European Waterways

European Waterways Welcome to our exclusive collection of hotel barge cruises This was the direction I realised we were heading towards.

It was sheer fascination with this amazing 17th century transport network which captivated my imagination back in the mid-seventies when I moved to La Maison Eclusiere de Fleury on the Nivernais Canal in Burgundy, and barging life on the European waterways began. After qualifying as a yacht master at early age, I spent time delivering motor and sailing yachts around the coasts of Europe. I then ha

d a year sailing in Greece in the Sporades islands in 1976 with a flotilla cruise specialist setting up their base and having lots of fun! At the end of 1976, I moved to Burgundy to start up a self- drive cabin cruiser business on the Canal du Nivernais. Whilst the self-drive business flourished, I had an immediate attraction to the larger barges which were still carrying wine and freight. I had a complete fascination as to how these skilled barge masters threaded their huge vessels into locks with about enough room for a credit card on either side! In 1982 I was joined by long standing friend John Wood-Dow and we decided to buy our first barge “Anjodi “, in Holland. An original Dutch hull from 1929, she had been retired from hauling grain for 10 years and was then lying, looking rather forlorn, in an Amsterdam backwater. After surveying and negotiating with the Dutch owner, Anjodi was purchased, and I cruised across the Ijsselmeer and up the Rhine in Germany to Strasbourg, before crossing the heart of Burgundy and sailing down the Rhone River to Agde in the south of France. A trans-European journey taking via 5 countries over three months… recommended to everyone as a life time experience! After a painstaking but thoroughly enjoyable two years transformation, employing a whole variety of skilled craftsmen and characters, Anjodi as she fundamentally is today was created. She became the premiere luxury hotel barge on the Canal du Midi and is still the most beautiful! Extensive use of hardwoods, polished brass and her graceful sheer combine to make a beautiful small ship which has proved a great success. No doubt helped along the way by appearing in the BBC’s cooking series French Odyssey hosted by celebrity chef Rick Stein. The creation of Anjodi led to successive other purchases and new builds with the fleet gradually evolving into the most extensive line up of luxury hotel barges cruising the inland waterways of Europe. Today we operate our sales and marketing head office from Waterways House in Datchet near Windsor. Our online reservation system connects us to the world’s travel industry, we print a gorgeous brochure and our staff share the same passion for barging as the directors.

🌟 Ready for a family vacation like no other? Look no further than a luxurious hotel barge cruise with European Waterways...
11/06/2024

🌟 Ready for a family vacation like no other? Look no further than a luxurious hotel barge cruise with European Waterways! Enjoy 20% off per charter plus up to 3 kids travel for free - making it the perfect getaway for the whole family. Visit the link below to learn more and book your unforgettable journey today! 🚢💫

Read more here: https://www.europeanwaterways.com/blog/multigenerational-family-cruises-in-europe/

Step aboard Anjodi, a luxurious hotel barge that has been delighting guests for over 40 years. With its rich history and...
09/06/2024

Step aboard Anjodi, a luxurious hotel barge that has been delighting guests for over 40 years. With its rich history and elegant Dutch design, Anjodi is the perfect vessel for a relaxing cruise along the picturesque Canal du Midi in southern France.

FIND OUT MORE HERE: https://www.europeanwaterways.com/blog/hotel-barge-anjodi/

UP TO 20% OFF PER CABIN PLUS A COMPLMENTARY HOTEL NIGHT*Guests booking L’Art de Vivre (Jul 28, 2024), La Belle Epoque (A...
05/06/2024

UP TO 20% OFF PER CABIN PLUS A COMPLMENTARY HOTEL NIGHT*

Guests booking L’Art de Vivre (Jul 28, 2024), La Belle Epoque (Aug 4, 2024) or Renaissance (Aug 11, 2024) can take advantage of a complimentary room at a four-star hotel, ideally located just five minutes from Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport. Valid for up to two guests on the night before their cruise departs

Read more here: https://www.europeanwaterways.com/special-offers/?y=2024

We're thrilled to announce that voting is now open for the Condé Nast Traveller 2024 Readers' Choice Awards! This is you...
04/06/2024

We're thrilled to announce that voting is now open for the Condé Nast Traveller 2024 Readers' Choice Awards! This is your chance to give your favourite hotel barge the recognition it deserves!

To cast your vote, simply click on the link below and search for the name of the hotel barge that you want to vote for. Your support means the world to us, and every vote counts! Thank you for your loyalty and support!

VOTE NOW:

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17/05/2024

Have you ever heard of Mantua, Italy? This hidden gem is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves history, culture, and romance!

Choose a cruise aboard the 20-passenger hotel barge La Bella Vita cruising between Venice and Mantua and you'll be treat...
16/05/2024

Choose a cruise aboard the 20-passenger hotel barge La Bella Vita cruising between Venice and Mantua and you'll be treated to the following (plus so much more!):

✔ Tour of historic Venice, The Naval Museum and the Pavilion of Gondolas
✔ Cruise on the renowned Canal of the Orphans past picturesque lagoon islands
✔ Tour of Chioggia with its Roman, Etruscan and Byzantine history
✔ Dinner ashore at the 17thC stately home Villa Ca’Zen
✔ Visit Mantua’s 14th century Ducal Palace and gardens
✔ Tour of the Renaissance city of Ferrara, including the beautiful Estense Castle

To find out more, click on the link in the comment below!

Have you subscribed to our mailing list? Join today and enjoy first-hand access to spectacular savings, help in finding ...
14/05/2024

Have you subscribed to our mailing list? Join today and enjoy first-hand access to spectacular savings, help in finding your perfect cruise itinerary, in-depth dives into our guest experience, news and reviews from our hotel barges... and so much more!

📩 Sign up to our monthly Lock Keeper Newsletter here: https://www.europeanwaterways.com/sign-up/

Uncover the secrets of French fromage with our comprehensive guide to the most frequently asked questions about French c...
12/05/2024

Uncover the secrets of French fromage with our comprehensive guide to the most frequently asked questions about French cheeses. Our expert Tour Guides have curated a selection of the most pressing queries to help you understand the significance and delight of one of France's most beloved exports - cheese! Discover the answers to all your cheesy questions here: https://www.europeanwaterways.com/blog/tales-from-the-tour-guides-french-cheese/

What do you think when you hear ‘barge cruising’? Perhaps a little ‘narrowboat’ dawdling along an industrial canal, with...
11/05/2024

What do you think when you hear ‘barge cruising’? Perhaps a little ‘narrowboat’ dawdling along an industrial canal, with nothing but a teapot and a stove for comfort? Well, you couldn’t be more wrong – hotel barge cruising is nothing like this!

Find out more here: https://www.europeanwaterways.com/blog/river-cruise-vs-barge-cruise/

👀 LAST CHANCE TO SAVE 20% on Selected Cabins & Charters aboard Finesse in Southern Burgundy this Summer! 👀The perfect it...
04/05/2024

👀 LAST CHANCE TO SAVE 20% on Selected Cabins & Charters aboard Finesse in Southern Burgundy this Summer! 👀

The perfect itinerary for wine lovers, cruise highlights include:

🍇 Visit Clos de Vougeot, home of the Chevaliers du Tastevin
🍇 Visit to Beaune, including Hôtel-Dieu Hospice, one of France’s most prestigious historic monuments
🍇 Private wine tasting and exclusive gastronomic lunch in the cellars of Maison Champy
🍇 Visit to the ancient roman city of Autun, including a 17,000 seat amphitheatre
🍇 Private winery tour and tasting at Domaine Chanzy
🍇 Excellent opportunities for walking and biking. “Biking Plus” option available

Find out more about Finesse here: https://www.europeanwaterways.com/fleet/finesse/

Then visit our Special Offers page to find your perfect summer cruise dates: https://www.europeanwaterways.com/special-offers/?y=2024

⚓ Meet our Captains! ⚓From the dramatic lochs and glens of the Scottish Highlands, to the sun soaked Mediterranean viney...
02/05/2024

⚓ Meet our Captains! ⚓

From the dramatic lochs and glens of the Scottish Highlands, to the sun soaked Mediterranean vineyards of the Canal du Midi, we thought it was about time to introduce you to some of the incredible Captains at the heart of your barging experience.

Find out more: https://www.europeanwaterways.com/blog/meet-our-world-class-captains/

30/04/2024
On tonight's episode of French Gourmet with  Schofield , Justine enjoya a cooking demonstration with Top Chef Contestant...
28/04/2024

On tonight's episode of French Gourmet with Schofield , Justine enjoya a cooking demonstration with Top Chef Contestant and Barge Chef, Léo Renusson.

Every one of our hotel barge chefs has a fascinating CV, and chef Léo Renusson is certainly one to watch. Having taken part in the television cooking competition, Top Chef, back in February of 2023, Léo creates his own take of a Burgundian classic which is a firm favourite on board. And, with Justine Schofield’s culinary talents included in the mix – this recipe is to be a sure hit for anyone recreating it at home!

Catch French Gourmet tonight at 6pm on in Australia

Australian TV chef, Justine Schofield, cruised through Burgundy aboard hotel barge La Belle Epoque in her latest series: French Gourmet

Another ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review just in! Our cruise season has officially begun, and the reviews are starting to trickle in..."Incr...
26/04/2024

Another ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review just in! Our cruise season has officially begun, and the reviews are starting to trickle in...

"Incredible barge experience! The whole crew were fantastic. The meals, provided by Chef Gabby were “five-star”. The Capt., Bryan, as well as the hostesses, Emily and Isabella, were welcoming and enjoyable throughout the whole week. The whole experience was terrific. I could not recommend the trip any more highly." Mr Perkins, who cruised aboard hotel barge Panache earlier this month.

Discover hotel barge Panache: https://www.europeanwaterways.com/fleet/panache/

Discover the best of Burgundy and celebrate 50 years of luxury hotel barging on a one-off cruise hosted by European Wate...
23/04/2024

Discover the best of Burgundy and celebrate 50 years of luxury hotel barging on a one-off cruise hosted by European Waterways founder, Derek Banks.

Experience Burgundy through the eyes of Derek Banks – founder of European Waterways. To mark the company’s 50th anniversary in 2024, up to 10 guests can join Derek on an exclusive week-long cruise aboard hotel barge La Belle Epoque in Northern Burgundy on a dedicated Founder’s Cruise.

Whether you’re yet to cruise with us, have cruised once or multiple times, this one-off departure is perfect for those who love the concept of hotel barging and would like to hear tales of the history of this charming industry, led by a true expert.

https://www.europeanwaterways.com/blog/founders-cruise-celebrating-50-years-with-derek-banks/

On tonight's episode of French Gourmet with Justine Schofield, Justine experiences mustard sampling in Dijon's La Moutar...
21/04/2024

On tonight's episode of French Gourmet with Justine Schofield, Justine experiences mustard sampling in Dijon's La Moutarderie Fallot.

You can’t come to Dijon without sampling some Dijon mustard! Possibly one of the most famous mustard mills in Europe, the family-owned La Moutarderie Fallot has been producing this spicy condiment since 1840. Sample their varieties, and be sure to take some home as a souvenir from your time in this charming city in Burgundy. Here, Justine picks the perfect variety to use in a recipe back on board La Belle Epoque.

Find out more:

Australian TV chef, Justine Schofield, cruised through Burgundy aboard hotel barge La Belle Epoque in her latest series: French Gourmet

In today's fast-paced world, finding quality time for multi-generational bonding can be a challenge. European Waterways'...
20/04/2024

In today's fast-paced world, finding quality time for multi-generational bonding can be a challenge. European Waterways' hotel barge cruises offer families the opportunity to enjoy the ultimate luxury vacation with a private charter experience. It's like having your own private 'floating villa' in a different village every day, made extra special by a full dedicated crew – this is the magic of a hotel barge charter.

Finding a travel option that accommodates the whole family's varying interests and activity levels, whilst providing a true cultural immersion into the chosen region without being a logistical nightmare may seem impossible in today's travel sphere. However, there is a perfect solution: a private hotel barge cruise along enchanting and picturesque waterways with hand-picked daily excursions designed to enchant grandparents, parents and children alike!

On a special promotional offer, we're offering 20% off selected summer departures PLUS Kids Travel Free spaces when booked by Monday 13th May.

Discover our Family Cruises: https://www.europeanwaterways.com/experience/multi-generational-cruises/

Calling all Solo Travellers! ⛴Pay no single supplement on a fantastic selection of spring and summer cruises including R...
18/04/2024

Calling all Solo Travellers! ⛴

Pay no single supplement on a fantastic selection of spring and summer cruises including Renaissance in Western Burgundy / Loire Valley, La Bella Vita in Venice, Panache in Alsace & Lorraine, and the Spirit of Scotland in the Scottish Highlands.

For the full list of eligible hotel barges and departures, plus full terms and conditions, please visit our website: https://www.europeanwaterways.com/special-offers/?y=2024

16/04/2024

Have you ever wanted to visit a fairy tale-like castle? Cruise the Burgundy Canal aboard hotel barge L’Impressionniste and you will be greeted with this amazing sight. Up on a promontory, overlooking the canal sits just such a castle at Châteauneuf-en-Auxois.

Châteauneuf means ‘new castle’. And this was once a new castle, back in the 1100s! The land was given by the Lord of Chaudenay to his second son, Jean who went on in the later part of the 12th century to build himself a fortress with an all-encompassing view and declared himself ‘Jean I of Châteauneuf’.

Read more here about the fairytale castle here: https://www.europeanwaterways.com/blog/chateauneuf-en-auxois-a-fairytale-castle-in-france/

La Bourgogne

Friends in Australia may know Justine Schofield from MasterChef Australia or her own television show, Everyday Gourmet w...
13/04/2024

Friends in Australia may know Justine Schofield from MasterChef Australia or her own television show, Everyday Gourmet with Justine Schofield. We're delighted to announce her latest cooking series, French Gourmet, in which Justine explores the delights of Burgundy aboard European Waterways' 12-passenger hotel barge, La Belle Epoque!

Episode one of French Gourmet airs on Sunday the 14th April on Lifestyle Food in Australia.

Read More: https://www.europeanwaterways.com/blog/cruising-burgundy-with-justine-schofield/

12/04/2024
12/04/2024

In her latest culinary adventures, Australian chef and TV host, Justine Schofield travelled through Burgundy to find out what makes the food and wine of this charming French region so unforgettable.

Cruising the Burgundy Canal aboard European Waterways’ 12-passenger hotel barge, La Belle Epoque, Justine lived like the locals, sampling the very best of the region’s wine, cheese, renowned dishes, and of course the fascinating history and architecture of Burgundy, including its magnificent châteaux and medieval centres. Premiers this Sunday 14th April at 6pm on LifeStyle Foxtel

Find out more here: https://www.europeanwaterways.com/blog/cruising-burgundy-with-justine-schofield/

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Waterways House
Datchet
SL39JT

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Our Story

It was sheer fascination with this amazing 17th century transport network which captivated my imagination back in the mid-seventies when I moved to La Maison Eclusiere de Fleury on the Nivernais Canal in Burgundy, and barging life on the European waterways began.

After qualifying as a yacht master at early age, I spent time delivering motor and sailing yachts around the coasts of Europe. I then had a year sailing in Greece in the Sporades islands in 1976 with a flotilla cruise specialist setting up their base and having lots of fun! At the end of 1976, I moved to Burgundy to start up a self- drive cabin cruiser business on the Canal du Nivernais.

Whilst the self-drive business flourished, I had an immediate attraction to the larger barges which were still carrying wine and freight. I had a complete fascination as to how these skilled barge masters threaded their huge vessels into locks with about enough room for a credit card on either side! This was the direction I realised we were heading towards.

In 1982 I was joined by long standing friend John Wood-Dow and we decided to buy our first barge “Anjodi “, in Holland. An original Dutch hull from 1929, she had been retired from hauling grain for 10 years and was then lying, looking rather forlorn, in an Amsterdam backwater.