French Country Waterways

For over 25 years, American owned and operated, French Country Waterways has been cruising the canals and rivers of France. Truly unique voyages of discovery, our luxury hotel barge cruises provide one of the most relaxing and refreshing vacation experiences.

Enjoy six all-inclusive nights in total luxury. Dine on world-class, gourmet cuisine and savor our exclusive wine list - many from Grand Cru and Premier Cru vineyards. Visit historic châteaux, medieval villages, and taste wines at world-famous vineyards. Or, relax on deck with a fine wine in hand while the beautiful French countryside slowly unfolds before you. Whichever you choose, cruising on a French Country Waterways luxury barge allows you to gain a rare, insider's perspective of provincial France.

Our Cruises:

You are 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 luxury hotel 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.

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.

Our Fleet:

French Country Waterways is known and trusted for operating the finest fleet of luxury hotel barges cruising on France's inland waterways. Our deluxe barges, Adrienne, Horizon II, Nenuphar, and Princess 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 specializes 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 king, queen or twin suites are designed to provide ample space for two guests to share in comfort. 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.