Things to Know About Barge Cruising in France

A water cruise is among the most exhilarating experiences every traveler must invest in at least once in their life. You can do this on a boat, a ship, or even a yacht. Passengers will take in the scenic beauty of the surroundings as the water vessel floats by serenely.

But have you ever heard of a French barge cruise? If you are a traveler who loves water adventures, this is something you must try.

Here’s a quick guide detailing what barge cruising is all about.

What is Barge Cruising?

Whether it is adventures on the mountains, forest trails, or water cruises, studies indicate that they all have a powerful impact on physical and mental well-being. In fact, you don’t even have to take super long vacations; just being out in nature can have tremendous positive results.

You will have the same fantastic experience when barge cruising in France. It is different from river cruises in many ways. For one, the size of the boat is much smaller than the ones used for river cruises. That’s because a riverboat typically carries around a hundred or more people, while a barge boat will normally have just about ten or fifteen.

In simple terms, it is like a hotel on a boat where you can stay and enjoy touring France via its gorgeous waters.

Why is it Preferable to River Cruising?

Undoubtedly, river cruises have their charm. But many families and other large groups of travelers prefer booking barge cruises as they can get an entire boat to themselves and tailor it to their specific travel needs. Unlike most river cruises, they can pick where they tour, what they eat, and which places to explore on foot.

Barges generally ply French canals and not wide rivers. So, instead of sights of industrial regions and highways like in a typical river cruise, a barge ride offers you more of a traditional country experience.

France’s 242-kilometer-long Burgundy Canal is among the most sought-after barge routes. The boat tour will take you deep into the very heart of French wine country, where you will enjoy sights such as sheep meadows, cow pastures, breathtaking woods, and adorable small villages.

Daily Routine on a Barge Cruise

A typical day on any French barge cruise starts with breakfast at approximately 8:00 AM. The table is loaded with pastries, cheeses, and other delectable French delicacies. You can enjoy the early morning view of France while you have breakfast.

Then, in about an hour or two, the passengers will pile into a minivan (or another vehicle of choice by the cruise company) and take a tour of the French vineyards, fields, woods, a monastery, castles, or a goat farm. If you go to a monastery, you will learn how the monks made wine in unique wooden presses during the Middle Ages. After this, you will return to the boat for lunch, catered by the same excellent restaurant on board.

Post lunch, you can nap, stroll along the boat towpath, or relax in a deck chair while watching herons fish. For dinner, you can either eat on board or explore one of the famous French restaurants on land.

While this is what a barge cruise usually is like, you can customize it according to your preference if you book the entire boat.