Explore the best of France on inclusive barge tours

Discovering the best of France absolutely includes culture and cuisine, history and heritage, iconic destinations and secret gems. And one of the very best ways to explore the best of France is on inclusive barge tours from family-run company CroisiEurope. You’ll get to see so much in a week, without rushing, without having to pack and unpack, without having to think about booking restaurants, finding parking spaces, or hotels. There’s no need when you’re travelling on a carefully designed, bespoke barge for a maximum of 22 passengers.

You’ll have a personalised service, staff all speak English as well as French and often other languages, and a full-time professional chef who will treat you to the best of French cuisine paired with superb French wines. You’ll get to chill out, ride bikes on tow paths, soak in the spa on deck, join fantastic excursions, and sleep like a baby (no night-time sailings) and discover real France at a relaxed pace.

Paris, Provence, Strasbourg, Burgundy, Champagne, Picardy, the Seine Valley – they’re all accessible by barge and there’s nothing quite like this slow-paced holiday for discovering the historic, cultural and gastronomic treasures of France.

Barge cruises from Paris

There are several barge cruises that start and/or end on the Seine River in Paris and there’s nothing quite like sailing in a barge under the legendary bridges, past iconic sites like the Eiffel Tower (ships dock in the heart of Paris just minutes from its base) to the Cathedral of Notre Dame, a glass in hand, passers-by waving from the riverside.

Several routes are available taking in the most cultural and magnificent sites to the Palace of Fontainebleau, the dazzling chateau of Vaux le Vicomte, Van Gogh’s last home, the pretty village of Auvers-sur-Oise, the exquisite village of Barbizon which inspired the impressionists, medieval towns, Hautvillers – the birthplace of Champagne, and of course Paris including special Christmas and New Year’s Eve themed cruises.

Discover all the Paris, Champagne and Oise Valley barge cruises here: croisieurope.co.uk/boat/deborah

Barge cruises Provence

Journey on the Rhone Canal from Arles with its Roman remains and cobbled streets to coastal Sète for a really wonderful Provence adventure taking in stunning locations like medieval Aigues-Mortes with extraordinary pink sea and stunning walled town, the Camargue – home to white horses, black bulls and pink flamingos, and Saint Guilhem-le-Dessert – one of the most beautiful villages in France.

You’ll enjoy local oysters and wine, a visit to an olive oil manufacturer and stupendous sights as you sail on this historic canal. You can also travel in the reverse direction. There are also themed Christmas and New Year’s eve themed cruises discovering the traditions and gastronomy of Provence and visiting beautifully decorated villages and towns.

Discover the Provence barge cruises here: croisieurope.co.uk/boat/anne-marie

Barge cruises Burgundy

With several routes on the Burgundy Canal beginning/ending in Dijon or Besancon the famous wine producing region is a bit of a secret with some truly outstandingly beautiful natural sites, historic towns and of course, wine tasting experiences are a must. Dijon is a city that’s just brimming with culture, history and great gastronomy, visit charming country villages, chateaux, travel the Grands Crus Wine Route, discover the UNESCO listed Royal Salt Works, the birthplace of Louis Pasteur and the historic town of Saint-Jean-de-Losnes. The scenery – vineyards and rolling meadows, fields of sunflowers, and wonderful wonderful wildlife as you cruise, is breath-takingly lovely.

Discover the Burgundy barge cruises here: croisieurope.co.uk/boat/daniele

Barge cruises Alsace-Lorraine

The sensational city of Strasbourg with its famous Petite France historic district – think picturesque waterways, timber-framed houses, and Gothic glories, multiple museums, grand cathedral bierstubs and winstubs, and unique gastronomy is an absolutely charmer. On this cruise you’ll visit the fairy-tale pretty villages, dramatic castles, enjoy local specialities including flammekueche (tarte flambee), take a lift ride like no other – in your boat – and enjoy a candlelit lunch as you pass through an extraordinary tunnel.

Strasbourg is also known as the ‘capital of Christmas,’ home to the biggest Christmas market in Europe and from the end of November to the start of January every street and building is a festive joy. CroisiEurope’s Christmas barge tours are a real feast for the senses taking in Strasbourg, Colmar and some of the prettiest and most twinkling villages ever including Riquewihr and Kaysersberg and, yes you can have that glass of mulled wine because you don’t have to drive!

Discover the Alsace-Lorraine barge cruises here: croisieurope.co.uk/boat/madeleine and croisieurope.co.uk/boat/jeanine

Explore the best of France on inclusive barge tours

If you want to discover real France at a gentle pace – the most iconic sites and the hidden gems, immerse yourself in French culture, enjoy refined cabins aboard an award-winning fleet, French cuisine, wonderful wines, and great value then take a look at the many cruises offered by CroisiEurope all over France: www.croisieurope.co.uk

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