Imagine gliding through the picturesque landscapes of France, surrounded by lush vineyards, charming villages, and historic towns. This is life aboard a beautifully appointed barge cruise. It’s a unique way to explore the French countryside and provides an intimate experience that larger cruises 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 in France was truly unlike any experience I’ve ever had. I’ve visited the European countryside dozens of times but this was such a unique experience. It was quite honestly the most relaxing vacation I’ve ever taken. I traveled with Barge Lady Cruises on board one of their smallest vessels, Le Papillon through Burgundy, France. I was a bit concerned that it only accommodated four guests. There were only two of us traveling but I’ve since learned that most people rent out the entire barge. 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, I was in!
The History Of Barge Cruises
Once-working barges originally transported goods through the canals of Europe to major ports. They have been meticulously renovated as floating hotels to take guests on more intimate experiences to small towns and villages. Most barge cruises in France accommodate from two to 20 passengers so every aspect of the experience is completely bespoke. Each barge has a staff which includes a captain, private chef, tour guide, and hostess. This team offers 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 convinced our captain to re-route to a village not on our itinerary, simply to visit a winery we read about.
Barge cruises are exceptionally slow paced as the boat travels just four miles per hour. But it’s the perfect speed for meandering down narrow canals through the European countryside.
Barge Cruises Are Floating Boutique Hotels
French barges, like Le Papillon, 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 included with twin beds and there was ample space. Unlike traditional cruises, there was also tons of storage for our clothing and other amenities. The lounge below deck holds games and books about the history of the French canals. The top deck is where we spent most of our time, 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 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, 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. Also, we passed through 44 locks in one week, traveling just 40 kilometers in total.
Barge cruises are not just about relaxation, they also offer a range of excursions and experiences. Traveling at slow speed, 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 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!
Do you have questions about barge cruises? Post your question in the comment section below and I’ll get an answer for you.