Luxury Afloat - Take a Barge Cruise In France!

If you’re looking for an excellent adventure that’s different from your regular Paris city tour, here’s an excellent idea: a barge cruise in France.

Quickly gaining popularity among those looking for authentic, uncommon and unforgettable experiences, a barge cruise in France offers a view of this wonderful country from a very different perspective. Not only that, it combines a level of luxury with an easy-going pace that those who are tired of whirlwind tours will appreciate. Here are a few facts to pique your interest.

Since When Did Barges Get Comfortable?

If the idea of a barge doesn't connote luxury and comfort to you, prepare to change your mind! Sure, many of them used to be working cargo barges when they were first built, ferrying goods like coal, grain and produce down the canals, rivers and other waterways of France and its surrounding areas. However, they’ve been transformed into what are, in effect, luxurious floating hotels. They may not be as big as the landlocked buildings one may be used to, but they definitely offer the same kind of comfort, and with an extra benefit: a constantly changing view to enjoy as you sit on the deck and watch the world go by!

Take Your Pick – Where and When

Just as hotels offer plentiful choices when it comes to location and length of stay, your barge cruise in France can also offer the same kind of flexibility based on your available time and plans. A common itinerary is for a six to seven day cruise on a planned route, although some offer three or four-day charter options.

Most cruise operators can offer you either a canal or river cruise. If you want to be able to explore more territories, the river cruises may suit – barges are able to go faster and cover more area, often focusing on the highlighted attractions of the region, like a wine festival or chateaux.

Canal cruises, on the other hand, go slower and are an intimate way to explore the countryside, allowing for daily stops with chances to cycle or walk along the route. Many canal barge trips also offer itineraries for young children, making this the perfect option for families - especially multigenerational ones.

Best Routes

There are a whole slew of choices – it really just depends on what your interests are. Many tour facilitators offer themed options, such as food and wine cruises going through wine-producing regions like Burgundy and the Loire. Other options are heritage and historical tours that visit ancient villages and other cultural sites.

Whatever you choose, you'll be able to experience a very different view of the country on a luxury barge cruise in France.

Paul Newman is the Marketing and E-Systems Executive for European Waterways. We can provide you with a luxury, all-inclusive barge cruise in France to enjoy the sights of the country's most picturesque waterways. Cruises are also offered in Holland, Italy and the UK.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.