Barges
Best time to be there
Sunworshippers head to the beaches from June to September. The climate is mainly temperate with the south enjoying hot summers and mild winters.
Fly to
Bordeaux, Geneva, Marseilles and Paris (British Airways), Nice and Lyon (British Airways or bmi)
Train to
Paris and Avignon (Eurostar)
Time difference
GMT +1
Itineraries
Classic France
Includes a grand tour of France, Papal stronghold of Avignon and Belle Epoque style of Nice Read more ...
Connections: Art & Artistry
Join a local Parisienne for a walking tour of her neighborhood. Lunch at a Provençal family farm near St. Remy, featuring your host’s homegrown vegetables. Read more ...
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The feeling of gentle exploration characterises barge cruises. The warm atmosphere and excellent service provided by the English speaking crew combines to ensure a perfect inland cruising experience. All our featured barges are air-conditioned and boast wonderful sundecks and small spa pools.
Each cruise includes a comprehensive programme of excursions and visits. They are a blend of cultural, historical and general interest, which compliment the time spent drifting lazily along the waterways.
THE VESSELS
The vessels featured are some of the most comfortable available. All barges have outside facing cabins with en suite facilities, drawers and wardrobe space and opening portholes or windows. Each has spacious saloon and dining areas, central heating, air-conditioning or cooling and umbrella-shaded sun decks. Many have a small library, games and a music centre, while some carry bicycles for use on towpaths. Hotel barges are also available for exclusive charter by larger parties. Please note that children under the age of 12 years are not accepted unless it is a charter booking or a special family departure.
FOOD & DRINK
France is renowned for its food, and it is a point of pride that the food aboard our vessels can compete with some of the very best restaurants in each region. On board, the barges daily breakfast include fresh breads and pastries whilst lunches might be a delicious buffet of patés, charcuterie, salads, desserts, fruit and cheeses or a sumptuous picnic. Four or five course dinners are served each evening. Throughout the cruise you will sample fine wines, often from regional vineyards at both lunch and dinner.
Suggested Barges Accommodation
Anjodi
The eight passenger Anjodi is of classic Dutch design and has been specifically rebuilt to navigate the 300 year old Canal du Midi. She has been completely refurbished in African hardwoods...
La Belle-Epoque
La Belle Époque, a state of the art luxury hotel barge, has accommodation for 13 passengers and cruises the idyllic waterways of the Burgundy Canal.
La Renaissance
This beautifully appointed barge was entirely refitted in 2009 to create a luxuriously relaxed cruise experience. The Renaissance’s lounge has comfortable seating and a cosy bar.
L'Impressionniste
The 13 passenger L’Impressionniste began life as a cargo barge in Holland, before being transformed into the powerful canal and river cruiser she is today.
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Guest Testimonial
We shall again recommend to all our friends that they must always travel with Abercrombie & Kent for a perfectly arranged visit
- TW, London
British Travel Awards Winner
British Travel Awards Winner
We are delighted to have won Best Worldwide Luxury Tour Operator and Best Safari, Wildlife and Nature Tour Operator at the British Travel Awards 2012.
A&K Philanthropy
Tree Planting Initiative
At Sanctuary Olonana invites guests to plant an indigenous tree within the Olonana Tree Nursery as a way to personally aid in reforestation efforts in the Masai Mara.
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