French Country Waterways is known and trusted for operating the finest fleet of luxury hotel barges cruising on France's inland waterways. Our five deluxe barges have been carefully designed and outfitted to provide unparalleled passenger comfort. Extensive annual refurbishments and meticulous maintenance ensure that each of our vessels meets the highest standards of quality and safety.

Aboard our barges you will find the gracious ambiance of a fine country inn. Warm wood panelling, handsome provincial furnishings and plush carpets combine in an atmosphere of informal elegance. And you will be served by a friendly, bi-lingual staff who specialize in making your cruise the holiday of a lifetime.

Each vessel is fully air-conditioned, with individual controls in every stateroom. You will be accommodated in charming quarters with private baths, full-sized beds, and generous storage for clothing and luggage. Comfortable twin or double staterooms are designed to provide ample space for two guests to share in comfort. Suites are available for those who prefer even more floor space. Thoughtful touches like fresh flowers, extra pillows, and hair dryers are always included.

Lounges are attractively furnished with comfortable sofas and chairs, soft lighting, and libraries of books, games, and music. Complimentary bars are stocked with a wide selection of favorite spirits and liqueurs. Spacious sundecks provide built-in canopies or large umbrellas to give shelter from the sun. For guests who enjoy exploring on their own, each vessel carries her own bicycles.

A deluxe, air-conditioned motorcoach accompanies each barge, providing passengers complete comfort for daily sightseeing and escorted transfers.

Adrienne.

Upper Loire - Cruise a network of canals, dating from 1604, which links Paris to the fertile basin of the Loire River.

Itinerary highlights: tour the charming village and château of St. Fargeau, browse through the porcelain center of Gien, private wine tasting in Sancerre, dinner ashore at the Auberge des Templiers.

Esprit.


Burgundy - Cruise near the heart of the famed Côte d'Or wine growing region on the Canal de Bourgogne and the Canal du Centre.

Itinerary highlights: walking tours of Dijon, the historic capital of Burgundy, and the beautiful wine town of Beaune, wine tasting in Santenay, dinner ashore at Lameloise.

Horizon 2.

Historic Burgundy - Discover picturesque northern Burgundy, passing through a region rich in history, commerce, art, and religion.

Itinerary highlights: private wine tasting in Chablis, visits to the 12th century Abbaye de Fontenay and the 16th century château of Ancy-le-Franc, dinner ashore at La Côte d'Or.

Burgundy Nivernais - Explore the Canal du Nivernais in western Burgundy, one of the most scenic waterways in France.

Itinerary highlights: tour the hilltop pilgrimage town of Vézelay and the medieval river port of Auxerre, visit the elegant 17th century Château de Bazoches, dinner ashore at l'Espérance.

Nenuphar.


Champagne - The region that produces the world's most celebrated wine has also witnessed centuries of history shaping events.

Itinerary highlights: tour the Coronation city of Reims, the third century Roman cellars of the house of Ruinart, champagne tasting at Moët & Chandon, dinner ashore at Les Crayères.

Princess.


Alsace-Lorraine - The storybook, half timbered wine villages of Alsace meet the rich forests and pasturelands of Lorraine.

Itinerary highlights: glide down a mountainside on the Incline Plane, tour Strasbourg with its majestic Cathedral, and Nancy, home of the Art Nouveau movement, dinner ashore at Le Cerf.

You will be greeted at our meeting point hotel by our guide. He will escort you via private motorcoach or high-speed train to the mooring where your luxury hotel barge awaits. Once aboard, you are welcomed by our cordial, English-speaking crew, and ushered to your comfortably appointed stateroom, complete with private bath. Spend the first evening becoming acquainted with your fellow passengers who, like you, seek to experience France in a special way.

Each morning, your barge gets underway for the day's cruise. As it navigates the frequent locks on the canal, it is easy to step directly ashore for a leisurely stroll. If you feel adventurous, take one of the barge's bicycles to explore the quiet lanes and quaint villages nearby. Or, simply relax on the sundeck and watch the lovely French countryside slowly unfold before you.

During the day, you are invited to join an excursion via private motorcoach to a nearby point of special interest. Each itinerary has been selected to include a varied sampling of the region... romantic castles, historic towns, and renowned vineyards for wine tasting. At certain châteaux and estates, your tour will be conducted by the owner, whose family has been in residence for generations.

On one evening, you will be welcomed by one of France's most prestigious restaurants for an elegant dinner ashore. Your Captain will also arrange for you to enjoy special local events which occur during your cruise, from lively farmers' markets to the fireworks on Quatorze Juillet.

As an option to the cruise, you may also experience the adventure of a hot air balloon flight.

Since the same high level of quality and service can be found on each of our barges, you can select your cruise based on the itinerary you find most intriguing. Whatever your destination, you will discover a land of quiet beauty and gracious people, and gain a rare, insider's perspective of provincial France.

Dining onboard...

Nowhere in the world is fine food approached with more reverence than in France. Drawing upon this rich culinary heritage, French Country Waterways' chefs skillfully blend classic cooking techniques with the current trend to lighter, healthier cuisine. The results of this synthesis of styles are fresh, creative dishes which are equal to any from the best kitchens in France. From our Continental breakfasts and buffet lunches, to our four - course, candlelit dinners, each meal is a celebration for the senses. Fresh breads and buttery croissants are brought on board each morning, still warm from the village bakery. Local farmers' markets en route supply ingredients for colorful salads and savory tarts. Creamy, farm-produced cheeses, prime meats and fish, and garden-fresh fruits and vegetables provide inspiration for a medley of tempting menus.

Interior views of the barges....

French Country Waterways in 2007 will increase departures of its luxury barge cruises with the relaunch of the newly renovated, 12-passenger Nenuphar after a year’s absence. In addition, the company unveiled a wine promotion.

The five-barge fleet carries eight to 18 passengers on six-night cruises through Champagne, Burgundy, Alsace-Lorraine and the Upper Loire Valley. Weekly departures are scheduled from April 1 to Oct. 28.

The all-suite Nenuphar will ply the canals of Champagne beginning May 13. The renovation added custom cherry paneling and furniture; a choice of king-size, queen-size or twin beds; and marble bathrooms.

A year’s membership in the International Wine of the Month Club is being offered for those who book passage on the 18-person Esprit. After cruising near the heart of Burgundy’s Côte d’Or wine region of Burgundy, Esprit guests will receive monthly shipments of two bottles from wine regions around the world.