Esperance is more of a luxury yacht constructed with minimal expense spared. Because of the authenticity and uniqueness, only a limited number of specialized cruise agencies are authorized to market it. France Cruises is proud to be one of the few selected cruise companies to represent the Esperance internationally.
Paris / Ile De France, Northern France, Champagne, BELGIUM
From $5,835
Newly rebuilt with the finest materials and to the highest International Yacht Standards, Golden Odyssey marks a departure from the usual canal barge cruise experience. A cruise vacation aboard the canal yacht Golden Odyssey is akin to traveling with one's own five star hotel.
Upper Loire & Western Burgundy, HOLLAND, Champagne, Burgundy
From $4,950
Absoluut2 is a custom-built motor yacht originally commissioned as a private luxury cruiser in 1994. She accommodates eight passengers and four crew members. Quiet, smooth, and well-appointed, Absoluut2 takes boating the inland waterways to another level.
Originally 38.5 meters long and 5.07 meters wide, the Alegria was designed for loads of 400 tons, but in 1999 the ship was converted to a houseboat and shortened to 29.37 meters (100 feet). The French Canal du Midi welcomes you to a luxurious and exclusive river cruise on board one of the most beautiful hotel barges, Alegria.
Recently converted from a six to a four passenger luxury hotel barge with her interior completely rebuilt to the highest standard, the Alouette, part of the Orient-Express collection, navigates the narrow locks on the Canal du Midi. Alouette is offered on a charter basis only, from to 2 to 4 passengers.
Designed in conjunction with La Fluviale, a prominent boat company in St. Jean de Losne (Burgundy), the Amaryllis, part of the Orient-Express collection, has been decorated by some of the most respected names in France and Italy and has been converted into a 8-passenger luxurious barge whose interior displays an uncompromising attention to detail.
The 8 passenger Anjodi is of classic Dutch design, specifically rebuilt to navigate the 300 year old Canal du Midi. She has been completely re-furbished in the tasteful tradition of African hardwoods, handcrafted paneling and shining brass, creating a comfortable and charming ambiance reminiscent of a classic yacht.
Nestled in the shade of giant trees and surrounded by vast vineyards, Athos cruises through low 16th century bridges, past rustic stable houses, and into the slow-moving Southern French Villages. This historical setting makes for spectacular scenery, not to mention the relaxing pace that is unrivaled from the deck of the luxury hotel barge.
Bonheur is a’ Luxemotor’ built in Holland 1926 as a working barge. Luxemotors have elegant hull shapes designed not only for the canals and rivers but also the inland seas of northern Europe. She has had a varied career from cargo vessel to passenger/restaurant boat in Paris and now after 18 months of restoration is a home and guest barge.
The 21-passenger Caprice is a classic Dutch Luxemotor hotel barge. She follows a popular itinerary along the Burgundy Canal, one of the most beloved in the French wine country, with an incredible abundance of interesting shore excursions by coach, on foot, by balloon or by bicycle.
Caroline was built in Holland in 1928 as a cargo carrying 'Tjalk', transporting goods between the islands of the North Sea and the mainland. Today, converted into a comfortable hotel barge, Caroline is offering accommodations for up to 6 guests, great service and a cozy, relaxed atmosphere.
Originally designed for carrying cocoa, the barge owners decided to transform the barge into a floating hotel and propose luxury inland water cruises. So since 1998, Clair de Lune has welcomed guests on board in an exceptional luxury environment to partake in fascinating and authentic cruises on the Canal du Midi.
The C'est La Vie is a luxury hotel barge which offers you high quality wines, food and hospitality from its experienced captain and crew. It's hard to find the time and right environment to truly relax and unwind. C'est La Vie offers you a perfect mix of discovery and relaxation cruising through Burgundy's majestic countryside.
Upper Loire & Western Burgundy, Paris / Ile De France, BELGIUM
From $3,360
Converted in 2005, MS Elisabeth cruises through the heart of France. She boasts 12 wide windows surrounding the salon & dining room, which allow for a perfect view of the countryside. As an owner-operated luxury barge, the MS Elisabeth prides itself in customizing your cruise week to your wishes.
The 6-passenger Emma takes the warmth of an Irish welcome, adds the seductive charm of the French, puts it on a beautifully restored turn of the century barge, and covers it with a balmy Mediterranean climate. A lazy luxury cruise along the historic 17th century Canal du Midi with your hosts René and Liz aboard their floating home, Emma.
The 8 passenger Enchanté was originally built to navigate the canals and rivers of Europe and has been completely refurbished to the highest standard. She provides luxurious accommodation for up to 8 guests in 4 equal en-suite twin or double suites, each with superbly appointed bathrooms with showers and luxurious bath products.
Esperance is more of a luxury yacht constructed with minimal expense spared. Because of the authenticity and uniqueness, only a limited number of specialized cruise agencies are authorized to market it. France Cruises is proud to be one of the few selected cruise companies to represent the Esperance internationally.
Estello -- formerly Marguerite -- is a 20-passenger barge cruising scenic Provence. She has a spacious interior with climate control throughout and plenty of spacious windows to allow for warming natural light. The Lower Deck hosts all ten (10) of her cabins, each with fully private en suite bathroom facilities.
L'Etoile was built in Holland as a canal barge in 1889, and spent most of her commercial life transporting cargo on the Rhine. Now, this classic Dutch barge has been converted to a passenger barge with today's standards of hotel barge comfort. The cozy barge atmosphere makes you feel immediately at home.
Gracious elegance and amenities that epitomize the concept of ultimate luxury make a journey aboard The Fleur de Lys the best in luxury barging. With a stately lounge and large windows framing the countryside, this péniche-hôtel is a cruise to remember. Exceptional on board dining and the chance to join in local life enhance this great experience.
Paris / Ile De France, Northern France, Champagne, BELGIUM
From $5,835
Newly rebuilt with the finest materials and to the highest International Yacht Standards, Golden Odyssey marks a departure from the usual canal barge cruise experience. A cruise vacation aboard the canal yacht Golden Odyssey is akin to traveling with one's own five star hotel.
Private charter barges are for those who truly want to relax in a stress free environment with fine food and wine, enjoy the delights of the countryside passing by, and get to know the "soul of the country." All cabins on board are reserved for the exclusive use of the chartering party, e.g. a family or a group of friends vacationing together.
On board the deluxe Hotel Barge Hirondelle, part of the Orient-Express collection, the large windows, well above the water line, and the sun-deck on the top deck of the boat make it easy for you to enjoy the passing scenery of the picturesque upper Loire Valley.
Originally a sailing ship, the luxury Dutch barge Imagine is now fitted to take up to 4 guests along the beautiful canals of Burgundy. Imagine's exquisite "Barge & Breakfast" format allows travelers to enjoy French life with the barge's owners, a congenial crew of 2, on explorations of new locales, places to shop and eat, and museums.
The 8 passenger barge started life as a Scottish munitions carrier and survived long enough to be transformed into a floating celebration of the Burgundian "good life". Your crew of four comprises Captain, Tour guide, Master Chef and Hostess, all with a love for the Nivernais canal, and a knowledge that their vessel represents L'Art de Vivre itself.
The 13 passenger L'Impressionniste began life as a cargo barge in Holland before undergoing a complete transformation into the powerful canal and river cruiser she is today.
L'Impressionniste cruise route covers some fine rural cruising, with plenty of opportunity to cycle and stroll along the tow-path and wander into nearby villages.
La Bella Vita is a stylish 20 passenger vessel that was newly refitted in 2010 to high standards. It features comfortable, air-conditioned accommodation, with a bright and spacious dining room and bar area, side decks for viewing, and a spacious sun deck from which to enjoy the picturesque Italian waterways.
The 13-passenger La Belle Epoque in Burgundy has been designed with both elegance and passenger comfort in mind. All fully climate-controlled, La Belle Epoque offers a sun-deck spa pool, wood paneled saloon and dining room, and other luxury facilities. These combined create a vessel perfect for a relaxing, luxurious cruise.
With more than 25 years experience in navigating on the French waterways, La Reine Pedauque is trusted and one of the most highly rated boats. Air-conditioning, dining room, salon, cocktail bar and sundeck, the furnishings and tasteful spacious design will give you all the comfort for a perfect holiday in Burgundy.
Le Phenicien is a luxury floating hotel. Passengers join a small number of guests - maximum 18 - for gentle luxury barge cruises along the Rhone, from the Avignon area to Aigues-Mortes in the Camargue. The vessel navigates the river for three to four hours per day, docking at riverside towns and villages for organized excursions and free time.
Libje is a Dutch Steilsteven barge ('Straight Stem') built in 1930 of riveted steel. She originally carried peat, then sand and gravel. She has an unusual design as she uses the older Steilsteven style hull, but with the later 'Luxemotor'-style aft cabin which would have been the original owners quarters when she was working.
The Lorraine is a very modern vessel equipped with a flower-strewn sundeck with chairs and parasols, a cozy saloon leading to the bar and a separated dining room. Lorraine begins its journey through Alsace - a voyage of endless discoveries of art and architecture, gourmet food and wine, history and heritage.
Reaching deep into Burgundy, the Luciole explores a magical region in the very heart of France. Luciole offers the perfect great escape to relax and watch the everchanging vista slip quietly by while sipping Chablis on deck and laughing with new-found friends.
The 8 passenger Magna Carta is one of the finest, most luxurious vessels cruising the British Isles. The ambience created by combining a traditional barge hull and fine mahogany, teak and oak woods is outstanding. The upper deck saloon and dining areas sport picture windows and stylish furnishings and the sun deck has comfortable seating and a spa pool.
Like the fine wines and produce of France, this historic countryside is best savored slowly, and there is simply no better way to enjoy France than to glide aboard the luxury barge Meanderer. Visit magical chateaux, savor great cuisine, discover vineyards and galleries — a Meanderer voyage lets you have the French dream vacation on your terms.
The barge Merganser, carrying a maximum of eight passengers, boasts excellent cuisine, first rate tours, and a knowledgeable and attentive crew. Cabins are all en-suite, and provide good accommodation for travelers seeking a casual, fun trip and a budget buy.
South West France, South of France, Perigord & Dordogne, Bordeaux & Aquitaine
$3,325
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$3,660
The Mirabelle was originally built in Holland in 1942 and has been completely overhauled and modernized to provide elegant, comfortable accommodation. The Mirabelle sails on the Garonne and Dordogne Rivers, the Gironde Estuary, the Canal des Deux Mers, the Canal Latéral parallel to the Garonne, and the Canal du Midi.
Southern Burgundy, Rhone/Saone & Beaujolais, South of France, Provence
From $5,750
Europe’s finest river cruiser, the Napoléon combines the luxury of a hotel by Orient-Express with the friendly ambience of a country inn. Voyage along the River Rhône while reclining on deck or seated in the lavish salon, then step out into sun-drenched landscapes that inspired Cézanne and Van Gogh. Time melts away when you're on the Napoléon.
Experience a nostalgic cruise in Burgundy with MS Niagara and discover the freedom of water and country. Exploring the waterways of Burgundy and France on board "MS Niagara" is an unforgettable adventure. The traditionally built motor yacht "MS Niagara" offers a travel adventure, back in time and an insight into France as it should be seen.
The 6-passenger Nymphea is a classic Dutch design with shallow draft and is ideal for navigating the incredibly beautiful yet somewhat sandy reaches of the river Cher in the Loire valley.
To date, the Nymphea is the only cruising barge navigating this fabled Chateaux Country.
Paris / Ile De France, Northern France, HOLLAND, Champagne, BELGIUM, Alsace Lorraine
From $4,690
Meander through the waters of Europe aboard the stylish, 12-passenger Panache. Fitted in traditional yacht style with brass and mahogany fittings, she brings with her attractive amenities, gourmet cuisine and a dituful crew, all aiming to ensure an experience of a lifetime.
Le Papillon is a luxury French canal boat, skillfully and imaginatively converted to a floating hotel, cruising the tranquil canals and rivers of France. Like a fine wine or a good meal, this is a vacation to be savoured slowly. Leave behind the hurried humdrum and sit back and share the pleasure of anticipation aboard Le Papillon.
Prospérité developed into one of the top barges in France. Debuting in 2003, Prosperité was created by a hands-on American hotelier and represents a successful new approach, which combines the best features of relaxed, contemporary lifestyle with every luxury in traditional, ultra-deluxe barging.
The Randle is a beautiful recreation of a classic luxury motor river boat, built in 2001 but with all the modern facilities demanded by our cruising clientele: air-conditioned, centrally-heated cabins with en suite bathrooms, all complemented by a varnished wood interior, and granite and marble surfaces.
Renaissance is a luxuriously spacious and stylishly appointed floating hotel for eight guests, and one of the largest craft that can navigate the French canal locks. This barge has engaged an outstanding, experienced crew that will continue to keep guests raving about the care and enthusiasm they shower on their guests aboard the Renaissance.
Roi Soleil combines the best of yachts and barges. Enjoy a personalized cruise for up to 6 passengers, attended by 4 crew members, that is high on luxurious comfort and mouth watering delights. Roi Soleil allows you to make discoveries in an authentic region rich in history and ancient architecture, unspoiled nature, wine, food and crafts.
Rosa is an old Dutch “Clipper” barge that was completely refitted in 2010 to a high specification. Her saloon is particularly welcoming and features attractive wood paneling, comfortable seating and a cozy bar. There are four air-conditioned staterooms, each with full en-suite facilities and offering comfortable accommodation for 8 passengers.
Saint Louis cruises the beautiful calm waterways of South-West France, including the historic lands of Aquitaine & Gascony. In casual luxury, she provides the perfect accommodation for up to 6 guests in 3 stateroom suites. Your hosts, Alasdair & Barbara, with their friendly and expert crew, ensure your vacation is ultimate in relaxed pleasure.
Saroche is undoubtedly one of the most attractive barges cruising the waterways of France, with classic hull, arched windows and sleek lines. The barge cruises both in Burgundy and Provence, and has set a new standard in comfort, price and value. You will never regret the Saroche experience.
Paris / Ile De France, HOLLAND, Champagne, Burgundy, BELGIUM
From $4,500
In 1932, Savoir Faire was built as a transport barge in the Belgian estuaries. In 1979, the barge was brought to Holland where she underwent a total metamorphosis - converted into elegant 3-decked hotel barge that she is today. As an owner-operated luxury barge, the Savoir Faire prides itself in customizing your cruise week to your desires.
Savoir Vivre's immaculate design and chic interior represent a new expression of what is already a fabulously appealing experience: luxury barging. Savoir Vivre aims its spoils and charms at a younger generation of cruise enthusiasts in hopes of adding an adventurous vim and vigor to the world of barging.
The 8 passenger Scottish Highlander has the atmosphere of a Scottish Country House with subtle use of tartan furnishings and landscape paintings. At 117 feet she is spacious and has every comfort needed for year round cruising. She is also equipped with 8 bikes and your tour guide would be happy to recommend the best routes to explore.
Cruise on Ireland’s River Shannon aboard the Shannon Princess - one of Europe's most outstanding luxury river cruise experiences. Float on the 10-passenger river barge Shannon Princess and enjoy delightfully friendly service, outstanding foods and wines, a memorable and charming ambiance and a river of unspoiled beauty.
Barge Stern is a former inland cargo vessel of the type Luxe motor. Dutch for "Tern", a small seagull, Stern reflects the same elegance and beauty of the graceful bird for which it is named. Uniquely carrying only two passengers, this vessel is highly capable of offering guests the highest level of service and attention.
The Who Knows' name is a literal translation of the Dutch "Wie Zalt Weten". Built in 1930 in Holland, she was used for ferrying grain, stone, wood and other dry cargo all over Europe. Now decorated in traditional dark wood paneling and brass finishings, Who Knows is one of the finest examples of classic yachts on the French waterways.
