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 Grand Victoria
Grand Victoria’s two cruise options:
• Southern Burgundy, Canal de Bourgogne: Fleury-sur-Ouche to Vandenesse
• Southern Burgundy, Canal de Bourgogne and Canal du Centre: Dijon to Chagny
Superbly refurbished and renamed the Grand Victoria (formerly the Hemingway) this beautiful hotel barge plies the Burgundy Canal and will reveal to guests both the highlights and the hidden gems of this exquisite waterway. Grand Victoria has been re-fitted with flair: think chic French stripes and florals, and her communal spaces offer warmth and welcome. She has three king-size en-suite cabins which boast not only luxurious beds but also 40″ television sets with Apple TV movie streaming. Owned and operated in person by Edward Anderson and Cindy Unvericht there are five other hand-picked, highly trained crew members to care for only six guests – a ratio that guarantees impressive levels of service.
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.
Relaxation is the name of the game. Spend your mornings drifting along the shady green canal and watching the lock keepers do the hard work: you can unwind on deck with a cooling drink in your hand and see the glorious countryside unfold around you, and for those keen to explore the area’s picturesque ancient villages for themselves 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 you can explore the medieval town of Nolay on market day and sample the cured meats, ripe cheeses and fresh farm produce from a whole variety of colourful markets stalls.
The skilled chef does open galley demonstrations as he creates five course set dinners to delight your palette. He uses only freshly prepared, locally sourced ingredients to create enticing dishes such as pan fried filets of sea bass with wine, tarragon, basil and butter sauce, sweet potato strips and snow peas. A selection of fine regional wines is available for your enjoyment. There is a delicious buffet breakfast every day and lunch consists of sumptuous hot or cold collations.
A champagne reception and gourmet dinner mark your arrival on board and set the tone for a fabulous week, which gets off to a cracking start the following morning with a gentle cruise to Gissey-sur-Ouche followed by an excursion to the 13th century cellars of Patriarche for a tasting of eight wines. After dinner you’ll be entranced by a magnificent tour of Dijon by night. You can discover the beautiful regional capital in more detail the following morning, with a walking tour of the sites including the spectacular Ducal Palace, before setting off for your mooring at La Bussière. Pont d’Ouche is your next port of call and the highlight of the day is a visit to the private art galleries and cavernous cellars of Château de Meursault, together with a private wine tasting. Day Five is devoted to an exploration of the wine capital of the Côte d’Or at Beaune to enjoy a wine tasting – of course – and a visit to the stunning 15th century charity hospital the Hôtel Dieu. Your final day afloat enables you to unwind during a slow meander along the canal past the beautiful medieval hilltop village of Châteauneuf-en-Auxois with a tour of the Château there, and a visit to the 12th century Cistercian abbey Abbaye de la Bussière, now a fine hotel. The Captain’s Farewell Gala Dinner back on board is a fitting end to an unforgettable trip.
These lazy days on Grand Victoria, 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 Grand Victoria
► 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.
