Frequently Asked Questions
Planning a barge vacation
Barges were designed to navigate small inland waterways, rivers and mostly canals. Most barges were originally built to transport goods into regions difficult to access.
The fully crewed hotel barges of today (often referred to as Péniche-hôtel) have been totally rebuilt from the hull upwards. They are transformed into luxury barges which include all modern and comfortable facilities, featuring individual cabins with private toilet and bathroom, saloons, decks and more. The barges are state of the art conversions accommodating from 2 to 22 passengers. Each barge is unique and has a style of their own. Have a look for yourself!
Imagine yourself gliding along canals of yesteryear with vistas worthy of Monet’s canvas. You will be immersed into the regions history, culture, cuisine and of course wines.
While the barge cruises at a leisurely pace, you can walk alongside, explore the local villages or simply put your feet up on deck and watch the world go by. Feel free to ask your captain or deck hand for a bike and cycle the tow path alongside your barge. Locks provide a great opportunity to hop on and off, or to see the barge from a different angle, why not cruise with the captain in the wheelhouse?
You may choose to charter the entire vessel or book one or a number of cabins on board and join other like-minded passengers. When the vessel is chartered, you and your party will have the full use of the vessel and you may request certain deviations from the regular schedule that suit your particular groups interests. Themed barge weeks are also available. You can use our filter to search the barges by capacity.
Your hostess and deck hand are the key to bringing all your activities and requests together. They will ensure that your cabins are serviced daily, the boat is always in top shape and that you are ultimately comfortable during your cruise. Look out for the magnificent table settings, flower arrangements and personal touches that many of the hostesses pride themselves on to make this is an unforgettable experience.
Mornings are usually experienced at a relaxed pace. Time to watch the world go by as you cruise along the canal or river. Lunch will usually be served on deck – Al fresco style. Enjoy an afternoon visit to the local sights and explore what each region has to offer. From visiting chateaux, famous vineyards, local market places, private gardens to museums…the list goes on! Your Tour Guide will chauffeur you to a guided excursion, activity or experience. Return to your barge and indulge in a refreshing cocktail, champagne, wine or spirit. Relax, unwind and freshen up before sitting down to enjoy a gastronomic dinner prepared by your on board chef. All barges moor up for the night, so there is plenty of time for an evening stroll, a nightcap, or some on board entertainment. Or enjoy a relaxing soak in the spa pool. Other interests, such as golf, ballooning, horse riding and tennis are also accommodated and, of course, in between, you will enjoy fine food & wine every day.
A daily half sightseeing day tour is offered, and will depend on your day to day cruise itinerary and highlights. You have the chance to visit breathtaking French towns and villages, experience wine tasting, take a bike ride along the tow path, visit historical wonders and have a bit of ‘me’ time either shopping, spectating or sipping a café au lait. All tours are included and are optional and flexible depending on your interests. If you are considering chartering the entire boat, your itinerary can be suited to the groups’ personal highlights, if organised in advance.
You are welcome to stay on-board the barge if you would like. You can use the bikes, go for a walk or just sit on the shaded sundeck or dip in the spa pool with a glass or wine.
Our selection of itineraries include the following themes:
Antiques
Artisan
Art
Biking
Culinary
Family
Flower show
Golf
Honeymoon
Longer Waterways
Opera
Tandem options
Tennis
Walking
Whisky Trail
Wine appreciation
World War One Focus
Note: Some of the themed barges may require a supplement payment. Please contact us for more information regarding themed barges.
Cruises are generally less than 110 kilometers (70 miles) in a week, and the barge will travel at a leisurely pace of only 4 to 5 kph (3 to 4 mph.)
As you will be cruising at a leisurely pace there is generally very little sway or movement. The canals and most of the rivers are generally non-tidal and have gentle currents. However, larger rivers, for example the Rhône and Saône in France can be fast flowing and there may be a little more motion. All barges moor for the night, so you will never be cruising at night.
Our selection of itineraries include the following themes:
Antiques
Artisan
Art
Biking
Culinary
Family
Flower show
Golf
Honeymoon
Longer Waterways
Opera
Tandem options
Tennis
Walking
Whisky Trail
Wine appreciation
World War One Focus
Note: Some of the themed barges may require a supplement payment. Please contact us for more information of theme barges.
Barging is a perfect option for guests of all ages including children (applicable to charter bookings and barges that designate family weeks only).
Private Charter:
Gather your family, friends or colleagues for an unforgettable journey.
Often two or three family generations love to charter a barge, particularly when celebrating special occasions.
Parties of 2 to 6 couples:
This is the perfect amount of passengers for a private charter. Themed charters can be catered for. Ask us for more details.
Can one or two individual guests join a barge?
Barge Vacations has a selection of barges that accommodate one or two couples that are happy to join like-minded guests on board an Individual Cabin Sailing week – ( also referred to as Open Cabin Weeks).
Many barge reserve a select number of weeks each season for individual cabin sailing bookings. Barge Vacations receives updated availability daily, so we can advise you which departures will be allocated for Individual Cabin Sailing weeks throughout the season.
Can I travel if I am a single passenger?
We love to assist the single passenger to experience a barge cruise. You will occupy your own cabin with your own private facilities. A single supplement is applicable, ask us for more details.
Ladies travelling in groups or by themselves?
Ladies, why not consider joining a barge cruise or charter your own barge for you and your girlfriends? Barging is a perfect way to experience a girls week away, indulge in fine wine, great cuisine and great company. Why not ask us for a masseur to join you?
Families love to charter a barge and holiday together. Charters often include two to three generations. Your chef will cater for the children’s meals and the tour guide will arrange a variety of activities (a supplement may apply) which will suit the whole family. Children’s bike and helmets, car seat, cots, high chairs etc. can also be provided. The perfect option to celebrate family birthdays and anniversaries.
Some of our barges welcome children with a minimum age of 12 years, except for charters and special “Family Departures.” Not all barges allow for children to travel. Please enquire for further details. It is the families’ responsibility to make sure the children supervised at all times particularly when cruising through the locks and moorings.
Locations and times
Our hotel barge cruises are usually six nights / seven days in length, starting on Sunday afternoon and finishing on Saturday morning. It is possible to do multiple cruises joined together and we occasionally have special extended cruises.
Belmond Afloat in France is now offering 3 night cruises on board our 4 cabin barges – Belmond Amaryllis, Belmond Hirondelle, Belmond Pivoine and Belmond Lilas.
These new 3 night journeys are based on existing routes with a change over in the middle of the week, therefore departing on set Sundays and Wednesdays throughout our 2018 season.
As all 3 night journeys are available for charter only, there are no open sailing cabins available
Surprisingly, this question comes up pretty often. Hotel barge cruising is now available across Europe. Because our vessels are small enough to navigate the smaller canals and rivers, we concentrate on these waterways and leave the 100 passenger cruise ships behind! France is very popular, however it is worth considering the charm and beauty of the Scottish Highlands or the romance of the Venice Lagoon?
- Burgundy (Bourgogne-Franche-Comté)
Location: A few hours’ drive from Paris in central eastern France. 1.5 hours by TGV train (Paris to Dijon). Major towns include Dijon, Auxerre, Nevers, Mâcon and Beaune. However note: most of the barges will pick you up from Paris by chauffeur driven private vehicle.
Waterways: Over 1,200 km of navigable waterways. Home to the famous Canal de Bourgogne and Canal du Nivernais which meanders alongside the River Yonne.
Highlights: Picturesque countryside lining the waterways. Charming medieval towns, local abbeys, fortified farms and wonderful markets. Some of the world’s finest vineyards: Chablis, Côte de Beaune, Côte de Nuits or Mâconnais vineyards.
- Occitanie region – Canal du Midi (former French regions Languedoc-Roussillon and Midi-Pyrénées)
Location: From Paris, 3.5 hours TGV train or 7 hours drive south to Montpellier. Located on the Mediterranean coast between Provence and the Spanish border. Major towns include Montpellier, Nîmes, Carcassonne, Perpignan, Narbonne and Toulouse.
Waterways: Canal du Midi (UNESCO World Heritage site), the world’s oldest canal opened in 1681, links the Mediterranean and the Atlantic. Other highlights include Canal de la Robine, near Narbonne, bordered by umbrella pine trees, La Camargue, the largest river delta in Western Europe (900 sq km).
Highlights: Béziers staircase locks. Inland salt water lakes of Camargue, with over 400 species of birdlife including pink flamingos. Wine region: Vin de Pays d’Oc and Crémant de Limoux. Medieval Carcassonne, the largest fortress in Europe. Happening Montpellier with sunny Mediterranean climate. Rustic countryside, endless vineyards, 13th century Cathar Minerve, romanesque Narbonne and regional markets.
- Champagne – Grand Est (previously Alsace-Champagne-Ardenne-Lorraine)
Location: Immediately east of Paris, less than 2 hours’ drive to Reims or 40 min by TGV train. Major towns include Reims, Epernay, Troyes and Châlons-en-Champagne.
Waterways: Over 600 km of waterways including the Marne, Saône and Meuse rivers as well as the Canal de L’Aisne à la Marne and Canal de la Marne au Rhin.
Highlights: Vine-covered hillsides. World-famous Champagne Houses: Pommery, Moët & Chandon, Veuve Clicquot, G.H. Mumm, etc. Gothic Reims Cathedral. World War I Battlefields and monuments. Chemin des Dames (Ladies Way). Place Ducale.
Most of our hotel barges cruise from early April to Early November. The season is dependent on when the canals are open.
The cruise direction might not be set until approximately 3 weeks prior to departure date, but is often sooner. The reason for this is that our barges are usually scheduled to operate from A to B and the following week from B to A (in the reverse direction). However if a specific departure date does not have any bookings, the barge does not cruise empty, when this is occurs, this affects the direction schedule. The pick-up and drop-off locations remain the same irrelevant to the cruise direction.
The usual embarkation time for your cruise is Sunday at 4:00 pm. Departure time is 10:00 am Saturday. On arrival and departure, you will be transported to/from a local train station, hotel, or car rental agency. The fast track TGV train is the best way to get from major cities to the barge.
We will advise you the exact meeting and drop off location and time upon booking. Customized meeting and return drop-off points may be arranged for charters.
Yes of course. Apart from specialising in Barging, we offer a full travel services for the entire whole world and we specialise in other destinations such as France, Scandinavia and Europe in general.
We love sharing our travel knowledge and experience. We guarantee that you’ll uncover not only the classic travel highlights but some of the best kept secrets throughout the world. All aspects of travel can be arranged through our office.
Our expert staff at Hawthorn Travel (parent company) can assist you with all your travel needs.
Food and beverages
Your private chef is there to unveil the gastronomic secrets of France by tempting you to a variety of flavours, colours and aromas of top class cuisine, using the finest local ingredients wherever possible. Whatever tickles your taste buds, please feel free to request or why not try something new? By all means let the chef know and they will even accompany you to the market and provide insight information on the history, quality and range of fresh produce available. Start your morning with a continental breakfast to save room for the magnificent lunch time salad, cheese, charcuterie and cheese selections to name a few, and then for your 4 course evening meal. All meals, hors d’oeuvres, fruit, special requests are fully inclusive.
A true highlight of your trip: pairing the cheese and wine! A special focus on local artisan cheeses with all variants both pasteurised and unpasteurised from the famous goat/sheep/cow milks. With a chance to taste up to 4 different wines per day your crew will present you wines explaining the importance of the producer, year, grape variety and region for which these delicious wines come from. After a week you will have learned to appreciate the complex bouquet, and the delight that cheese has when accompanying it.
All the hotel barges a fully stocked bar, air-conditioned, heating, double or twin cabins with private bathrooms, toiletries, hairdryer, shower and some of our selected barges offer a bathtub. Many of the barges have on-deck hot tubs, and some have a small exercise room. Media and entertainment systems are provided and Wi-Fi is available (sometimes with limited access). Fully stocked open bar is available and daily maid service in the cabins.
Yes, all barges have an open bar (unless otherwise specified,) which includes fine regional wines, liquors, spirits, refreshment drinks, coffee and tea aboard. Wine pairing is presented with your lunch and evening meals.
We provide a booking form where you can list your dietary requirements. The completed booking form must be provided at the time of deposit and/or final payment.
During your cruise, the chef will gladly accommodate vegetarians, allergies, etc. If you have exceptional requirements, please advise at the time of booking so we can confirm directly with the barge chef.
If there is a specific beverage you would like to find at the bar or a certain dish you wish to try, we can usually accommodate. Please provide all details on the booking form to be submitted at the time of final payment. If there will be a birthday or other special event to celebrate during your cruise, please let us know. We will try to accommodate these requests, although we ask that you understand in some cases we may be unable to do so. If you are chartering the barge the itinerary is customisable, we will always do our best to visit anywhere you desire en route.
The usual embarkation time for your cruise is Sunday at 4:00 pm. Departure time is 10:00 am Saturday. On arrival and departure, you will be transported to/from a local train station, hotel, or car rental agency. The fast track TGV train is the best way to get from major cities to the barge.
We will advise you the exact meeting and drop off location and time upon booking. Customized meeting and return drop-off points may be arranged for charters.
Yes of course. Apart from specialising in Barging, we offer a full travel services for the entire whole world and we specialise in other destinations such as France, Scandinavia and Europe in general.
We love sharing our travel knowledge and experience. We guarantee that you’ll uncover not only the classic travel highlights but some of the best kept secrets throughout the world. All aspects of travel can be arranged through our office.
Our expert staff at Hawthorn Travel (parent company) can assist you with all your travel needs.
Facilities
All barges provided by Barge Vacations have double or twin cabins with extremely comfortable beds. Each cabin has direct access to private bathrooms. Barges also provide guest with Wi-Fi (limited) sound system, small library, open bar coffee machine and bicycles for each passenger. Fully stocked open bar is available and daily maid service in the cabins.
Some of the barges offer an outdoor Jacuzzi/spa on deck. Attention to detail is well noted on each barge, with timber finishing, carpet or tiles, and a melange (mix) of modern, traditional and antique décor. Many of the barges have panoramic windows and an open-plan galley where guests can watch the chef create delicious dishes.
Practical comfort and relaxed is the norm aboard and for most shore excursions. Dress codes for dinner are relaxed and informal; however for the Captain’s Dinner, gentlemen may opt to wear a jacket and ladies a dress or something a little flashy! For charter bookings passengers may choose their own standard of evening dress.
Comfortable walking shoes must be on the list. Preferably with low or no heels and textured non-slip soles suitable for on deck use and sightseeing.
Some of the barges offer an on deck spa, so passengers will want to include a bathing suit.
Cabins on board the various barges offer a twin, double or king configuration with an en-suite bathroom (overhead shower or a bath and shower). Facilities include air-conditioning.
Many of the barges have oversized cabin windows, and others may offer a porthole window(s), in keeping with the traditional style barges.
There is Wi-Fi generally available on most barges, however the signal strength can be quite inconsistent when travelling through various canals and lochs. Emails can be downloaded.
There are no laundry facilities available on board for passenger use.
We generally cruise through rural areas and launderettes are few and far between so it is advisable to bring sufficient clean clothing for your cruise.
Gloaming roaming internet and Wi-Fi services on your personal can be extremely expensive. We recommend you contact your mobile phone and internet service provider to clarify your personal internet charges and phone calls whilst overseas.
The crew are unable to administer medicines to you during the cruise but can accompany you to a chemist for you to purchase necessary medicines. Due to our cruises being in rural locations we highly recommend that you bring the necessary medication with you. Doctors are usually not far away for an urgent consultation and we can also call the Emergency services.
Barges, as a rule, are not suitable for those who are physically challenged since they rarely have elevators between decks, and the mooring is not alongside quays or piers. Some excursions can also be unsuitable for travellers who are physically challenged.
Our selection of barges, its owners and/or operators reserve the right to refuse to book or board individuals who are disabled in a wheelchair, or with serious medical conditions. Please be sure to check with us prior to booking and disclose any conditions that may require further consideration in regards to securing a booking. The barges often cruise remote areas and away from medical facilities.
The crew cannot be held responsible for the care or oversight of guests with physical or mental impairment. If you have any question regarding what constitutes a “serious” medical issue, please contact Barge Vacations.
One of our hotel barges is wheelchair accessible with all the facilities required for those who are less physically able, including a lift, although guests cannot be wheelchair bound and unfortunately we can only accept less physically able travellers aboard a vessel. Please contact Barge Vacations.
There is a strict non-smoking policy on all barges for safety reasons and for the comfort of other passengers. Guests wishing to smoke are requested to do so off the barge or on the outside deck away from fellow passengers.
Crew
This will depend on the particular barge you choose, the size of vessel and the amount of passengers the barge is licenced to carry. Your crew are at all time professional and service oriented. They are there to care for your every need, no matter what time of day.
The crew:
- An experienced Captain who will pilot your barge along the canals and waterways.
- Your on-board chef (unless specified) to prepare your regional delicacies.
- A deck-hand/Matelot will assist behind the scenes, keeping the vessel in ship/shape, repositions the barge minibus and prepares and maintain the bicycles in good order.
- One or two attentive host/hostess to attend to daily cabin services and serve you during the day and will waiter/waitress during your on board dining experiences.
- Your Tour Guide will escort you to the onshore excursions and experiences. Your highly professional English-speaking crews take their roles very seriously. They are always attentive to guest needs and will happily share their rich, local knowledge.
English is the main language on board and the crew are fluent in English and some of the crew speak other languages: French, Italian, German and Dutch. This will depend on the particular vessel and destination(s) cruised. When cruising through mainly rural areas, you are likely to encounter locals speaking ‘local dialect’. Although sometimes difficult to understand, you will enjoy the immersion with trying to communicate with them and is often considered one of the highlights when travelling to other countries!
Gratuities are not included in the cruise fare. Tipping is entirely at your discretion, but is always greatly appreciated by the crew and hopefully you will be fully satisfied with the crews’ quality of service throughout the cruise.
We recommend passengers to tip between 5 to 10% of the cruise fare. All tips are to be passed (usually in local currency) on the Captain on board and will subsequently be shared between the whole crew. Gratuities can only be made on board by cash payment.
Documents and pricing
All prices were accurate at the time of listing however they are subject to change thereafter. The cruising season may be divided into Value/Regular and High seasons. Value & Regular rates tend to be slightly less expensive than our High season rates. We will quote the price relevant to your requested cruise dates.
This refers to a non-charter week allowing individual passengers to travel with like-minded people. This rate quoted will be based on two guests sharing a twin/double cabin. Prices for single travellers with incur a single supplement on all vessels.
- Chauffeured transfers to and from the barge, at a designated meeting and drop off point.
- Six night’s accommodation in double or twin cabin with private ensuite.
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner with paired wines,* (note some of the barges offer a dining ashore program – at passengers expense)
- Daily escorted chauffeured sightseeing – All excursions and visits to historical sites, museums (with entrance fees), vineyards for wine-tastings, markets and a restaurant.
- Private air-conditioned vehicle for the duration of the cruise.
- Open bar – all wines, liquors, spirits, refreshment drinks, coffee and tea aboard.
- Daily maid service of cabins and bathrooms
- Use of on-board bicycles, Wi-Fi (may be limited at times depending on the Satellite connection), library, music, games and hot tub/spa* where applicable.
Passengers must hold a valid passport. It is your responsibility to ensure that you have a valid photo ID. Please note that certain destinations insist on at least 6 months validity from the return date. You may need a visa to travel to some of our destinations. To find out whether you need a visa for the country you’re travelling to please contact you own government, embassy or consulate.
Travel insurance is strongly recommended for all passengers, and in many cases it is a condition of your contract with the Operator that you have adequate insurance in place for the duration of your booking. It is your responsibility to ensure that your travel insurance is suitable for your needs.
We recommend that you have insurance in place prior to making you deposit for your barge.
A copy of your insurance cover will be required by our office as proof.
Travel Insurance is available through Barge Vacations (Hawthorn Travel).
Optional hot air ballooning. Medical & Cancellation Insurance: We strongly recommend the purchase of medical cancellation insurance at the time of submitting your deposit. A copy of your insurance cover will be required by our office as proof.
Travel Insurance is available through Barge Vacations (Hawthorn Travel).
When travelling overseas, we recommend you contact your bank and advise them you’ll be using your credit and/or debit card(s) in France. We also recommend you contact your credit card company to posting a Travel Alert. This will avert cancellation of your credit card due to suspicion of fraudulent use.
We recommend you use Automatic Teller Machines (ATM) to withdraw cash, and not change Dollars to Euros at a bank. Make sure your Personal Identification Number (PIN) is four digits long. Check with your bank regarding transaction fees for withdrawals and credit card purchases.
Gratuities are not included in the cruise fare. Tipping is entirely discretionary but is greatly appreciated by the crew if you are fully satisfied with the level of service on board.
As a guidance our passengers on average tip approximately 5% of the cruise fare. All tips should be given to the Captain on board and are shared between the whole crew. Gratuities can only be made on board by cash payment.
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