French Waterways

10/05/2024

Characteristically luxurious, Uniworld river cruises are distinguished by their sumptuous ships and often colourful take on grand hotel luxury, complete with original pieces of art and antiques. The grandiose elegance extends to suites and staterooms, all of which are very comfortable and most of which enjoy balconies and panoramic views.

Cruise all four of France's majestic rivers with Uniworld and you'll see the sites, taste the finest produce and appreciate what a blissful way this is to see France.

https://www.french-waterways.com/river-cruising/uniworld/

08/05/2024

Hire boating holidays come with options for budgets big and small. So these are some options for you to let the good times roll with splash-tastic summer plans

It can be an economical and adventurous way to explore France while seeing a whole new side to it too!

There are boats available for a range of budgets and for couples through to groups of 12. Come take a look at your options and get ready to book your summer of fun!

https://www.french-waterways.com/boating-holidays-vacations/hire-boating-holidays/find-self-drive-holiday/

06/05/2024

NEW for 2025 Grand Victoria will cruise a brand new route through Alsace - enquire now to be one of the first to go deep into the joyful culture of this region and its oft-overlooked, yet magnificent wines.

https://www.french-waterways.com/boats/grand-victoria/

05/05/2024

It won't be long before Le Tour 2024 is a-go!

Olympics aside, there are still so many wonderful events and festivities to enjoy en France this summer - you've just got to know where to go 😉

Holidays on the waterways immediately take you away from the hubbub of tourist hotspots, and while you can build the sites into your itinerary, we can also help you find the lesserknown spots that still provide wow factor for photos and wonder for your imagination.

Find your piece of France this summer: https://www.french-waterways.com/

04/05/2024

Would you look at that line-up!

Taken by Pippa while enjoying sundowners aboard Johanna, the spring sun was setting over a peaceful Canal du Midi mooring alongside fellow luxe barges Elegance and Saraphina.

Can we take you there too?

20/04/2024

Feast your eyes on this!

https://www.french-waterways.com/burgundy-gastronomy-complete-guide/

19/04/2024

Hotel barge Roi Soleil is as distinctive for her yacht-like elegance as she is for 5* Grand Luxe cruises.

You'll glide the ancient Canal du Midi in blissful surroundings, presented with superb hospitality, sleep in gorgeous suites, and served gastronomic treats.

Owned by Guillaume and Tracey de Perthuis, this highly experienced luxury yacht-skipper and chef team has been chartering Roi Soleil guests for 25 years this year.

Come celebrate with them in the most gleaming part of France.

https://www.french-waterways.com/boats/roi-soleil/

15/04/2024

We can tell you all about the deliciousness that awaits on a Savoir Vivre cruise, but we think you'd like to hear it from other guests too...⁠

Or read one couple's full account of dining ashore https://www.french-waterways.com/dining-out-in-authentic-french-restaurants/

14/04/2024

Bordeaux isn't all vineyards, orchards and boutique shopping - although we admire you for being engulfed by all of those activities! Bordeaux's region, Aquitaine, also has a fine collection of rather spectacular châteaux.

In this round-up, we bring you 11 of our favourites - come see!
https://www.french-waterways.com/best-aquitaine-chateaux/

12/04/2024

Dom Perignon had the right idea (in fact many of them)! We have him to thank for the origins of champagne - he worked out how to make wine sparkle while retaining its clarity.

Read all about that, and more, following our recent visit to Haut Villiers
https://www.french-waterways.com/ultimate-guide-dom-perignon/

09/04/2024

Hotel barge Fleur de Lys' offering is stately yet graceful.

Between its canopied king size beds, châteaux tours and Clos de Vougeot tasting you'll be swooning over the service, the setting, and every morsels that passes your lips.

https://www.french-waterways.com/boats/fleurdelys/

05/04/2024

Let's go hire boating this summer! Who's in?!

From £550 per week there are budget, mid-range and luxury options and the canals are a dream to explore.

Find out more: https://www.french-waterways.com/boating-holidays-vacations/hire-boating-holidays/

03/04/2024

01/04/2024

Discover the south of France down to the Mediterranean this June on a beautiful 7-night journey on the River Rhône, from £1,499pp with A-Rosa 🥐🇫🇷

Starting and finishing in 'the world's capital of gastronomy', Lyon, sail through the dreamy landscapes, honey-coloured cities and natural gems of this sun-kissed pocket of the country including Premium All-Inclusive drinks and dining.

🧑‍🎨 Visit Arles, famously home to Vincent Van Gogh and the inspiration for several of his paintings. This sun-drenched city of terracotta-tiled rooftops occupies a broad bend in the River Rhône. Many of its treasure trove of historic gems have been named UNESCO World Heritage Sites and its grand squares and heady Roman past make it a must visit on any Rhône river cruise.

⛪ Explore spectacular Avignon with its centuries-old Palais des Papes. Built in 1309 when the papacy moved from Rome to Avignon, this immense icon covers over 15,000sqm and hosts 10 towers making it an incredible slice of history to delve in to.

🦩 Discover Port St Louis, the gateway to the diverse wetlands of the Rhône river delta, the Camargue. This extraordinary paradise is home to an incredible array of nature including flocks of flamingos and famed wild white horses.

🌹 Cruise aboard A-ROSA STELLA, complete with a sun deck pool, spa and choice of elegant lounges and al fresco spots for dining and drinks, A-ROSA STELLA offers a wonderfully relaxed and flexible way to journey along this special route.

🍹 Enjoy Premium All-Inclusive drinks and dining with deliciously fresh buffets, regional flavours and international favourites complimented by a fantastic choice of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks served 11am - midnight.

📅 Departs 22 June 2024 including return flights from London Heathrow (add £400pp for Edinburgh, or £500pp for Manchester). Alternative dates available, supplements may apply.

Contact us for full details and to book. Hurry, offers strictly subject to availability!

26/03/2024

Have you cruised aboard Magnolia already?

Do let us know about your cruise too - we'd love to share more experiences with others!

And if you'd like to know more, it's all here: https://www.french-waterways.com/boats/magnolia/

25/03/2024

Itineraries aboard Hotel Barge Magnolia are all about the food!

Spare a week in your 2025 plans for this charming and most hospitable cruise through the heart of France's food and wine region.

A haven for up to 6 guests. She's now taking bookings for 2025 offering her exceptional excursions and delicious dining experiences on shore that are expertly chosen and marked for their authenticity.

Devour more, right here: https://www.french-waterways.com/boats/magnolia/

24/03/2024

Emerald Liberté, a Star-Ship cruise liner loved by its guests including our very own river cruise expert, Laurie. Not to be missed: the onboard spa and cinema.

And this is one of her favourite itineraries: https://www.french-waterways.com/fwe-cruise/sensations-of-lyon-provence-with-nice-7/

12/03/2024

Hotel barge Finesse.

Her name says it all! She is the perfect vessel on which to meander through the lush undulating countryside of southern Burgundy. Enjoy the double pleasure of the winding canal and wide, peaceful river as you travel through this world-famous region of France.

A 2016 purpose-built double-decker hotel barge for 8 lucky guests Finesse ensures that you relax in absolute comfort – in your suite, in the saloon or on the sunny deck; she sets a spectacular standard for contemporary design in luxury cruising, with oodles of space in 265 sq ft cabins.

Hotel barge Finesse is owned by Roger and Louisa Gronow, highly experienced providers of the 5* service for which they are renowned, aboard both Finesse and her sister ship, Enchanté, on the Canal du Midi.

09/03/2024

Hotel barge Johanna Midi.

Owned by the Cowley family for decades, this lovely barge has been restored and refurbished to accommodate just four guests in two spacious suites.

Gliding smoothly between Le Somail and Marseillan on the picturesque Canal du Midi, Johanna delights with luxurious contemporary furnishings and the top tastes of the Mediterranean cuisine and wines.

https://www.french-waterways.com/boats/johanna-midi/

07/03/2024

In expert hands.

That's life aboard our luxury hotel barge cruises. And it's both expert and exceptional when cruising aboard Belmond barges like this one: Fleur de Lys.

Cruise highlights include:
🌟 Wine tasting at the Clos de Vougeot, of Chevaliers du Tastevin fame
🌟 Walking tour of Dijon – see the Ducal Palace and lively market
🌟 Excursion to Beaune and the famous Hôtel-Dieu, Hospice de Beaune
🌟 Explore the Châteaux of Pommard and Rully
🌟 Relax on deck or walk and cycle alongside Fleur de Lys

05/03/2024

Grand Cru. The aptly named superior hotel barge cruising its private charter guests to the best of Burgundy.

You'll discover the best cellar doors, for private tours and tastings. There'll be gourmet dinners pairs perfectly with the on-board wine cellar. Suites that provide the ultimate slumber and spacious relaxation. A crew at your beck and call.

The ultimate in luxury, intimate cruising begins here.

02/03/2024

Adore hotel barging? You'll adore it as a heavenly means for discovering Alsace too.

Experience the food and wine of this complex and fascinating region at the highest level in the hands of the most expert hospitality.

Find out more in this guide: https://www.french-waterways.com/things-to-do-in-alsace/

29/02/2024

It's all smiles aboard Saraphina!

This contemporary styled hotel barge offers some of the friendliest service too. A traditional Dutch barge from the late 1920’s Saraphina has been delightfully converted to convey four guests on a graceful and relaxing cruise in southern France.

Charter bookings only, 6 or 5 night cruises, April to October

https://www.french-waterways.com/boats/saraphina/

27/02/2024

New from Locaboat for 2024! Long weekend getaways

Squeeze the most out of your annual leave by picking up your Pénichette on a Thursday and keeping it 'til Sunday evening or Monday morning with Locaboat's new "Green Break" offering.

Return to the office refreshed from fresh boulangerie breakfasts, authentic brasserie dinners, and wines best loved by the locals! Start your cruise from one of these 11 bases:

Canal du Midi: Bram, Argens, Lattes
Burgundy Nivernais: Joigny, Corbigny, Dompierre
Burgundy Saône: St Léger, Scey-sur-Saône
Alsace: Lutzelbourg

https://www.french-waterways.com/fleets/locaboat/

26/02/2024

Hotel barge Belmond Napoleon delivers ultra luxury Rhone Valley cruises. All the exceptional hospitality elements you associate with Belmond served up on one of their luxury hotel barges.

It's a gem of an experience that we're here to help you arrange...
https://www.french-waterways.com/boats/napoleon/

25/02/2024

What's on in France this spring?

Check out this round-up of annual spring events in France and why not organise a hire boating cruise to see some of them on your own terms...

https://www.french-waterways.com/boating-holidays-vacations/hire-boating-holidays/

24/02/2024

In this guide to hotel barging in Aquitaine discover some of the exclusive, first hand experiences of the region’s viticulture, cuisine and heritage.

This corner of southwest France is home to Bordeaux, Toulouse and perhaps the world’s most renowned wine, not forgetting its pretty medieval villages, UNESCO World Heritage sites, and Pyrėnėes border.

Aquitaine barge cruises steer you to some of the most exclusive, first hand experiences...

https://www.french-waterways.com/things-to-do-in-aquitaine/

22/02/2024

Discover Alsace from the luxury of a river cruise ship. Excursions organised, wine tastings provided, experiences integral.

Find out more about the best Alsace river cruise excursions here:
https://www.french-waterways.com/best-river-cruise-excursions-in-alsace/

21/02/2024

As spring comes into bloom in the northern hemisphere and the fruit harvests of the southern hemisphere continue on, look ahead to autumn in Aquitaine, the garden of France, a fruit country where vineyards mix with orchards laden for ripe pickings.

Experience it all, the wines, the produce, the flavours integral to the region from one of our Aquitaine cruising options: hotel barge, Bordeaux river cruise or hire boat.

https://www.french-waterways.com/france/bordeaux-aquitaine/

19/02/2024

Cruise & bike your way through France this spring or summer with Le Boat...

Discover more about their hire boats in France here:
https://www.french-waterways.com/fleets/le-boat/