Slow Travel: Barge Cruises in France

Perhaps you’re familiar with river cruising—but what about barge cruises in France? Hop aboard as we cruise along some of the country’s most charming canals with us and our friends at Belmond.

Discerning travelers are increasingly craving slow travel. This trend shows a shift away from fast-paced trips across overtouristed spots in favor of slower-paced, substantive trips that allow you to dig more deeply into a destination. For some, returning to the timeless art of train travel has been the ideal way to sink into slow travel. For others, access to water is key, and that’s where barge cruises in France come in.

Ideal for the culturally curious, these journeys are comprised of six days aboard your exclusive barge with an itinerary marked by locally sourced, chef-prepared meals, private wine tastings, and enriching guided experiences.

Les Bateaux Belmond are a fleet of seven floating villas that offer intimate, personalized cruises through some of France’s most sought-after regions including Burgundy, Champagne, Canal du Midi, Camargue, and Provence. Ideal for the culturally curious, these journeys are comprised of six days aboard your exclusive barge with an itinerary marked by locally sourced, chef-prepared meals, private wine tastings, and enriching guided experiences. With a staff of four to six onboard and a maximum of twelve guests (most often, half of that considering the majority of Belmond’s boats are made for groups of six), this impressive staff-to-guest ratio ensures you can your every need will be attended to.

We’ve checked in with Les Bateaux Belmond team to help guide you through some of the standout features of these unique journeys.

What’s the history behind barge cruises in France?

Barge cruising goes back to the 1960s when an Englishman came to France and thought how beautiful the waterways were even though they were only being used for transporting goods at the time. He believed there was an opportunity for slow tourism (before “slow tourism” was even a thing); so, he bought a barge and converted it into a hotel! Then, the first luxury barges started to crop up in the mid-1980s. With 6,000 kilometers of inland waterways in France to explore, the intervening decades have allowed for further development of barge cruises in France, particularly in the luxury sector by our friends at Belmond.

What different regions do barge cruises in France sail through?

Barge cruising is slow-paced and allows you to really get to enjoy the waterways and their surroundings. Seven different Belmond barges sail across five different regions in France. All cruises are six days long—you board on a Sunday and leave on a Saturday morning. And as much diversity in landscapes and experiences that are packed into these trips, there’s not enough time to see everything, so Les Bateaux Belmond sees an incredibly high rate of repeat guests. Whether it’s your first barge cruise or fifth, your SmartFlyer travel advisor can help match you to the best fit.

• Champagne: While this region is known for bubbly, it’s so much more than that! Barge cruises through the Champagne region also feature noteworthy nods to medieval times as this was a very important area historically. And yes, most certainly, you’ll be dipping into some of the world’s most exclusive Champagne houses.
• Burgundy: With some of the best—and most expensive—wines in the world, sailings here are best for wine aficionados who seek out prestigious wineries. Other points of interest include visiting abbeys, monasteries, and castles. Time in the charming city of Dijon also tends to be a highlight for guests.
• Provence: This region of France has everything you’ve long dreamt about and heard of in Provence from the smells of lavender and thyme to fields of sunflowers and some of the most varied landscapes. Plus, there are three hundred days of sunshine per year! The Romans were in this region 2,000 years ago and left an incredible legacy for history buffs to dig into. You’ll sail the majestic Rhône from Tain to Arles as you drift by peaceful meadows and weeping willows—there’s something for everyone here.
• Camargue: Lesser known by the international traveler, this far western part of France is all about nature. It’s thought that Camargue replicates what the Wild West used to look like with wild horses, wild bulls, and pink flamingos. With Europe’s largest nature reserve as the backdrop to your cruise, you’ll be in a haven of flora and fauna. As a bonus to barge cruises through this area, you finish up your journey at the foot of the Mediterranean.
• Canal du Midi: Perhaps the most scenic of all routes for barge cruises in France, this region is steeped in history. Once upon a time (in the 17th century), Canal du Midi was one of the greatest things ever built because it allowed travelers to bypass Spain to get from the Atlantic straight to the Mediterranean. Today, you can sail from Carcassone to Béziers as you meander past medieval fortresses and sun-drenched vineyards.

Which Belmond barge should I book?

Les Bateaux Belmond are air-conditioned and each has a sun deck, lounge, and library. A handful of the barges even have plunge pools! But it’s the amount of space onboard that sets Belmond barges apart. Ultimately, every boat has its own soul, story, and style—the way the boats are distinctly designed influences the types of guests they attract. You can work with your SmartFlyer travel advisor to differentiate the various regions where the barge cruises in France sail against the seven different boats and opt for the best combination for your needs.

• Fleur de Lys (Burgundy): This barge not only has history but its own soul. Some special features of Fleur de Lys include four-poster beds, a stately lounge, and a grand piano. Drift to captivating chateaux, charming port towns, and sun-drenched vineyards. Along the way, discover the magic of Burgundy vintages and—with your private onboard chef—French cooking at its finest. There is capacity for six guests across the three cabins on Fleur de Lys. Book it for a route that covers historic Dijon to St-Léger-sur-Dheune so you can discover the region’s top castles and wineries in style.
• Amaryllis (Burgundy): As you sail through Burgundy, uncover the secrets of historic chateaux hidden amid the lush landscape. Lose yourself in elegant cities soaked in the sunshine as you taste the spirit of Burgundy in its deep, complex wines. A dip in Amaryllis’ on-deck pool is the perfect way to prepare for adventures ahead. After a full day, cozy cabins and sumptuous feasts tempt you back on board. There is capacity for four guests in the two cabins. Book it for winding the waters of Burgundy’s picturesque wine-making region, from St-Léger-sur-Dheune to Pontailler-sur-Saône.
• Lilas (Burgundy): This barge invites you to step into a world of understated indulgence. Soft furnishings and rustic timbers echo the surrounding landscape of Burgundy. Take a dip in the outdoor pool, or savor divine local delicacies on deck. Each sensational adventure explores the region’s finest vineyards and legendary chateaux. There is capacity for eight guests across the four cabins. Book it to discover a landscape brimming with flavor and heritage on a luxurious cruise from Auxonne to Lyon.
• Alouette (Canal du Midi): Wake in luxury each day. Meander mysterious medieval fortresses. Drop by sun-drenched vineyards to sample the vintages. At bustling markets, pick out fresh ingredients for dinner alongside your private chef. If you’re looking for cozy intimacy and complete relaxation, this is the river cruise for you. There is capacity for four guests across its two cabins. Book it to slip along the tree-lined Canal du Midi from Carcassonne to Béziers aboard intimate Alouette.
• Napoleon (Provence): Recline on the largest barge in Belmond’s fleet as peaceful meadows drift by and weeping willows dip into the water. Sip cocktails under the stars and feast on local delicacies. Tour the postcard-perfect hillsides of Provence, then quench your thirst surrounded by world-class vines. As Bemond’s largest barge, there is capacity for twelve guests across six cabins—this is the only barge available not on an exclusive use basis. Book it to cruise the majestic Rhône from Tain L’Hermitage to Avignon and take in the charms of Provence.
• Pivoine (Camargue): Discover the diverse wildlife and flora of the Camargue, including the famous Camargue bulls, white horses, pink flamingos, and freshwater tortoises. The region boasts a rich history, with villages featuring mazes of Medieval alleys and walled crusader towns. Soak up the scenery from the spacious deck and heated pool, or spread out and dream in one of four exquisite cabins for up to eight guests. Book it to glide in style through Camargue from Avignon to Sète and immerse yourself in France’s sunniest region, home to Europe’s largest nature reserve.
• Coquelicot (Champagne): Step aboard and sail into the sensational with Coquelicot – a graceful sanctuary on the water and your key to the Champagne region. Top-deck dining invites you to feast in style against an ever-changing backdrop, while unforgettable experiences and an exclusive partnership with Ruinart, the world’s oldest champagne house, take you deeper into the effervescence of the region. Onboard Les Bateaux Belmond’s Signature Villa, Champagne is yours to explore. There is capacity for up to six guests across three cabins. Book it to experience the next level of excellence aboard Belmond’s newest barge.

Are the barge cruises in France available on open sailing or a buyout?

When sailing with Belmond, the vast majority of their barge cruises in France are buyout only. Six out of the seven Belmond boats are on an exclusive charter basis for four, six, or eight passengers. Then, there is one boat (Napoleon) that’s bookable with your SmartFlyer travel advisor on an open sailing basis so that you can book an individual cabin with up to five other couples.

Are itineraries set or customizable?

There is an entire concierge experience that comes with every Belmond barge booking. You’ll be connected to the team a few months before departure to discuss what your interests are to ensure your onboard itinerary will be bespoke to your tastes. However, the ultimate levels of customization are not available on open sailings; conversely, charter sailings are completely personalized to you and your group’s tastes.

How often can you get off the barge cruises in France?

Six of the seven Belmond barge cruises are on canals (versus rivers) which gives further flexibility. Guests can hop off the barge really easily and explore the nearby areas. Boats cruise slower than walking pace, so you can jump off, get on a bike, have a coffee in town, explore a castle, and come back to have the boat waiting. Plus, of the crew onboard, there is a dedicated guide on each barge. With the assistance of a vehicle that follows each barge’s route, guests can work with the guide to establish custom tours within a half-hour range of the boat at all times.

What is the high season for barge cruises in France?

Belmond’s fleet of barges operates from April to October, but the high season runs From May until June and in September.

What’s the food like onboard?

Guests rave about the food onboard. While there’s always a French touch to the fare onboard, the chefs are not exclusively French-trained. Menus are prepared based on the guests’ specific preferences. Sometimes this involves a stop at an open-air market where guests can pick and choose the ingredients they love best and the chefs will cook up both regional specialties and fresh meals.

Your journey begins with a welcoming champagne reception on deck. All lunches and dinners are accompanied by regional French wines while complimentary tea, coffee, soft drinks and alcoholic drinks are available throughout the day. When you fancy a drink, either ask your Host or help yourself from the bar. Table d’hôte meals on board are included in your fare. Enjoy Continental breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the dining room or on the sun deck, weather permitting. Feel free to request a cooked breakfast if preferred. Your daily menus will include both original recipes devised by your chef and specialties of the region.

How far in advance should I book?

To ensure that preferred rates are available, we recommend working with your SmartFlyer travel advisor to book your Belmond barge sailing between six to twelve months in advance. But, last-minute Lilies, rest assured that sometimes we can find pockets of availability with shorter lead times, so don’t hesitate to inquire.