Canal and River Cruising in France

Cruising the canals and waterways of France is a relaxing and timeless voyage never to be forgotten. On board a floating hotel-barge the atmosphere is friendly, schedules are unhurried, and the passing scenery is sublime. Each day presents another unique opportunity for adventure as you bike through the ever-changing countryside.

Over the years we have chartered a variety of hotel-barges to be our private floating hotel for six nights. They are always a masterpiece of French craftsmanship - comfortable, roomy, and well furnished, with the atmosphere of a country inn. The upper decks have a spacious restaurant and small library. A saloon bar at the front of the boat opens onto the sun deck with colorful sun umbrellas and bright flower boxes. All cabins have a private shower and toilet. Each cabin also has a closet, drawers, bookshelf, reading lamps, air conditioning and portholes. English speaking crew members are eager to make your stay comfortable and pleasant.

It is with pride that the kitchen on the boats can compete with the best of France's restaurants. Awaken to the smell of fresh-brewing coffee, just baked bread and baskets of croissants. Lunches vary from delicious buffets to sumptuous picnics. Four and five course regional specialties are served for dinner each evening, accompanied by unlimited selections of the celebrated local wines.

There are endless cycling opportunities through the countryside of superb ancient fields and vineyards! Each morning we'll have a standard ride of 23 to 36 miles, returning to the barge in time for lunch. Longer and more challenging daily options will also be available in the morning and again in the afternoon. Picnic lunches are provided if you don't wish to return to the barge. As with all our tours, the support vehicle will be available to provide assistance if needed.

If you choose not to bike in the afternoon, there is plenty to do. Walk, read, sun-bathe or take one of the planned daily excursions with the barge's private minivan. The excursions feature regional highlights that are beyond biking or walking distance.

Balloon trips are available depending on weather conditions. Setting out from a field adjacent to the barge, you ascend slowly to float across the vineyards, villages, chateaux and woodlands below.

Bike, Balloon & Barge for Walkers, Runners and Non-Bikers:

While the barge navigates the locks along the canals, there are many opportunities to get off and walk the towpath or explore a canalside village by foot. Standard barging speed is three to four miles per hour and you can easily get back on at the next lock. In addition to the afternoon mini van excursions, a variety of other choices make this an ideal holiday for non-biking friends and spouses.

Bike, Balloon and Barge Trips include nearly everything:

• Six nights aboard our exclusively chartered hotel-barge
• Buffet breakfast at your leisure each morning
• Four and five course dinners every night
• Six lunches (on board or a chef-prepared picnic basket)
• Wine & cheese tasting, at least 24 carefully selected varieties of each!
• All beverages: wine, liqueurs, spirits, juices and soda
• Coffee, tea, fresh fruit and cookies throughout the day
• Daily guided sightseeing excursions by minivan in the afternoon
• All the biking you desire
• All the relaxing you desire
• Support vehicle with bike mechanic on the cycling routes

Ballooning is optional and is not included in the tour cost.

Special note: These trips may only be reserved on a full charter basis (you must reserve the entire barge).

For sample itineraries, please click these links:

Provence, France
Burgundy, France
Danube River
Private Bicycle Trips

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