Discover the Epitome of Luxury With 5 Canal Barge Escapes Across France

If you’re looking to spend your next vacation combining luxury, leisure, and the beauty of French cuisine and nature, then it’s time for you to learn about the variety of canal cruises offered all over the country. These slow-paced canal cruises are the perfect way to savor France’s scenic beauty and cultural richness. They offer a unique travel experience that lets you take in the charm and history of France’s many waterways. Whether you want to taste the best wines of France, take in scenic countryside views, or explore the history of old French villages, these cruises offer the perfect combination of luxury, relaxation, and cultural exploration.

1. Renaissance and La Nouvelle Etoile – Loire and Western Burgundy

shutterstock 2074908799 1

Image Credit: Shutterstock / ThomasLENNE

First, we’re headed to the Canal de Briare, Upper Loire, and Western Burgundy, France. Here you’ll find an exquisite luxury barge trip with interiors echoing a French manor house that will escort you to local châteaux and vineyards. The Canal de Briare is France’s oldest canal. It is surrounded by picturesque landscapes featuring idyllic villages, opulent châteaux like Château de Fontainebleau, and renowned vineyards famous for its Sancerre wines. The best time to visit is between spring and autumn for pleasant weather and many regional wine and cultural events.

2. Panache – Champagne Region

shutterstock 2166704645 1

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Jose HERNANDEZ Camera 51

If you’re not a fan of wine but love to celebrate with a bottle of bubbly, this is the place for you because we’re now off to the Champagne region of France. On this canal ride, you will have a luxurious journey with traditional interiors. You will visit the iconic UNESCO-listed Reims Cathedral, Moët & Chandon champagne house, and historical sites like Château-Thierry and Belleau Wood.

The best time to visit is between spring and fall for the vineyard tours offered along the way. On your journey, stop and explore La Maison Pannier’s underground cellars for an exclusive champagne-tasting experience.

3. Anjodi, Enchante & Athos – Canal du Midi

shutterstock 150820013 2

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Travel-Fr

If you’re looking for various vessels with unique styles, offering luxurious amenities and a journey through one of France’s most famous waterways, then it’s time to visit Canal du Midi in Southern France. The Canal du Midi is a 330-year-old engineering marvel and a UNESCO World Heritage site that takes you through charming villages like Carcassonne, natural havens like the Petit Camargue, and renowned wine regions. For the best cruise experience, visit in late Spring to Early Fall. Don’t forget to explore the medieval town of Minerve and the natural tunnel at Malpas.

4. Nymphea – Loire Valley

shutterstock 1407078329 1

Image Credit: Shutterstock / proslgn

Now we’re off to Loire Valley, France for a cozy and traditional Dutch barge experience, where you’ll find a deck offering wine, views of quaint villages, and grand châteaux.

Interesting History: The Loire Valley is renowned for its charming countryside and breathtaking, iconic châteaux like Château de Chenonceau and Château d’Amboise. Here, the best time to visit is in the spring and summer so you can take in the full bloom of the valley. While off the barge, consider a hot air balloon ride for a unique perspective of the Loire Valley’s gorgeous landscape.

5. Panache – Alsace & Lorraine

shutterstock 277764479 1

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Leonid Andronov

For our final stop, we’re headed to Alsace & Lorraine, France, where you’ll take a voyage through steep valleys and tunnels, showcasing the region’s rich cultural heritage and traditions. On this trip, you’ll see the Vosges mountains, the beautiful Doubs Valley, and picturesque towns along the waterway.

Here, the region’s history is intertwined with French and German influences, evident in its architecture, cuisine, and traditions. Make sure to go in the late spring to early fall for comfortable cruising and local festivities peppered along the way. For a more serene and rejuvenating experience, activities like yoga and “forest baths” are also offered with the trip.

More Articles Like This…

Barcelona: Discover the Top 10 Beach Clubs

2024 Global City Travel Guide – Your Passport to the World’s Top Destination Cities

Exploring Khao Yai 2024 – A Hidden Gem of Thailand

The post Discover the Epitome of Luxury With 5 Canal Barge Escapes Across France republished on Passing Thru with permission from The Green Voyage.

Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Sergey Twilight.

Tips for Trip Success

Book Your Flight
Find an inexpensive flight by using Kayak, a favorite of ours because it regularly returns less expensive flight options from a variety of airlines.

Book Your Hotel or Special Accommodation
We are big fans of Booking.com. We like their review system and photos. If we want to see more reviews and additional booking options, we go to Expedia.

You Need Travel Insurance!
Good travel insurance means having total peace of mind. Travel insurance protects you when your medical insurance often will not and better than what you get from your credit card. It will provide comprehensive coverage should you need medical treatment or return to the United States, compensation for trip interruption, baggage loss, and other situations.Find the Perfect Insurance Plan for Your Tripimage 9133145 14418597

PassingThru is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

To view PassingThru’s privacy policy, click here.

7d4a2d373398e7da47697c9218fe3ee8?s=150&d=mp&r=g
+ posts