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
+1 405 445 0350
+61 3 9005 8569
+44 7590 287 178
Welcome Aboard!
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Barges are large flat-bottomed boats originally made for carrying goods and suited to the calm inland canals.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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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
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
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
Solos and Couples
Single travellers and couples book cabins and meet like-minded, interesting
fellow guests.
Happy Families
Families of all generations, with activities to satisfy each age group from the youngsters to the oldsters
Friendship Groups
Old friends enjoying life together, wine-lovers, golfers, artists and girl-friends needing serious pampering!
More Inspiration, More Information
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.
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.