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 L’Art de Vivre
Northern Burgundy, Canal de Nivernais: Auxerre to Chevroches
L’Art de Vivre plies its way along one of the best kept secrets of the entire French canals system: the Nivernais. The simple yet elegant interior will offer guests an alternative to the sunny deck that comes complete with plunge pool and there are four en-suite staterooms of 120 square feet each offering comfortable accommodation for up to eight people. The Captain and his three crew are on hand to provide a high level of helpful service and ensure you have an unforgettable voyage with them.
The Nivernais canal, constructed in the 18th century to bring timber from the countryside to Paris, links the Loire and the Seine rivers and crosses the remote and beautiful heath land of the Morvan. One of the most characterful and unspoilt waterways in the whole country, it is often possible to buy local produce from some of the 110 locks along the way and many of them have exhibitions or beautifully planted gardens to ravish the eye. Treats include the Châteaux of Bazoches and Tanlay, complete with romantic moat. Vézelay is the starting point for one of the pilgrimage routes to Santiago di Compostella and still on a religious theme, Auxerre is a historic city of such astounding loveliness that it boasts not just an 11th century cathedral, but a 12th century abbey too, and is where the unforgettable canal finally joins the river Yonne.
Life on board consists of indolent mornings spent lounging on deck keeping up with the heron count – in this rural part of France there is an abundance of bird life and cormorants and egrets (not to mention the ducklings!) make regular appearances too. Alternatively, you can stroll down the towpath to practice your French with the lock keepers, or hop on a bicycle and explore the local villages. During the afternoons you might indulge yourself with a visit to a local attraction – who could resist the chance to go wine tasting in Chablis?
After a continental breakfast and a sumptuous buffet lunch, remember to keep some room for the chef’s gourmet set menu four course dinner, which can be served by candlelight below decks or by starlight above. Burgundy is famous for its gastronomy and typical dishes include Tourte Chaude d’Escargots à la Ciboulette – garlicky snails, or Terrine de Pêcheur façon Maison – home-made fish pate. Meals are prepared using freshly sourced local ingredients and vegetarian, pescatarian, vegan and non-allergenic dishes can be served given at least 8 weeks’ notice prior to your departure date.
With the architectural gems of Auxerre providing a picturesque backdrop, a welcoming champagne reception sets the perfect note for your week on board. While L’Art de Vivre meanders along the pretty Nivernais canal, you can dip in and out of life afloat with a programme of excursions tailor made to introduce you to of the unspoilt heart of rural France. Among the highlights are a tasting in Chablis, home of one of the most famous white wines in the world; a guided tour of the Renaissance splendours of Auxerre including both the magnificent cathedral and the abbey; a trip to the charming 14th century medieval market village of Noyers-sur-Surein, reputed to be one of the most beautiful in France; an excursion to the hilltop town of Vézelay, whose Romanesque basilica is said to house relics of St Mary Magdalene; and finally the Château de Bazoches which was visited by Richard the Lionheart in the 12th century and later remodelled by Maréchal Vauban. The Captain’s Farewell Gala Dinner on the final evening rounds off an idyllic holiday.
These lazy days on L’Art de Vivre, 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 Art de Vivre
► Make an enquiry to get a firm quotation for this or any other hotel barge for the time of year that interests you.
Burgundy North ~ Loire ~ Nivernais
This heartland of France offers sunny rolling vistas dotted with thousands of chateaux, famous vineyards, fields of sunflowers and picturesque villages. Well-served with waterways – both rivers and canals – you’ll be able to cruise by self-drive boat, hotel barge and riverboat through this wonderful countryside.
Just call us to make your dream cruise come true
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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.
