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.
What Makes a Barge Cruise Different From a River Cruise?
France’s canal system is one of the most extensive and picturesque waterways in the world, offering a charming and tranquil way to explore the country’s countryside, historic towns, and vineyards. Dating back to the 17th century, the canals were originally constructed to facilitate trade and transportation, but today they are primarily used for leisure cruising and tourism. The Canal du Midi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the most famous routes, stretching from Toulouse to the Mediterranean Sea and featuring stunning aqueducts, locks, and tree-lined pathways. Other popular routes include the Canal de Bourgogne, winding through Burgundy’s renowned wine regions, and the Canal du Nivernais, known for its scenic beauty and quaint villages. The canals are interconnected, making it possible to travel long distances by barge or boat, and they are dotted with charming locks and bridges that add to the experience. Whether traveling by rental boat or luxury barge cruise, exploring France’s canals offers a unique perspective on the country’s rich history, culture, and natural beauty.
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!
Exploring Burgundy
Burgundy is my favorite region of France. Sure, the food and wine are outstanding, but there are so many quaint towns and sites to see. I once spent a week at a cooking school in Burgundy and it is still one of my favorite trips. This part of France is a journey into one of the most iconic and picturesque regions in the world, renowned for its rich history, exceptional wines, and charming medieval towns. Located in central-eastern France, Burgundy is a paradise for wine enthusiasts, food lovers, and history buffs alike. The region’s capital, Dijon, is a vibrant city famous for its mustard, well-preserved medieval architecture, and the stunning Palace of the Dukes of Burgundy, which now houses the Musée des Beaux-Arts. Strolling through Dijon’s cobblestone streets reveals colorful timber-framed houses, bustling markets, and quaint cafés perfect for enjoying local specialties.
Another must-visit town is Beaune, the heart of Burgundy’s wine country. Beaune is home to the Hôtel-Dieu, a striking 15th-century hospice with a colorful tiled roof that now serves as a museum. It’s also the gateway to the Route des Grands Crus, a scenic wine trail lined with world-famous vineyards like Pommard, Meursault, and Gevrey-Chambertin. Many of these vineyards offer tastings and cellar tours, providing visitors with opportunities to sample some of Burgundy’s celebrated Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines.
For history and culture, Vézelay is a charming hilltop village and UNESCO World Heritage Site, featuring the stunning Basilica of Sainte-Marie-Madeleine, a pilgrimage site on the route to Santiago de Compostela. Autun also attracts history lovers with its Roman ruins and ancient amphitheater.
Food is another highlight of Burgundy, and no visit is complete without indulging in regional dishes like boeuf bourguignon, coq au vin, and escargots de Bourgogne (snails!). Pair these delicacies with local wines for the ultimate dining experience. Many restaurants and wine cellars offer curated food and wine pairings, making it easy to savor the best of Burgundy’s flavors. Whether exploring historic towns, enjoying vineyard tours, or relaxing along the Canal de Bourgogne, Burgundy promises an unforgettable journey steeped in tradition and charm.
Booking a Barge Cruise
Booking a barge cruise offers a unique and leisurely way to explore Europe’s scenic rivers, canals, and countryside, but there are a few key things to know before you book. Barge cruises are typically smaller and more intimate than traditional river cruises, often accommodating between 6 to 20 passengers, making them ideal for couples, families, or small groups. They provide a relaxed, slow-paced experience, with itineraries focusing on cultural immersion, gourmet dining, and guided excursions to historic towns, vineyards, and castles. When booking, consider the type of barge—whether you prefer a more luxurious vessel with elegant suites or a cozy, budget-friendly option. Routes and destinations vary widely, from the wine regions of Burgundy in France to the scenic Scottish Highlands, so choose one that matches your interests. Many barge cruises include all meals, drinks, and excursions, making them a hassle-free, all-inclusive option. However, availability can be limited, especially during peak travel seasons, so it’s best to book several months in advance to secure your preferred dates and itinerary. Be sure to check the cruise’s policies on group sizes, dietary restrictions, and accessibility to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.
IMPORTANT TIP: You won’t find barge cruises available for booking on the bigger travel sites. You’ll need to book directly with companies like The Barge Lady, European Waterways, and Belmond.
Do you have questions about barge cruises? Post your question in the comment section below and I’ll get an answer for you.
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