Smaller is better. At least that’s been my experience when it comes to cruising. I started my cruise life on big ships, monstrous ships. Then I discovered mid-sized ships, small luxury ships, and finally, expedition vessels. All of them served a purpose and satisfied me at different points in my life. But then I took my first river cruise. That was in the early 2000s, and life hasn’t been the same since. I love river cruising, and as a self-professed Europhile, I particularly love river cruising in Europe. What do I enjoy about it? River cruise ships have been compared to floating hotels, but they’re also something else: They take the place of motor coaches that transport tourists for multi-day explorations of Europe’s marquee cities and attractions. You’ve read it on our site many times before if you’re a regular visitor: board the ship, unpack once, and you’re on your way.
I’ve enjoyed all of my river cruises, which numbers more than 50 nowadays. But, as I did with ocean cruising, I found myself craving ships that were even smaller, capable of exploring the hidden niches of Europe. That’s when I discovered barges.
The barges I’m talking about don’t carry coal or cargo. They carry a handful of guests through some of the most beautiful regions of France. Yes, we’re talking primarily France, although some barges operate in other regions of Europe, namely the United Kingdom. What I have discovered about barging is that the vessels, which typically carry no more than 22 guests, serve up Michelin-Star-inspired dining, intimate lounges and dining room, and a small staff who gets to know you – and you them. The backdrop for the slow, meandering days along the canals is the beautiful French countryside. It’s a match made in heaven and my favorite form of travel by water. There’s so much more to appreciate about barges, which you can read about in 10 Reasons To Choose Barge Cruising.
Barge cruising in France offers an intimate, slow-paced way to explore the countryside. Unlike river cruises that follow major waterways and visit larger cities, barge cruises navigate narrow canals, mooring in small villages and rural outposts. If you’re wondering how a canal cruise compares to a river cruise – or what to expect on a barge vacation – read on.
A canal barge cruise is a multi-day journey aboard a small, hotel-style barge that travels slowly along historic canals in France. Barges typically carry 6 to 22 guests and are designed for comfort, with ensuite cabins, fine dining and personalized service from a small crew, seldom numbering more than six.
Routes include tranquil stretches along the Canal du Midi, the Oise, Canal de Garonne, and others – many originally built centuries ago for transporting wine and goods. You can barge through Burgundy, Alsace, Provence, Champagne and other regions of France.
| Feature | Barge Cruise | River Cruise |
|---|---|---|
| Group Size | 6–22 guests | 100–200 guests |
| Atmosphere | Intimate, relaxed | Social, structured |
| Route | Small canals, countryside | Major rivers, larger cities |
| Shore Excursions | Personalized, local experiences | Group tours, set itineraries |
| Cabins | Cozy, fewer amenities, no balconies | Larger, modern features |
Famous for vineyards, medieval towns, and cuisine. Cruises on the Burgundy Canal pass through wine country and charming villages.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site in southern France known for Roman bridges, sun-soaked vineyards, and Mediterranean charm.
Cruise from Strasbourg to Lagarde through a unique mix of French and German culture. This route features flower-lined villages and lush forests.
From Sète to Arles, enjoy Roman ruins, lavender fields, and the light that inspired Van Gogh.
In 2026, I will host barge cruises in Burgundy, Alsace, and Provence. Explore my hosted barge trips
Each barge has unique charm, but all offer:
Cabins are cozy rather than spacious, but you’ll spend most of your time in the lounge, on the sundeck, walking or cycling along the towpaths or on excursions. In the video below, you can see a typical barge stateroom.
Barge cruises are ideal if you enjoy:
Not recommended for:
Join me on one of our small-group barge cruises in 2026:
Our hosted trips include:
View our Hosted Trips & Sign Up
Are barge cruises all-inclusive?
Yes. Most include meals, wine, excursions, and transfers.
Is motion sickness a concern?
No. Barges move slowly and smoothly along calm canals.
Can I bring children?
Most barge cruises are adults-only. Some private charters allow families.
What is the dress code?
Casual and comfortable. No formal wear needed.
Is there Wi-Fi onboard?
Yes, though speeds may vary depending on location.
Ready to explore France at a slower pace? Barge cruising may be the perfect way to relax, recharge, and reconnect—with yourself or a small group of like-minded travelers.
Need help planning? Get in touch for personal recommendations or explore our hosted cruises.
When you join one of my hosted barge cruises, you’re not just booking a trip—you’re joining a small, curated group of like-minded travelers. I’ve spent years cruising France’s canals and hand-pick each barge and itinerary for its comfort, cuisine, and character. Unlike independent bookings—where you might end up as the only English speaker in a group of 20 (yes, I’ve seen it happen!)—my trips are conducted in English, with a warm, welcoming group dynamic. Guests often become lifelong friends, with many returning to cruise together again. If you’re looking for connection, insight, and a worry-free experience, a hosted barge cruise may be your perfect fit.
Add these links: https://rivercruiseadvisor.com/2015/07/barging-in-the-south-of-france-croisieuropes-anne-marie-day-10-our-trip-comes-to-an-end/
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 .
