Barge through Burgundy, Alsace, and Provence.
Intimate experiences, curated cuisine, and the charm of France with your River Cruise Advisor host.
We enjoyed the Dream Cruise very much. It was stressless and easy. We hope to do another one if life permits us with you next year. We like the idea you were traveling on your own Dream Cruise. That gave us confidence to trust you as you believed in your own cruise. And you definitely made sure we all enjoyed it too.
Prices are per cabin, no matter if one or two people in the cabin
All meals and drinks included.
Refined French cuisine with a gala dinner and welcome cocktail.
Free Wi-Fi and bicycles available.
Travel assistance and repatriation insurance.
All port fees included.
I’m glad you’re considering joining one of these wonderful adventures. I’ve hosted these trips since 2015 because I love the experience. No two sailings are alike, and in fact, I’ve done multiple sailings on some of the itineraries. If you’re like most who travel with me, the barges will be the trip of a lifetime.
To cut down on administrative work, I’m offering waived credit card convenience fees for those who pay in full. This represents up to $250 in added value. Please note that payments are non-refundable. Trip cancellation insurance is important should you need to cancel for a qualified reason such as illness or injury.
Besancon is a beautiful, historic city tucked into a curve of the Doubs River in eastern France. It’s not as widely known as Paris or Lyon, but it’s a gem with a rich history, elegant architecture, and a peaceful, authentic vibe.
To get to Besancon, we’ll take a direct fast train from Paris, which takes 2 hours 30 minutes. We’ll stay one night in Hotel Le Sauvage or a similar hotel. At the end of the barge trip, we’ll pitch camp in Dijon for one to two nights at Grand Hotel La Cloche or similar, then transfer back by train to Paris.
Note that pricing does not include airfare, transfers, meals off the barge, hotels and other off-the-barge expenses. Trains will typically cost less than $100 per person, hotels typically less than $300 per night. I will assist you with booking these extra components. Also note that cruise fares are non-refundable. Please make sure you purchase trip cancellation insurance.
Strasbourg, perched on the border of France and Germany, is a captivating city where French charm meets German precision. As the capital of Alsace and home to the European Parliament, it blends old-world beauty with modern significance. The city’s historic center, the Grande Île, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its half-timbered houses, cobbled lanes, and the awe-inspiring Strasbourg Cathedral, whose spire once made it the tallest building in the world. Winding canals weave through the fairytale-like district of La Petite France, while vibrant markets, winstubs (Alsatian taverns), and a strong cycling culture give the city a lively, local vibe. Strasbourg is at once a gateway to the Alsace wine route and a symbol of European unity and heritage.
Airports with easy access include:
Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) – often the most direct and flexible choice from the U.S.
Frankfurt (FRA) – closer to Strasbourg and usually efficient for train connections.
Zurich (ZRH) – another good option, especially if you plan to explore Switzerland or the Alps.
From Paris CDG: Direct TGV trains run from the airport to Strasbourg in about 1 hour 50 minutes. No need to go into central Paris.
From Frankfurt: ICE trains take about 2 hours to Strasbourg, often with a quick change in Karlsruhe or Offenburg.
From Zurich: Train connections take about 2.5 to 3 hours.
Situated in a converted 17th-century mill on the banks of the River Ill, Hôtel & Spa Régent Petite France offers a luxurious stay in the picturesque La Petite France district. The hotel boasts 75 uniquely decorated rooms, each offering views of the river or traditional Alsatian half-timbered houses. Guests can indulge in the full-service spa, which includes a sauna, hammam, hot tub, and a range of beauty treatments. The on-site restaurant and Champagne bar provide gourmet dining experiences with scenic views. Additional amenities include a fitness center, valet parking, and pet-friendly policies. Its central location ensures easy access to Strasbourg’s main attractions.
The Camargue is a wild, windswept region of southern France where nature takes center stage. Nestled between the Mediterranean Sea and the Rhône River delta, it’s a vast mosaic of salt flats, marshes, rice paddies, and lagoons. Known for its iconic white horses, black bulls, and vibrant pink flamingos, the Camargue feels like another world – a place where time slows down. Birdwatchers and nature lovers flock here for its rich biodiversity, while others come for the wide-open beaches, cowboy culture, and quaint towns like Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer. It’s raw, untamed Provence at its most elemental and soul-stirring.
Flight: Fly into Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG).
Train: From Paris Gare de Lyon, take a high-speed TGV INOUI train directly to Sète. The journey takes approximately 3 hours and 30 to 50 minutes, with ticket prices ranging from €58 to €200, depending on the class and booking time .
Flight: Fly into Marseille Provence Airport (MRS).
Train: From Marseille-Saint-Charles station, board a regional TER or Intercités train to Sète. The journey takes about 1 hour and 54 minutes, with tickets starting at €10 .
