifetime. These fabulous floating boutique hotels sedately cruise France’s most scenic routes with a good choice of sizes, comfort levels and prices.
RIVERBOAT CRUISES
Every day brings new delights on board a riverboat cruise. These compact cruise ships glide serenely along the main arteries of France, through vine-covered hillsides, fields of sunflowers and lavender, bringing you to major cities on their routes across the country.
With just 100 to 200 passengers, each riverboat has its own intimate style, but all offer attentive service and all-inclusive luxury. With large suites and panoramic views, elegant dining rooms and relaxing sun decks, you can also enjoy daily shore excursions guided by experts, perhaps a wine tasting, or a tour of a grand château. With routes that take in France’s famed wine regions, fabulous heritage and fascinating history, you’re sure to find a river cruise to bring you lasting delight.
Self-Drive Canal Boating
Go your own way. Explore the pleasures and treasures of the French waterways.
Luxury Hotel Barging
Lie back and let the skipper and crew take care of everything. Great food. Fine wine. Unique.
Riverboat Cruises
Cruise sedately through the heart of France. Moor in the centre of historic towns and cities.
