Hotel-barge cruising proposes a new and different way to visit France away from the main tourist routes. Your boat travels slowly through the French countryside to places that will be new even to the most experienced traveler. A chance for you to discover historic abbeys and castles - to learn about the regional history and culture. There will be time to go shopping in a market town - time to take a drink in a village cafe. You will feel at home in France - meeting local people - and yet never far from your floating home!

"Hotel Barges" offer the traveler an opportunity to discover a very different France in a relaxed, leisurely manner - to visit new locations every day without having to change hotels, to watch the world go by while lounging on deck, sipping a drink at the bar or even relaxing in the on-deck Jacuzzi or swimming pool.
You can also enjoy the informal, but quality, service on board and sample the excellent French cuisine accompanied by regional wines, all specially chosen and prepared by your on board chef.

The hotel-boat owners have spared no expense in equipping and decoration their vessels - each one wishing their boat to be considered the best! They will ensure that you have every comfort and that your holiday will be truly different and memorable. Hotel-boats travel at walking pace along the canals - and at 10 miles per hour on the rivers. Why be in a hurry? Take a leisurely cruise and absorb and digest the true flavors of France.

A French "péniche" (=barge) is a large working barge which is used for transport of goods on rivers and canals. A great number of these "péniches" has been transformed and restored into "Hotel-Barges" and serve as cruise hotel-boats.

Comfort on board

"Hotel Barges" offer first class and deluxe accommodation on the waterways of France.

The description of each barge has been provided by the boat owners and indicates the level of comfort on board. We think that you will be pleased at how welcoming they are - many with colorful soft furnishings, varnished wood paneling and decor designed to accentuate the character of the vessel. Some cabins are extremely spacious and luxurious. All cabins have private bathrooms, outward facing portholes or windows and space enough to accommodate the long distance traveler. The barges have dining and bar facilities and sundecks with good all round views to watch the countryside drift by.

We think that you will be pleased at how cozy they are - many with colorful soft furnishings and varnished wood paneling, and decor designed by these same barge owners to accentuate the character of their vessels. Some cabins are extremely spacious and luxurious. All cabins have private bathrooms, outward facing portholes or windows and space enough to accommodate the long distance traveler. Most barges have dining and bar facilities and open sun decks.

Boat Activities:

Different boat companies propose a variety of relaxing holidays and invite the discerning traveler to share a fun time on board.
The hotel boats arrange daily activities to explore the nearby region.Traditionally the canal cruises allow guests to walk or bicycle from lock to lock and to enjoy freely the pleasures of the countryside. The canal and rivers all pass near to vineyards and gastronomic areas and many towns were built on the waterway. There are many wonderful places to visit. Tucked away in the most unlikely places you will discover a ruin or a chateau and learn about the people who lived here and the history of the region.

Theme Cruises

These cruises have been created for groups wishing to share a common interest. These cruises are mentioned in the text and include golf, tennis, bicycling tours as well as gastronomic, music and opera cruises and garden tours.

What can you expect from a Hotel-Barge cruise?

Hotel Barge cruising offers a relaxing holiday away from the main tourist routes. Your boat travels slowly through the French countryside - along routes and through places that will be new even to the most experienced traveler. A chance for you to discover historic abbeys and fabulous châteaux - learn about the regional history and culture. There will be time to go shopping in a market town - time to take a drink in a village café. You will feel at home in France meeting local people - and yet never far from your floating home!
You may wonder who you will be sharing your cruise with in such close quarters. The choice of your boat and the price factor will ensure that you meet compatible companions to share this unique experience. Hotel-boats can be booked by individuals or group chartered. Accommodation is in private cabins - with twin beds or double beds and in single cabins. Families or groups of friends can privately charter vessels or individuals can book, sharing the cruise with other travelers, perhaps from different countries - making new friends. Special
interest and small business groups can pre-arrange lecturers and tours to make unforgettable group holidays and seminars. Charter bookings can be made from 4 to 51 guests.