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 Anjodi
Southern France, Canal du Midi: Marseillan to Le Somail.
Anjodi hosted the famous chef Rick Stein on board for his TV series, ‘French Odyssey’, a wise choice on his part as this lovely barge oozes French appeal: below decks she has brass fittings and polished wooden panelling in her charming saloon, not to mention four generously proportioned en-suite staterooms of 98 square feet each, while up on deck there are comfortable sun loungers and a sunken spa pool. The captain and his diligent crew will ensure that you get the very best from what promises to be an enchanting voyage.
Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in recognition of the achievement of its 17th century architect Pierre-Paul Riquet, the Canal du Midi links the Étang du Thau in the south east with the River Garonne in Toulouse, effectively making it possible to convey goods (and holiday makers!) from the Mediterranean to the Atlantic. One of the pleasures of crossing the Étang is seeing the cormorants trying their wings on the wooden poles that mark the position of the lake’s renowned oyster beds. The canal then wends its way between the vineyards of Corbières to the south and the Minervois to the north and Riquet’s audacity in engineering can be seen in the flight of nine characteristically oval-shaped locks at Fonserannes.
You can do as much or as little as you choose. The mornings are often spent on deck gazing in admiration as the countryside glides by, revealing everything that makes France so…French: undulating vineyards, fields full of sunflowers turning their faces to the sky and ancient stone houses with colourful painted shutters. If you can tear yourself away from all of this you might want to venture forth on the afternoon’s outing – maybe a trip to Pézenas, an architectural gem of a village that is associated with the playwright Molière.
Perhaps the ghost of Rick Stein lingers on in Anjodi’s galley, as the delicious set menu four course dinners are gastronomic masterpieces. Typical offerings might include Noisette d’Agneau des Corbières en Croûte de Sel Sauce Romarin and the wines are carefully chosen to complement the food. The chef uses only locally sourced fresh ingredients and given at least eight weeks prior notice is happy to cater for specific dietary requirements including vegetarian, pescatarian, vegan and non-allergenic dishes.
A warm welcome from the Captain and crew, assisted with some chilled champagne, gets your holiday off to a most promising start. As Anjodi glides through the distinctive landscape of the Camargue (with potential sightings of flamingos, white egrets and other migrating birds) and into the Canal du Midi, you can dip in and out of life afloat with a programme of excursions tailor made to introduce you to the finest the South can offer. Amongst the attractions are a trip to the 16th century capital of the Languedoc, Pézenas, which is an artists’ colony known for its associations with the French playwright Molière; a winery tour and tasting at the 14th century Château de Perdiguier; a visit to Narbonne to discover the Archbishop’s Palace, the cathedral and the Via Domitia which dates back to the days of ancient Rome, and to explore the fabulous indoor market; time in Minerve, the ancient capital of Minervois, whose hilltop location affords spectacular views over deep limestone gorges; last but not least, Carcassonne – the most complete medieval fortified city still in existence and deservedly awarded UNESCO World Heritage status. The Captain’s Farewell Gala Dinner on the final evening rounds the holiday off to perfection.
These lazy days on Anjodi, 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 Anjodi
► Make an enquiry to get a firm quotation for this or any other hotel barge for the time of year that interests you.
Canal du Midi
Cruise one of the oldest canals in the world; the Canal du Midi is unique and breathtakingly beautiful, earning the title of UNESCO World Heritage Site. By self-drive boat or hotel barge, it offers a variety of cruising vistas – from sea-scapes and hillside views to tiny villages and the stunning medieval castle at Carcassonne.
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.
