Experiencing the Heart of France Without Getting Off your Lounger

While some people enjoy the thrill of living out of a backpack and travelling from accommodation to accommodation every day, others prefer to take it easy and enjoy some luxury and relaxation on their holiday. For those who would rather leave the hassle of packing and unpacking behind and sleep in the same bed every night, while at the same time immersing themselves into the heart and soul of their holiday destination, a barge cruise in France may be an option that ticks all their boxes.

A Relaxing Holiday in a Floating Hotel

Some holiday companies no longer use barges to transport freight over the inland waterways, but instead have turned them into authentic holiday accommodation; tourists from all over the world can experience the best of France without having to move around too much. Different barges offer different types of accommodation with varying levels of luxury, but the one constant is that guests get to enjoy life on a floating hotel as they pass through unforgettable scenery and past iconic highlights.

Getting Into the Heart of France on a Barge Cruise

There are many inland waterways in France and they cover a lot of ground. This means that, on a barge cruise in France, one has a wide choice of regions to visit, each of which brings its own unique view on this ever-popular holiday destination. From the picturesque lavender and sunflower fields of Provence to the ‘Chateaux’ of the Loire Valley and the iconic vineyards of Bordeaux, all are accessible via the water on a barge holiday.

Travelling Without Effort

Especially for travellers who prefer to avoid too much physical effort, those with reduced mobility, the elderly or families with very young children, a barge cruise provides an opportunity to travel without too much exertion. Authentically French experiences come in the form of on-board gourmet meals (which are accompanied by local wines), excursions in the surrounding areas, bike rides alongside the canals and much more.

As Easy or Active As You Like

Those who book a barge cruise in France with a professional organisation, may have the opportunity to adjust their itinerary to their own personal needs and wishes so their holiday can be as lazy or active as they like. A barge holiday normally involves a few hours of sedate cruising each day, but can also be complemented with cycling, hiking tours or visits to golf courses or tennis courts. There are excellent, professional companies that can organise a barge cruise in France completely tailored to their clients’ needs and wishes, including activities that are of just the right intensity for their clientele.

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.