With its vast network of rivers and canals, France offers the ideal location for hotel barging. Cruising the water at a leisurely pace as you feast your eyes on lush landscapes, visit picture perfect villages and towns, and sample the best of French wining and dining makes for possibly the perfect holiday. But with waterways running the length and breadth of the country, choosing where to hotel barge in France can present something of a challenge.
Which is the best region in France?
To help you choose your destination, read on for a round-up of the regions in France home to the best hotel barging waterways and what you’ll experience on them. We list the top things to see and do en route as well as the culinary highlights along the canals and rivers. All you have to do is pick yours and book your hotel barge getaway in France.
Where to hotel barge in Paris-Champagne
Many charter barge vacations begin with a flight to Paris where you can stay in this City of Light to explore all the sights and sounds before or after your cruise. You’ll be collected from your hotel and taken to your barge, usually moored on a waterway only a couple of hours east or south.
Let us begin our focus on where to hotel barge in France at the country’s capital Paris and then east to the world famous capital of bubbles, Champagne. Hotel barges on this route glide along the River Marne and take in a mixture of cityscapes, farmland and vineyards as well as a good smattering of beautiful monuments.
Facts about barging in Paris-Champagne
How to get there: One route would be to fly from New york’s JFK Terminal 4 to Charles de Gaulle (CDG) 2 in Paris. From there, there are frequent and regular trains into Paris and your hotel pick-up point.
Main waterways: River Marne and Aisne à la Marne.
Cruise to and from: Paris to Reims.
Highlights to see
Having enjoyed Paris and its iconic sights – think Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, Sacre Coeur – and joined your barge you’re on your way to Reims. You’ll see vast farmlands that glow green or golden depending on the season; not for nothing were painters like Cézanne and Corot inspired by these landscapes. The fields then give way to vineyard after vineyard, all growing grapes for those bubbles.
Épernay and Reims both lay claim to the world’s most famous champagne houses and don’t miss the stunning historic architecture of the ancient ‘royal’ cathedral at Reims.
Highlights to do
Whet your appetite for bubbles on your way to Champagne as you spot the famous names on the vines as you cruise past. Then visit one of the champagne houses and discover why they make the world’s most famous fizz.
Highlights to taste
Champagne obviously tops the list on this hotel barging trip, but don’t forget to sample the Brie de Meaux, one of the most delicious cheeses in France.
Plan your Paris-Champagne hotel barge cruise here.
Where to hotel barge in Alsace-Lorraine
The north-eastern corner of France combines some of the country’s most contrasting landscapes, amazing sightseeing, Riesling wine and Alsace beer (and wine). Hotel barging in this part of the country also includes one of Europe’s greatest waterways, the Rhine, and a visit to Strasbourg, a historic European city. It is truly a beautiful region to put some thought to when considering where to hotel barge in France.
Facts about barging in Alsace-Lorraine
How to get there: Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport is the closest for international flights. Strasbourg Airport offers European flights and TGV trains connect Paris to Strasbourg and the barge pick-up point.
Main waterways: Marne-Rhine Canal
Cruise to and from: Strasbourg to Nancy
Highlights to see
Alsace offers a unique combination of landscapes – you’ll take in dense forests, vast mountains and river valleys as you cruise your way west. Strasbourg provides the first architectural highlights with its glorious Gothic Cathedral (once the tallest in Europe), timberwork houses and its network of pretty canals.
Further west lies the extraordinary Lalique Museum at Saverne, housing hundreds of glass masterpieces by René Lalique. Nancy, another beautiful city, also offers architectural treats with its feast of Art Nouveau treasures.
Highlights to do
As you glide along the waterways, look out for castles perched high above you. Marvel at the engineering feat at the Arzviller boat lift that raises your hotel barge up a full 138 metres in lieu of an otherwise arduous zig-zagging lock staircase.
Highlights to taste
Crisp white Riesling will might be in your glass, rivalling the region’s beers and lagers. On your plate, enjoy the famous ham, the ubiquitous flammekueche and the hearty stews that make up typical Alsace cuisine.
Discover all you need to know about wines from Alsace.
Where to hotel barge in Northern Burgundy
One of the world’s most famous wine growing regions divides neatly into north and south when it comes to where to hotel barge in France. The northern part offers fine monuments and stunning landscapes along the various canals that include the Nivernais Canal, linking the Loire and Seine basins. All against the backdrop, of course, of the renowned Burgundy vineyards.
Barging in Northern Burgundy Fast Facts
How to get there: Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport or Orly Airport are the closest for hotel barging in Northern Burgundy.
Main waterways: the Nivernais Canal and the Canal de Bourgogne
Cruise to and from: start and finish points depend on which waterway your hotel barge takes. Typical routes are Auxerrre to Clamecy, like the one offered by Luciole.
Highlights to see
This idyllic part of France comes packed with castles, châteaux and abbeys. Look out for the particularly fine châteaux at Ancy le France, Fontainebleau and Tanlay while the two historic abbeys at Fontenay and Vezelay rank among the finest in Europe.
Natural highlights include the forest at Morvan National Park and the stunning riverscapes along all the routes. Don’t miss the historic city of Auxerre or the medieval treasure of Noyers-sur-Seine.
Highlights to do
Explore Auxerre, once a Roman camp, and now the capital of the region and learn about the vital Yonne timber route that built Paris.
Highlights to taste
Northern Burgundy offers something of a foodie feast – this region is home to emblematic French dishes such as boeuf bourguignon and coq au vin. In your glass will obviously be the world famous Chablis or an equally fine red.
Find a hotel barge cruising Northern Burgundy here.
Where to hotel barge in Southern Burgundy
Home to one of the world’s most prestigious wine regions, southern Burgundy also provides some of the prettiest waterways for cruising in France. You’ll discover famous cities such as Dijon and Lyon en route as well as stunning villages and towns. A hotel barge cruise in Burgundy offers feasts for all the senses.
Facts about barging in Southern Burgundy
How to get there: Paris-Charles de Gaulle offers the best options for international travel and Dole Airport has European flights as does Lyon and Geneva further south or east. Dijon and Lyon are connected to Paris via TGV train services. Barges offer a selection of pick-up points from airports and train stations.
Main waterways: Canal de Bourgogne, Canal du Centre and River Saône
Cruise to and from: Vandenesse-en-Auxois to Dijon. Or Pontailler-sur-Saône to St Léger sur Dheune on the Canal du Centre and Saône river.
Highlights to see
The Canal de Bourgogne offers one visual treat after another as it makes its pretty way along the Ouche Valley to Dijon. You’re in the heart of Burgundy wine country and you’ll see vineyards at every turn if you’re luxury hotel barging here. In Dijon itself, the historic seat of the Dukes of Burgundy, several delights await including the Ducal Palace, home to one of the finest art collections in Europe and a busy market where your foodie dreams will come true.
If you’re hotel barging on the Saône, also picture-perfect, you’ll take in Beaune, the capital of Burgundy, Dole with its medieval architecture and the stunning citadel at Besançon.
Highlights to do
Burgundy wine tasting tops the list so all hotel barge cruises take in at least one vineyard en route. The region is also famous for its multi-colored glazed tiles – check out the combinations. And while you’re in Beaune, don’t miss the Hôtel Dieu, once a hospice for the poor and now home to the world’s most famous wine auction held on the third Sunday in November.
Highlights to taste
Like Northern Burgundy, this region comes packed with foodie treats. As well as boeuf bourguignon, try the famous stew made with Pochouse river fish and Dijon mustard made by Maille. Sample the delights of Burgundy reds and whites as well as the younger Beaujolais.
Discover the essence of Burgundy wine on the Route des Grands Crus
Where to hotel barge in Provence-Camargue
If you’re wondering where to hotel barge in France, you can’t go wrong in Provence-Camargue. In this romantic part of the country you’ll enjoy stunning scenery, one historic town after another, amazing wildlife and delicious local cuisine. Perhaps more than any other cruise vacations in France, this one offers a bit of everything essentially French.
Facts about barging in Provence-Camargue
How to get there: international flights come into Toulouse and Paris-Charles de Gaulle while Carcassonne, Montpellier and Lyon airports all have European flights. TGV train services run at Avignon, Montpellier, Beziers and Toulouse.
Main waterways: River Rhone running north-south and the Petit Rhone running parallel to the Mediterranean, and the Canal du Midi (see below).
Cruise to and from: St Jean de Losne to Lyon, Lyon to Avignon, Avignon to Aigues-Mortes.
Highlights to see
The list certainly runs long on these French barge cruises. Natural highlights include the pretty riverscapes along the Rhone before it reaches the Mediterranean to form Europe’s largest river delta. The Petit Rhone follows the sandy Mediterranean coast west offering river and seascapes all in the same view.
Architectural delights await you along the entire route. They include the medieval hilltop town of Viviers; Avignon with its famous bridge; Arles with fine Roman ruins and the inspiration for some of Van Gogh’s most celebrated masterpieces; and the fortified Crusader town of Aigues-Mortes.
Highlights to do
Breathe in the fragrance of Provence – herbs and lavender scent the air in the summer. Spot the wildlife – birds and animals – in the Camargue where you’ll see flamingos, wild native black bulls and white horses. And taste the wine – red at Côtes du Rhone and Chateauneuf du Pape and rosé in Provence.
Highlights to taste
Regional cuisine in Provence includes some of the most quintessential dishes in France. Ratatouille, pissaladière and bouillabaisse all originate here. Seafood comes into its own at Sète where mussels and oysters top the menu. All washed down of course with local reds, rosés and Noilly Prat vermouth. All this to savour from our luxury barge cruises.
Discover 18 dishes you simply must try in Provence
Where to hotel barge on the Canal du Midi
When it comes to pretty waterways, the Canal du Midi presents very stiff competition and many consider it the most beautiful French canal. The 241km stretch takes in thousands of plane trees, acres of sunflowers, stunning architecture and some very impressive feats of engineering. You’ll also taste surprisingly good and increasingly highly rated Languedoc wines en route and sample one of the most famous dishes in France, cassoulet.
Facts about barging the Canal du Midi
How to get there: you can get an international flight to Toulouse, Bordeaux or Paris-Charles de Gaulle. Carcassonne, Beziers and Montpellier airports fly to European destinations. The TGV train network includes Toulouse, Carcassonne, Narbonne, Beziers and Montpellier.
Main waterways: Canal du Midi and the Canal de la Robine
Cruise to and from: Toulouse to Sete or Toulouse to Narbonne.
Highlights to see
Plane trees line much of the route and through them you’ll spot fields and orchards, rolling hills, dense woodland and then the Mediterranean. The Narbonnaise Natural Park boasts over 50km of sandy beaches along its marshy coastline and the inland lagoon (Etang de Thau) at Sete sits right next to the sea.
Architecturally, this region is mostly about pink granite and medieval monuments. Both Toulouse and Narbonne are pretty in pink with some particularly fine architecture. Capestang and Béziers have medieval roots as does the main attraction en route: Carcassonne. The UNESCO citadel sits high above the waterway and the view of its ramparts and towers is one of the highlights when barging on the Canal du Midi.
Highlights to do
The Canal du Midi comes packed with engineering feats, many of which you’ll experience on your canal barge cruise. They include the Malpas Tunnel, the first navigable in Europe; Fonserannes lock with no less than eight chambers and nine locks; and the long Pont Canal at Béziers.
This particular waterway also offers the chance to experience some of the biggest events in France. The Festival de Carcassonne and Narbonne Feria are just two of them.
Highlights to taste
Languedoc wines, once frowned upon for their vin de table reputation but now among the most innovative in France, will be in your glass. Red mostly, but also white and rosé. On your plate, expect cassoulet, the regional dish par excellence as well as Niçoise salad, ratatouille local style and Pélardon cheese. The very best of gourmet cuisine will grace your plate.
Read a detailed description of what to see and do on the Canal du Midi
Where to hotel barge in Aquitaine
The last region on our list of where to hotel barge in France takes us to the historic southwest region of Aquitaine with its equally historic capital, Bordeaux. Here, canal barge cruises ensconce you in a feast of wine, tranquil waterways, stunning architecture and pretty farmland. Hotel barge cruises in this part of France make their way up the Canal de Garonne towards Toulouse where it joins the Canal du Midi.
Facts about barging in Aquitaine
How to get there: international flights are available at Toulouse, Bordeaux and Paris-Charles de Gaulle airports. Bergerac and Carcassonne Airports serve European destinations. Bordeaux, Montauban and Toulouse have TGV train services.
Main waterways: Canal de Garonne
Cruise to and from: Bordeaux to Toulouse.
Highlights to see
Bordeaux makes a stunning start to your trip and the city comes packed with monumental jewels – its list runs almost as long as those in Paris – renowned wine houses, the famed Wine Museum with its avant-garde architecture and the hip Darwin Centre.
Once you leave the capital, your luxury barge cruise glides past vineyards, home to the grapes that make some of the world’s finest wine. St Emilion, a UNESCO site, is famous for its wine and medieval quarter. Further upstream lies Moissac with its stunning Romanesque Abbey and cloisters before the canal enters miles of orchards and fields on its way to Toulouse.
Highlights to do
Bordeaux wine tasting is obviously high on the list of to-do priorities and you can expect to try some exquisite wine while on your cruise. Don’t miss the opportunity to cycle alongside the canal and your perfect barge – cycle tracks line the waterway and you’ll make easy progress under the plane trees.
And have your camera at the ready for the Pont Canal at Agen – the lofty aqueduct takes you along the Canal de Garonne over the Garonne itself down below.
Highlights to taste
Bordeaux wine will obviously be in your glass, while on your plate expect delicious dishes such as Salade Landaise (duck with crisp lettuce and tomato salad) and meat or fish à la bordelaise, with red or white wine sauce respectively. And to finish, a canalé cake seeped in honey.
Have you decided where to hotel barge in France?
Now you’ve read the list of barging regions, it’s time to make that decision – where will you hotel barge in France? To help you make that choice of barge cruise destinations, take a look here. If you’re still not sure about barging cruises in France or would like to know more about what each barge provides as part of its itinerary, please get in touch for some tailor-made advice on the best cruise to suit you.
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