Have you ever wanted to go on a barge cruise in France? I’d been Googling ‘barge cruises in France’ for quite a while before I contacted European Waterways and was introduced to the idea of luxury hotel barging, which I hadn’t heard of before.
What I didn’t realise is that hotel barging is not such a new way of holiday travel, in fact it began in 1966. European Waterways began hotel barging in France in 1974 and have, over the years, expanded their fleet to expand across Europe.
I must be getting old, because WOW how time has flown since that first introduction! Suddenly the hotel barge trip is inching closer, and I’m getting seriously excited about cruising on the luxury Hotel Barge Panache.
Small luxury floating hotels (on re-vamped barges)
I can’t wait to be meandering along on a luxury hotel barge visiting riverside villages and small moorings off the beaten track – because I’m told that’s what you might expect on barge cruises in France.
Our travel wallet arrived the other day, complete with handy leather baggage labels, our itinerary, a couple of postcards and other useful information about the cruise in the Champagne region of France where we’ll be travelling along the River Marne.
Yes, I’m looking forward to exploring waterways and places less travelled, as far away from the famous Instagram hotspots as possible.
Barge Cruises in France – 5 Things I’m really looking forward to.
- Getting to know the villages and quiet towns at the heart of the Champagne region.
- Being away from the hustle and bustle of major tourist spots. No crowds.
- Visiting some of France’s premiere wineries, vineyards and champagne estates.
- History, champagne, wine, gourmet food, culture, and a little luxury on the barge.
- Being able to just get off the barge and explore the region by foot or bicycle, and not have to wait for coaches, buses or transfers as you often have to on a large cruise ship.
I asked Nick Ward, from European Waterways, if he’d answer a few questions that have been burning at the back of my mind.
Here’s what Nick had to say …
Where did the idea of luxury barge cruises begin?
The home of barging is Burgundy. It began in 1966 with the first Hotel Barge Palinurus and it is now very much a way of life along the likes of the Nivernais Canal and the Canal du Midi, though it has spread further than France and is expanding across Europe .
What was the inspiration behind converting old barges into luxury floating hotels?
It was somewhat of a counter culture, a recognition that there was a market for experiential travel in which your vessel was part of the journey, a tranquil experience that provided a respite from the noise and pace of modern life.
Why go hotel barging?
The list is long! Exceptional service, a degree of spontaneity that isn’t available on larger river cruises, incredible onboard food and wine, exclusive private excursions that simply cannot be obtained elsewhere, small passenger numbers, and of course, the barges themselves are works of art.
How long has European Waterways been in operation?
European Waterways was established in 1974
In your opinion what is the most exciting or rewarding thing about barging?
It has and always will be the people, be it our charming, inquisitive guests, our knowledgeable, diligent staff or simply the friendly, relaxed locals that we meet along the towpath every day
Why should anyone consider a barge cruise for their next holiday?
We’d say that our cruises are not just for one type of person. If you want to be pampered from morning till night, all week long, it’s for you. If you want to discover the history of the local area and immerse yourself in their traditions and cuisine, it’s for you. If you want to take to the towpath with a bicycle and picnic and explore by yourself, it’s for you. If you’re a gastronome, oenophile, nature enthusiast, historian, single, married, young or old, it’s for you. We have an itinerary, region and vessel to suit everybody.
Read More Posts about Hotel Barging in France
Need a reason to book a barge cruise? Check out my post 13 Things You’ll Love about a Barge Cruise in France and discover why this is one of the best luxury barge cruises in France. Read the first part of the itinerary here Amazing Luxury Barge Cruise Champagne Itinerary Part 1 second part of the itinerary in Why You Should Go Barging in France Part 2.
Follow the adventure on Instagram and Facebook
Join us virtually on this adventure! ‘Like’ or ‘Follow” us on Instagram and Facebook where we’ll be posting pics, postcards and interesting stories from along the river bank.
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This looks like a lovely relaxing way to travel. Especially not being on a big liner with thousands of other people. Enjoy!
A barge cruise is a really interesting idea for a summer holiday. I had no idea that it can be so luxurious and comfortable to stay in a floating hotel. Thanks for all the tips.
This sounds amazing Jo, look forward to following your river cruising adventures here and on social media!
Thanks Janet – hope you enjoy the virtual trip with me too xx
You must be so excited! This sounds like a wonderful trip. I can’t wait to hear all about it.
Thanks Christie – hope you’ll enjoy the virtual ride with us!
As always an informative post Jo and another trip to add to my bucket list! We have usually taken cruises on the larger ships but have been looking at river cruises for next year. Thanks for joining us at #MLSTL especially with all you have going on in your life at the moment. Sending hugs. xx
Thanks Sue. I hope I can bring you some interesting stories from along the riverbank and inspiration for your next cruise. And thank you. Yes, a lot going on in the background which is really really sad at the moment.
I’ll be following your journey Jo – it reminds me of the two river cruises I did with my Mum several years ago – the Amsterdam to Budapest and then one through France and Germany. Both will stay in my fond memories forever – just so beautiful and relaxing. Your trip sounds perfect too.
Thanks for linking up with us at MLSTL and I’ve shared on my SM 🙂
Hi Leanne, your river cruises sound wonderful and what some lovely memories to treasure. I’m really looking forward to discovering what barge cruising has to offer and sharing my stories from the riverbank with you. Thank you for following the journey virtually 🙂 x
A barge trip, especially through France, sounds really exciting, Joanna. I’m like you, when I travel, I prefer to be away from the crowds. I can’t wait to read about the adventure. Thanks for sharing about this alternative type of travel.
Hi Christina, yes I think at a certain age we are all fed up of battling crowds, and are now looking for alternative and slower ways to travel, at a deeper level. Thanks for following along on the adventure with me 🙂
Hi, Johanna – Thank you for introducing me to a whole new world of travel. I never realized that “Hotel Barging” existed.. Now that I know, I will definitely be doing more research on this. I am excited to read about your trip. Enjoy!! #MLSTL
Hi Natalie, I’m so glad I’ve introduced you to a new way of travel. I think it’s going to be so peaceful and serene – and the antithesis to ‘been there – ticked it off’ kind of travel which is so prevalent these days. I’m looking forward to slow travel through gorgeous countryside. I hope you get to go on a barge cruise one day too. So happy that you’ll be following along virtually. Thank you 🙂
How wonderful Jo! I would SO love to do this. I look forward to your photos and stories. Lucky you – exciting! 🙂 xo
Hi Min, Thank You 🙂 x I look forward to bringing you photos and stories. I hope you’ll enjoy following along x
Hi Jo – Your barge cruise looks wonderful. I’m sure you’ll love it. I’ve done boating on the River Marne before and enjoyed it. #MLSTL
Hi Natalie, thank you! Yes, I’m so excited. Oh, that’s interesting – were you blogging when you went boating on the River Marne? I’d love to read your stories.
I’d love to do that. Looks wonderful.
I have to say I’m verrrrry excited Lydia. I hope you get to go on a barge cruise too one day 🙂 Please feel free to follow us along on Facebook, Instagram and the Blog.
Lovely. We hired a cruiser in the Netherlands, loved it. #MSTL
Ohhh that must have been amazing Suzanne. Would love to spend a ‘slow time’ in the Netherlands too.