What is a Barge Cruise?
A river cruise, like an ocean cruise, is an “unpack-once vacation” – no more early morning wake-up calls for long coach rides from hotel to hotel! A cruise along one of Europe’s many rivers and canals permits you to enjoy the panorama of the surrounding countryside which is always in view. Barges, in contrast to river shipss, are smaller vessels generally accommodating between 6 to 50 passengers in comfort. These vessels generally cruise on the canals, the age-old waterways of Europe, such as the Nivernais in Burgundy, France’s most famous wine country, the Canal du Midi in the south of France, or through the tulip fields of Holland or along the Caledonian Canal in Scotland;. Generally they try to stay away from the river traffic although in France, Holland, Ireland and England they can be found on the less travlled portions of the river. They include all gourmet meals with wine, all shore excursions, and most also include an “open bar” and bicycles for the use of the guests. You do no
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
