Barging in France | Barges on canals in France

Canal Cruising in France

FRANCE BARGING
Canals of France

HOTEL BARGING IN FRANCE
Unwind and take a leisurely luxury hotel barge and meander the inland waterways of France. See life pass you by on canals, rivers and lakes. Life will unfold before you whilst you relax and enjoy gourmet cuisine, fine wines and the company of like-minded passengers. Of course, our crewed barges cater to the individual traveller or families or groups of friends. When you dock, guided tours of castles, vineyards, chateaux and markets will entice you ashore. On your return to your floating hotel, our dedicated staff will ensure a warm and inviting welcome. Perhaps you have a specific hobby or sport you would care to focus on during your cruise - then our theme cruise itineraries should be perused from our cruise guide or cruise maps. We look forward to welcoming you on board to experience our luxury barge cruises for discerning clientele in search of an enchanting, leisurely and unique experience.

THE EVOLUTION OF BARGING
Barging began at the time of the Industrial Revolution, delivering produce, goods and post across the European countryside. Long, wooden, horse-drawn boats were pulled through the canals, designed to navigate the narrow locks and bridge spans. The boatmen and their families began to live on board their boats to minimise costs and cleverly rented out rooms.
In the early 20th Century the efficient diesel and steam engines replaced the horses. With the continued advancements in technology, cargo hauling became extinct and in the 1940s canal holidays took their place on the many canals and river. Being proud of their heritage, people not only restored castles, homes and gardens but enthusiasts also lovingly restored and refurbished the old barges. Villagers along the waterways were friendly to the new breed of travellers and catered to their needs. This tradition is still in place today.
Please note that the majority of barges today are beautifully refurbished barges or designed to replicate the original. They incorporate modern facilities for the comfort of the guests without compromising the integrity of the boats. New barges will be specified in the descriptions.

CRUISING IN ENGLAND

CRUISING IN FRANCE
( Barges selected by regions )

CRUISING IN IRELAND

CRUISING IN ITALY

CRUISNG IN SCOTLAND

HOW MUCH IT COSTS?
( Barges selected by prices )

2012 BARGING IN FRANCE
LAST MINUTE DEALS

19 & 26 May - 2 & 16 June 2012
40% discount on CAPRICE Burgundy Cruise
US$ 3190 reduced to US$ 1914
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50% discount on SAVOIR FAIRE in Burgundy
3, 10, 17, 24 June 2012
1 & 8 July 2012
Charter 12 passengers: US$ 50600 reduced to US$ 25,300
Charter 10 passengers: US$ 47000 reduced to US$ 23,500
Click here for more information

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LAST MINUTE DISCOUNT PER CABIN (updated 15 May 2012)
1400 Euros discount - Panache Bruges - Paris 13 night cruise : 20 May
1400 Euros discount - Anjodi on canal du Midi - Cruises departures: 27 May & 3 June
1400 Euros discount - Rosa on canal du Midi - Cruises departures: 3 & 10 June
1400 Euros discount - Belle Epoque in Burgundy - Cruises departures: 3 June
1400 Euros discount - Impressionniste in Burgundy - Cruises departures: 1 July
1400 Euros discount - Renaissance in Burgundy - Cruises departures: 3 & 24 June
1400 Euros discount - Scottish Highlander in Scotland/ departures: 20, 27 May & 17, 24 June
1400 Euros discount - Bella Vita in Italy - Cruises departures: 27 May

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CHARTER SPECIALS (updated 15 May 2012)
US$ 6000 discount - Burgundy / Savoir Vivre - up to 8 pax, April, May 2012
Luciole in Burgundy / 10 pax charter for US$ 30000 (value season)

25 % discount - Champagne on Panache - 8 pax charter, 3 June 2012
25 % discount - Alsace on Panache - 8 pax charter, 1, 15 & 29 July 2012
25 % discount - Burgundy on Renaissance - 8 pax charter, 20 May 2012
25 % discount - Gascony / Midi on Rosa - 8 pax charter, 20 - 27 May & 24 June 2012
25% discount - Burgundy/ Impressionniste - France / 8 pax - 8 July 2012
25% discount - Burgundy/ Art de Vivre - France / 8 pax - 24 June & 1, 8 July 2012
25% discount - Canal du Midi / Enchanté - France / 8 pax charter 8 July & 5,19, 26 August 2012
25% discount - Canal du Midi / Anjodi - France / 8 pax charter 8 July 2012
25% discount - Scotland on Scottish Highlander / Cruises departures:8 & 22 July 2012
25% discount - England on Magna Carta / Cruises departures: 10, 24 June & 22 July 2012

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Barges on French canals
Barges by Comfort

Alouette is a well-appointed Luxemotor barge only 30 metres in length. Wining and dining is a highlight of any cruise. The table d’hôte menus on board the barge are of the very highest quality and include many regional specialities and fine wines.