Afloat in France - Luxury Barge Cruising
France
Overview
To experience France's tranquil canals and rivers, step aboard one of the five magnificent péniche-hôtel barges and cruise past châteaux, fields and forests in style.
From the beauty of the Midi and Provence, to the majesty of Burgundy and Franche Comté, these are the perfect backdrops to a sublime holiday.
Accommodation: 5 Barges carrying between 4 and 12 passengers
Prices from £17,610 per barge
Request a QuotePrice for 6 nights, all inclusive basis with crew, a variety of excursions and rail and road transfers from Paris
Fleur de Lys
The Fleur de Lys is one of the most impeccably appointed barges in the world, with a gracious elegance and amenities that epitomise the concept of ultimate luxury. The stately salon has a Grand Piano and large windows that panoramically frame the passing countryside.
The separate dining room accommodates the most elegant candlelight dinners while the double state rooms feature canopied beds and ensuite bathrooms. The Fleur de Lys can also boast a heated plunge pool on its upper deck.
The Fleur de Lys cruises the classic Burgundy route bordering France’s famous Cote d’Or, where the legendary wines that are permitted to bear the Grands Crus and Premiers Crus labels can be discovered. Enjoy sampling wines that are rarely available outside the borders of France.
She also cruises the River Saone and the Canal du Centre, visiting towns and villages enroute such as Beaune, Dijon, St Jean de Losne, Chalon-sur-Saone and Dole.
Request a QuoteAmaryllis
The Amaryllis' interior displays an uncompromising attention to detail. Each state room has been meticulously decorated in a traditional style with a mixture of contemporary and antique Louis XVI and XV furniture. The specially designed window casings incorporate huge windows that panoramically frame the passing countryside.
On the top deck guests can relax on sun loungers or luxuriate in the heated swimming pool. Amaryllis cruises some of the most picturesque waterways in France, including the River Saone, the Rhone and the Canal du Centre.
Throughout the Burgundy region excursions are arranged to visit ancient chateaux and sample many of the famous wines of the region: Beaune, Dijon, St Jean de Losne, Chalon-sur-Saone and Dole are just some of the towns and villages visited.
Request a QuoteHirondelle
The Hirondelle cruises some of the most tranquil and beautiful waterways in all of Europe: the Canal de Bourgogne, the Canal du Centre, the Canal du Rhone au Rhin and the River Saone.
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 Burgundy and Franche-Comte, renowned for their vineyards, Gothic churches and abbeys, Renaissance chateaux and picturesque villages.
It is a region of France in which gastronomic delights and the art of living have reigned supreme since Roman times. Excursions are arranged to places with story-book names, whether it be the quaint town of Dole, the famous museum in Dijon, the castle in Chateauneuf or to Besancon, birthplace of Victor Hugo.
Request a QuoteAlouette
The Alouette is the only luxury barge in the Afloat in France fleet that can navigate the narrow locks on the Canal du Midi.
The Alouette accommodates six passengers in well-appointed cabins located well above the water line. Her sun-deck provides the perfect place to relax and enjoy the passing scenery while cruising through the renowned Canal du Midi. Highlights of this area include Carcasonne, the most complete medieval, fortified city existing.
During the summer season the Alouette cruises between Beziers - Carcassonne or Carcassonne and Toulouse. In the early autumn the Alouette will retrace her steps through the Midi, the Rhone and Saone, returning home to Burgundy and the Franche-Comte to finish the season.
Request a QuoteNapoleon
The Napoleon is one of Europe’s finest river cruisers, combining all the amenities of a luxury hotel with the friendly ambience of a country inn. She is beautifully appointed with large picture windows that provide unsurpassed views of the countryside, accommodating up to 12 passengers.
The Napoleon cruises the Rhone between Arles and Tain l’Hermitage/Tournon; sun-drenched landscapes that inspired the great canvases of Cezanne and Van Gogh.
A region full of sophisticated architecture dating back to the Roman civilization and ruins of fortifications, arenas and aqueducts that continue to amaze modern engineers. The endless vistas of tiled roofs, lavender fields and olive groves are synonymous with Provence.
Excursions are arranged to the wine region of Chateauneuf-du-Pape and the story book towns of Orange, Avignon, Arles, St Remy, birthplace of Nostradamus and the ancient Roman and Greek ruins of Pont-du-Gard and Glanum.
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The five boutique barges operated by Afloat in France are among them most exclusive and lavish ever built. Facilities include air-conditioning, powerful showers and even plunge pools on the newer boats.
The specially trained crew pampers you from the time you arrive. Your personal guide introduces you to the district’s most renowned vineyards, architectural landmarks, regional activities and local traditions.
Wining and dining is a highlight of any cruise and the five-course candlelit dinners are a special treat. The table d’hote menus on board the Afloat in France barges are of the very highest quality and include many regional specialities and fine wine. Each week’s menu includes some of the chef's original recipes as well as regional specialities and seasonal delicacies unique to the particular area of the country in which you are cruising.
Request a QuoteRecreation
When you first board the boat your guide will discuss with you the programme for the week and will try to accommodate any special interests you may have into the visits. The excursions are fully escorted by the experienced on-board guide and you are transported each day in the barge’s own air-conditioned minibus.
In addition to the wonderful scenery, each region has a wealth of cultural and historical sights to visit. Guides will take you to magnificent castles and chateaux. Enjoy walking tours of the many regional towns, such as Beaune, the wine capital of Burgundy with its most splendid of historic buildings, and typical villages such as Solutre which affords a superb view of Macon.
Shop at markets for local delicacies, or in speciality food shops for famous cheeses and delicatessen. Participate in a wine tasting at renowned chateaux such as Chateauneuf-du-Pape.
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