Hotel barges are elegant and supremely comfortable, converted from traditional vessels or created as cruising boutique hotels from new. They are large and stable so you’ll experience the smoothest of relaxing week-long vacations in high style.

These beautiful floating hotels are found on all the most desirable French waterways, cruising the most scenic routes. Most are around 38m in length and our star ratings differentiate those that provide more cabin space and offer full- or half-board. With a wide range of comfort levels and prices, you can be sure the perfect one is waiting just for you.

Book the holiday of a lifetime and return home with a unique treasure-chest of priceless memories.

We will use our unique
in-depth experience
to find you your
perfect barge cruise

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  +61 3 9005 8569  
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Welcome Aboard!

Hotel barge cruise France

Sedate and Tranquil

Barges are large flat-bottomed boats originally made for carrying goods and suited to the calm inland canals. A select few have been converted as luxury cruising hotels for a small group of private guests.

Hotel Barge Saroche - Alsace

In Perfect Comfort

En-suite guest cabins usually have a choice of double or twin beds. Communal facilities include attractive saloon areas with large windows, dining areas and outside sun decks. Some have spa pools.

Hotel Barge Saraphina Canal du Midi

Fully Equipped

Satellite TV, WiFi and USB charging points are common. As well as a 24-hour bar, bicycles and private air-conditioned executive minivan, other amenities might include a piano, elevator, laundry service, etc.

Fine Dining On-board

The quality of hotel barge cuisine is very high – a master-chef, the best wines and personal service. All meals, from breakfast to lunch to dinner, are supplied with fresh produce from local markets.

Restaurant Dining

With a half-board option, guests can dine in authentic French style and enjoy a mixture of lunches and dinners taken onshore locally. Informal village bistro or Michelin starred haute-cuisine dining.

Hotel barge Prospérité, Burgundy

Especially for You

Every barge masterchef is delighted to cater for individual dietary preferences and requirements, for example vegetarian, kosher, low-carbohydrate or gluten-free foods, and your favourite beverages.

Just call us to make your dream cruise come true

+1 405 445 0350  |  +61 3 9005 8569  |  +44 7590 287 178

Select The Best

French Waterways Luxe France free download

•   Expert captain and deck crew   •   Professional masterchef creates fabulous cuisine   •   Friendly, attentive English-speaking hostess and cabin staff   •   Highly knowledgeable local excursions guide   •

Hotel barges are spacious and sedate, cruising at not much more than a fast walking pace. A number of hotel barges are owned and operated as part of professionally managed fleets; significant numbers of boats are owner-operated. Barges, their skippers and crews are governed by a number of safety regulations and licences, including regular survey inspections.

 

 

Luxury five star hotel barge cruise France canals

Grand Luxe Hotel Barges

Ultimate quality – Ultimate comfort
Upwards of 200 sq.ft cabins with king-size beds.
Exceptional hospitality and facilities
from $6,000 per person

6✮ + 5✮ Barges

First Class hotel barge cruise France canals

Excellence 4-star Hotel Barges

Very High Quality – Distinct Personality
150+ sq.ft cabins, usually queen-size beds.
Wonderful service and attention
from $5,000 per person

4✮ Barges

Economy hotel barge cruise France canals

Premier 3-star Hotel Barges

Great value, no quality compromises
Comfortable cabins, perfect bathrooms.
Great food, good wine, charming service
from $3,500 per person

3✮ Barges

France canals hotel barge cruise

Solos and Couples

Single travellers and couples book cabins and meet like-minded, interesting
fellow guests.

Per Cabin Barges

France canals hotel barge cruise

Happy Families

Families of all generations, with activities to satisfy each age group from the youngsters to the oldsters

Charter Barges

France canals hotel barge cruise

Friendship Groups

Old friends enjoying life together, wine-lovers, golfers, artists and girl-friends needing serious pampering!

Charter Barges

More Inspiration, More Information

France canals hotel barge cruise

Inspiring Places

There are hotel barges throughout France. Cruising routes include the canals and rivers of Paris-Champagne, Alsace, Burgundy, Provence, Languedoc (the Canal du Midi), and Aquitaine-Bordeaux.

Where to Cruise

France canals hotel barge cruise

Inspiring Experiences

Private charter cruises can be organised as bespoke cruises.  Activities can be tailored to guests’ particular interests and many barges already have themed cruises on offer – wine, golf, family activities etc.

Wonderful Options

France canals hotel barge cruise

Expert Friendly Advice

What do I wear? What do I pack? How do I get there? Do I pay the crew gratuities? We can answer these questions, and many more, based on our unique experience and insider knowledge. Just call or email.

Your Concierge


Our Unique Expertise – France, Cruising the Waterways and Hotel Barging
We have explored the rivers and canals of France on our own boat since 2003, logging up over 10,000km along most waterways, in most regions, at all times of year.
Independent, impartial and enthusiastic, we have personally visited and know every hotel barge, every owner-operator and fleet, published here.