Imagine gliding through the picturesque landscapes of France, surrounded by lush vineyards, charming villages, and historic towns—all from the comfort of a beautifully appointed barge. It’s a unique way to explore the heart of the French countryside, providing an intimate experience that larger cruises simply cannot match.
I’ve taken just about every kind of “boat” in my travels, from windjammers to river cruises to traditional party cruises, but a recent barge cruise was truly unlike any experience I’ve ever had. I’ve visited the European countryside dozens of times but, again, this was such a unique experience – it was quite honestly the most relaxing vacation I’ve ever taken. I was invited by Barge Lady Cruises to board one of their smallest vessels, Le Papillon, to sail the canals of Burgundy, France. I was a bit concerned that it only accommodated four guests and there were only two of us traveling (most people rent out the entire barge I’ve since learned). It was just me, my adult son, and two strangers who became fast friends. I wasn’t sure what to expect but if it was anything like my windjammer experience on the 150-year-old Stephen Taber, I was in!
Once-working barges that were used to transports goods through the canals of Europe to major ports have been meticulously renovated to serve as floating hotels that take guests on more intimate experiences to small towns and villages. Most barge cruises accommodate from two to 20 passengers so every aspect of the experience is completely bespoke. Each barge is staffed with a team which includes a captain, private chef, tour guide, and hostess who offer a level of personal attention you’ll never find on larger cruises. Our captain was actually born on a working barge and our week was his final retirement trip. It definitely feels like a family environment and is so much more intimate than other cruise styles. We even convinced our captain to re-route to a village that was not originally on our itinerary simply to visit a winery one of the guests had read about.
Barge cruises are exceptionally slow paced as the boat travels just four miles per hour, meandering down narrow canals through the European countryside.
Barge Cruises Are Floating Boutique Hotels
French barges, like Le Papillon, are meticulously renovated to serve as your floating hotel throughout the journey. This elegant vessel features surprisingly spacious cabins with en-suite bathrooms for such a small vessel. I was traveling with my adult son so our room was configured with twin beds and there was ample space. Unlike traditional cruises, there was also tons of storage for our clothing and other amenities. A lounge below deck was our gathering space before meals, stocked with games and tons of books about the history of the French canals, with French yacht rock playing the background. But the above deck lounge area is where we spent most of our time, just meandering down the canal at four miles per hour enjoying the countryside while sipping on a nice Burgundian wine.
Dining On a Barge Cruise
Dining aboard Le Papillon was nothing short of 5-star French meals day after day. Let’s start with breakfast. The captain woke early every day and took one of the boat’s e-bikes into the nearest village to the local boulangerie for fresh pastries and bread. The chef visited local markets to pick up fresh ingredients daily sourced from nearby markets and farms. Our onboard hostess picked local flowers from the countryside each afternoon for the table. But the best part of dining? Tasting local cheeses and Burgundy wines at every meal – we tasted we tasted 24 different wines and 24 different cheeses.
Scenic Routes and Excursions on Barge Cruises
Again, this is not your typical style of cruising. It’s much better. The barges are small, a la micro-cruising, so they’re able to tuck into docks of small villages larger boats can’t access. We sailed the Nivernais canal, wide enough for only one boat so you can forget crowds, and passed through 44 locks in one week, traveling 40 kilometers.
Barge cruises are not just about relaxation, they also offer a range of excursions and experiences. Because you’re traveling at such slow speeds, you can take one of the boat’s e-bikes and ride along the canal and catch up at one of the lock stations.
Our journey was arranged through Barge Lady Cruises which offers vacations in France, The UK, Ireland, Holland, Germany, and Italy. The barge cruising season runs April through October.
A French barge cruise with The Barge Lady aboard Le Papillon is more than just a journey through beautiful landscapes; it’s an opportunity to immerse yourself in the culture, cuisine, and history of France. With its unique blend of relaxation, exploration, and gourmet experiences, this cruise promises an unforgettable adventure that will leave you with cherished memories and a deeper appreciation for this enchanting country. So pack your bags, raise a glass of local wine, and prepare to set sail on a journey of a lifetime through the heart of France!