Afloat in France

Food, fine wine and glorious country abound while cruising through France on board one of Afloat in France’s luxurious barges.

Our fleet of five péniche-hôtel barges are renowned as the finest craft currently operating on Europe’s inland waterways. These exceptional boats provide the ultimate base for you to explore the rivers, canals and countryside of France. Operated by Orient-Express, the ships boast a number of facilities including air-conditioning, powerful showers and even plunge pools. Oversized picture windows and spacious decks make guests feel a part of the landscape. Alouette and Hirondelle are decorated in a light and contemporary style, while the grander boats – Fleur de Lys, Napoléon and Amaryllis – are sumptuous ‘floating fantasies’ with double staterooms, generous bathrooms and luxurious furnishings.

Each barge is a travelling hotel with its own personality and elegant comfort, accommodating just four to 12 passengers and may be chartered for a six-night,all-inclusive journey, or on an individual hotel-cabin basis. The table d’hôte menus on board are of the highest quality and include regional specialities and fine wines.

Daily excursions are fully escorted by the experienced onboard guide and you are transported to land destinations in the barge’s own air-conditioned minibus. Visits to magnificent castles and châteaux, walking tours, shopping for local specialities and wine tasting are just a few of the many delightful activities you will enjoy. 

Dining

Wining and dining is a highlight of any cruise and the five-course candlelit dinners are a special treat. The table d’hôte menus on board are of the highest quality and include some of the chef’s original recipes as well as regional specialities and seasonal delicacies. Table d’hôte meals on board are included in your fare.

Accommodation

Our five boutique barges cruise on the French rivers and canals, and each is a sumptuous travelling hotel with its own personality and elegant comfort. All barges are immaculately appointed, have a gracious elegance, uncompromising attention to detail with amenities that epitomise the concept of ultimate luxury.

Highlights

Luxury barge cruising in France. Riverboat cruises on France’s picturesque canals in glorious luxury and style. Experience France’s tranquil canals and rivers aboard one of our five magnificent péniche-hôtel barges and cruise past châteaux, fields and forests while being pampered by your private onboard crew.